โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
80
minutes
International โ Domestic
80
minutes
International โ International
95
minutes
Interline Connections
125
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Mariscal Sucre International Airport, opened in 2013, replaced Quito's old airport and sits at 2,400 meters elevation in the Tababela area, 45km east of central Quito. This modern facility is designed to handle Ecuador's growing international traffic and serves as a crucial gateway to the Galรกpagos Islands. Layout: Single large terminal building organized across three levels. Departures occupy the upper level, arrivals the ground level, with services distributed throughout. The terminal spans 38,000 square meters with distinct domestic and international wings. Maximum walking distance between gates is approximately 20 minutes, with moving walkways in longer corridors. Security: Advanced security systems with multiple screening points.
Allow 25-35 minutes for security processing, particularly during morning domestic peaks and evening international departures. The high altitude can cause some travelers to feel effects during extended walking. Immigration: International section features 16 passport control booths with electronic systems. Wait times typically range 15-30 minutes, though morning fog common at this elevation can cause flight delays that bunch arrivals. Ecuador offers visa-free entry for many nationalities for tourist stays. Amenities: Duty-free shopping featuring Ecuadorian chocolate, coffee, and textiles. Multiple restaurants serve local specialties including locro and empanadas alongside international options.
VIP lounges, prayer room, medical services, and business facilities available. Currency exchange, ATMs, and free WiFi throughout. The terminal architecture incorporates Andean design elements. Baggage claim features modern systems with 8 carousels - typical wait 20-35 minutes. Ground transport includes express buses to Quito (45-60 minutes), taxis, and car rental. Note that morning fog is common and can cause departure delays.
๐ Connection Tips
Weather and terrain can impact schedules.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Seymour Airport (ASG), also known as Baltra Airport, serves as the primary aviation gateway to the Galรกpagos Islands. Opened in 2012, it is famous for being the world's first 'green' airport, designed to minimize environmental impact on the delicate archipelago. The terminal building was constructed using 75% recycled materials from the previous airfield, including old steel tubes from Amazon oil drilling operations. This commitment to sustainability has earned the facility LEED Gold certification, reflecting its innovative use of renewable energy and waste reduction strategies.
The terminal's architecture utilizes a bioclimatic design that avoids the need for traditional air conditioning by harnessing natural air currents for cooling. Power is supplied by a combination of solar panels and wind turbines, while a desalination plant provides fresh water from the surrounding sea. Within the 6,000-square-meter facility, passengers will find a range of modern amenities including several gift shops selling local artisanal products, a selection of cafes offering Ecuadorian coffee and snacks, and a comfortable VIP lounge operated by the VIP Airport Club.
Security at Seymour Airport is particularly rigorous due to the unique ecological status of the Galรกpagos. Upon arrival, all passengers must pass through biosecurity checks where K9 units screen luggage for prohibited organic items to prevent the introduction of invasive species. The arrival hall also houses the INGALA and Galรกpagos National Park counters, where mandatory transit cards and entrance fees are processed. Despite its remote location on Baltra Island, the terminal provides a seamless and educational introduction to the islands' conservation mission.
๐ Connection Tips
Seymour Airport (ASG) on Baltra Island is the essential entry point for visitors to the Galรกpagos. For travelers, 'connecting' at ASG is a multi-modal journey rather than a simple gate transfer. Upon arrival, you must pay the Galรกpagos National Park entrance fee; as of 2024, this is $200 and must be paid in cash. It is also mandatory to have your Ingala Transit Control Card (TCC) ready for inspection, which should ideally be pre-purchased at your departure airport. Once you have cleared these administrative hurdles and retrieved your luggage, you will transition to the next stage of your journey to Santa Cruz.\n\nGround transportation from the terminal is highly structured. Since no independent taxis are allowed at the airport, you must take the 'Lobito' shuttle bus to the Itabaca Channel. This 5-minute ride costs $5. At the channel, you board a small ferry for a brief crossing to Santa Cruz Island, costing $1. On the other side, you can choose between a public bus ($5) or a white pickup truck taxi ($25-$50) for the 45-minute drive to Puerto Ayora. Cruise representatives typically meet guests in the arrival hall to coordinate private transfers directly to their vessels.\n\nTravelers should arrive with sufficient U.S. Dollar cash, particularly in small denominations, as ATMs are scarce. While the terminal provides free Wi-Fi and several cafes, the lack of air conditioning means you should dress for a tropical climate. If you have an interline connection or are flying between islands on smaller aircraft, allow at least 2 hours for processing, as biosecurity checks and manual baggage handling can be time-consuming during peak morning arrival windows.
โ Back to Mariscal Sucre International Airport