Lima Airport: Information & Useful Tips 2023 - Peru Hop (2023)

All of the information you need to know about Lima’s Airport as well as some helpful tips to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Lima International Airport Peru or to give it its official title: Jorge Chávez International Airport, known as Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez in Spanish, is Peru´s principle airport. Lima airport is a single terminal airport and compared to most international airports in Europe, Asia and North America it is relatively small in size. It is however consistently ranked as one of South America’s busiest airports handling approaching 16,500,000 national and international passengers annually.

Peru 2023 – Ongoing Updates: Stay up to date with what’s happening in Peru right now so that your trip isn’t affected! Click here for more info.

Contents of this page:

• Getting from Lima Airport to Miraflores, Barranco and Miraflores
• Why NOT to use UBER at Lima Airport
• Getting to Lima Airport from Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro and Lima Downtown
• Car Rental in Peru from Lima Airport
• Lima Airport Facilities
• Exiting Peru – The Process at Lima Airport
• Entry to Peru – Arrival Process Lima Airport
• Lima Domestic Transit
• Lima International Transit
• Lima Airport Future Plans

Although its name might suggest otherwise, it is actually located in the district of Callao and not Lima. Callao is the port city now fully integrated with Lima yet independent. It is located over 17km from the touristic centre of Lima, Miraflores and Barranco.

The approximate journey time can vary hugely depending on Lima’s infamous traffic from 40 minutes off peak to over 2 hours at rush hour.

Getting from Lima Airport to Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro

Official Bus Service

Lima International Airport is served by the luxury buses of Airport Express Lima . This newly launched service has over 60 departures per day and connects Lima Airport to Miraflores. Their stops are located in strategic points in Miraflores at walking distance from hundreds of hotels and hostels. All buses are equipped with on-board TVs, leather seats, charging ports and free Wi-Fi.

Tickets with Airport Express Lima can be purchased online or within the terminal at their desk next to the international arrivals zone or at their desk in the domestic arrivals baggage area.

Tickets go from $4 and it’s easily the most reliable and economic way of getting to Miraflores from the airport.

Public Bus Service / Combis

There is no other bus service directly to or from Lima Airport itself. However, Lima is serviced by a network of privately owned mini buses known as Combis. Each Combi company has a set route that they trace all day on fleets of old badly maintained inner-city buses.

They do not have fixed schedules but run extremely frequently. These Combis crisscross the city on hundreds of routes.

The total cost would be S/2-S/2.5 from Callao depending on the driver and how well you can explain where you are going. The buses are crowded and the seating very limited, there are no baggage storage areas.

These buses are notorious for pick-pockets and it requires three separate Combi routes to get from Callao to the Miraflores or San Isidro areas. Since these combis don’t take direct routes, travel times can be anywhere between an hour and a half to more than 3 hours. – We do not advise travellers to use combis for transport from Lima Airport.

Taxi

Taxis are a popular mode of transport to and from Lima Airport. However, regulation of taxis in Peru is still informal. You will see both registered and unregistered taxis leaving Lima Airport although there has been a strong crackdown on unregistered taxis and the likes of Uber drivers operating out of the airport in recent months.

That is why if you choose to go by taxi the local authorities highly recommend booking before leaving Lima Airport through one of the registered and official taxi companies.

AUTHORISED TAXIS – There are 3 major taxi companies operating within the terminal building: Taxi365, Taxi Directo and Taxi Green. Alternatively, you could also ask your hotel or hostel to order a taxi to pick you up at the airport but the price would be similar.

UNREGISTERED TAXIS– Taxi drivers in Lima do not have a terrific reputation. There have been various reports of theft and assaults on unsuspecting foreign visitors. If you do choose this option, remember that taxis aren’t metered here so you will need to agree on the price before getting in (60 soles is the approximate rate to Miraflores or San Isidro). Make sure you mention the right currency when agreeing on the price. A lot of drivers agree on for example 40 but upon arrival will say they meant dollars while you assumed soles. They will also cheekily ask the passenger to cover the airport parking fee of 5 soles.

