Quito Airport Transfer (UIO) — Fixed Price

Quito is Ecuador's capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the best-preserved colonial old town in Latin America, and — at 2,850 metres — one of the highest capital cities in the world. Mariscal Sucre International (UIO) sits 18 kilometres east in the town of Tababela, 400 metres lower than the old town. Transfer time is 35 to 55 minutes via the Ruta Viva motorway. The airport is modern and efficient — UIO opened in 2013 and won major Latin American airport awards in its first five years. Uber and Cabify both operate; a LocalsRide booking quotes USD at reservation and the driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign.

Key Destinations from UIO

Quito historic centre (Plaza Grande, Plaza de San Francisco): 40 km via Ruta Viva, 45–65 min. La Mariscal (restaurants, nightlife): 35 km, 40–60 min. La Carolina park and Parque La Carolina area: 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 (Equator monument): 55 km, 1.25–1.5 hours. Otavalo market: 100 km, 2 hours. Mindo cloud forest: 75 km, 2 hours. Cotopaxi National Park: 80 km, 1.5 hours.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Is UIO the airport where my Galápagos flight departs?

UIO is one of two mainland Galápagos departure airports (GYE the other). LATAM and Avianca run daily morning flights to Baltra (GPS) and San Cristóbal (SCY). INGALA transit control cards must be purchased at a dedicated UIO counter before check-in. Arrive 3 hours early on Galápagos day for INGALA plus agriculture inspection.

Can I book a transfer from UIO directly to Otavalo or Mindo for a day-trip?

Yes — direct UIO transfers to Otavalo (100 km, 2 hours via Pan-American E35) and Mindo (75 km, 2 hours via El Chaupi) are common first-day arrivals that skip central Quito. Otavalo's Saturday market is the main draw; Mindo is Ecuador's best-known cloud-forest bird-watching area.