# Quito Airport Transfer Guide (UIO) 本文件提供中文说明与当前英文指南原文。详细机场内容为英文，并非经过核实的完整中文翻译；请以实时预订流程确认价格、可用性及服务条款。 Practical guide to transfers from Quito Mariscal Sucre Airport to the city. Honest pricing, transport options, and altitude tips for 2026. **Airport:** UIO **City:** Quito **Country:** Ecuador **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/uio **Last updated:** 2026-07-17 Prices and transport schedules in this editorial guide are indicative. Confirm current public transport fares with the operator. Current transfer prices, availability and terms are shown in the live booking flow. ## Main Guide ### Quick answer Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport is located about 45 km east of the city center in Tababela. The drive takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic, which is a significant factor in Quito. A pre-booked transfer to the historic center or La Mariscal is priced by the operator at booking, so you know the fare before you fly. Official airport taxis operate from a counter in arrivals, where staff issue a fixed-fare ticket before you get in the car — this is the way to get a firm price on the spot. Uber also serves the airport, showing its quoted fare in the app before you confirm. A shuttle bus has historically run to the old airport site (Bicentenario Park) in northern Quito; check current schedules and fares directly, as this guide could not independently confirm they are still current. ### What actually happens after landing UIO is a modern single-terminal airport opened in 2013. It is well-organized and clean. After collecting your bags, you exit through customs into a spacious arrivals hall with ATMs, currency exchange, and a tourist information desk. The official taxi counter is immediately visible as you exit. The Aeroservicios shuttle bus counter is nearby. Car rental desks line the arrivals hall. If you are using Uber, you will need to walk outside to the parking area for pickup, as rideshare drivers cannot enter the arrivals lane. One important factor: Quito sits at 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level. Even the airport at Tababela, while slightly lower, is at high altitude. Moving quickly with heavy luggage when you are not acclimatized can leave you breathless. Take it easy. ### Transport options explained honestly **Pre-booked private transfer:** A driver meets you in arrivals and takes you directly to your hotel. The fare for a sedan to central Quito is fixed when you book, so check the operator's quote at the time. The main advantage beyond comfort is that the driver knows the route and traffic patterns. The highway between the airport and the city has frequent construction and variable conditions, and local knowledge matters. **Official airport taxis:** Regulated taxis operate from a counter in arrivals. You state your destination, receive a ticket with the fare printed on it, and are assigned a car. Ask at the counter for the current rate to your destination — this guide did not find a published, up-to-date fare table to quote here. Cars are yellow and metered for the return but use fixed fares from the airport. This is a reliable option. **Uber:** Available in Quito. The app quotes the fare before you confirm the ride, so you can compare it against the taxi-counter price on the spot. The complication is the airport pickup — drivers must collect you in the parking area rather than arrivals, and connectivity can be patchy. Wait times vary from 5-20 minutes. Some drivers cancel when they see the airport location due to the long return trip. **Aeroservicios shuttle bus:** Has historically run from the airport to the old airport site (Parque Bicentenario) in northern Quito, roughly every 30 minutes with a journey of about 45 minutes on a good day. Confirm the current schedule and fare before relying on it — this guide could not verify the operator's current details. From the old airport, you need a taxi or bus to reach your final destination. **Regular city buses:** Not recommended from this airport. The airport is far from the city and bus connections are infrequent and confusing. ### Realistic pricing expectations One-way travel times from UIO give a sense of what you are pricing: - **La Mariscal / Tourist district:** 45-70 min - **Historic Center (Centro Historico):** 50-80 min - **La Carolina / Financial district:** 40-60 min - **Cumbaya / Tumbaco (near airport):** 15-25 min - **Otavalo:** 90-120 min - **Mindo Cloud Forest:** 2-2.5 hours - **Cotopaxi area:** 90-120 min Fares to each of these vary by operator and by whether you book ahead, take the taxi-counter ticket, or use Uber — get the current quote at the time, since this guide is not able to publish a reliable fare table. Quito traffic is unpredictable. Rush hours (7-9:30 AM, 4-7:30 PM) can add 30-45 minutes to any journey. The Ruta Viva highway connecting the airport to the city is modern but bottlenecks at the entry to Quito. ### Late night arrivals Several international flights from the US arrive late at night. The airport remains open and staffed. Official taxis operate 24 hours. Uber availability drops after midnight but drivers are still active. The shuttle bus does not run late at night. The drive is significantly faster at night — 30-40 minutes to the center without traffic. The highway is well-lit for most of the route. A pre-booked transfer is the most comfortable option for late arrivals, as your driver is confirmed regardless of the hour. ### Families and luggage Ecuador does not have strict car seat enforcement, but child seats are recommended for young children. Taxis and Uber vehicles will not have them. Private transfer companies can provide child seats if requested in advance. The airport has family restrooms and is manageable with pushchairs. For luggage, the 45 km highway drive means you are in the car for a while — make sure there is room for everyone to sit comfortably alongside bags. SUVs and minivans can be requested for larger families. ### Where you meet the driver Pre-booked transfer drivers wait in the arrivals hall, typically near the exit doors with a name sign. Some companies use the short-term parking area just outside — your booking confirmation will specify the meeting point. For official taxis, go to the taxi counter in arrivals, get your ticket, and proceed to the taxi stand outside. For Uber, exit the terminal and walk to the designated pickup area in the parking zone. Have your phone charged and your app ready. ### Decision helper **Book a private transfer if:** You are visiting Quito for the first time, arriving late, traveling with family, heading to a specific hotel, or want to avoid dealing with transport decisions after a long flight at altitude. **Take an official taxi if:** You are comfortable in Latin American cities, traveling light, and want to go immediately without advance booking. **Use Uber if:** You are budget-conscious, have a working phone with data, and are patient with the airport pickup process. **Take the shuttle if:** You are a solo budget traveler heading to northern Quito, have plenty of time, and your accommodation is near the old airport area or accessible by local bus from there. ## Summary The main thing to know about Quito's airport is the distance. At 45 km from the city, this is not a quick hop — it is a proper journey, especially during rush hours. Plan your transport in advance, factor in traffic, and do not schedule anything for the first hour after your expected arrival time. The altitude is the other factor that catches people off guard. Take your first day easy, let your body adjust, and Quito will reward you with one of the most beautiful historic centers in South America. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: How far is Quito Airport from the city center?** Mariscal Sucre Airport is about 45 km east of central Quito in Tababela. The drive takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic. The airport was moved to this location in 2013 to replace the old airport in the middle of the city. **Q: Is Uber available at Quito Airport?** Yes, Uber operates in Quito and serves the airport. The app shows the fare to the city center before you confirm the ride. The pickup area is in the parking zone, not the arrivals lane. Some drivers cancel airport pickups, so be prepared to request a second ride. **Q: How much is a taxi from Quito Airport to the city?** Official airport taxis charge a fixed fare set at the counter in arrivals, based on your exact destination — you receive a ticket showing the price before getting into the car. Ask at the counter for the current rate, as prices are not published online. **Q: Is there a bus from Quito Airport to the city?** A shuttle bus has historically run roughly every 30 minutes to Parque Bicentenario (old airport site), taking about 45 minutes. Confirm the current schedule and fare before relying on it, as this guide could not independently verify the operator's current details. From there, you need local transport to reach your final destination. **Q: Should I worry about altitude sickness arriving in Quito?** Quito is at 2,850 meters. Many travelers feel some effects — shortness of breath, mild headache, fatigue. Take it easy on arrival, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy meals or alcohol for the first day. The airport is slightly lower than the city but still at significant altitude. **Q: Is it safe to take a taxi from Quito Airport?** Official airport taxis from the counter in arrivals are safe and regulated. Avoid accepting rides from drivers who approach you in the terminal. Uber is also generally safe. Do not hail taxis on the highway outside the airport. **Q: How do I get from Quito Airport to the historic center?** A taxi or transfer to Centro Historico takes 50-80 minutes depending on traffic; ask for the fare at the taxi counter or check your transfer operator's quote at booking, as this guide is not able to publish a reliable current fare. The shuttle bus goes to northern Quito, not directly to the historic center. A pre-booked transfer is the most direct option. **Q: Can I get a transfer from Quito Airport to Otavalo?** Yes. Otavalo is about 90-120 minutes north of the airport. Get a quote from your transfer operator at booking, since this guide cannot publish a reliable current fare. This is more practical than going into Quito and then heading north again, since the airport is already on the eastern side. **Q: What currency do I need at Quito Airport?** Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency. You do not need to exchange money. ATMs at the airport dispense US dollars. Taxis and the shuttle bus accept cash in dollars. Small bills are useful as drivers may not have change for large notes. **Q: How long does it take to get through immigration at Quito Airport?** Immigration at UIO is generally straightforward. Most travelers are processed in 15-30 minutes. During peak hours when multiple international flights arrive simultaneously, it can take up to 45 minutes. Have your passport and any required documents ready. ## Late night arrivals at Quito Airport **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/uio/late-night 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. 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. ## Taxi vs Private Transfer at Quito Airport **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/uio/taxi-vs-transfer The 45 km journey from Quito Airport to the city is long enough that your transport choice matters. Here is how the options compare. This guide could not verify a current, published fare table for any of them, so get the actual price at the taxi counter, in the Uber app, or from your transfer operator at booking. ## Official airport taxis Regulated taxis operate from a counter in the arrivals hall. You state your destination, receive a fare ticket with the price printed on it, and are assigned a yellow taxi. The system is organized and eliminates haggling. The cars are standard sedans, clean and functional. Drivers know the route well. Most do not speak English beyond basic words. Air conditioning is standard. The experience is reliable and predictable. The main advantage: no advance booking needed. You walk to the counter and go. ## Pre-booked private transfers A driver is assigned to you before you land. They track your flight, wait in arrivals with your name, and drive you directly to your hotel. The fare for a sedan is fixed at booking — check the operator's quote against the taxi-counter price to compare. The vehicle quality is typically better than a standard taxi. Communication is easier as transfer companies usually have English-speaking support. Child seats can be arranged. The price is locked at booking regardless of traffic. The main advantage: everything is handled before you arrive. After a long flight at 2,850 meters altitude, not having to think about transport is valuable. ## The Uber alternative Uber serves central Quito, typically the cheapest car option, with the app showing the fare before