Airport Hubs:
UIO → Quito (Historic Center & La Mariscal) Updated for 2026

How to Get from Quito Airport (UIO) to Historic Center & La Mariscal

Distance 37 km
Fastest 45 min
From $2.00 - $8.00 USD
Top Pick Aeroservicios Express Shuttle / Official Fixed-Rate Taxi
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

Quito Mariscal Sucre Airport (UIO) in Tababela is situated 37 km east of the city. The Aeroservicios Express Coach is the top choice for travelers, running 24/7 directly to the former Bicentenario terminal in north Quito in 45-55 minutes for $8.00 USD with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. For direct doorstep delivery, an official authorized taxi costs a fixed $25.00 - $30.00 USD and takes 45-60 minutes.

Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) is Ecuador's modern high-plateau gateway. Reaching the UNESCO World Heritage colonial heart of Quito or the tourist dining hub of La Mariscal (Plaza Foch) requires transiting the scenic mountain highway.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
Aeroservicios Direct Airport Express Coach Best Overall
45–55 min
$8.00 USD
$8.00 / ~€7.40
 Every 30-45 min (24/7) Solo travelers, couples, backpackers, and travelers staying in northern Quito See Boarding Steps ↓
Official Authorized Fixed-Rate Taxi Fastest
45–60 min
$25 - 30 USD
$25 - $30 / ~€23 - €28
 Continuous queue Families, groups of 3-4, heavy bags, and direct door-to-door hotel delivery Book Quito Airport Transfer

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Best Overall

Aeroservicios Direct Airport Express Coach

$8.00 USD $8.00 / ~€7.40
Travel time 45–55 min
Frequency Every 30-45 min (24/7)
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Aeroservicios desk inside arrivals hall or online at aeroservicios.com.ec.
Main advantage: Comfortable 24/7 service; only $8.00 USD; free Wi-Fi & USB charging; safe highway route.
Keep in mind: Terminates at Terminal Bicentenario (requires short $3-4 taxi ride onward to your hotel).

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Locate the Aeroservicios booth inside the baggage arrivals hall.
  2. Purchase your $8.00 USD ticket via cash or card.
  3. Step outside to the dedicated bus platform and hand luggage to the driver.
  4. Ride comfortably along the scenic Ruta Viva highway to Terminal Bicentenario.
Option #2 Fastest

Official Authorized Fixed-Rate Taxi

$25 - 30 USD $25 - $30 / ~€23 - €28
Travel time 45–60 min
Frequency Continuous queue
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Join the official taxi rank directly outside arrivals.
Main advantage: Direct hotel drop-off in Historic Center or La Mariscal; fixed official tariffs; 24/7 availability.
Keep in mind: Higher fare than public transit.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Exit arrivals to the designated official yellow taxi rank.
  2. Confirm the fixed rate ($25 to Mariscal, $30 to Centro Histórico) with the dispatcher.
  3. Travel directly via the Ruta Viva highway straight to your hotel door.
Book Quito Airport Transfer
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Uber / Cabify & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Uber / Cabify pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get Ecuador eSIM on Airalo →Compare Ecuador Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Quito (UIO) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check Quito Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

Ecuador uses the US Dollar as official currency. Buy Aeroservicios tickets ($8.00) at their counter in arrivals or online. Official airport taxis charge standardized flat rates posted on large boards inside the terminal.

Traveling with Suitcases

Aeroservicios coaches have large lower luggage compartments with claim tags provided.

Arriving After Midnight

Aeroservicios buses and authorized yellow taxis operate 24 hours a day aligned with all international flight arrivals.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Hailing unverified street taxis—official airport taxis have a pre-printed fixed tariff sheet ($25 to northern Quito / Mariscal, $30 to Historic Center).
  • Taking public green buses with multiple large suitcases during peak commuting hours.
  • Ecuador officially uses the US Dollar. Official airport taxis charge a fixed rate ($25–$30 USD) to central Quito and La Mariscal. Aeroservicios express shuttle buses offer a safe, direct option to the former airport terminal in north Quito for $8.00 USD.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much is a taxi from Quito Airport to the Historic Center?

The official fixed rate is $25.00 to $30.00 USD per car, which includes all highway tolls.

Is the Aeroservicios bus safe from Quito Airport?

Yes, Aeroservicios is the official direct airport shuttle, highly regarded for comfort, safety, luggage tracking, and 24/7 service.