GPS Airport Transfer | Baltra Galápagos Islands

Seymour Airport (IATA: GPS) on Baltra Island is the Galápagos archipelago's primary gateway, 1,000 kilometres west of mainland Ecuador. There are no direct international arrivals at GPS — all foreign visitors must first clear Ecuadorian entry at either UIO (Quito) or GYE (Guayaquil), buy an INGALA transit card at the mainland airport, and then connect to the GPS domestic flight. On arrival at GPS, visitors pay the Galápagos National Park entry fee (USD 200 for non-Ecuadorians at the time of writing). The onward journey to Puerto Ayora (the main tourism town on Santa Cruz Island) is a three-leg trip: airport shuttle, Itabaca Channel ferry, and Santa Cruz road transfer — about 2 hours total.

GPS Transfer Times

Itabaca Channel ferry pier (Baltra side): 5 km, 10 min by airport shuttle. Itabaca ferry crossing: 10 min, USD 1. Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz town): 40 km road after ferry, 60–75 min. Charles Darwin Research Station: 41 km, 70–80 min. Tortuga Bay trailhead: 40 km + 40-min walk, 2 hours plus walk. Los Gemelos twin sinkholes: 30 km from ferry, 45 min drive. El Chato giant tortoise reserve: 35 km, 1 hour. Bellavista highland village: 33 km, 55 min.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Will my Galápagos cruise pick me up at GPS?

Most live-aboard Galápagos cruises include arrival transfers — cruise rep meets at GPS, escorts through park fee payment, coordinates Itabaca ferry and dinghy boarding. If the cruise doesn't include this (some budget operators), a pre-booked LocalsRide transfer bridges GPS arrival to Puerto Ayora or directly to cruise boarding. Independent land-based stays need self-managed transfers.

Can I book a return GPS transfer for my departure flight?

Yes — Puerto Ayora to GPS reverse transfers run the same three-leg route. Morning GPS departures (many 9:00–11:00 flights) need 5:30–6:30 Puerto Ayora departure for ferry, agriculture inspection and check-in. The driver holds the booking time confirmed at reservation.