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Airport Transportation

Mariscal Sucre International Airport

Also known as: Quito Airport, Quito International Airport, UIO Airport, Tababela Airport, Aeropuerto de Quito.

UIO · SEQM · Quito

Airport facts

Name
Mariscal Sucre International Airport
IATA code
UIO
ICAO code
SEQM
City
Quito
Country
Ecuador
Coordinates
-0.1254, -78.3543
Time zone
America/Guayaquil
Terminals
One passenger terminal with domestic and international areas

About Mariscal Sucre International Airport

Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) is the main airport for Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and the busiest airport in the country. It opened in February 2013, replacing the old airport of the same name inside the city, and handled about 5.4 million passengers in 2025.

LATAM and Avianca run their largest Ecuadorian operations here, with domestic flights to Guayaquil, Cuenca, Manta, Coca and the Galápagos (Baltra and San Cristóbal). International service links Quito with Bogotá, Lima, Panama City, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Madrid and Amsterdam, among others. Everything runs from one passenger terminal with domestic and international areas, served by a single 4,100-meter runway.

The airport sits in the Tababela parish, about 18 km east of Quito in a straight line and at roughly 2,400 meters above sea level. The road trip into the city crosses a valley and climbs back up, and takes about 35 to 50 minutes in moderate traffic, longer at rush hour.

From here most travelers head to Quito's historic center and the La Mariscal district, or continue to Mitad del Mundo, Otavalo, Mindo, Cotopaxi National Park and the Galápagos Islands.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Corporación Quiport

Passengers per year

About 5.4 million in 2025

Runway

One runway, 18/36, 4,100 m

Elevation

About 2,400 m (7,900 ft) above sea level

Opened

February 20, 2013

Arrival tips for Mariscal Sucre International Airport

After landing you go through immigration, where officers record your entry and may ask about the purpose of your trip and for proof of onward or return travel; your passport should be valid for at least six months. Customs is next, and you only need the online customs registration if you carry taxable goods or cash of 10,000 US dollars or more.

Collect your bags in the baggage hall and walk out into the public arrivals hall, where car rental desks are located. Drivers you have arranged in advance usually wait here holding a name sign. Official airport taxis, run by two authorized taxi organizations around the clock, line up at the arrivals entrance of the terminal. Turn down offers from people approaching you inside the hall and use the official stand or your confirmed driver.

The airport sits at about 2,400 meters, so take it easy on your first day if you are coming from sea level. Ecuador uses the US dollar and Quito runs on Ecuador time (UTC-5) all year, with no daylight saving time.

Ground transportation

Official taxis and pre-arranged drivers suit most travelers, because the airport is a long drive from central Quito.

  • Taxi from Quito airport

    Two authorized taxi organizations work 24 hours a day from stands at the arrivals entrance. The trip into Quito takes about 35 to 50 minutes in moderate traffic, and more at rush hour.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-arranged driver meets you in the public arrivals hall and drives you straight to your hotel. It needs booking ahead, but is useful for late-night arrivals and trips beyond Quito such as Otavalo or Mindo.

  • Rideshare

    Uber operates at Mariscal Sucre airport around the clock. Wait times can be longer for very early or late flights, and trunk space for luggage is not guaranteed.

  • Bus to Quito

    Public buses connect the airport with the Río Coca and El Labrador stations in the north, Carcelén in the north and Quitumbe in the south, where you can change to the Metro, Trolebús or Ecovía. It is the cheapest way into the city, but slow and awkward with large bags.

  • Car rental

    Sixt, Localiza, Budget, Europcar and Enterprise have desks in the public arrivals hall. The airport connects to the city by the Ruta Viva, the Collas highway and the Interoceánica road.

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Terminals

Main Terminal

Handles all domestic and international passenger flights. A 2025 expansion added space to the international arrival and departure areas, customs zone and baggage system.

Airlines and destinations

The main airlines at Mariscal Sucre International Airport.

