How to get from Quito Mariscal Sucre Airport to La Mariscal

Traveling from **Quito Mariscal Sucre Airport (UIO)** to **La Mariscal**—one of Quito’s most popular neighborhoods for hotels, nightlife, restaurants, and backpacker hostels—is relatively simple. The airport is located about **40 km (25 miles)** east of the city in the Tababela area, and travelers typically reach La Mariscal using **airport buses, taxis, ride-sharing services, private transfers, or rental cars**. For most visitors, the best options are the **official airport taxi or the AeroServicio shuttle bus**, which balance convenience, safety, and cost, while budget travelers may combine the airport bus with Quito’s public transportation.
At A Glance (Quito Mariscal Sucre Airport to La Mariscal)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi / Ride-hailing (UIO → La Mariscal) | ~40–70m (traffic-dependent) | Door-to-door convenience, late arrivals, heavy luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: Typically ~US$25–40 (time-of-day + traffic) | » official taxi info | Uber pickup at UIO | ||
| 🚘 Private transfer (meet & greet, fixed quote) | ~40–70m (traffic-dependent) | Fixed-price comfort, families, business travelers |
| 🏷️ Cost: Fixed quote by provider » Welcome Pickups | GetYourGuide transfers | Trip.com transfer listings | ||
| 🚌 Public bus (UIO → Río Coca / Carcelén / Quitumbe) + city transit | ~70–120m (connection-dependent) | Lowest cost, light luggage, daytime travel |
| 🏷️ Cost: Airport bus is low-cost, then pay city fare(s) | » official public buses | Metro tickets | ||
| 🚌 Shared shuttle (booked seat, fewer transfers) | ~45–90m (pickup/drop-off dependent) | Good value with luggage, small groups |
| 🏷️ Cost: Varies by operator and address » Klook shared transfer | ||
| 🚗 Car rental (only if you’ll road-trip) | ~45–90m (traffic + parking) | Multi-stop itineraries beyond Quito |
| 🏷️ Cost: Daily rental + fuel/parking » compare car rentals | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest / Most convenient: Taxi / Ride-hailing (door-to-door).
- Best comfort with fixed pricing: Private transfer (meet & greet + luggage help).
- Cheapest / Most economical: Public bus + city transit (best with light bags).
- Value with fewer transfers: Shared shuttle (booked seat, drop-off by area).
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Know your exact destination in La Mariscal: The neighborhood is big; save your hotel address and nearest landmark (e.g., Plaza Foch, El Ejido).
- Altitude matters: Quito is high elevation. If you feel lightheaded, choose a door-to-door option instead of multiple transfers.
- Use official airport transport: The airport lists taxi cooperatives and public transport buses on its Transportation page.
- Ride-hailing availability: Uber operates in Quito and has airport-specific guidance for Quito Airport pickup.
- Metro planning: If you’ll connect via the Metro, check Estaciones and buy/recharge via Boletos.
- Hands-free arrival: If you reach La Mariscal before check-in, store bags nearby (example: luggage storage Avenue 12 de Octubre).
- Where to stay: Compare properties in the neighborhood via La Mariscal.
🚕 Option #1 — Taxi / Ride-hailing (Door-to-Door, Easiest)
Door-to-door 24/7 Traffic-dependent
- Overview: Take an authorized airport taxi or request a ride-hailing pickup to go straight from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) to your address in La Mariscal.
- How to book (with price): Use the official taxi services at the terminal (the airport lists the cooperating taxi associations on its Transportation page). For ride-hailing, follow Uber’s pickup instructions for the correct meeting point. Expect fares to vary by time/traffic; many travelers see typical ranges around the high-$20s to $30s for central areas.
- Pros: Minimal walking; best with heavy luggage. Cons: Costs more than the bus; traffic can add time.
Step-by-step: Taxi / Ride-hailing to La Mariscal
- Set your destination: Use your hotel name + street address; add “La Mariscal” or a landmark like “Plaza Foch”.
- Use official pickup areas: For taxis, follow airport signs to the official taxi queue. For Uber, follow the in-app and airport guidance for Quito Airport pickup.
- Confirm route basics: A straightforward airport-to-city route typically uses the main highway corridors described by the airport under Road and traffic information.
Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi rank / App pickup)
- From arrivals: Follow “Taxis” or “Ground transportation” signs inside the terminal.
- Ride-hailing alternative: Uber is commonly used in Quito; if you prefer a fixed meet-and-greet, book a private transfer instead.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #2 — Private Transfer (Meet & Greet, Fixed Quote)
Fixed price Meet & greet Pre-book required
- Overview: Pre-book a driver to meet you at arrivals and drive you straight to La Mariscal—ideal if you want a clear price and minimal hassle.
- How to book (with price): Compare inclusions like waiting time, cancellation policy, and vehicle size. Options include airport transfer quotes, a private transfer product on GetYourGuide, or a one-way private transfer on Trip.com.
- Pros: Smoothest arrival; best with kids and lots of luggage. Cons: Usually costs more than taxi/bus.
Step-by-step: Private transfer to La Mariscal
- Select vehicle size: Choose sedan/SUV/van based on bags and passengers.
- Enter flight details: Add flight number and landing time so the driver can track delays.
- Meet your driver: Follow provider instructions for the arrivals meeting point and name sign.
Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals meeting point)
- Arrivals hall: Stay in the public arrivals area until you find your driver or the designated pickup zone.
- Ride-hailing alternative: If you want app-based pickup, use Uber’s pickup guidance.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Public Bus + City Transit (Cheapest)
Lowest cost Frequent More transfers
- Overview: Take a public airport bus into Quito (north/south terminals), then connect by Metro or municipal transit to reach La Mariscal.
- How to book (with price): No advance booking—pay at the airport bus area. The airport’s Public transport buses section lists the official operators and terminal directions (Río Coca, Quitumbe, Carcelén).
- Pros: Very budget-friendly. Cons: Transfers, waiting, and baggage handling can be tiring after a flight.
Step-by-step: Public bus + Metro toward La Mariscal
- Find the bus boarding area: Follow airport signage for public transport buses (the airport describes service under Public transport buses).
- Choose the best terminal connection: Many travelers heading to central/north Quito use the bus to Río Coca or Carcelén; southbound trips connect via Quitumbe (routes and operators are listed on the airport page).
- Connect to city transit: For faster north–south movement, use the Metro where convenient; check Estaciones and purchase via Boletos. For municipal surface lines, the city operator shares guidance on paying and fares for systems like Trolebús/Ecovía (see cómo pagar el pasaje).
- Walk the last stretch: La Mariscal is walkable once you arrive near its main avenues and parks—use your maps app to your final address.
Getting to the main embarking points (UIO public bus area)
- At the airport: Use the “Public transport buses” details on the airport’s Transportation page to confirm operators and where to board.
- Tickets: Metro tickets can be managed via Boletos; for some municipal systems it’s helpful to carry coins (see payment guidance).
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #4 — Shared Shuttle (Good Value, Less Navigation)
Good value Luggage-friendly May stop for others
- Overview: Book a seat on a shared transfer that takes you from the airport into Quito with fewer transfers than public transport.
- How to book (with price): Check availability and inclusions on listings like the shared Quito Airport one-way transfer. Confirm where drop-offs are (door-to-door vs. set meeting points in town).
- Pros: Easier than the public bus with bags. Cons: Not as fast as a private car; drop-off may be zone-based.
Step-by-step: Shared shuttle to La Mariscal
- Book for your landing window: Match your pickup time to your flight arrival and baggage claim.
- Confirm drop-off: Choose “La Mariscal” or your hotel address if the product supports door-to-door.
- Meet at the pickup point: Follow the voucher instructions for the exact meeting location at UIO.
Getting to the main embarking points (Shared shuttle meeting point)
- At UIO: Follow the provider’s meeting instructions on your booking voucher.
- If you prefer private: Use private transfer for direct service with no additional stops.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #5 — Car Rental (Only If You’re Leaving Quito After)
Flexible Good for day trips Parking hassle
- Overview: Renting a car makes sense if you’ll drive onward (e.g., to nearby towns or national parks). For a simple airport-to-La Mariscal hop, it’s usually more stress than it’s worth.
- How to book (with price): Compare pickup policies and insurance options with car rental at Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO).
- Pros: Total freedom for multi-stop itineraries. Cons: City traffic, unfamiliar driving, and parking in central neighborhoods.
Step-by-step: Drive to La Mariscal
- Set destination: Use your hotel’s exact address in La Mariscal.
- Plan parking first: Pick a property with parking or pre-select a secure garage.
- Time your drive: Avoid peak periods if possible; the airport notes typical trip times under Road and traffic information.
Getting to the main embarking points (Car rental desks)
- At UIO: Follow signs for car rental in the public arrivals hall; the airport lists rental companies on its Transportation page.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Quito Mariscal Sucre Airport to La Mariscal)
What’s the easiest way to get from Quito Airport (UIO) to La Mariscal?
For most travelers, taxi/ride-hailing is easiest door-to-door. If you want a fixed price and a driver waiting inside arrivals, book a private transfer.
Is Uber available from the airport?
Uber operates in Quito and provides airport-specific pickup guidance for UIO pickup.
What’s the cheapest option?
Use public buses from the airport (operators are listed on the airport’s Transportation page) and connect via Metro or municipal transit.
How do I use the Metro to connect toward La Mariscal?
Check station locations under Estaciones and manage passes via Boletos. Choose the station that best matches your specific La Mariscal address.
Where should I stay in La Mariscal?
Compare hotels and guesthouses in the neighborhood on La Mariscal.
Can I store luggage in La Mariscal if I arrive before check-in?
Yes—options like luggage storage Avenue 12 de Octubre can help you explore hands-free.
- useful references:
- https://www.aeropuertoquito.aero/transportation/?lang=en
- https://metrodequito.gob.ec/boletos/
- https://metrodequito.gob.ec/estaciones/
- https://www.quitoinforma.gob.ec/2021/11/23/como-pagar-el-pasaje-en-el-trolebus-y-la-ecovia/






