The main scam at UIO
Only use taxis from the OFFICIAL RANK outside arrivals. AVOID drivers approaching you inside — Quito has active taxi scams quoting $50-80. Verify meter or agree fixed price before entering.
Do
- Use the OFFICIAL prepaid taxi counter inside arrivals
- Use Uber / Grab / Bolt / Careem / DiDi if available (app-based, fixed price)
- Insist on the meter or agreed fixed rate BEFORE entering the vehicle
- Verify the driver's license plate matches your receipt
- Pre-book a transfer for zero scam risk (see below)
Don't
- Never accept rides from drivers approaching you inside arrivals
- Never enter a taxi without confirming meter/price first
- Avoid taxi ranks OUTSIDE the official signposted zone
- Do not pay in cash without seeing the meter reading
- Never hand over your passport or luggage to hold as "security"
Official safe options at UIO
Metered taxi (from official rank)
taxi
Cost: $25-35 to Old Town / Mariscal
Time: 30-60 min
Uber / Cabify / InDrive
ride share
Cost: $18-30
Time: 30-60 min
Uber technically restricted at UIO — meet driver outside airport zone.
Achupallas / hotel transfers
shuttle
Cost: $25-40
Time: 45-90 min
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer — zero scam risk
The safest option for first-time visitors to Quito: driver meets you inside arrivals with your name, price locked before you fly, no queues, no negotiation.
Getting out of Quito (UIO)
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
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Full Quito airport transport guide
All transport options compared: metro, bus, taxi, ride-share, shuttle.
See full transport guide →Frequently asked
How do I avoid taxi scams at Mariscal Sucre International Airport?
Only use taxis from the OFFICIAL RANK outside arrivals. AVOID drivers approaching you inside — Quito has active taxi scams quoting $50-80. Verify meter or agree fixed price before entering.
What is the official taxi rank at Mariscal Sucre International Airport?
The official Quito airport taxi options are: Metered taxi (from official rank) ($25-35 to Old Town / Mariscal, 30-60 min); Uber / Cabify / InDrive ($18-30, 30-60 min); Achupallas / hotel transfers ($25-40, 45-90 min).
Is Uber safer than a taxi at Mariscal Sucre International Airport?
App-based ride-share (Uber, Grab, Careem, Bolt or similar depending on region) is generally the safest option for tourists at Mariscal Sucre International Airport — pricing is locked before pickup, no negotiation, driver + vehicle details are recorded. If ride-share is unavailable, use the OFFICIAL prepaid taxi counter inside arrivals (not lobby touts).
Should I pre-book a transfer from Mariscal Sucre International Airport?
Pre-booking a fixed-price airport transfer eliminates all scam risk: no queues, no negotiation, driver meets you inside arrivals with your name. Price is locked before you fly. This is the most tourist-friendly option, especially for first-time visitors to Quito.