Aeroregional Main Terminal

Guayaquil, Cuenca, Coca, Loja, Machala, Manta, Lima, Panama City

Air Europa Main Terminal

Madrid

Airline guide

American Airlines Main Terminal

Miami

Airline guide

Avianca Main Terminal

Bogotá, Medellín, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Manta, Baltra (Galápagos), San Cristóbal (Galápagos), New York, Buenos Aires, San José (Costa Rica), San Salvador, Punta Cana

Airline guide

Copa Airlines Main Terminal

Panama City

Airline guide

Delta Air Lines Main Terminal

Atlanta

Airline guide

Iberia Main Terminal

Madrid

Airline guide

JetSMART Main Terminal

Lima

Airline guide

KLM Main Terminal

Amsterdam

Airline guide

LATAM Airlines Main Terminal

Guayaquil, Cuenca, Manta, Coca, San Cristóbal (Galápagos), Bogotá, Lima, Miami

Airline guide

United Airlines Main Terminal

Houston

Airline guide

Frequently asked questions

How far is Quito airport from the city center?

Mariscal Sucre International Airport is about 18 km east of Quito in a straight line, in the parish of Tababela. Because the road drops into a valley and climbs back up to the city, the drive to central Quito usually takes 35 to 50 minutes in moderate traffic. During morning and evening rush hours it can take noticeably longer.

Is Quito airport in the city?

No. The current airport opened in February 2013 in Tababela, a rural parish east of Quito, replacing the old airport of the same name that sat inside the city. It lies in a valley at about 2,400 meters, lower than Quito itself, and is reached by highways such as the Ruta Viva and the Collas road.

How many terminals does Quito airport have?

Quito airport has one passenger terminal that handles both domestic and international flights, with separate areas for each. A 2025 expansion funded by the operator, Quiport, added about 17,600 square meters to the terminal, enlarging the international arrival and departure areas, the customs zone and the baggage system.

Which airlines fly to Quito airport?

LATAM and Avianca have their largest Ecuadorian bases at Quito and fly both domestic and international routes. Other airlines include Aeroregional, Air Europa, American Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Iberia, JetSMART, KLM and United Airlines, linking Quito with cities such as Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Madrid, Amsterdam, Panama City, Bogotá and Lima.

How do I get a taxi at Quito airport?

Use the official taxi stands at the arrivals entrance of the terminal. Two authorized organizations, Cooperativa Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre No. 34 and the Asociación de Taxistas del Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre, operate 24 hours a day. Avoid accepting rides from people who approach you inside the terminal, and confirm your destination with the driver before setting off.

Is there a bus from Quito airport to the city?

Yes. Public bus routes link the airport with the Río Coca and El Labrador stations and the Carcelén terminal in northern Quito, and with the Quitumbe terminal in the south. At these stations you can transfer to the Metro, Trolebús or Ecovía. Buses run from early morning to late evening, but the trip is long and crowded with luggage.

Does Uber work at Quito airport?

Yes. Uber operates at Mariscal Sucre International Airport 24 hours a day, and you can also schedule a ride in advance. Wait times may be longer for very early or very late flights, and trunk space is not guaranteed, so choose a larger vehicle if you have several bags and check the driver and car details in the app.

What do I need to enter Ecuador at Quito airport?

Most visitors need a passport valid for at least six months from arrival, and immigration officers may ask about the purpose of your trip and for proof of onward travel. Citizens of many countries can visit without a visa, but rules depend on nationality. An online customs registration is only needed if you carry taxable goods or 10,000 US dollars or more.

How do I get from Quito airport to the Galápagos?

Avianca and LATAM fly from Quito to Baltra and San Cristóbal in the Galápagos, and some flights stop in Guayaquil on the way. Before your flight you must pre-register online for the Galápagos Transit Control Card and have it validated at the counter at the airport, then have your bags inspected before check-in. Allow extra time for these steps.

How do I get from Quito airport to Otavalo or Mindo?

Otavalo lies north of Quito and Mindo to the northwest, and neither has a direct public bus from the airport. Travelers usually take a pre-arranged car or a taxi straight from the airport, or travel into Quito first and continue by intercity bus from one of the city's bus terminals. A rental car from the arrivals hall is another option.

What is the time zone and currency at Quito airport?

Quito uses Ecuador time, UTC-5, all year, with no daylight saving time, so it matches US Eastern Standard Time in winter. Ecuador's currency is the US dollar. Because the airport sits at about 2,400 meters, days are mild and nights cool, so bring a light jacket for your arrival.

Who operates Quito airport and how busy is it?

Mariscal Sucre International Airport is operated by Corporación Quiport. It handled about 5.4 million passengers in 2025, slightly more than the 5.3 million recorded in 2024, making it the busiest airport in Ecuador. It is also a major cargo airport, and flowers make up more than 90 percent of the cargo it exports.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

Book a transfer from UIO