Guayaquil José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) Guide, Facilities & Hotels, Cafes, and Restaurants

When you are traveling to and from Guayaquil Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.

Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.

Brief Overview of Guayaquil José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport in Ecuador

Situated about 5 km (3 miles) north of Guayaquil city center, lies the Guayaquil José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport, which is a modern, spacious, and the second busiest airport in Ecuador. Guayaquil is the capital city of Guayas Province in Ecuador.

The name ‘Guayaquil’ is a portmanteau of Guayas and Quil, who were husband and wife, the husband being the tribal chief. It is believed that the name of the city originated centuries ago from the mythical love story of the region’s tribal couple.

Previously known as Simón Bolívar International Airport and later changed to Guayaquil José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport. The airport was renamed in honor of Ecuador’s former President José Joaquin de Olmedo, who was also a notable Ecuadorian poet and the first mayor of Guayaquil city.

IATA: GYE

Address: Guayaquil, Ecuador

Airport Contact: +593 (4) 216-9000

Website: http://www.tagsa.aero

Operation Hours; Guayaquil Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain shops, food concessions, on-site accommodations, and public and private transport services may not offer services throughout the day and night. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may vary with the flight schedule. Therefore, it is advised that you check with the airport.

Airport Terminals

Guayaquil José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport has a main single terminal that connects the domestic and international flight areas, concourses, and the airport’s landside and airside facilities.

Travelers can easily find various amenities, such as information desks, lounges, ATMs, conference rooms for business travelers, newsagents, courtesy telephones, restaurants, restrooms, facilities for handicapped passengers, retail shopping outlets, ticket counters, baggage claim, and locker facilities, gift shops, transportation, car park and more at the airport.

Parking at Guayaquil Airport

Guayaquil Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options to travelers. Parking is available at the airport’s terminal. One can choose from on-site parking options, off-site car parks, and garages that are located in the nearest proximity to the airport.

Private parking spots with a capacity of up to 1100 automobiles are available at the airport, with a special area reserved for VIP customers. The parking area is well split into zones, making it simple to locate your vehicle. The airport has deployed CCTV cameras and professional security to help supervise the area for your protection.

Here we provide a rate list for the Parking Area

• Parking is free for the first 15 minutes.
• The fee for every hour or fraction after the first 15 minutes is $1,20.
• The cost for a day between 12 and 24 hours is $14,40.
• If your car is parked for more than 24 hours, the daily cost is $14.40, plus $1.20 for each additional hour or fraction.

Valet Parking:
A Valet Parking service is also available at the airport. You also receive complimentary services, such as window cleaning, interior vacuuming, and luggage assistance.

Airlines Served by Guayaquil Airport

Guayaquil José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport serves only a few domestic, international, government, and cargo airlines. Airlines that operate short and long-distance flights to and from the airport’s terminal include:

Aeromexico, Air Europa, American Airlines, Avianca Ecuador, Avior, Copa Airlines, Eastern Airlines, KLM, Laser, LATAM, Spirit Airlines and TAME.

Facilities and Services Available at Guayaquil José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport

Guayaquil Airport in Ecuador offers various amenities to passengers to make the traveling experience worthwhile. The airport also offers a range of duty-free stores, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi and internet access, business services, and more.

Security Check-points

There are security checkpoints at the airport’s terminal. All passengers are required to pass through the security checkpoints.

Help Desk

When you are at the Guayaquil airport and need help, there are information desks to assist you. Here, you can inquire about your flight or find other facilities easily at the airport. They are open 24 hours and can be found at the airside and landside of the terminal building.

Wi-Fi and Mobile Charging Points

Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminal at the airport, in case you want to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet.

In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile and laptop charging power outlets are also available at the airport, in case you need to charge your laptop and/or phone’s battery.

Baggage Handling and Storage

Luggage Lockers:
Lockers and luggage storage facilities are available at the airport. These can be found in the Arrivals Hall and are available 24 hours.

Luggage Wrapping:
Secure Wrap offers luggage wrapping services at the airport. Bags are wrapped in plastic to protect them from theft and damage. It is located in the Departures Hall, near flight check-ins.

Luggage Trolleys/Carts:
Baggage carts are available at the airport. These can be found in the Departures Terminal, where the carts are available for free. However, baggage carts in the International Terminal and parking areas are available for a fee of $2.

Porter Services:
Porter’s services are not available at the airport.

There is a Baggage Claim facility available at the airport. Make sure to check with your respective airline as to what carry-on items (and their size) are allowed.

Lounge and Business Conference Centre

At Guayaquil airport, passengers can use public lounges, VIP lounges, and business conference rooms, which may be available for free or paid in order to access these facilities.

A few lounges and business conference rooms that are available at Guayaquil Airport are:

Anexo Salida Nacional:
The lounge is located on the airside of the Domestic Terminal, near Gates 4 and 5. Access to the lounge is via pre-paid lounge passes and lounge membership programs.

Aeropuertos VIP Club (National Terminal):
The lounge is located on the airside of the National Terminal. Access to the lounge is via pre-paid lounge passes and lounge membership programs.

Aeropuertos VIP Club (International Terminal):
The lounge is located on the airside of the International Terminal, at Gate 8. Showers are available. Access to the lounge is via pre-paid lounge passes and lounge membership programs.

Aerogal VIP Lounge:
This premium VIP lounge is located on the airside of Domestic Departures. It is open 24 hours.

Icaro VIP Lounge:
This premium VIP lounge is located on the airside of Domestic Departures. It is open 24 hours.

Tame VIP Lounge:
This premium VIP lounge is located on the airside of Domestic Departures. It is open 24 hours.

Stores and Duty-Free Shopping

There are plenty of shops that can be easily found throughout the airport’s terminal and concourses. These shops sell a wide range of items, from children’s toys to fashion accessories for adults. You may also buy books, magazines, newspapers, etc., to help pass time during your stopover or flight delay. Britt Shop is located in the International Pre-boarding and is open from 4 am to 2 am. Ecuadorian Sweets shop is located in the Arrivals Halls and a Souvenir Shop can be found in the Departures Hall. These shops are open 24 hours every day.

Duty-Free stores are also available at the airport that sells all kinds of merchandise, including souvenirs. If there are souvenirs that you forgot to pick for yourself or others, there are a lot of retail outlets in the airport to scour through whilst you wait for your flight. These are located in three locations and their service hours vary. A duty-free store in International Arrivals is open 24 hours.

Cafes, Bar, and Restaurants

Finding snack and beverage options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at Guayaquil Airport. These cafeterias and restaurants are located throughout the terminal and concourses, both before and after security, giving you the best options to eat and satisfy your pre-flight craving.

Food concessions have been operated throughout the airport with varying schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found at both the landside and the airside. These include Naturissmo and Cafe de Port located in Arrivals Hall; Cafe Astoria, Restaurante Arrecife, and Yogurt Persa located in Departures Hall; McDonald’s located in Domestic Pre-boarding; Cafe Astoria, Cinnabon, and City Bistro located in International Pre-boarding.

Other Amenities Available at Guayaquil José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport

There are other amenities that are available to passengers at the airport. These include:

Chapel:

There is a chapel available at the airport for worshippers. It is located in the International Arrivals Hall. A mass is also held at the chapel on Sundays at 5:30 pm.

Massage:

There is a massage facility available at the airport. It is offered by Fly Massage and is open from 5 am to 10 pm. It is located on the airside of the International Terminal.

Pharmacy:

There is a pharmacy available at the airport. It is open from 7 am to 10 pm, Monday to Friday. It is located in the Arrivals Hall.

ATM:

ATMs are available at the airport. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATMs if you are running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. You can find ATMs located in the Domestic Departures Hall, International Departures Hall, and International Arrivals Hall.

Currency Exchange Counter:

The currency used in Ecuador is the United States Dollar (USD). Currency exchange counters are available at the airport and the service is offered by Global Exchange. It is located on the 1st Level of Departures Hall, which is open from6 am to 10:20 pm. Another currency exchange counter is located on the Ground Floor of the Arrivals Hall. It is open 24 hours.

Banking Services:

Banking facilities are available at the airport. Banco Bolivariano offers banking services and can be found at the Departure Hall. It is open from 8:30 am to 2 pm on weekdays and closed on weekends.

Travel Agencies:

When you arrive at Guayaquil Airport and need local transport arrangements or help planning your last-minute trip abroad, you will face with few travel agencies with offices at the airport itself, that can probably be of assistance. A few companies include Emela Tour, Speed Travel, and Tecnoviajes to help you out with the problem of tickets.

