Several international flights from the US arrive in Quito late at night — American Airlines, United, and JetBlue all have evening arrivals that can push past 10 PM after immigration and luggage collection. Here is what to expect.
What is open
The terminal remains open for arriving passengers. A few shops and the currency exchange may be closed, but ATMs work 24 hours. Restrooms are available. The arrivals hall is staffed and lit.
Fixed-price private transfer
UIO Quito City Center
From€58for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €80 per vehicle, about €20 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations
Immigration for international arrivals can take 15-30 minutes late at night — it is actually faster than daytime as fewer flights overlap.
Transport after 10 PM
Official taxis operate 24 hours. The taxi counter may have reduced staffing but drivers are available. Fares remain the same as during the day.
Uber is available but with fewer drivers after 11 PM. Wait times increase to 10-20 minutes. Fares may actually be lower than daytime due to reduced demand.
Pre-booked transfers are the most reliable option. Your driver is committed to your flight regardless of time. Flight tracking means they adjust for delays. This is particularly valuable for late arrivals when other options thin out.
The Aeroservicios shuttle does not run late at night. The last bus typically departs in the early evening.
The drive at night
This is the upside of arriving late: the Ruta Viva highway is empty. The drive to central Quito that takes 60-90 minutes during rush hour drops to 30-40 minutes after 10 PM. The highway is reasonably well-lit. Your driver will have you at your hotel much faster than a daytime arrival.
Safety at night
Quito requires standard precautions at night. Use only official transport — the taxi counter or your pre-booked driver. Do not accept rides from individuals in the terminal. Keep valuables secure and have your hotel address ready to show the driver.
The road from the airport passes through semi-rural areas before entering the city. This is normal and safe with a legitimate driver. Police checkpoints are occasionally set up on the highway at night.
Our recommendation
Book a transfer in advance for late arrivals. The airport is 45 km from the city, options are limited after 10 PM, and having a confirmed driver eliminates any uncertainty. After a long international flight arriving at altitude and after dark, this is not the moment to improvise.
When a private transfer from UIO is the right choice
- Landing after the last train or bus: the driver is booked to your flight number and tracks the real arrival time, so a delay does not cancel the pickup.
- Arrivals after midnight: no searching for a rank or a night surcharge; the price you booked is the price you pay.
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Quito City Center is from €80, about €20 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
UIO → Quito City Center from €58Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.
Fixed-price private transfer
UIO Quito City Center
From€58for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €80 per vehicle, about €20 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations