Nuevo Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre: where to stay, areas…

Tababela airport is about 35-40 km from the centre of Quito, with a transfer that typically takes 40-60 minutes by car depending on traffic on the Ruta Viva: those with an early-morning flight or a short layover do better staying in the Tababela and Puembo area, just minutes from the terminals. Cumbayá and Tumbaco, in the valley closest to the capital, offer a middle ground with their own restaurant and café scene, while La Carolina and northern Quito remain the best choice for those who really want to see the city, at the cost of a longer transfer.

Tababela and Puembo

Airport area · 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.

Pros

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

Cons

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 in this area

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.
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.

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Cumbayá and Tumbaco

Nearby town · 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.

Pros

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

Cons

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

Recommended hotels in this area

Lujosa Casa - Jacuzzi - BBQ - 15 min aeropuerto: A five-bedroom house in the centre of Tumbaco, with a garden, hot tub and barbecue: designed for families or small groups who want more space than a hotel room while staying close to the airport.

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La Carolina and northern Quito

Neighbourhood · 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.

Pros

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

Cons

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 in this area

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.
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.
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.

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