El Calzado Station (Cardenal de la Torre) — Quito Metro Line 1
El Calzado Station is the fourth stop on Line 1 of the Quito Metro, in the south of the city. Its official name is Cardenal de la Torre and it serves the surrounding neighbourhoods, with the Historic Centre about seven minutes away by metro.
Location and access
El Calzado Station sits on Avenida Cardenal de la Torre, in southern Quito, in the district that gives the station its popular name. Its official designation within the system is Cardenal de la Torre, though locals call it El Calzado.
Getting there: on foot from the El Calzado and Chilibulo neighbourhoods and nearby areas, or by bus along Avenida Cardenal de la Torre and the surrounding roads.
Connections with other transport
- 🚌Regular busesAvenida Cardenal de la Torre and nearby roads
- 🚌Feeder busesRoutes serving the south-western neighbourhoods
- 🚇Quitumbe, 3 stops awaySouthern terminus and long-distance bus terminal, ~7 min
- ♿AccessibilityLifts, ramps and adapted signage
What to see nearby
El Calzado district
A residential and commercial area in the south, with local markets and everyday shops and services.
Chilibulo
A neighbouring district on the southern hillsides, known for its viewpoints over the valley and the city centre.
Historic Centre, 7 min away
Three metro stops separate El Calzado from San Francisco, the station for the colonial old town.
Station services
The station has ticket offices for buying and topping up the Metro Q card, self-service machines, access gates, lifts and escalators for priority passengers, information screens with arrival times, CCTV and security staff. It is fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Opening hours
El Calzado Station operates every day of the year, including public holidays:
- Monday to Friday: 05:30 – 23:00
- Saturdays: 07:00 – 23:00
- Sundays and public holidays: 07:00 – 22:00
- Approximate frequency: every 5–10 minutes depending on demand (more frequent at peak times)
Customer service: 1800 METRO Q (638 767), Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00.
Journey times and fares from El Calzado
The Quito Metro uses a flat fare: you pay the same price regardless of how far you travel on Line 1.
Approximate journey times from El Calzado to key stations:
| Destination | Stops | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Quitumbe (southern terminus) | 3 | ~7 min |
| San Francisco (Historic Centre) | 3 | ~7 min |
| El Labrador (northern terminus) | 11 | ~26 min |
Times estimated from the full end-to-end run (34 min between termini). Check exact times at the station or in the official app.