Mariscal Sucre International Airport

Welcome

Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) stands out as a high-altitude gateway primarily catering to travelers bound for the Galápagos Islands or those landing under the veil of night into the rural precincts of Quito. Its infrastructure, including 24-hour eateries and a conveniently located hotel, is specifically tailored to accommodate these unique travel demands. Despite being a capital-city airport, it is often noted for its calm and efficient operations, offering a refreshing contrast to other bustling hubs.

At a glance

Handling around 5.2 million passengers annually, and serving as a hub for airlines like Avianca, LATAM Ecuador, and Equair, Mariscal Sucre is strategically positioned 18 kilometers east of central Quito. The airport features a single passenger terminal, making navigation relatively simple while still facilitating a range of both domestic and international flights.

Terminals & layout

The airport operates with a single passenger terminal. This simplifies the process for those transferring between international and domestic flights, though travelers are advised to be swift during peak periods to avoid potential queues at immigration. Within the terminal, passengers will find iconic eateries such as Amazonia Café and Johnny Rockets, both operational around the clock.

Getting to and from the city

Reaching central Quito from Mariscal Sucre can take anywhere from 35 to 120 minutes, depending on your chosen mode of transport. Taxis are available through the Cooperativa Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre, with fares ranging from $25 to $45. Travelers aiming to cut costs often opt for the public transport buses costing only $2 or the Aeroservicios shuttle, taking about 90 to 100 minutes.

Traveller essentials

For those arriving late or departing early, the Wyndham Quito Airport hotel provides proximity and convenience, just a 3-5 minute walk from the terminal. Parking is available with rates starting at $11.00 per day in the main lot. Though Wi-Fi is free, it's ideal for light browsing rather than heavy data use. Consider preparing offline maps and documents prior to arrival.

Dining & shopping highlights

Dining options are somewhat limited for an airport of its size, with Amazonia Café and Johnny Rockets being the reliable 24-hour choices. Travelers often prefer to enjoy a comprehensive meal in Quito before arriving at the airport. A single Duty Free Americas store caters to last-minute shopping needs, albeit with limited variety compared to larger international counterparts.

Lounges

Mariscal Sucre lacks the array of premium lounges found in other capital city airports, and those familiar with major North American airports might find the lounge facilities minimal here. Planning for lounge access prior to travel is recommended if you require this service.

Insider tips

• Insider: Staying at the Wyndham across from the terminal is common for those with late arrivals and early departures, costing around $100–130 for the convenience.
• Time: For Galápagos flights, account for extra pre-check-in time to handle the INGALA card and baggage checks—first-timers often get caught off guard.
• Local: Amazonia Café and Johnny Rockets are the go-to spots for late-night bites, keeping travelers fed after hours when most other outlets close up.
• Money: Budget-conscious travelers often opt for the $5–8 bus services over the $25–45 official airport taxis into Quito.
• Quiet: Make use of the terminal's large windows for peaceful views of the Andes, offering a striking panorama before boarding.
• Avoid: Confirm the fixed taxi rates outlined on boards in the taxi zone to dodge inflated "gringo" prices.
• Insider: Sit near the front of the plane and head directly to immigration upon landing to cut down on processing time during peak arrival periods.