UNREGISTERED TAXIS INSIDE AIRPORT GROUNDS – Just outside the door to the terminal building a vast quantity of unregistered taxi drivers congregate (you can´t miss them). In typical Peruvian taxi driver style, they can be a little intimidating and very persistent. It is strongly recommended you refrain from leaving the airport and trying to negotiate with these drivers.

UNREGISTERED TAXIS OUTSIDEAIRPORT GROUNDS – We strongly advise against going outside the airport grounds to take a taxi as this area is unsafe at night and by day, as well as having the same or more safety issues for the taxi drivers themselves.

TRAVEL TIME– Make sure to calculate enough travel time as traffic in Lima can be horrible at the best of times. From the airport to Miraflores or San Isidro and vice versa, it can take up to 40 minutes to at least double or even triple that during peak hours. Rush hour is between 07:30 and 10:30 and 16:30 and 21:30 in the evening but build-ups can happen at any time of day.

Private Shuttle Service

There is a host of companies offering private transfer services from Lima Airport to the central areas of Lima_­­. Peruvian Shuttle, and Lima Transfers Co. to name a few. Prices start from $20 USD for a saloon car and usually increase with each additional passenger.

Tour companies that offer all inclusive travel packages will sometimes provide a shuttle service against an additional fee. We do not recommend this as they often charge their clients more than the average shuttle prices for this service.

It is better to book a shuttle service directly at the airport or buy a ticket for one of the buses of Airport Express Lima.

Quick Tip: If travelling to or from Lima Airport, it is strongly recommended to use the luxury Airport Express Lima bus to get to or from your hotel. Safer and cheaper than a taxi with no baggage limit as well as free Wi-Fi and USB chargers onboard, it is ideal for travelers.

Why NOT To Use UBER At Lima Airport

After many reported incidents of inappropriate behaviour by drivers, Uber is not a licensed taxi company in Lima. As a result, Uber drivers are banned from Lima Airport by the local authorities. Uber still allows you to order a taxi, but you will find that they then will cancel when they are trying to enter the Airport (as police will be checking permits etc). You may get lucky, and your Uber may get through, but due to safety concerns and legal issues, it is strongly recommended to NOT use Uber at Lima Airport. Official authorities at Lima Airport recommend the official bus service (Airport Express Lima) or one of the official taxi companies inside Lima Airport (Taxi365 or Taxi Directo)

Getting to Lima Airport from Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro or Lima Downtown

Official Bus Service

Lima International Airport is served by the luxury buses of Airport Express Lima . This newly launched service has over 60 departures per day and connects Lima Airport to Miraflores. Their pickup stops are located in strategic points in Miraflores to serve the hundreds of accommodation providers in the district. All buses are equipped with on-board TVs, leather seats, charging ports and free Wi-Fi.

Tickets go from $4 and you can purchase tickets online or at the airport.

Public Bus Service / Combis

There is no other bus service directly to or from Lima Airport itself. However, Lima is serviced by a network of privately owned mini buses known as Combis. Each Combi company has a set route that they trace all day on fleets of old badly maintained inner-city buses.

They do not have fixed schedules but run extremely frequently. These Combis crisscross the city on hundreds of routes.

The total cost would be S/2-S/2.5 to Callao depending on the drivers and how well you can explain where you are going. The buses are crowded and the seating very limited, there are no baggage storage areas.

These buses are notorious for pick-pockets and it can require three separate Combi routes to get from the Miraflores or San Isidro areas to the road across the airport. Since these combis don’t take direct routes, travel times can be anywhere between an hour and a half to more than 3 hours. – We do not advise travellers to use combis for transport to Lima Airport.

Taxi

Taxis are a popular mode of transport to and from Lima Airport. However, regulation of taxis in Peru are still informal and Lima taxi drivers don’t have the best reputation when it comes to safety. Reports often come up of theft and assault on foreigners and Peruvians.

Even in relatively safe districts like Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco it can be risky taking a taxi. If you are planning on taking a taxi to Lima Airport, it is best not to take it in the street. Have the reception at your hotel or hostel call you a taxi in advance, they always work with reliable companies.

