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How to Get to Lima

How to Get to Lima

Lima Lima Province, Peru Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is Lima's main international and domestic airport. It is located in Callao, approximately 10-17 km to the northwest of central Lima districts like Miraflores.

Airport & Routes

  • LATAM (Peru's largest), Avianca, Copa Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, United, Iberia, KLM, Air France, British Airways.
  • Direct flights from North America (Miami, Houston, New York, LA, Toronto), Europe (Madrid, Amsterdam, Paris, London), and Latin America.
  • Prices generally increase during Peru's high season (Dec-Apr) and around major holidays. Book well in advance.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Jorge Chávez International Airport provides comprehensive facilities for travelers, including duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange, ATMs, car hire companies, and VIP lounges.

Arrival & Departure Services

  • Limited free Wi-Fi is available. Medical services and pharmacies are also present.
  • Transfer options: Licensed Airport Taxis, ride-sharing apps (Uber, Cabify), Airport Express Lima Bus (to Miraflores), hotel shuttles.
  • Public buses are not recommended for tourists due to complex routes and safety concerns.

Flight Deals

Discover affordable flights with Dollar Flight Club.

Compare Flights

Find the best flight options using Skyscanner.

Car Rental Search

Compare car rental deals with DiscoverCars.com.

Transfer Options from Airport

Reputable Services

  • Official airport taxi services (Taxi Green, Taxi 365, CM Taxi) outside arrivals hall. Fares fixed or negotiated.
  • Ride-sharing apps (Uber, Cabify, Didi) available. Walk to designated pick-up zones outside terminal.
  • Airport Express Lima Bus provides transfers between LIM and several stops in Miraflores (S/. 20-30).
  • Many higher-end hotels offer pre-booked airport transfer services. Inquire when making reservations.

Public Transport from Airport

  • Public buses are not recommended for tourists.
  • Lack of space for luggage is an issue.
  • Complex routes can provoke confusion.
  • Potential safety concerns.

Airport Facilities

Terminal

One main terminal handles both international and domestic flights.

Amenities

Duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange, ATMs, car rental, VIP lounges, limited free Wi-Fi, medical aid.

Assistance

Information desks and tourist assistance (IPERÚ) are available.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Buses

Buses are the main mode of intercity travel throughout Peru, offering a wide range of services from economical to luxury "bus cama" (sleeper buses).

Bus Companies & Destinations

  • Major companies: Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Civa, Tepsa, Excluciva.
  • Connections to Cusco, Arequipa, Trujillo, Huaraz, Paracas, Nazca, and other major Peruvian cities.
  • Always choose reputable companies and book tickets from official terminals for safety.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Driving in Lima and Peru has unique challenges. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended with a valid home country driver's license.

Driving Rules & Safety

  • Requirements: IDP, a driver's license from your own country, passport, major credit card for rental. Minimum age typically 21-25.
  • Driving in Lima can be challenging due to heavy traffic, aggressive drivers, and sometimes poorly marked roads. Full insurance coverage is strongly recommended.
  • Major highways are generally good; rural roads vary. Night driving on intercity roads is not recommended due to poor lighting and safety concerns.

Other Land Transport

Lima is centrally located, so border crossing information does not directly apply to the city itself. Land borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile exist for overland entry/exit to Peru.

Trains & Borders

  • Lima does not have intercity passenger train services for tourists.
  • Border crossing details are relevant when entering/leaving Peru by bus or private vehicle from neighboring countries.
  • Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common and generally not recommended for tourists due to traffic and safety.

Sea/River Arrivals

Lima's coastal location makes sea travel a possibility, mainly for cruise ships. River transportation is not applicable to Lima, found instead in Peru's Amazon basin regions.

Cruise & Port Info

  • Cruise ships typically dock at the main port of Callao. Passengers disembark for day excursions to Lima's attractions.
  • Immigration procedures for cruise passengers are usually handled onboard or at the port terminal by the cruise line.
  • From Callao cruise port, official taxis and pre-arranged shuttles transfer passengers to Lima's city center.

Departure Information

  • Exit Fees: International airport departure taxes are generally included in your airfare.
  • Timing: Arrive at LIM at least ARRIVE 3 hours early for international flights, 2 hours for domestic.
  • Time-consuming: Check-in, security, and passport control take time, notably at busy times.
  • Airport Facilities: Check-in, baggage drop, security, duty-free, restaurants, currency exchange, VIP lounges.
  • Preparation: Plan for your departure to ensure a stress-free exit from Lima.
  • Documents: Have passport and boarding pass readily available.

Practical Travel Tips

Flight Booking Strategies

Consider using flight comparison tools and deal alerts.

Tips for Flights

  • Book flights well in advance, especially for peak seasons, for better rates.
  • Use Dollar Flight Club for flight deal alerts.
  • Compare options using Skyscanner for flexible dates.

Car Rental Advice

If you plan to rent a car, compare rates and understand the requirements to ensure a smooth process. Driving in Lima can be challenging.

Renting a Car

  • Have your International Driving Permit (IDP) and home country license.
  • Compare major international car rental companies via DiscoverCars.com.
  • Full insurance coverage is strongly recommended due to local driving conditions.

Domestic Flights

LATAM Peru, Sky Airline Peru, JetSmart Peru, and Star Peru provide extensive domestic connections from Lima.

Long-Distance Buses

Buses are the most common method of intercity travel throughout Peru, with reputable companies offering various service classes.

Cruise Arrivals

Cruise ships typically dock at the main port of Callao for passengers to explore Lima's attractions.

Getting Around Lima

Public Transportation Overview

Lima's public transport network includes modern and traditional options. Each system has its own ticketing method, hours, and frequency.

Systems & Tips

  • Metropolitano (Bus Rapid Transit - BRT): Modern, efficient, dedicated lanes. Purchase a rechargeable card.
  • Metro (Linea 1): One operational elevated line, mainly serving eastern and southern districts. Use a "Lima Pass."
  • "Combis" and "Micros" (informal buses): Very cheap but crowded and chaotic. Generally not recommended for first-time visitors.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing apps offer convenient, door-to-door transportation options. Prioritize your safety when choosing a service.

Options & Safety

  • Licensed Taxis: Look for official signage. Negotiate fare Before getting in; meters are rare. Cash is preferred.
  • Ride-sharing Apps (Uber, Cabify, Didi, InDriver): Fixed prices, driver info, GPS tracking, cashless payment. Safer in general.
  • Safety: Ride-sharing apps are for the most part safer than hailing street taxis. Always confirm vehicle details.

Rental Options

Car Rental

Requirements: Valid driver's license (IDP recommended), passport, major credit card. Major international companies operate at airport/city. Full insurance coverage is strongly recommended.

Bicycle Rentals

Widely available in Miraflores and Barranco; many hotels offer rentals (S/. 10-20/hr, S/. 50-80/day). Dedicated bike lanes exist in some districts. Lima does not have a widespread city-wide bike-sharing program.

Specialty & Others

Motorcycle/scooter rentals are not as common for visitors due to traffic and safety. Lima does not feature tuk-tuks, jeepneys, cable cars, or funiculars for public transport.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Drive on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory. Speed limits are enforced. Major roads are paved but experience heavy congestion. Street parking is difficult; paid garages are available. Driving in Lima can be stressful due to aggressive drivers.

How to Get to Lima. Flights, Transportation, Airlines