The New Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito is located in Tababela, approximately 18-20 km east of the capital's center, in operation since 2013 following the closure of the old city airport, deemed too dangerous for landing maneuvers in the middle of the city.
Located at over 2,400 meters altitude, it is one of the world's highest international airports.
How to get to Nuevo Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to UIO
Parking near Nuevo Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre
The official parking area, on multiple levels, is positioned in front of the terminal.
It is video monitored; 2 USD per hour or fraction, maximum 11 USD in 24 hours; first 15 minutes free for passenger drop-off/pick-up.
How to get to Quito from UIO
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Nuevo Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre
Major car rental companies have a counter in the arrivals area.
Bring driving license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit; International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required for foreign visitors.
Hotels near Nuevo Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre
Tababela and Puembo
A few minutes by car or with the hotels' free shuttle from the terminal; for Quito, on the other hand, 40-60 minutes are needed depending on traffic on the Ruta Viva.
Best for: Departures before 6am and short layovers, when every minute saved on the transfer matters more than city life.
- No risk of getting stuck in traffic heading to Quito before a flight
- Several hotels offer a free shuttle and rooms designed for those arriving or leaving at awkward hours
- Around here there are only fields, warehouses and a few facilities: dinner means staying at the hotel
- No tourist attraction within walking distance, a car is always needed to get around
Recommended hotels
- Courtyard by Marriott Quito Airport 84 internationally run rooms a few minutes from the Tababela terminal, designed for business travelers and short layovers; reception open 24 hours, gym and in-house restaurant. View availability
- Holiday Inn - Quito Airport by IHG 125 rooms opened in 2021 in Tababela, with a free shuttle to the terminal, outdoor pool and spa; designed for those arriving late at night or leaving at dawn. View availability
Cumbayá and Tumbaco
20-25 minutes by car from the airport, against the 40-60 needed to reach La Carolina or the historic centre.
Best for: Those who want a middle ground between the airport and the city, with the valley's restaurants and outdoor life without the traffic of downtown.
- Closer to the airport than the rest of Quito, with a genuine restaurant and café scene
- Milder climate than the capital and quiet residential neighborhoods, appreciated by those working nearby
- Very few traditional hotels: the choice is mostly between rental houses and apartments
- For the historic centre or Quito's museums, a car or taxi of a good 40 minutes is still needed
La Carolina and northern Quito
About 43 km from the airport, 40-60 minutes by car in moderate traffic; some hotels are a few minutes on foot from Quito's metro stations (El Ejido, Carolina).
Best for: Those who want La Carolina park, the restaurants and the life of northern Quito, even at the cost of a longer transfer from the airport.
- The largest concentration of international hotels in Quito, with the park, restaurants and shopping centres within easy reach
- One of the areas most used by business travelers and considered safe to walk around in during the day
- The transfer from the airport is the longest of any area in the city, and rush-hour traffic can lengthen it further
- The colonial historic centre is still 20-30 minutes away by taxi
Recommended hotels
- JW Marriott Quito In the Iñaquito district, 5 minutes from Plaza Foch; outdoor pool, health club and four restaurants including Botanica, serving Latin American cuisine. View availability
- Hilton Colon Quito Hotel 255 rooms in a 1967 skyscraper renovated in 2018, facing the craft market in El Ejido park; direct connection to the El Ejido metro station, useful for getting around without a taxi. View availability
- Hampton By Hilton Quito La Carolina Park A few steps from La Carolina park, in an area with many restaurants; breakfast included and a terrace with a view often mentioned in reviews. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, modern and relatively recent, is appropriately sized for its role as the country's main international hub. From check-in to gate, you typically walk 15–20 minutes.
Customs and security screening can take longer than expected during peak hours: for international flights, arriving at least 3 hours early is advised. Morning fog, frequent due to the airport's altitude, can occasionally cause delays: check your flight status.
Map of Nuevo Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre
Frequently asked questions
Q. Why is Quito's airport so far from the city centre?
The old city airport was considered dangerous for landing manoeuvres in the middle of the city; the new airport, opened in 2013 in Tababela (18-20 km from the centre), was built in a safer, flatter area.
Q. Does Quito's altitude cause problems for travellers?
It can cause mild altitude sickness in the first hours, since the city sits above 2,800 metres: take it easy on the first day and avoid alcohol.
Q. How do you get to central Quito from the airport?
By taxi or the Aeroservicios shuttle in about 45-60 minutes, since the airport is 18-20 km from the centre.
Q. Is Quito's historic centre safe for tourists?
Generally yes, being among the most visited and patrolled areas of the city; the usual precautions against petty theft still apply, especially in the evening.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