FARES – A taxi to the airport will cost you about 50 soles when booking with your hotel or hostel. On the street prices drop to 40-45 soles to get to the airport.

TRAVEL TIME– Make sure to leave your hotel or hostel with enough time as traffic in Lima can be horrible at the best of times. From the airport to Miraflores or San Isidro and vice versa, it can take from approximately 40 minutes and at least double or even triple that time during peak hours. Rush hour is between 07:30 and 10:30 in the morning and 16:30 and 21:30 in the evening but build-ups can happen at any time of day.

Be aware that most taxis will drop you off outside the airport grounds. This area is unsafe by day and by night so do not linger there or avoid it all together. You might be able to convince your driver to drop you off inside but he may ask you to cover an extra S/5.

Private Shuttle Service

You can book a private shuttle service to the airport from your hotel or hostel reception. Prices start from $20 USD for a saloon car and increase with each additional passenger. Peruvian Shuttle, and Lima Transfers Co. are the most popular companies.

As these shuttle services are a bit pricey, we do not recommend this option. You could have the reception call a reliable taxi service or you could take Airport Express Lima instead. This brand new shuttle service from Lima Airport to Miraflores and San Isidro offers luxury transportation at economic prices. If you are looking for even more information on this topic be sure to check out our blog post on how to go from Lima Airport to Miraflores or San Isidro.

Car Rental in Peru from Lima Airport

You can rent a car at the domestic and internationals arrivals zones next to the taxi counter. There are several car rental companies: Avis, Budget Car Rental Peru, Hertz, Alamo and Dollar Rent a Car. They all offer similar deals. Don’t be shy and talk to more than one company for the best price. Rates start at $100 per week without insurance for a small car.

Renting a car in Peru, and especially in Lima, is quite an endeavour. Not only will it cost a lot of money (price rental + price insurance + damages), the traffic is chaotic and the drivers crazy. We recommend against it if you’ve never been to Lima. Even drivers with a lot of experience have trouble driving in Lima.

If you plan on driving around rural Peru or into the mountains please keep a few things in mind. A lot of the roads are in bad condition and especially in the mountains during rainy season it is risky. Be aware that flying rocks on badly kept roads can damage the sides and back of the car. Depending on the damages they will charge you at least $150 more. Peruvian roads can get bumpy. It is a good idea to get a car with a high clearance to avoid damage to the bottom of the car.Make sure you have reliable contact information of the company in case of problems during your trip.

Lima Airport Facilities

Even though Lima is a single terminal airport, it is one of the biggest and most modern in South America. Lima airport is open 24/7 and most shops and services are available around the clock.

LIMA AIRPORT WI-FI: The airport offers 15 minutes of free Wi-Fi. The network is: WIGO.AeropuertoLima. After those 15 minutes you can continue using the airport Wi-Fi against the following rates: $6/2hrs or $10/24hrs or $12 for one month. Alternatively, you can use the free Wi-Fi at Starbucks. Of course you will need to buy something at Starbucks in order to get the code. The main restaurant opposite Starbucks also provides free-wifi as does the Pretzel café right next door.

MONEY ECHANGE:You can exchange money at any of the exchange booths in Lima Airport. There are booths at the domestic and international arrival zones and the landside shopping area. As it can be expensive to exchange money at the airport, it is best to change a small amount only and exchange more when you get to the city centre.

ATM´S / CASH MACHINES: There are cash machines spread all over Lima Airport. They do not have the best rates. It is better to withdraw money in the city and only withdraw a small amount at the airport itself. In Peru you can pay with US Dollars for most things.

Related: Lima Airport To Miraflores or San Isidro

Landside (i.e. open to the public and before security)

This area is open to the public and before airport security.

FIRST FLOOR

TOURIST INFORMATION: There is a Tourist Information Desk at the public area outside of the International Arrivals zone. You can ask them about your flight, the terminal and all other questions you might have. They are friendly and speak English.

