Quito to Mérida flights
Mérida lies 1,274 km (792 mi) north-east of Quito, +1 h on the clock. What the numbers say about getting there, and where to book.
A nonstop flight would take about 2 h 23 min gate to gate, based on the distance and typical cruise speed with taxi and climb allowed for; connecting itineraries add the layover on top.
| Quito | Mérida | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Ecuador | Venezuela |
| Population | 2.8 million | 300,000 |
| Elevation | 2,854 m (9,364 ft) | 1,389 m (4,557 ft) |
| Time now | UTC-5 (America/Guayaquil) | UTC-4 (America/Caracas) |
| Nearest large airport | UIO, 22 km out | VIG, 56 km out |
Clocks in Mérida are 1 h ahead of Quito right now, so a 2 h 23 min journey lands 3 h 23 min later by the destination clock.
What changes when you arrive in Mérida
Crossing from Ecuador into Venezuela: money changes from the Dollar to the Bolivar Soberano (VES); the dialling code becomes +58; the emergency number is http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q25648920 / http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q533806.
Airports at each end
Leaving Quito
Quito is served by 2 airports with scheduled flights within 100 km. The closest large one is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), 22 km (14 mi) from the centre, whose 13,445-ft runway is long enough for long-haul wide-body aircraft. The alternatives are Cotopaxi International Airport (LTX, 76 km).
Arriving in Mérida
Mérida is served by one airport with scheduled flights. The closest large one is Juan Pablo Pérez Alfonso Airport (VIG), 56 km (35 mi) from the centre, whose 10,645-ft runway is long enough for long-haul wide-body aircraft.
| Airport | Code | From centre | Longest runway | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juan Pablo Pérez Alfonso Airport (regional) | VIG | 56 km (35 mi) | 10,645 ft | 250 ft |
Book a flight to Mérida
Our airline partner is activating live fares for this site; the search below opens the moment that is done. Hotels can be booked now.
Flights are sold here by AirOrSeaTravel through our booking partner, Nuitée, which takes the payment; the ticket is issued by the airline. How this works.
Staying in Mérida
Live rooms and prices for Mérida are in the search below.
Book a hotel in Mérida
Live rooms and prices from our booking partner, booked and paid for here. Free cancellation is marked where it applies.
Common questions
How far is Mérida from Quito?
1,274 km (792 mi) in a straight line, north-east of Quito.
How long does it take to get from Quito to Mérida by air?
About 2 h 23 min, estimated from distance and typical speeds for a nonstop flight. Timetables and traffic decide the real figure.
Is there a time difference between Quito and Mérida?
Mérida is 1 h ahead at the moment (America/Caracas against America/Guayaquil).
Which airports are used for Quito to Mérida flights?
Typically Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) to Juan Pablo Pérez Alfonso Airport (VIG).
What currency do I need in Mérida?
The Bolivar Soberano (VES).
Where these facts come from
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0): population, elevation, time zone, postal codes
- Wikidata (CC0): area, sister cities, visitor numbers, heritage listings, stations and ports
- OurAirports (public domain): airports, runways
- Natural Earth (public domain): map outlines
Data compiled 14 September 2026. Hotel and hostel figures are from our booking partner’s catalogue on that date. Journey times on this page are estimates from distance, not timetables; check the operator before you rely on one.