Transport in Ecuador explained

Transportation in Ecuador is the transport infrastructure networks in Ecuador and those connecting the country with other countries. Transportation in Ecuador include aviation, highways, pipelines, ports and harbors, railways and waterways. Apart from transporting passengers, the country is a relatively small exporter of fruits and vegetables such as banana, papayas and pineapples.

Aviation

National airlines

Airports

See main article: List of airports in Ecuador. 359 (2006 est.)

Airports (paved)

Airports (unpaved)

total: 261

914 to 1,523 m:33

under 914 m:228

Heliports

2 (2010)

Highways

See main article: Highways in Ecuador.

The Sierra Region still plays an important role in transportation throughout the country. The Pan-American Highway crosses it from north to south. Ecuador has managed to update some roads into four-lane freeways:

Bus transport

Pipelines

Ports and harbors

Pacific Ocean

Merchant marine

Railways

See main article: Rail transport in Ecuador. Total:812 km (single track)
Narrow gauge

812 km of gauge.

All services ceased in 2020.

Proposals

There is a proposed rail connection with Colombia. On 5 July 2008, a meeting took place between Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador regarding a railway for freight and passengers to link the three countries, and linking the Pacific with the Atlantic also. There is no railway service to Peru.

Metro services

In 2020, the Cuenca Tramway (Tranvía Cuenca), the first modern rail transit line in Ecuador, opened for service.

The Quito Metro initiated its commercial operations on 1 December 2023.

Waterways

1500km (900miles)

References