How to Get to Quito. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airport & Connectivity

Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) serves Quito. It rests in Tababela, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of the city center.

Airlines & Routes

International carriers: Aa, Delta, United, LATAM, Avianca, Copa Airlines, Iberia, KLM.
Domestic carriers: LATAM Ecuador, Avianca Ecuador.
Direct flights connect Quito to major hubs in North America and Europe.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Mariscal Sucre Airport has a range of services for travelers, from Wi-Fi for meals.

Convenient Airport Services

Free Wi-Fi access throughout terminals.
Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes available.
Licensed airport taxis (fixed rate $25-$30 USD to central Quito).

Official Airport Taxis

Safe and reliable, fixed rate of approx. $25-$30 USD to most central Quito areas.

AeroServicio Bus

Connects airport to former Mariscal Sucre Airport (north Quito) for $8-$10 USD. Transfer to regular taxi from there.

Uber / Cabify

Fares comparable to or slightly less than official taxis. Offer convenience and a digital record.

Additional Transfer & Flight Information

Pre-booked Private Transfer

Arrange through your hotel or tour operators.
A seamless, personalized experience with a driver waiting.
Reflect on this for late-night arrivals for peace of mind.
Compare prices with other options.

Flight Price Fluctuations

Flight prices generally elevate during peak tourist seasons (June-August, Dec-Jan).
Prices can also rise around major Ecuadorian holidays.
Booking in advance often gets you better prices.
Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner assist finding good deals.

Airport Arrival Advice

Arrival Time

Arrive at least THREE hours prior to international flights.

Domestic Travel

Arrive at least TWO hours before domestic flights.

Airport Services

Access free Wi-Fi, duty-free shops, and dining options.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings & Buses

Land travel connects to neighboring countries and other Ecuadorian cities via buses.

Main Crossings

To/from Colombia: Rumichaca (near Ipiales/Tulcán).
To/from Peru: Huaquillas (near Tumbes) and La Balsa.
Always have valid passport and Andean Migration Card ready.

Self-Driving & Train Info

Renting a car for travel in Ecuador is possible but has challenges. Train connections focus on scenic tourism.

Driving Considerations

Requires valid national driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Driving in Historic Center: Not recommended (heavy traffic, hilly terrain, limited parking).
Road Conditions: Major highways good; secondary roads rough, prone to landslides in wet season.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Long-distance buses present a common and affordable way to travel within Ecuador.

Bus Travel Details

Main Bus Terminal: Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe (south of Quito).
Companies: Cooperativa Transportes Baños, Panamericana, Transandina.
Routes: Buses connect Quito to most major cities in Ecuador.

Train Connections

Ecuador's national railway, Tren Ecuador, has scenic tourist routes rather than main inter-city transportation.

Train Service Details

Scenic routes: Not a practical way to arrive in Quito for general travel.
Focus on specific tourism experiences like the "Tren de la Nariz del Diablo".
Excursions depart from other cities, not Quito itself as a starting point for general transit.

Safety on Roads

Driving in Quito often faces heavy traffic and aggressive drivers.
Parking is limited and difficult to it's found in the Historic Center.
Secondary roads, particularly in the countryside, can be rough.

Roads may be prone to landslides during the wet season.
Defensive driving is needed.
Renting a car for Historic Center navigation is not advised.

Sea/River Arrivals

Inland Location

These modes of transportation do not apply for reaching Quito Historic Center. Quito is an inland capital city located with high levels of the Andes mountains.

Travel Implications

Port cities or Amazonian regions of Ecuador have sea or river access.
Air travel or long-distance buses form main access methods for Quito.
Geographic location makes sea/river travel impractical for reaching the capital.

Car Rental Insights

DiscoverCars.com presents competitive rates for vehicle rentals in Ecuador.

Vehicle Rental Advice

Renting a car for day trips outside the city is feasible.
Driving within the Historic Center is not recommended due to traffic and parking challenges.
Ensure your rental car company Includes roadside assistance.

Departure for International Flights

Arrive at Mariscal Sucre Airport (UIO) at least 3 hours before your international flight's scheduled departure time.

Departure for Domestic Flights

For domestic flights within Ecuador, arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Mariscal Sucre Airport offers shops, duty-free options, restaurants, cafes, and airline lounges.

Departure Information

Exit Fees and Taxes

No separate exit fees or taxes apply for international flights departing from Ecuador. These costs typically form part of your airfare.

Fare Inclusions

Most airport taxes are bundled into your ticket price.
Confirm your ticket details with your airline or travel agent.
No cash payment for exit taxes needed at the airport.

Departure Procedures

Arrive at the airport with ample time for check-in, security, and any potential delays.

Checklist for Departure

Have your passport and boarding pass readily available.
Proceed through security screening.
Allow extra time during peak travel seasons.

Before You Fly

Check Flight Status

Confirm your flight schedule with your airline before heading to the airport.

Luggage Limits

Verify baggage allowances to avoid unexpected fees.

Airport Transfers

Confirm your chosen transport to the airport in advance.

Seamless Departure

Plan airport transfers with official taxis or pre-booked services. This avoids last-minute stress.

How to Get to Quito