Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)
Mariscal Sucre International Airport is an international airport serving Quito, Ecuador, and it is the busiest airport in Ecuador.
- Distance to downtown
- 22.2 km
- Typical drive time
- Approx. 17 min
- Terminals
- 1
Flights to Quito, Pichincha Province
Discover Quito, the capital of Ecuador: A Gateway of Heritage and Local Culture
Pichincha ProvinceEcuador TimeUIO
- Best round-trip fare
- $269.00
- Nonstop from
- 24
- Best time to visit
- Jul, Sep
- Updated
- 2026-10-28
Quito travel overview
Quito is the capital of Ecuador (country/territory code: EC), has an official capital/administrative population of 2,800,388 (2020, scope: Metropolitan district), operating in the America/Guayaquil time zone. As the primary civic, administrative, and cultural gateway of Ecuador, Quito brings together national museums, historic monuments, civic architecture, and vibrant local markets. Visitors can explore heritage neighborhoods, sample authentic regional cuisine, and connect conveniently to wider regional attractions.
- State
- Pichincha Province
- Population
- 2,800,388 (2020)
- Time zone
- Ecuador Time
- Average stay
- 2–3 days
- Nearest airport
- Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)
- Straight-line distance
- 22.2 km
Popular flights to Quito
Find the most popular routes to Quito, with flight times, airlines and typical prices.
| From | Flight time | Airlines(main) | Weekly flights | From price | Route |
|---|
Airports serving Quito
Candidate airport code(s) associated with Quito include UIO; verify your ticket's IATA code and ground transport links to central Quito.
Best time to visit Quito
Dry and mild
Average temperature and rainfall
High (°F)Low (°F)Rainfall (in)
Recommended months
JulySeptember
Dry and mild
Seasons
WinterJun – Aug
Dry mild
SpringSep – Nov
Rain increasing
SummerDec – Feb
Rainy cool
AutumnMar – May
Wet rainy
Top things to do in Quito
Landmarks, outdoor escapes and local culture for your Quito itinerary.
Quito Central Historic Quarter and Civic Plaza
Explore the central civic plaza, local heritage buildings, and community museums of Quito in Ecuador (EC-P).
Quito Historic Civic Center & Landmark Plaza
Explore the signature civic landmarks and historic core of Quito, experiencing the urban layout and heritage of Ecuador's capital.
Quito Scenic Promenade & Heritage Quarter Walk
Stroll along Quito's parks, waterfront promenades, or heritage lanes in the late afternoon to enjoy skyline views and local life.
Quito city transport
Compare practical ways to travel from the airport and around the city.
| Transport | Best for | Time to downtown | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| UIO Airport to Central Quito Ground Transfer | Travelers arriving or departing Quito via UIO | 15–50 min | USD 2–35 · estimated one-way airport-to-town; see cost notes · as of 2026-10-20 · Reference estimate (as of 2026-10-20): 15–50 minutes one-way between UIO and central Quito; from USD 2.0 per person by public transit up to USD 35.0 per vehicle by taxi. Original charging basis: one-way UIO to central Quito: public bus per person vs taxi per car in USD. |
| Airport to Quito Center Ground Transfer (UIO) | Arriving/departing passengers and travelers with luggage | 20–60 min | USD 4–28 · per adult; one-way · as of 2026-10-21 · Estimated one-way fare in USD; lower bound reflects public bus/rail and upper bound reflects official airport taxi/express. |
| Quito Urban Public Transit Network | Budget travelers and daily sightseeing commuters | 10–45 min | USD 1–4 · per adult; one-way · as of 2026-10-21 · Estimated single-ride urban transit fare in USD; varies by zone distance or transit card discount. |
| Quito Official Taxis & Ride-Hailing | Families, small groups, and evening travelers | 10–35 min | USD 5–18 · per vehicle; one-way · as of 2026-10-21 · Estimated 5–10 km urban ride fare in USD; peak traffic or late-night surcharges may apply. |
Where to stay in Quito
When staying in Quito, consider central town districts or areas near main transport corridors and UIO airport connections.
Central Quito and Transport Hub Area
Centered around Quito's main commercial streets and transport links, offering convenient access to dining, services, and transfers to UIO.
Quito trip planning
Spend your first day exploring central Quito, local museums, and markets, and dedicate a second day to nearby nature trails or regional landmarks.
- Daily budget
- USD 110–260 · estimated per person/day in USD; local stay, meals & transit · 2026-10-20 · Reference estimate (as of 2026-10-20): expect about USD 110–260 per person/day for budget-to-midrange lodging, meals, and local transit in Quito (quoted in USD, excluding flights).
- Local time
- No data
- Tipping
- In Ecuador, rounding up the bill or leaving about 5–10% for good restaurant service is a common courtesy; check bills for included service charges.
- Power outlets
- Carry a universal travel adapter and check voltage compatibility (typically 220–240 V or local standard) when visiting Quito, Ecuador.
- Accessibility
- Main terminal facilities at UIO and modern buildings in Quito generally provide basic accessible access, while older streets or rural trails may have uneven surfaces.
- Suggested stay
- 2–3 days
Explore more destinations
Continue planning with cities near Quito.
Popular routes from Quito
Allow ample buffer time for ground transfers to UIO airport or intercity rail/bus terminals when departing Quito.
Frequently asked questions about Quito
Which airport codes and payment preparations should I note when visiting Quito, Ecuador?
Quito is associated with candidate airport code(s) UIO; local transactions use USD, so carry both a major payment card and some USD cash for local transit and markets.
What is Quito's role in Ecuador, and what special selection notes apply?
Quito serves as the capital of Ecuador. Selected under the capital-first rule. Primary air access is via UIO in the America/Guayaquil time zone.
What is the typical daily budget in Quito, and what currency and power outlets are used?
Local transactions in Quito use USD, with an estimated daily budget of 75–180 USD per person (budget to mid-range). Power standard: Type C, F, or G outlets, 220–240V/50Hz (a universal travel adapter is recommended).