What is the safest way to leave Mariscal Sucre International?

Aeroservicios shuttle to north Quito, or Uber/Cabify. Walk-up taxis often quote USD 40+; confirm fare before travel.

Are taxis at UIO safe?

Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: inflated 'flat' quote — Driver inside arrivals quotes USD 60. Use the shuttle, an app, or the posted taxi rank.

Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at UIO?

Yes — Uber / Cabify works at UIO. Typical cost USD 20–35, journey ~45–60 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.

How much should a taxi from UIO to the city centre cost?

Expected fare on the UIO → Centro route is roughly USD 8–35. Anything around USD 45+ is high — USD 60+ unofficial is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.

Do I need cash for a taxi at UIO?

Carry small local notes — Aeroservicios shuttle expects cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.

Where is the official taxi pickup at Mariscal Sucre International?

Outside arrivals. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.

Is UIO safe to arrive at late at night?

Late-night arrivals carry extra scam pressure here — specifically inflated 'flat' quote. Pre-book a transfer where possible, stay inside the terminal until your ride is confirmed, and use the official rank only.

What scams should I watch for at UIO?

The most reported at UIO: Inflated 'flat' quote. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.

ARRIVING AT

QUITOLeaving Mariscal Sucre International: transport guide

Mariscal Sucre International · Ecuador

UIO

Medium riskUpdated May 2026Medium confidence

Airport is far from the city. Use the Aeroservicios shuttle or pre-booked transfers; confirm taxi fares before travel.

TL;DR

UIO (Mariscal Sucre International) is the main international airport serving Quito, Ecuador. The recommended way out is Aeroservicios shuttle to north Quito, or Uber/Cabify (~USD 8 shuttle, USD 25–35 taxi, 45–75 min to city). Pickup is at Outside arrivals. The most common scam to watch for is "Inflated 'flat' quote". Fares on the UIO → Centro route typically run USD 8–35; anything above USD 60+ unofficial is almost certainly a scam. Last updated May 2026.

IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING

Aeroservicios shuttle to north Quito, or Uber/Cabify

Typical fare: USD 8 shuttle, USD 25–35 taxi
Journey time: 45–75 min to city
Pickup: Outside arrivals

WARNING · Walk-up taxis often quote USD 40+; confirm fare before travel

Compare your options at a glance

Option	Cost	Wait	Payment	Pick
Aeroservicios shuttle	USD 8	Every 30–60 min	💵Cash
Uber / Cabify	USD 20–35	5–15 min	📱App
Official taxi	USD 25–40	0–10 min	💵Cash
Pre-booked transfer	USD 30–50	Pre-booked	💳Card	—

Your first 30 minutes

1Walk out to the Aeroservicios desk for the shuttle
2Or open Uber/Cabify for the rideshare zone
3Official taxi cooperatives use posted USD fares
4Plan 45–90 min to central Quito (45 km)
5Carry small USD for fares and tips

Airport exit score

AIRPORT EXIT SCORE

70/ 100

Stay sharp

Scam risk60
Public transport65
Ride-hailing75
Signage clarity80
Payment convenience70

Fare reality check

UIO → Centro

ExpectedWhat locals actually pay
USD 8–35
ConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
USD 45+
Probably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
USD 60+ unofficial

Best ways out, ranked

1
Aeroservicios shuttle
RECOMMENDED
Cost
USD 8
Journey
60–75 min
Wait
Every 30–60 min
Payment
💵 Cash
Pros
Cheap
Cons
Only two city stops
2
Uber / Cabify
RECOMMENDED
Cost
USD 20–35
Journey
45–60 min
Wait
5–15 min
Payment
📱 App
Pros
Fixed price
Cons
Surge
3
Official taxi
RECOMMENDED
Cost
USD 25–40
Journey
45–60 min
Wait
0–10 min
Payment
💵 Cash
Pros
Posted USD rates
Cons
Pricier than apps
4
Pre-booked transfer
Cost
USD 30–50
Journey
45–60 min
Wait
Pre-booked
Payment
💳 Card
Pros
Driver waits
Cons
Pricier

Paying without surprises

USD is the official currency — carry small bills
Cards work in apps and most official taxis

Common scams

Inflated 'flat' quote

Medium risk

Driver inside arrivals quotes USD 60.

HOW TO AVOID · Use the shuttle, an app, or the posted taxi rank.

What locals & travellers say

UIO·Quito

“Aeroservicios is the cheap, safe shuttle if your hotel is in the north.”

Redditr/ecuadorChecked Feb 2025likely

01 / 02

Arrival checklist

Aeroservicios USD 8
Uber/Cabify alternative
Confirm fare upfront

✉︎

Take it with you

UIO arrival FAQs

What is the safest way to leave Mariscal Sucre International?: Aeroservicios shuttle to north Quito, or Uber/Cabify. Walk-up taxis often quote USD 40+; confirm fare before travel.
Are taxis at UIO safe?: Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: inflated 'flat' quote — Driver inside arrivals quotes USD 60. Use the shuttle, an app, or the posted taxi rank.
Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at UIO?: Yes — Uber / Cabify works at UIO. Typical cost USD 20–35, journey ~45–60 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
How much should a taxi from UIO to the city centre cost?: Expected fare on the UIO → Centro route is roughly USD 8–35. Anything around USD 45+ is high — USD 60+ unofficial is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
Do I need cash for a taxi at UIO?: Carry small local notes — Aeroservicios shuttle expects cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
Where is the official taxi pickup at Mariscal Sucre International?: Outside arrivals. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
Is UIO safe to arrive at late at night?: Late-night arrivals carry extra scam pressure here — specifically inflated 'flat' quote. Pre-book a transfer where possible, stay inside the terminal until your ride is confirmed, and use the official rank only.
What scams should I watch for at UIO?: The most reported at UIO: Inflated 'flat' quote. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.

Other airports in Ecuador

GYE Guayaquil
Guayaquil–José Joaquín de Olmedo International

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