Quito Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Ecuador’s capital is uniquely served by two international airports: the new, high-altitude Quito International Airport (UIO) and the older, now-closed Mariscal Sucre Airport. Quito’s main airport is one of the world’s highest, located in a challenging Andean valley. Understanding its layout, the effects of altitude, and ground transport options is crucial for a smooth arrival in this historic city nestled in the mountains.

This guide provides everything you need to know about flying into and out of Quito, including terminal details, the best ways to reach the city centre, and essential health and safety tips for high-altitude travel.

Quito International Airport (UIO) – Mariscal Sucre

Overview: Quito International Airport (UIO), still commonly referred to as Mariscal Sucre, is the primary airport serving the capital of Ecuador. It replaced the old city-centre airport in 2013. Located in the parish of Tababela, approximately 35 km (22 miles) east of Quito’s historic centre, it sits at an elevation of 2,400 meters (7,875 feet) above sea level. It is a modern facility and the main hub for Ecuador’s flag carrier, LATAM Ecuador, and Avianca Ecuador.

Terminals: UIO has a single, modern passenger terminal with two levels.

• Main Terminal:
  • Arrivals Level (Level 1): Houses baggage claim, customs, and exits to ground transportation.

  Departures Level (Level 2): Home to check-in counters, security, and the departures lounge with gates.

The terminal is spacious, clean, and well-signed. It handles both domestic and international flights. The walk from security to the farthest gates is significant, so allow time.

Getting to and from Quito Airport (UIO):

• Official Airport Taxi (Most Recommended):
  The safest and most reliable door-to-door option. Purchase a fixed-fare ticket at the official taxi booth (Cooperativa de Taxis Aeropuerto) inside the arrivals hall before exiting. Fares are set by zone (e.g., to La Mariscal/New Town: ~$26 USD, to Old Town/Centro Histórico: ~$30 USD). You will receive a voucher to give to the assigned driver. Do not use unauthorized taxi drivers soliciting inside the terminal.
• Pre-Booked Private Transfer:
  A great hassle-free option, especially for families or late-night arrivals. Many hotels and tour companies offer this service. A driver will meet you in arrivals with a sign.
• Rental Car:
  Counters for international (Budget, Hertz, etc.) and local agencies are in the arrivals hall. Renting a car is only recommended for experienced drivers planning extensive travel outside Quito. Driving in Quito is chaotic, and navigation can be difficult. For trips to the Galápagos, the Amazon, or the Andes, domestic flights or guided tours are typically better options.
• Public Bus (Aeroservicios):
  The most economical option. The shared shuttle bus service runs from the airport to the “Quitumbe” bus terminal in southern Quito and the “Rio Coca” bus terminal in the north. From these terminals, you must take another taxi or city bus to your final destination. The fare is ~$8 USD. It is slow (60-90 mins to city) and not practical with lots of luggage or for first-time visitors.

Important: The drive from the airport to the city takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic, which can be heavy, especially during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM).

Best for: All commercial international and domestic flights to Quito and mainland Ecuador.

Which Airport for Quito?

All commercial flights now use the new Quito International Airport (UIO). The old Mariscal Sucre Airport in the city centre is closed and has been converted into a park.

For Galápagos Travel: You will connect to the Galápagos Islands via domestic flights from UIO to either Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra or San Cristóbal Airport (SCY). These flights usually depart from a separate domestic check-in area within UIO.

Essential Information for Quito Travel

High-Altitude Considerations: Quito Airport is at 2,400m. The city centre is even higher (2,850m). This can cause altitude sickness (soroche).

• Symptoms: Headache, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath.
• Prevention: Arrive well-rested, avoid alcohol for the first 24-48 hours, drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and consider medication like acetazolamide (Diamox) after consulting a doctor.
• Take it easy on your first day. The airport itself may leave you feeling winded while walking with luggage.

Arrival Process at UIO:

1. International Arrivals: Proceed to immigration, present passport and completed customs form. You may be asked for proof of onward travel. After passport stamp, collect baggage and proceed through customs (green/nothing to declare or red channel).
2. Domestic Arrivals: Proceed directly to baggage claim.
3. Exit into the arrivals hall for transport and services.

Local Tips:

• Safety at the Airport: UIO itself is safe. Only use the official taxi service. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings when exiting.
• Money: Ecuador uses the US Dollar ($). ATMs are available in arrivals. Have small bills ($1, $5, $10) for taxis and initial expenses. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.
• SIM Cards: Purchase a prepaid SIM from Claro or Movistar at the kiosks in arrivals for affordable data. Requires passport registration.
• Weather: Quito has a spring-like climate year-round but is known for “all four seasons in a day.” Have a jacket or sweater handy, even if you arrive on a sunny afternoon.
• Departure Tax: For international departures, a fee is often included in your airline ticket. Confirm with your airline. You typically do not need to pay cash at the airport.

Departure Tips:

• Travel Time: Due to distance and traffic, leave for the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight and 2.5 hours before a domestic flight.
• Check-In: Lines for Avianca and LATAM can be long. Have your documents ready.
• Security & Immigration: Processes are standard but can be slow. After check-in, you will go through security, then passport control for international flights.

Final Advice: Arriving in Quito requires planning for altitude and transport. Use the official airport taxi service for a safe, fixed-fare ride to your hotel. Drink water immediately, move slowly, and schedule a light first day. The journey from the modern airport into the historic, mountainous city is a striking introduction to the diverse beauty of Ecuador.