If you plan to visit Ecuador, you’ll most probably fly to Quito, the capital. There are two different ways to get from Quito Airport to downtown; either by taxi or by bus. The fastest and most convenient transportation option is to book a Quito Airport taxi, which will take you there in about 40 minutes. The bus will take longer and it will be crowded with people arriving at the same time as you, but it’s a more budget-friendly option. You can choose between the airport express bus or the local bus lines to find the most suitable option for you.
Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Quito at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.- Nothing Found
Getting from Quito Airport to City Centre
Maria PapakonstantinouJune 2, 2023
Comparison of the options
| OPTION | PRICE | DURATION | AVAILABILITY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Pickups | €31 | 40min | 24/7 | Book |
| Book | ||||
| Taxi | €23 | 40min | 24/7 | |
| Bus | €25.10 | 55min | 05:00–22:30 | |
How to get from Quito Airport to downtown by taxi
Getting from Quito Airport to the city centre by taxi is the fastest transportation option and by far the most convenient one. Quito Airport taxis are available 24/7 at the taxi rank outside the main terminal building; better yet, you can book your Quito Airport taxi in advance and avoid waiting in line with the rest of the passengers arriving at the same time as you.
What is the taxi cost from Quito Airport to downtown?
The fare for Quito taxis is calculated per kilometre using a taximeter, so the exact fare depends on the location of your hotel or apartment. The taxi cost from Quito Airport to downtown is on average $25 (€23) for up to 4 passengers.
Photos (1)
Official yellow taxi in Quito
Cost
€23
Trip Duration
40 Min.
Prices may vary unless you book a taxi in advance.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Taxis are available at Quito Airport 24/7.
Where do I get a taxi from?
There is an official taxi rank located right outside the arrivals main terminal building; you will find taxis there available 24/7.
Convenience
If you’re looking for the fastest and most comfortable transportation option to get from Quito Airport to downtown, taking an airport taxi is certainly the best choice. Instead of waiting for the next available bus and getting crammed with the rest of the people arriving at the same time as you, you can pre-book your Quito Airport taxi and reach your destination directly in the comfort of your private vehicle.
Editor’s Note
Quito Airport taxis are the fastest option to reach your destination in comfort and the only available transportation option if you arrive late at night. It's even better to book your airport taxi in advance so that you don't have to wait in line.
Useful Tips
How to get from Quito Airport to city centre by bus
You can get from Quito Airport to the city centre via bus by taking the airport express or by taking one of the local buses. Bus lines 198, 199, and 200 depart from the airport and will take you downtown so you can choose the best option depending on where your hotel or apartment is located.
How much is the bus ticket from Quito Airport to downtown?
A single ticket for the airport express bus costs $13.50 (€12.55) to get to Quito city centre. If you’re headed to a different location farther from the centre, the price might be higher. The local bus lines are cheaper with a single ticket at $2 (€1.80) from Quito Airport to downtown.
Photos (2)
Quito Airport express bus and local bus line 200
Cost
€12.55
Trip Duration
55 Min.
A single ticket for the airport express bus costs $13.50 (€12.55), while for the local buses it costs $2 (€1.80).
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
The airport express bus is available from 05:00 to 22:30; the local buses are available from 05:50 to 22:05.
Where do I get the bus from?
After you exit the main terminal building on the arrivals level at the airport, you will find the bus stop on your right.
Convenience
Getting from Quito Airport to Quito by bus is a more budget-friendly option, especially if you choose to take one of the local bus lines. The appealing price makes the bus the first choice for many travellers so they tend to get very crowded and things can get uncomfortable if you’re travelling with young children or many pieces of luggage.
Also, keep in mind that most international flights arrive late at night and the last bus departs from the airport at 22:30. In that case, it would be more convenient to take a Quito Airport taxi, as they are available 24/7.
Editor’s Note
The airport express bus is a good transportation option to get from Quito Airport to the city centre if you're travelling alone; it costs less than taking a taxi and the journey will take approximately 1 hour. For more than 2 travellers, however, the price is the same as taking a taxi so it's not the best value for money option.
Useful Tips
Welcome Pickups transfer
Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line
If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Quito. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.
Read morePrices
DAYTIME
€32.0NIGHTTIME
€38.0 Same price as a regular taxi from the line
PRICES FOR
Sedan Car
4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage
Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100
We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.
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20 minute gap between transfers
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Regular Car Sanitisation
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Contactless ride
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Sanitiser in every car
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Quito Airport to downtown?
Taxis in Quito operate using a taximeter and the price is calculated based on distance and the total kilometres driven. A standard taxi for up to 4 passengers from Quito Airport to Quito costs an average of $25 (€23).
How do I get from Quito Airport to the city?
Taking a taxi from Quito Airport to the city is the quickest option. Alternatively, you can take the airport bus, which connects the airport to the city, or one of the public buses; bus lines 198, 199, and 200 depart from the airport and will take you downtown.
For a reliable and personalised transfer service with no hidden fees, pre-book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups.
How far is Quito Airport from downtown Quito?
Quito Airport is located approximately 40 kilometres northeast of Quito city centre. To get there by car or taxi takes about 40 minutes in light traffic.
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