The new airport is in Tababela valley, about 35 km east of Quito's historic center. The drive involves a highway through a scenic Andean valley.

About Quito City Center (Historic Center)

Quito's Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the first city ever designated as such in 1978—and the largest, least-altered historic center in the Americas. Over 40 churches and chapels, including the ornate La Compania (considered one of the most beautiful churches in the world), the Santo Domingo convent, and the San Francisco basilica, fill the colonial core with breathtaking Baroque and Moorish architecture.

The city stretches along a narrow Andean valley at 2,850 meters elevation, flanked by volcanoes including Pichincha, which looms directly over the western skyline and can be reached by the TeleferiQo cable car for panoramic views. The La Ronda street, once a bohemian haunt, now features artisan workshops and traditional bars. Plaza Grande (Independence Square), with the Presidential Palace and Cathedral, remains the center of national life. The altitude can be challenging for new arrivals—take it easy on arrival.

Nearby Landmarks

Plaza Grande La Compania Church TeleferiQo cable car La Ronda street San Francisco Plaza

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $25-30
Time 45-60 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $18-25
Time 45-60 min

Arrivals curb

Step-by-Step Directions

Board Aeroservicios bus outside arrivals — runs every 30-60 minutes to major Quito hotels and the Quitumbe/Rio Coca bus terminals

Aeroservicios

Cost $8
Time 60-90 min
Frequency Every 30-60 minutes

Outside arrivals hall

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $25-30 45-60 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $18-25 45-60 min Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle $8 60-90 min Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Aeroservicios airport shuttle runs until the last flight arrival. Taxis operate 24/7 and cost approximately $25-30 USD to the historic center at night (negotiate or use the meter). There is no public bus service directly from the airport at night.

Luggage Tips

The airport bus has luggage storage underneath. Taxis have trunk space for standard bags. The historic center has cobblestone streets and steep hills—wheeled suitcases require effort. Consider having your hotel arrange pickup.

Accessibility

The airport is modern and accessible. Taxis can accommodate folding wheelchairs. The historic center is challenging for wheelchair users with steep hills, cobblestones, high curbs, and limited accessible infrastructure in colonial buildings. The Mariscal/La Carolina district is more accessible.