Quito's airport is 45 km from the city center, making it one of the longer airport-to-city journeys in South America. The distance means transport costs more time than money — but the options vary widely in price.
Current Prices in 2026
All prices are in US dollars, which is Ecuador's official currency.
Official airport taxi: $25-35 to central Quito (La Mariscal, Centro Historico). You get a ticket at the taxi counter with the fare printed on it. This is the most straightforward car option without advance booking.
Uber: $15-25 to the same areas. Uber is typically 30-40% cheaper than official taxis. The complication is the pickup process — drivers collect you in the parking area, not at arrivals, and some cancel airport trips.
Pre-booked private transfer: $25-40 to central Quito for a sedan. The price is fixed at booking. SUVs and minivans run $35-55. You pay for convenience and certainty — your driver meets you in arrivals.
Aeroservicios shuttle bus: $8 per person to Parque Bicentenario (old airport site) in northern Quito. From there, you need a local taxi or bus to your final destination, which adds $3-8.
Costs to Popular Destinations
- La Mariscal / Tourist district: $25-35 by taxi, $15-22 by Uber (45-70 min)
- Centro Historico: $28-40 by taxi, $18-25 by Uber (50-80 min)
- Cumbaya / Tumbaco: $10-18 by taxi, $7-12 by Uber (15-25 min)
- La Carolina: $22-30 by taxi, $14-20 by Uber (40-60 min)
- Otavalo: $50-80 by transfer (90-120 min)
- Mindo: $60-90 by transfer (2-2.5 hours)
The Traffic Factor
Traffic is the single biggest variable in your transport cost and time. The Ruta Viva highway from the airport is modern and fast, but it bottlenecks entering Quito. During rush hours (7-9:30 AM, 4-7:30 PM), what should be a 45-minute drive can stretch to 90 minutes. Metered taxis get more expensive the longer you sit in traffic. Pre-booked transfers and Uber lock in the price regardless.
When to Spend More
For first-time visitors, the pre-booked transfer is worth the premium. The airport is far from the city, traffic is unpredictable, and having someone waiting for you simplifies a potentially confusing arrival — especially at altitude where you may feel sluggish. For return visitors comfortable with Quito, Uber offers the best value.