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United · Route guide

Houston (IAH) to Guayaquil (GYE) Flight Information

Everything you need to fly Houston to Guayaquil: when to go, who flies it, what it costs, and how to land well.

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1 airline on this route · Daily Year-Round

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Airline

United

Aircraft

B737-900ER

Service

Daily Year-Round

Region

Latin America

The route

The flight route from Houston Intercontinental to Guayaquil connects the southern United States directly to Ecuador's largest city and primary port. Operated by United Airlines, this daily service is a vital link for business travelers, tourists heading to the Galapagos Islands, and the Ecuadorian diaspora.

United Airlines operates a consistent year-round schedule from Houston (IAH) to Guayaquil (GYE) using Boeing 737-900ER aircraft. The journey spans approximately 2,300 miles with a flight duration of about 5 hours and 30 minutes, providing a seamless gateway into Latin America.

This route serves as a primary international corridor for passengers connecting through United's massive Houston hub. It offers the most efficient way for North American travelers to access the economic heart of Ecuador and proceed to world-class ecological destinations like the Galapagos.

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Airports

Taking off, touching down.

Check-in, security, connections and getting into town at both ends of the flight.

Departure

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

IAH

Check-in: Arrive at least 3 hours before departure as international document verification is required.
Security: Terminal E is the main international terminal, but security can also be cleared in Terminal C.
Connections: IAH is a major United hub with easy transfers between terminals via the Skyway and Subway.

Arrival

Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE)

GYE

On arrival: Complete any required health or customs forms digitally before landing to save time.
Ground transport: Use only authorized yellow taxis or pre-arranged shuttles from the official stands outside the arrivals hall.
Planning ahead: Guayaquil airport is located very close to the city center, making for short transit times to hotels.

Timing & fares

When it flies, what it costs.

Schedule & reliability

Schedule: Flights usually depart Houston in the late afternoon or evening, arriving in Guayaquil around midnight.
Duration: Average flight time is 5 hours and 30 minutes southbound.
Seasonality: Consistent daily frequency regardless of the season.
Time zones: Ecuador is on Eastern Standard Time year-round and does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Fares & booking

Booking window: Fares are generally stable, but booking 45-60 days out yields the best results.
Cabin advice: The B737-900ER offers United First and Economy Plus; consider an upgrade for the 5+ hour journey.
Peak pricing: Expect significantly higher fares during the Christmas and New Year period.

Book at least 6 weeks in advance for the best fares to South America.
Use United's flexible date calendar to find lower-priced mid-week departures.
Check for codeshare opportunities if connecting from other cities in the US.

Peak season

December, July, and August see the highest passenger volumes.

Shoulder season

March through May offers more seat availability.

Off-peak season

September and October typically see the lowest demand and best deals.

Tours and experiences at either end

Vetted day trips and activities in Guayaquil and Houston, through our travel partner.

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When to fly

Best Time to Fly Houston to Guayaquil

01
June to September
Ideal for those using Guayaquil as a stopover for the Galapagos dry season.
02
December to January
Peak travel period for holiday visitors; book early to avoid high prices.
03
April to May
Shoulder season often provides the best balance of weather and lower airfares.

Trip planning

Who this route suits best.

Galapagos Adventurers

Guayaquil is the most frequent jumping-off point for flights to the islands.

Business Travelers

Direct access to Ecuador's commercial hub and major shipping port.

Family Visitors

Reliable daily service for those visiting relatives in the coastal region.

Connections & alternatives

Baltra (GPS)

The primary airport for tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands.

Quito (UIO)

The capital city is a short 50-minute flight from Guayaquil.

Cuenca (CUE)

A popular colonial city easily reached by air or land from GYE.

Field notes

Travel Tips for the Houston-Guayaquil Route

Visa & entry

US citizens do not typically require a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days.
A passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry is required.
Proof of a return or onward ticket is often requested by immigration officials.

Airport transfers

The airport is just 5 kilometers from downtown Guayaquil.
Many major hotels in Guayaquil offer complimentary airport shuttle services.
Registered airport taxis offer fixed rates to different zones of the city.

Baggage & transit

Ecuador has strict regulations regarding the import of fresh produce and agricultural items.
Standard United international baggage rules apply; check your MileagePlus status for extra allowances.
Ensure your bags are tagged all the way through to GYE if connecting in Houston.

Checklist

Valid International Passport
Printed or Digital Boarding Pass
US Dollars (the official currency of Ecuador)
Galapagos Transit Control Card (if visiting the islands)

Carriers

Airlines Flying Houston to Guayaquil

United

Daily flights available seven days a week

Exclusively utilizes the Boeing 737-900ER on this specific leg

FAQ

Common questions.

Straight answers about flying Houston to Guayaquil.

How long is the flight from Houston to Guayaquil?

The direct flight typically takes 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Does United fly daily from IAH to GYE?

Yes, United Airlines operates this route on a daily, year-round schedule.

What aircraft is used on the Houston to Guayaquil route?

United primarily uses the Boeing 737-900ER for this service.

What currency is used in Guayaquil?

Ecuador uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency.

Which terminal does United use at Houston (IAH) for international flights?

United international flights usually depart from Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

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Where to next.

Structured data verified

Airports

Houston (IAH)Guayaquil (GYE)George Bush Intercontinental Airport Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport

Countries & layovers

United States Guayaquil layover guide Houston layover guide

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