you confirm. The trade-off is the awkward pickup process at the airport (parking area, not arrivals) and occasional driver cancellations. For budget-conscious travelers who know the drill, it works. For first-time visitors or tired arrivals, the savings may not be worth the hassle. ## Safety comparison Official airport taxis are safe — they are regulated and you have a fare ticket with the taxi number. Pre-booked transfers use vetted drivers with tracked vehicles. Uber has in-app tracking. All three are legitimate and safe options. What to avoid: accepting rides from anyone who approaches you inside the terminal offering transport. These are not regulated and safety cannot be guaranteed. ## Our recommendation For most travelers arriving in Quito for the first time, a pre-booked transfer offers the best combination of price, convenience, and peace of mind. The price difference versus a taxi is typically small, but the service difference — flight tracking, English communication, meet-and-greet — is significant for a 45 km journey into an unfamiliar city at high altitude. ## Family and kids guide for Quito Airport transfers **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/uio/family-and-kids Quito is a rewarding family destination, but the airport's distance from the city and the altitude require some planning when traveling with children. ## Altitude and kids This is the most important factor. Quito sits at 2,850 meters. Children can feel altitude effects just like adults — headaches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and irritability. Babies and toddlers may cry more than usual. Keep everyone hydrated, avoid rushing through the terminal, and take it easy on your first day. The 45 km drive from the airport to the city descends slightly, which helps. But do not plan activities for arrival day. Let your family adjust. ## At the airport UIO is a modern terminal with clean restrooms, a few food outlets, and sufficient space. It is not particularly child-focused — there are no play areas or family lounges — but it is comfortable enough. ATMs and currency exchange are available in arrivals. Ecuador uses US dollars, so no money conversion is needed. ## Child seats Ecuador does not strictly enforce child seat requirements, but safety should still be your priority. Taxis and Uber vehicles will not have child seats. Private transfer companies can usually provide one if you request it at booking — confirm this explicitly before your trip. Bringing a travel car seat from home is the most reliable option, especially for the 45-60 minute highway drive to the city. The Ruta Viva highway involves fast-moving traffic where a child seat matters. ## The journey with kids The drive is mostly highway — the Ruta Viva is a modern, divided road. It is smooth and comfortable. The views of the Andes valleys can be a nice distraction for older children. Traffic jams during rush hours mean sitting in the car for an extended period, so have entertainment and snacks ready. ## Luggage Families with young children often travel with extra gear. Standard taxis handle 2-3 suitcases. For a family with a pushchair, car seat, and multiple bags, request an SUV or minivan. The shuttle bus has limited luggage space and is not practical for families with heavy loads. ## Best option for families Book a private transfer with child seats confirmed in advance. The drive is long, the altitude adds stress, and having a reliable driver who meets you at arrivals and handles everything is worth the modest cost. Your family can focus on adjusting to the altitude rather than navigating transport logistics. ## How Much Does It Cost to Get from Quito Airport to the City **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/uio/cost-to-city 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, and this guide could not verify a current, published fare table for any of them, so no dollar figures are quoted below. Get the actual price at the point of booking or at the taxi counter. ## How Pricing Works in 2026 All prices are in US dollars, which is Ecuador's official currency. **Official airport taxi:** Fixed fare to central Quito (La Mariscal, Centro Historico), set at a counter in arrivals. You get a ticket with the fare printed on it before you get in the car. This is the most straightforward car option without advance booking — ask the counter for the current rate. **Uber:** Serves the same areas, with the app showing the quoted fare before you confirm. 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:** Priced by the operator at booking for a sedan to central Quito, with SUVs and minivans priced higher. The price is fixed at booking, before you fly. You pay for convenience and certainty — your driver meets you in arrivals. **Aeroservicios shuttle bus:** Has historically run to Parque Bicentenario (old airport site) in northern Quito. Confirm the current fare and schedule before relying on it — this guide could not verify the operator's current details. From there, you need a local taxi or bus to your final destination, which adds a further fare. ## Costs to Popular Destinations Travel times give a sense of what you are pricing; get the fare from the taxi counter, your Uber app quote, or your transfer operator at the time. - **La Mariscal / Tourist district:** 45-70 min - **Centro Historico:** 50-80 min - **Cumbaya / Tumbaco:** 15-25 min - **La Carolina:** 40-60 min - **Otavalo:** 90-120 min - **Mindo:** 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. ## Published Guide Pages - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/uio - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/uio/late-night - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/uio/taxi-vs-transfer - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/uio/family-and-kids - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/uio/cost-to-city ## Booking and Support Search: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/search?airport=UIO Airport Transfer Portal is a marketplace; local operators fulfil the transfer. Availability depends on the route, travel date and eligible operator. Phone: +44 20 4538 9927 — UK office hours (London local time). WhatsApp: +44 7828 732663 — 24/7 (https://wa.me/447828732663). Terms: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/terms Complaints: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/complaints Published by Airport Transfer Portal (airporttransferportal.com), operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.