When you arrive in San Cristobal the transfer to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (the town) is very simple. Many taxis are available and it will take you about USD 1 to get to your destination. On the other hand, the transfer from Baltra to Santa Cruz Island and then Puerto Ayora can be a little more complicated.

Most tour operators organize transportation but if you need to get from Baltra to Puerto Ayora there are some steps you will need to take.
Find a bus with the sign “Canal”. This bus is free (provided by the airline) and will take you to the Itabaca Channel. Make sure your luggage is properly stored under the bus and take your hand luggage or delicate items with you. Do not take a bus with the sign Muelle, this bus will take you to the dock where live-aboards and naturalist cruises dock. If you are enrolled in one of those, look for a representative of your tour company. They will be there to meet you.

The bus ride to the Baltra side of “Canal de Itabaca” takes about 10 minutes. Once there you will have to board a crossing ferry or “Barcaza” as we know them. The ferries take the luggage on top so make sure you place it there. Take your hand luggage or delicate items with you as well. Crossing the Itabaca Channel is quite short but the barcazas often take longer to cash everyone with the 50 – 80 cents the crossing is worth. Be very careful when arriving and de-boarding the ferry. Many people have slipped and fell in this maneuver.

Once in the Santa Cruz side of the Itabaca Channel you will have two options for the 40 kilometer drive to Puerto Ayora. Buses and taxis are available. Buses are definitely slower but charge USD 1.80 for the transfer. Taxis are faster but a private one will charge about USD 18. Taxis take up to five people. Locals often choose to slit the taxi fee with someone they know.

If you arrive by taxi to Puerto Ayora, the drives will require a drop off place. Make sure you know your accommodation's name or location. If arriving by bus you will find the last stop is close to the peer. You can orient yourself from there or take a taxi (USD 1) to the place where you will be staying.

The return trip is very much the same.