Hotels On-site and Nearby Guayaquil José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport

Finding accommodations on-site or nearby Guayaquil Airport should not be a problem for travelers as there are several hotels and resorts out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or children, you will find convenient and affordable places for a comfortable stay during your visit to Ecuador.

A few hotels that are located on-site as well as near the airport are:

Hotel Air Suites:

The hotel is located about 2 minutes from the airport. There is no airport shuttle service available to reach the hotel from the airport. However, the hotel suggests taking a taxi that may cost around US $5 one way.

Holiday Inn Guayaquil:
The hotel is located about 3 minutes from the airport. There is a free airport shuttle service available. An online shuttle booking facility is also available. A driver will be at the airport holding a placard with the hotel’s and your name on it.

Sonesta Hotel Guayaquil:
The hotel is located about 3 minutes from the airport. There is a shuttle service available from the airport to the hotel.

Hilton Colon Guayaquil:
The hotel is located about 7 minutes from the airport. There is a free 24-hour airport shuttle that service the airport every hour. However, passengers are required to book their seat reservations.

Transport Options To and From Guayaquil José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport

Getting to and from Guayaquil Airport should not be much of a hassle as you will find transport options. You can quickly find a convenient mode of transportation to meet your travel needs. There are several ground transportation options available to travelers that make visiting nearby places and other places of interest very convenient, quick, and affordable.

Airport/Hotel Shuttle Services

Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to hotels and/or airports. Free shuttle buses provide travelers with easy connectivity. Also, there may be a few hotels in the city and adjoining areas that provide free or on-demand shuttle services to and from the airport.

Additionally, you may also book pre-arranged rides that offer services to and from the Guayaquil airport, which can also be scheduled as per your needs. You can usually find their kiosks or counters/stands located either at the terminal’s entrance or exit area. These may also contain information on the companies that are permitted to render such services at the airport.

Bus Service

Public bus transportation services are available for the commute. It is both affordable and convenient and can get you to places in no time.

Train and Metro Services

Guayaquil Airport is connected by train services.

Taxi Service

Taxis are available, if you need a ride to a hotel or want to go sightseeing. Taxi stands can be found outside the Arrivals Hall of Domestic and International Terminals. Taxis are licensed and are available 24 hours. It is advised to use these licensed taxis at the airport, for safety reasons.

Car Hire/Rental Service

You can hire a car at Guayaquil Airport if you are in the mood to cruise around places in the city. There are several companies that offer cars for hire/rent at the airport. The car hire/rental agencies or companies have their counters/stands located on the ground floor of the Arrivals Hall. They are open from 7 am to 10 pm on weekdays, with varying schedules on weekends.

The companies or agencies that offer car hire/rental services at the airport include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Localiza, and Thrifty.

Ride-Sharing Service

Aside from several transport options that are available to travelers from and to Guayaquil Airport, ride-sharing services are also offered.

FAQs

What is the best way to check flight schedules?

Airlines give information on flight arrivals and departures. You can get this information by contacting the airline directly, visiting the website of the Guayaquil Airport, or calling our Customer Service Center at +593 (4) 216-9000, which is open 24 hours a day. This information is also available on screens situated throughout the terminal.

What if I lost my Baggage and to whom may I contact for my loss?

If you lost your baggage during the journey then the best way to find your baggage is to contact the respective airlines in which you booked your ticket. But in case you lost your baggage at the airport than as soon as possible contact the officials of the airport or the security department during office hours at +593 (4) 2169169 ext 1148.
What is the location of a Foreign Exchange Bureau?

For your convenience, the airport provides two Global Exchange offices, one on each floor of the Terminal, that serve passengers coming from international flights as well as the general public. This site provides currency exchange between US dollars and Euros, Pounds, and Pesos from Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Argentina. Please visit the Global Exchange website for additional information.

Closure

Guayaquil is a famous transit hub for travelers, as it is home to Ecuador’s second-busiest international airport. It is the only connection to the Galapagos Islands and has a major bus terminal for those traveling throughout Ecuador and into Peru.

Guayaquil is often a place that travelers stop in when taking a trip through Ecuador. This city can make for an excellent stopover during a trip to Ecuador, as there are many enjoyable things to do in Guayaquil. The languages that are spoken in this region are Espanol and English.

Traveling to and from Guayaquil José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport in Ecuador will certainly give you a pleasant experience. And, if you plan on staying here for a while, you will find lots of attractions to enjoy your holidays.