One-Way Car Rental from Quito to Cuenca | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Quito to Cuenca

Can I rent a car from Quito to Cuenca?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Quito to Cuenca. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for EC residents

Documents required for international visitors

Form of ID: A valid physical Ecuador national photo ID
Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-2 years.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, Diners Club, and AMEX. XpCard is supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur a fee of US$ 6.89 per day (to be confirmed for some cases). Drivers aged 75-80 may also have fees to be confirmed.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-2 years. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
Form of ID: A valid passport
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, Diners Club, and AMEX. XpCard is supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur a fee of US$ 6.89 per day (to be confirmed for some cases). Drivers aged 75-80 may also have fees to be confirmed.

How much does renting a car from Quito to Cuenca cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 69/day

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 90/day

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 153-US$ 222	US$ 0-US$ 207	US$ 207-US$ 366	Solo travelers, couples
SUV	US$ 181-US$ 310	US$ 0-US$ 207	US$ 268-US$ 561	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 302-US$ 355	US$ 0-US$ 207	US$ 529-US$ 694	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 235-US$ 329	US$ 0-US$ 207	US$ 443-US$ 535	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fees: Be aware that additional fees might apply for dropping off a vehicle at a different location from the pickup point.
Cross-Border Restrictions: Ensure the rental company allows cross-border travel if your route requires it.
Advanced Booking: Book your rental car well in advance to secure the best rates and availability for one-way trips.
Fuel Policies: Check the fuel policy to avoid unexpected charges and fill the tank if required before returning the vehicle.
Drop-Off Location: Verify the exact drop-off location in Cuenca, especially if it is at the airport or specific city centers.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Scenic Stops: On the route from Quito to Cuenca, schedule stops at notable landmarks or picturesque spots for a memorable journey.
Allow Extra Time: Plan for possible delays and ensure you have ample time to enjoy the route and handle unforeseen issues.
Choose the Right Vehicle: Opt for a vehicle that is suitable for the terrain and comfortable for the length of the journey.
Understand Terms and Conditions: Carefully read the rental agreement to be fully aware of insurance, mileage limits, and restrictions.
Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including the rental company’s assistance number for peace of mind.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Tolls

Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning to avoid additional charges.

Retain the last receipt as proof of refueling.

Use the recommended type of fuel as per the rental agreement.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost along the route is approximately $3.50 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.

Avoid excessive use of air conditioning to conserve fuel.

Quito Parking

Parking in Quito's city center costs around $1.50 per hour.

Availability is higher during non-peak hours.

Consider secured parking lots for better vehicle safety.

Cuenca Parking

Parking in Cuenca costs approximately $1.00 per hour.

Look for parking structures near the city center.

Street parking is free in some residential areas.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkopedia: Find parking spots and prices.

SpotHero: Reserve parking in advance.

Google Maps: Locate nearby parking facilities.

Tolls and FasTrak

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Toll Payment Options

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Featured Driving Routes Between Quito and Cuenca:

Avenida de Los Volcanoes Route

Scenic | Mountain 8 hours

This route takes you through the spectacular Andes, showcasing the avenue of the volcanoes, with breathtaking landscapes.

Cotopaxi National Park , Riobamba , Alausí

Pan-American Highway Route

Highway | Efficient 7 hours

A direct yet picturesque route along the famous Pan-American Highway, ideal for a faster journey.

Ambato , Guamote , Paute

Southern Highlands Cultural Route

Cultural | Historical 9 hours

This route is rich with cultural heritage, featuring stops in traditional towns and historical landmarks.

Latacunga , Guano , Cañar

Must-See Day Trips Along the Way:

Cotopaxi National Park Exploration

2 hours from Quito

Discover the natural beauty of Cotopaxi Volcano and its surroundings.

Alausí and the Nariz del Diablo Train

5.5 hours from Quito

Experience the famous and scenic train ride through the Andes.

Cañar and Ingapirca Ruins

7 hours from Quito

Visit the largest and best-preserved archaeological site of Ecuador's Inca heritage.

El Cajas National Park

1 hour from Cuenca

Explore the rugged terrain and stunning lakes of El Cajas.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Route preparation: Research the roads in advance and choose your preferred route.

Vehicle condition: Ensure the rental car is properly equipped and insured.

Fuel stops: Plan for gas station stops to avoid running out of fuel in remote areas.

Attractions en route: Identify key landmarks or stops you’d like to visit along the way.

Flexible scheduling: Allow extra time for stops and unforeseen delays.

Safety measures: Be aware of road conditions, and keep emergency supplies.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Ensure that the car rental company supports one-way services for the route from Quito to Cuenca. Consider each company's fees, vehicle options, and convenience.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Rent-A-Car XYZ	$$	High	Excellent	Wide selection of cars , Frequent discounts , Convenient pickup and drop-off locations.
AutoDrive Solutions	$	Moderate	Good	Affordable rates , Efficient booking process , Modern vehicle fleet.
Highroad Rentals	$$$	Extensive	Excellent	Luxury options available , Airport shuttle included , No hidden charges.
Eco Wheels	$	Moderate	Good	Choice of eco-friendly cars , Economy pricing , Local support service.

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Car Rental Center Information

Operating Hours:

Rental centers in Quito operate from 6 AM to 10 PM daily. Ensure you confirm with your chosen company.

Location:

Car rental offices are conveniently located within Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito and in downtown Cuenca.

Shuttle Services:

Shuttle services are provided from arrivals terminals to rental centers free of charge.

Vehicle Return in Cuenca:

Vehicles can be returned at the Cuenca rental center, located near the Aeropuerto Mariscal La Mar terminal.

Additional Information:

It's recommended to book your rental car in advance to ensure availability, especially during high travel seasons.

Pro Tips for Quito Airport(UIO) Car Rentals

Prepare necessary documents like your passport, a valid driver’s license, and the booking confirmation to streamline the rental process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main requirements for renting a car for the Quito to Cuenca route?

To rent a car for this route, you'll generally need to provide a valid driver's license, a credit card for the security deposit, and meet the minimum age requirements set by the rental company, which typically ranges from 21 to 25 years.

Are there any additional fees for one-way car rentals between Quito and Cuenca?

Yes, you might be charged a one-way rental fee by the company. This fee varies and is typically disclosed during the booking process. You can confirm this fee with the rental provider before finalizing your reservation.

What type of vehicle is best suited for the drive from Quito to Cuenca?

Given the route's diverse terrain, a midsize or SUV vehicle is often recommended for comfort and flexibility. Such vehicles also provide more space for your belongings if you're traveling for an extended period.

Is GPS navigation included with the car rentals on this route?

Most rental companies offer GPS devices or they are built into newer vehicle models. However, this might come at an additional cost unless explicitly included in the rental agreement. Check with your provider for details.

Can I return the vehicle at a different location in Cuenca other than the designated rental office?

Some rental companies might allow returns at alternate locations, but this depends on their policy and may incur extra charges. Confirm ahead of time if this option is available and what terms apply.

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