ES

Quito Metro Line 1

Line 1 is the only line currently in operation on the Quito Metro. It runs 22.5 km entirely underground from south to north, with 15 stations between Quitumbe and El Labrador, passing through the Historic Centre. The full journey takes 34 minutes, compared with over an hour and a half on the surface.

Length
22.5 km100% underground
Stations
15Quitumbe – El Labrador
Full journey
34 minend to end
Frequency
5–10 mindepending on demand

All 15 stations

From south to north, these are every stop on Line 1:

1QuitumbeSouth terminus2Morán Valverde3Solanda4El Calzado5El RecreoTrolebús6La MagdalenaTrolebús7San FranciscoHistoric Centre8La Alameda9El EjidoEcovía10Universidad CentralEcovía11La Pradera12La Carolina13Iñaquito14Jipijapa15El LabradorNorth terminus

Interactive map of Line 1

Click to load the map with all 15 stations. Each marker links to that station's guide.

🗺
Interactive Quito Metro Map
Click to see all 15 stations

Connections with other transport

  • 🚎TrolebúsEl Recreo and La Magdalena
  • 🚌EcovíaEl Ejido and Universidad Central
  • ✈️AirportBus from El Labrador, 40-50 min
  • 🚏Bus terminal200 m from Quitumbe

All stations are also served by feeder buses from the surrounding neighbourhoods.

The three sections of the line

South (stations 1-6)

Quitumbe to La Magdalena. Densely populated neighbourhoods, the intercity bus terminal and both Trolebús interchanges.

Centre (7-9)

San Francisco, La Alameda and El Ejido. UNESCO Historic Centre, parks and the main cultural venues.

North (10-15)

Universidad Central to El Labrador. Financial district, La Carolina Park and the airport connection.

Technical data

FeatureData
Total length22.5 km (100% underground)
Number of stations15
TerminiQuitumbe (south) and El Labrador (north)
Full journey34 minutes
FrequencyEvery 5-10 min depending on demand
Rolling stockCAF MQ117 (Spain)
Fleet18 trains · 6 cars · 109 m
Capacity per train~1,230 passengers
Commercial speed38 km/h
Altitude~2,850 m above sea level

Planned northern extension (La Ofelia)

Line 1 will not always end at El Labrador. Metro de Quito is working on a northern extension that would continue the line to La Ofelia, running roughly parallel to Avenida de La Prensa.

  • Length: approximately 5.3 km of additional track
  • New stations: four, plus additional rolling stock
  • Estimated cost: around USD 520 million (2021-2022 studies)
  • Environmental licence: granted in February 2026
  • Final studies: expected in October 2026
  • Construction: planned from 2028, lasting around 36 months
  • Opening: estimated for 2031

Beyond La Ofelia, the current consultancy also covers a preliminary assessment of a future extension towards Calderón.

This is a project at the study stage: dates and figures come from official statements and may change. There is no approved project for a Line 2 of the Quito Metro.

Journey times and fares

The fare is flat: one stop costs the same as the whole line.

Standard
$0.45
Reduced
$0.22
Disability
$0.10
JourneyStationsApprox. time
Quitumbe – San Francisco6~15 min
San Francisco – El Labrador8~19 min
Quitumbe – El Labrador (full line)14~34 min

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 5:30 AM-11:00 PM, Sat 7:00 AM-11:00 PM, Sun and holidays 7:00 AM-10:00 PM. See the schedule page.

Frequently asked questions

How many stations does Line 1 have?
Fifteen: Quitumbe, Morán Valverde, Solanda, El Calzado, El Recreo, La Magdalena, San Francisco, La Alameda, El Ejido, Universidad Central, La Pradera, La Carolina, Iñaquito, Jipijapa and El Labrador.
How long is the full journey?
About 34 minutes between Quitumbe (south) and El Labrador (north). It is the fastest way to cross Quito end to end.
Is the whole line underground?
Yes, all 22.5 km run in tunnel. There is no elevated or surface section.
Where can I transfer to other transport?
El Recreo and La Magdalena connect with the Trolebús; El Ejido and Universidad Central with the Ecovía. The airport bus leaves from El Labrador and Quitumbe sits next to the intercity bus terminal.
Will Line 1 be extended?
Yes, a northern extension to La Ofelia is planned, adding four stations and about 5.3 km. Construction is planned from 2028 with an estimated opening in 2031.

Keep exploring

MapInteractive station mapFaresPrices and discountsWhat to seeAttractions near each station