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United · Route guide

United Flights: Houston (IAH) to Quito (UIO)

Everything you need to fly Houston to Quito: when to go, who flies it, what it costs, and how to land well.

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1 airline on this route · Daily Year-Round

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Airline

United

Aircraft

B737-900ER

Service

Daily Year-Round

Region

Latin America

The route

The flight route from Houston George Bush Intercontinental to Quito Mariscal Sucre connects the energy hub of the southern United States with the historic Andean capital of Ecuador. As a primary gateway for both business travelers and eco-tourists heading to the Galapagos, this United-operated route offers a direct and efficient link to South America.

United Airlines provides daily, year-round service between Houston (IAH) and Quito (UIO). Utilizing the Boeing 737-900ER aircraft, the flight covers approximately 2,300 miles, providing a seamless travel experience for passengers originating in Texas or connecting from across North America.

This route serves as a critical bridge for the oil and gas industry and is the preferred choice for travelers seeking UNESCO World Heritage sites or adventure in the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands. Houston's status as a United mega-hub makes this one of the most accessible ways to reach the northern Andes.

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Airports

Taking off, touching down.

Check-in, security, connections and getting into town at both ends of the flight.

Departure

Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)

IAH

Check-in: International flights typically depart from Terminal E; arrive at least 3 hours early for document verification.
Security: TSA PreCheck is available at most checkpoints, but international lines can be long during the evening bank of flights.
Connections: IAH is a major United hub with easy transfers via the Skyway and Subway internal trains.

Arrival

Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)

UIO

On arrival: Complete your digital health or customs forms before landing to speed up the immigration process.
Ground transport: The airport is about 45-60 minutes from the city center; use authorized yellow taxis or the Aeroservicios shuttle.
Planning ahead: Quito is at an altitude of 9,350 feet; stay hydrated and take it easy during your first few hours on the ground.

Timing & fares

When it flies, what it costs.

Schedule & reliability

Schedule: Flights usually depart Houston in the late evening and arrive in Quito shortly after midnight.
Duration: The southbound flight is usually slightly longer than the return northbound journey due to wind patterns.
Seasonality: The schedule remains stable throughout the year with very little seasonal variation.
Time zones: Quito follows Eastern Standard Time (EST) year-round and does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Fares & booking

Booking window: The best prices are typically found 30 to 60 days before the departure date.
Cabin advice: United First provides a recliner seat and full meal service, which is helpful for the late-night arrival.
Peak pricing: Fares spike significantly during late December and around the Easter (Semana Santa) holiday.

Book at least 6 weeks in advance for the most competitive fares to Ecuador.
Check for MileagePlus award availability which often has good value on this route.
Consider an Economy Plus upgrade for extra legroom on this 5-hour mid-range flight.

Peak season

July and August are popular for family travel and summer vacations.

Shoulder season

April to May offers a more relaxed pace and better availability.

Off-peak season

February and March often see the lowest demand and most competitive pricing.

Tours and experiences at either end

Vetted day trips and activities in Quito and Houston, through our travel partner.

Browse tours

When to fly

Best Time to Fly Houston to Quito

01
Dry Season (June to September)
Ideal for clear views of the volcanoes and stable weather for Andean trekking.
02
Shoulder Season (October to December)
Good balance of lower fares and manageable afternoon showers.

Trip planning

Who this route suits best.

Adventure Travelers

Direct access to some of the world's best hiking, mountain climbing, and biodiversity.

Business Professionals

Reliable daily service for those working in the petroleum and trade sectors.

Expatriates

Convenient link for the large community of North Americans living in the Ecuadorian highlands.

Connections & alternatives

Galapagos Islands (GPS/SCY)

Most travelers fly into Quito for a night before taking a domestic flight to the islands.

Cuenca

A popular secondary destination for cultural immersion and retirement living.

Field notes

Travel Tips for the Houston-Quito Route

Visa & entry

U.S. and Canadian citizens do not currently require a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.
Proof of health insurance is often recommended and sometimes checked by immigration officers.

Airport transfers

Pre-book a private car service if arriving on the late-night United flight for maximum safety.
Avoid unlicensed 'pirate' taxis and only use the official taxi stand outside the arrivals hall.
If staying in the New Town (Mariscal), the drive is approximately 40 minutes under normal traffic.

Baggage & transit

Ensure your carry-on meets United's size limits as narrow-body overhead bins fill quickly.
Label your bags clearly with your contact information in both English and Spanish.
If connecting in Houston from another international flight, you must re-clear security after customs.

Checklist

Valid Passport with 6 months validity
Altitude sickness remedies
Universal power adapter (Type A and B)
Proof of return or onward travel

Carriers

Airlines Flying Houston to Quito

United

7 flights per week

Operated primarily with the Boeing 737-900ER featuring United First and Economy cabins.

FAQ

Common questions.

Straight answers about flying Houston to Quito.

What is the average flight time from Houston to Quito?

The average flight time is approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes.

Does United fly daily from IAH to UIO?

Yes, United operates this route on a daily, year-round schedule.

Which terminal does United use in Houston for international flights?

United typically operates international departures from Terminal E at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Are meals served on the Houston to Quito flight?

Yes, as an international flight, United provides meal service and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.

Is there a time difference between Houston and Quito?

Quito is in the Central Time Zone (during Daylight Saving) or Eastern Standard Time. Often they are on the same time or 1 hour apart.

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Where to next.

Structured data verified

Airports

Houston (IAH)Quito (UIO)Houston George Bush Intercontinental Quito Mariscal Sucre

Countries & layovers

United States Houston layover guide Quito layover guide

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1Download the United Airlines app for gate notifications and mobile boarding passes.
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