Private Airport Transfers in Quito

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is UIO the airport where my Galápagos flight departs?

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

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

Yes — direct UIO transfers to Otavalo market (100 km, 2 hours north via Pan-American Highway E35) and Mindo cloud forest (75 km, 2 hours north-west via El Chaupi) are common first-day arrivals that skip central Quito entirely. Otavalo's famous Saturday market has drawn visitors for centuries; Mindo is Ecuador's best-known cloud-forest bird-watching area. A private transfer is the practical choice if you're arriving on the morning of the market and want to be at Otavalo by midday without the Quito city layover.