Cuenca Guide

Traffic jams are now common in Cuenca, but the city's public transportation options are extensive and affordable.

City Buses

• Coverage: Cuenca’s city bus system is extensive, with routes connecting nearly all neighborhoods and key landmarks, including the historic center, residential areas, hospitals, and malls.
• Routes: You can use the Moovit app to plan your trips. On this municipal webpage, you can see all bus routes: Geoportal Web - Transporte Público.
• Cost: The fare is very affordable, typically around $0.35 per ride. Minors, students, and seniors receive a discount. Seniors, for example, pay $0.17 per ride.
• Payment: To travel by city bus, you need to use a rechargeable transportation card.
• Schedule: Buses usually run from early morning (around 5:30 AM) until 10:00 PM. On Sundays, the buses operate until around 6:00 PM.

Cuenca Tram (Tranvía de Cuenca)

• Overview: The Cuenca Tram is a modern light rail system that started operating in 2020. It’s one of the most convenient and efficient ways to travel through the city.
• Route: The tram runs from Parque Industrial in the northeast to the Control Sur area in the southwest, passing through the historic city center and key spots like the airport and bus terminal.
• Cost: A single ride costs $0.35 if you use a rechargeable card. Special rechargeable cards for minors, students, and seniors offer a 50% discount. It's also possible to buy a $1 single-ride ticket from machines at tram stops.
• Frequency: Trams run every 10–15 minutes during peak hours and less frequently at other times.
• Accessibility: The tram is wheelchair-accessible and ideal for travelers with mobility challenges. Dogs and cats are also welcome on the tram.

Taxis

• Availability: Taxis are plentiful and an affordable option for short trips or areas not easily reached by bus or tram.
• Fares: Taxis use meters, with a base fare of $1.50 during the day and $1.75 at night.
• Warning: Always ensure the driver starts the meter at the beginning of the ride.
• Tipping: Tips are appreciated by taxi drivers. It's usually a small amount, like $0.25 or $0.30.
• Getting a Taxi: You can hail a taxi on the street or order one via the apps AzuTaxi and Cuenca Taxi.

Private and App-Based Transportation

• Uber, Cabify, and inDriver: Uber and Cabify are not available in Cuenca. InDriver is available but not very popular.
• AzuTaxi and Cuenca Taxi: These apps are local initiatives and are used exclusively by official taxi companies. AzuTaxi is the most popular and convenient app to use.

Walking and Cycling

• Walking: Cuenca is highly walkable, but the condition of sidewalks varies greatly.
• Cycling: The city has bike lanes in some areas, and public bike rentals are available.

Traffic Fines

There are several speed cameras in and around Cuenca. Mobile speed camera checks are also being conducted. It is usually worth contesting speed camera fines. You can contact the legal firm Legal and Travel for assistance.