A layover at Quito Airport doesn’t have to feel endless — but it helps to know what the airport does (and doesn’t) offer. While this isn’t a destination airport, there are enough places to eat, shop, rest, and pass the time to make a longer connection more manageable. Whether you’re waiting out a few hours or facing an overnight stay, here are seven realistic things to do at Quito Airport.
1. Grab a bite to eat
Food options at Quito Airport are limited but serviceable, with a mix of local Ecuadorian flavours and familiar international chains. Travellers looking to sample something regional can try Amazonia Café, which serves Ecuadorian staples and coffee, or Darwin’s Snack Bar, a casual spot for lighter local bites.
Ecuador is known for its cacao and coffee, so cafés featuring locally sourced chocolate drinks, pastries, and espresso are popular stops between flights. For something more familiar, sit-down restaurants such as Johnny Rockets, TGI Fridays, and Outback Steakhouse offer predictable comfort food, while grab-and-go counters sell sandwiches, empanadas, and baked goods.
Hours vary by outlet and generally follow flight schedules, so late-night and overnight food options can be limited. If you’re transiting overnight, it’s wise to eat earlier or keep snacks on hand.
2. Relax in a lounge
If you’re looking for a quieter place to sit, work, or freshen up, Quito Airport has several lounges that accept walk-in guests for a fee, regardless of airline or ticket class. Amenities typically include WiFi, snacks and drinks, TVs, and a calmer atmosphere than the main terminal. Some lounges offer showers, and at least one has reclining chairs suitable for resting. Lounge availability, access rules, and amenities can change, so check current details in our Quito Airport Guide before relying on them. [ read more ]
3. Shop
Shopping at Quito Airport is modest but well suited for picking up local gifts and last-minute essentials. One standout is República del Cacao, where travellers can buy high-quality Ecuadorian chocolate made from locally grown cacao — an easy, compact souvenir.
Souvenir shops such as Tikuna sell traditional Ecuadorian crafts, textiles, and small keepsakes, while convenience-style stores carry snacks, bottled drinks, reading material, and travel necessities. Camarón a Bordo offers packaged seafood products, though travellers should check airline and customs restrictions before purchasing.
Overall, shopping here is best viewed as a chance to grab a few authentic Ecuadorian items rather than a full retail experience.
4. Get a massage
Need to loosen up after a long flight? Fly Massage offers short massage treatments within the terminal, with locations reported in both the Domestic and International areas. Availability and hours may vary, and some services may be offered inside lounges rather than the public terminal.
5. Go sightseeing
If your layover is long enough, leaving the airport to explore Quito can be rewarding — but plan carefully. The airport is located well outside the city, so a layover of at least 8–9+ hours is recommended to make the trip worthwhile.
Official airport taxis are widely used and typically take 50–75 minutes to reach the city centre, depending on traffic. Public transportation is cheaper but slower, often taking 90 minutes or more.
In the city, the historic Old Town is a popular place to start. Highlights include the richly decorated Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, the TelefériQo cable car for sweeping views of the mountains and valleys surrounding the city, and the Guayasamín Museum complex, including the Capilla del Hombre.
Leave plenty of time to cover the long distance from the city to the airport. You’ll need to pass through Security again before that next flight! Visit TripAdvisor for more things to do in Quito.
6. WiFi
Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal, making it easy to pass the time, check travel plans, or stay in touch during your layover.
7. Sleep
Overnight stays in the terminal are generally tolerated, but sleeping conditions are basic. Seating is mostly metal with armrests, and travellers frequently report cold temperatures and bright lighting, so warm layers and an eye mask are helpful. [ read more ]
For proper rest, the Wyndham Quito Airport is located directly across from the terminal and is the most convenient on-site hotel option. Several additional hotels are located within a short drive of the airport and offer shuttle service. See our Quito Airport Guide for details and locations. [ read more ]
Updated 15 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Quito Airport. Visit our Quito Airport Guide for more information about more services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.