Quito Airport Transfer (UIO)

Mariscal Sucre International Airport (IATA: UIO) is Ecuador's primary international gateway, in Tababela 18 kilometres east of Quito's UNESCO old town. UIO opened in February 2013, replacing the old in-town airport of the same name which was considered dangerously close to the city with its 2,850-metre altitude runway. The new airport sits at 2,400 metres altitude — 400 metres lower than the old town — and is accessed via the Ruta Viva motorway. Transfer times into central Quito run 35 to 55 minutes. Uber and Cabify operate with legal pickup zones. A LocalsRide booking confirms USD at reservation and meets you at arrivals with a name sign; drivers are briefed on altitude-aware first-day pacing for sea-level arrivals.

UIO Transfer Times

Quito historic centre (Plaza Grande, Plaza de San Francisco): 40 km via Ruta Viva, 45–65 min. La Mariscal (Plaza Foch): 35 km, 40–60 min. Parque La Carolina and north Quito: 32 km, 40–55 min. Cumbayá (suburban valley): 18 km, 20–30 min. Tababela (airport valley hotels): 3 km, 5–10 min. Mitad del Mundo: 55 km, 1.25–1.5 hours. Otavalo: 100 km, 2 hours. Mindo cloud forest: 75 km, 2 hours. Cotopaxi National Park: 80 km, 1.5 hours. Baños de Agua Santa: 175 km, 3 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is UIO so far from Quito city centre?

The old in-town airport (also called Mariscal Sucre) sat in a narrow valley at 2,850 metres surrounded by residential neighbourhoods — a known safety risk for high-altitude operations and a noise issue for the city. The replacement in Tababela opened in 2013 on a flatter plateau 400 metres lower. The tradeoff is the 40-kilometre transfer into the city. The Ruta Viva motorway built alongside the airport keeps the run to 45 to 65 minutes even during peak traffic.

Does altitude affect my first-night plans arriving at UIO?

UIO itself is 2,400 metres, Quito old town 2,850 metres. Most sea-level arrivals notice altitude within 2 to 6 hours — shortness of breath on stairs, headaches, disrupted sleep. The first day is best kept low-effort: hotel check-in, light meal, short walk rather than uphill old-town exploration. Coca tea (mate de coca) is offered at most Quito hotels. Day two is typically when travellers feel normal. Direct transfers from UIO to lower-altitude destinations like Mindo (1,250 m) or the Amazon basin avoid the adjustment entirely.