How do you get to Lima?
Getting There3.3/10Harder to reach than about 75% of cities
- Main airport
- Jorge Chávez International Airport
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: heatherjasper.com, airportexpresslima.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- The new Jorge Chávez airport terminal (opened June 2025) has modern facilities, but getting to city still relies on surface transport; no metro connection yet to airport
- Airport Express Lima is the safest, cheapest, and most reliable option for solo travelers and backpackers arriving at the airport
- If arriving late at night, prioritize authorized airport taxis, pre-booked transfers, or Uber over street taxis and public buses
- International flight connections now incur an airport use fee payable at kiosks before international departures (as of May 2026)
- Immigration wait times are longest 5-8 AM and 6-11 PM; arrive 3 hours before international flights, 2.5 hours for domestic
- Metropolitano and Línea 1 metro are most reliable for predictable city travel; regular buses lack schedules and can be crowded and confusing
- Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Cabify) are popular and safer than street taxis; app-based surcharges may apply near the airport
- For inter-city travel to Cusco, Arequipa, or coastal destinations, book private bus companies or Peru Hop in advance rather than DIY public buses
- The Lima-Huancayo train is a scenic but infrequent experience; book months ahead if interested
- Always keep proof of transport fare (ticket, receipt) in case of disputes, especially on informal buses
Airport Access
40-50 Minutes to Miraflores Area
- Option
- Airport Express Lima (Official Bus)
- Availability
- Operates regularly; check schedule upon arrival
- Approximate Cost
- PEN 28
- Description
- Dedicated airport bus with WiFi, USB ports, no bag limit limit, English-speaking staff
30-45 Minutes Depending on Traffic
- Option
- Taxi (Official/Hotel-Booked)
- Approximate Cost To Miraflores
- PEN 170
- Approximate Cost To City Center
- PEN 135
- Notes
- Fixed-rate authorized services available at airport counters; always verify fare in advance
- Description
- Private door-to-door service; safest when booked through hotel or authorized airport counters
Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber, Cabify, DiDi, inDrive)
- Notes
- Available 24/7; ensure mobile data is active; follow in-app pickup directions; some surge pricing during peak hours
- Description
- App-based rides with upfront pricing; airport supplements may apply; verify pickup locations before arrival
Private Transfer (Pre-Booked)
- Notes
- Reliable for large groups or travelers with significant luggage; book in advance
- Description
- Pre-arranged door-to-door service with dedicated driver and luggage assistance
Rail Connections
Huancayo in Central Andes (3,261 M Elevation)
- Route
- Lima to Huancayo (Ferrocarril Central Andino)
- Frequency
- Approximately 5 times per year (April-October season only)
- Departure Station
- Desamparados Station, downtown Lima
- Description
- One of world's second-highest railway lines; 12-14 hour journey through Andean highlands with 69 tunnels and 58 bridges
- Booking Notes
- Must book well in advance; infrequent schedule; scenic mountain journey with stops at rural towns
Airport
- Code
- LIM
- Name
- Jorge Chávez International Airport
- Status
- Peru's largest and busiest airport; serves domestic and international flights
- Location
- Callao, approximately 11 km from Lima city center
- Terminal Info
- New terminal opened June 2025 with modern facilities; single main passenger terminal
Ground Transport Within Lima
Taxis
- Notes
- No meters; negotiate fare in advance; look for SETAME authorization sticker on windshield to verify official status
- Description
- Street taxis and hotel-booked services
Corredor Azul
- Fare
- PEN 1.50
- Name
- Corredor Azul (Blue Corridor Bus)
- Features
- Safer alternative to regular buses with set routes and scheduled stops
General Buses
- Fare Range
- PEN 0.80
- Notes
- No official timetables or integrated system; routes confusing for visitors; pay upfront to driver
- Description
- Extensive informal bus network covering all city areas
Metro Linea 1
- Fare
- PEN 1.50
- Name
- Línea 1 Metro (Light Rail)
- Hours
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM, seven days a week
- Coverage
- Single line connecting Villa El Salvador (south) to San Juan de Lurigancho (north)
- Features
- Modern, air-conditioned with accessible stations and wheelchair access
Metropolitano
- Fare
- PEN 3.20
- Name
- Metropolitano (BRT Bus System)
- Hours
- 6:00 AM - 9:50 PM
- Coverage
- Connects 12 districts with dedicated lanes
- Features
- Modern bi-articulated buses, elevated platforms, customer information booths
Day Trip And Intercity Access
- Description
- Lima serves as main hub for onward travel within Peru
Key Points
- No central bus terminal; private bus companies operate from different terminals
- Peru Hop offers hop-on/hop-off service for coastal and Andean routes
- Domestic flights available to Cusco, Arequipa, Puno, and other major cities
- Intercity buses reach Paracas (3.5 hours), Huacachina (5 hours), Cusco (10-24 hours), and beyond
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Lima
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.