Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Quito
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Quito
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Quito
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Quito
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is nestled high in the Andes and offers a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. While public transport is available, a rental car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, especially when venturing beyond the city centre.
Explore the Andes Mountains. A rental car lets you easily access stunning mountain landscapes, picturesque villages, and hiking trails surrounding Quito, such as the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve.
Visit Historical Sites. Drive to nearby historical sites like the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) monument or the ancient ruins of Rumicucho without relying on tour schedules.
Discover Local Culture. With a car, you can explore local markets, traditional restaurants, and cultural events in and around Quito, experiencing the authentic Ecuadorian lifestyle.
Before booking a rental car in Quito, ensure you understand the local rental terms. Key aspects include age requirements, driver's license rules, insurance coverage, and fuel policies.
Area
372 square kilometres (144 square miles)
Population
Approximately 2.8 million residents
Time Zone
GMT-5 (Ecuador Time)
Ideal for
Long-term rental
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Quito require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may impose additional fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. Foreign visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Consider additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Theft Protection. A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have daily or weekly limits. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, optional extras like GPS or child seats, and late returns.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11 per day
Peak season (June to August, December to January): Demand is high during these months, prices increase by 20-30%
Low season (September to November, February to May): Often come with discounts and better availability
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Quito involves comparing prices, selecting the right vehicle, and understanding the rental terms. Early booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and terrain.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking well in advance.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a city of contrasts, blending historical charm with modern development. Driving in Quito offers the opportunity to explore the surrounding Andes Mountains and nearby attractions.
As the capital, Quito is a city rich in culture and history. While public transport is available, a rental car offers flexibility, especially for exploring areas outside the city centre. However, be aware of local traffic laws and road conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Historic Center of Quito
A UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved colonial architecture.
Mitad del Mundo
The Equator monument, offering interactive exhibits.
TelefériQo
One of the highest cable cars in the world, providing stunning views of Quito and the surrounding mountains.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in the city centre, providing secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available but can be limited in busy areas.
Park & Ride
Utilise park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city and use public transport to reach the centre.
Gas Stations in Quito
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout the city and along major highways.
Major Brands
Petroecuador, Primax, and Terpel are common gas station brands.
Payment
Most gas stations accept cash and credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Quito
Traffic
Be prepared for heavy traffic during peak hours, especially in the city centre.
Altitude
Quito is located at a high altitude (2,850 metres / 9,350 feet), so take it easy and stay hydrated.
Safety
Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.
Driving
Familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and road signs.
Major Bus Stations
Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe
The main bus terminal for long-distance travel to the south of Ecuador.
Terminal Terrestre Carcelén
Serves destinations to the north of Ecuador.
Airports
Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)
Located approximately 18 kilometres (11 miles) east of Quito.
Renting a car in Quito is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need:
If you're from Ecuador, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for a limited period, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Quito as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Quito was amazing! Exploring the city and surrounding areas with our rental car was so convenient and fun.
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 11.09.2024
So glad I returned to Quito after all these years! Having a car made exploring the breathtaking scenery incredibly easy.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 02.10.2024
Quito was a fantastic stop on our road trip. Having a car made everything so easy!
David Miller
Reviewed: 10.11.2024
Loved Quito! Having a car let us easily reach the coast for some much-needed relaxation. The old town was incredible, although the food at that one restaurant near the plaza was a bit underwhelming.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 17.08.2024
Pretty relaxed, actually.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 03.11.2024
Fantastic spontaneous weekend in Quito! Getting around was a breeze, thanks to having a car. The city is stunning, and we easily explored the surrounding areas.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 23.03.2025
Quito exceeded my expectations! Renting a car made exploring so easy, although the food at that one cafe downtown was underwhelming. I'll definitely return.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 02.08.2025
Quito was great, seeing friends made it even better. The museums were a bit underwhelming, though.
Benjamin Carter
Reviewed: 13.05.2025
Quito surprised me! Exploring independently by car was so freeing; I loved it.
Oliver Smith
Reviewed: 31.01.2025
Family vacation in Quito was incredible! Having a car gave us the freedom to explore all the amazing sights at our own pace. We loved it!
Isabelle Moore
Reviewed: 20.08.2025
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Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 13.06.2025