STORAGE LOCKERS: Lima Airport lockers are located in the public area outside the international arrivals zone. Their size is 45 cm (w) x 60 cm (l) x 75 cm (h). Lockers cost s/12 ($4 USD) per hour and S/56 ($17 USD) per day. Prices become more advantageous if you rent a locker for longer periods of time.

LUGGAGE STORAGE: You can leave your luggage at the left luggage booth at the public area outside the international arrivals zone. Luggage storage costs s/6.50 ($2 USD) per hour and S/39 ($13 USD) per day per item. Prices become lower if you store your luggage for longer periods of time or if you store a lot of items. They only accept cash payments in USD or PEN.

SHOE SHINE: There are two shoe shine points on the first floor, at the public area of the international arrivals zone and the domestic arrivals zone.

MEDICAL CENTRE: There is a medical centre just outside the domestic arrivals zone on the first floor.

LUGGAGE WRAPPING: The wrapping area is located in front of the check-in desks. Wrapping your luggage will cost 35PEN or USD$10.50.

SECOND FLOOR

FOOD COURT: The food court in the main shopping area is on the second floor (is open 24/7 and has a McDonalds, Papa Johns, Subway, Starbucks, Pardo’s Chicken, Dunkin’ Donuts, and a variety of Peruvian dining restaurants.

STARBUCKS: one of the most popular places to hang out at Lima Airport is the Starbucks. As they offer free Wi-Fi upon purchase it is easy to imagine why.

SHOWERS: You can find showers in the spa at the landside shopping area on the second floor. Showers are $10. If you have access to one of the airport lounges you can also take a shower there.

CHOCOLATE: there are high end chocolate stores at Lima Airport that sell 100% cacao premium chocolate. Republica Del Cacao sells gourmet chocolates with their own original flavours; pepper, Maras salt, rose petals etc. Buying chocolate here is really expensive. It is probably better to do your chocolate shopping before going to the airport. The Choco Museo (in Barranco, centre of Lima, Miraflores and San Isidro) sell amazing Peruvian chocolate.

BOOKS: You can find a book and magazine store in the landside shopping area on the second floor. They sell both national and international books and magazines and a variety of music CDs and DVDs.

SOUVENIR SHOPS: There are several souvenir shops in Lima Airport. Britt Shop sells T-shirts, handicrafts, books and gourmet products. They have one store before security and two after. Kuna and Sol Alpaca offer exclusive clothes and accessories made from top notch alpaca and vicuna wool. You can buy sweaters, hats, gloves, socks, scarves, etc. Both can be found before and after security. Keep in mind that these are quality alpaca stores and you cannot compare their prices with the semi-alpaca souvenirs you can find on a market in Cusco. In general it is more economical to buy your souvenirs while you’re travelling but if you’re in a jam, these stores are good options.

MASSAGES & SPA: There are two places, one before and one after security that offer express massages. You could also visit Spa Express at the public shopping area on the second floor, which offers massages, waxing and nail & skin care. You can also take a shower there for $10.

PHONE RENTAL (OR PURCHASE): You can rent a cell phone at the airport. They are really expensive however and travellers sometimes complain about unwarranted additional charges that were made to their card during their trip. We advise against renting a phone at the airport. It is far more reliable to do it in the city and it is way cheaper.

POSTAL SERVICE: When you arrive to the second floor you can go through the hallway on your left that takes you to the airport administration as well as the post office. Serpost is the Peruvian postal service, which provides national and international services. You can send letters, postcards and small packages.

Airside International Flights (i.e. after airport security)

SEATING: There is plenty of space to sit in the international departures area. They don’t have armrests so you can easily lay down if the crowd permits it.

DUTY FREE: You can do some tax free shopping in Lima Airport’s duty free. The duty free stores are located in the international departures area. The shops mostly sell high end products such as: chocolate, garments, liquor, perfume, cigars, cosmetics, etc. You can also find a range of cameras, Go Pros, laptops, tablets, etc.

FOOD: After passing through security there are several restaurants and snack bars in the international departures area. There is less choice here than in the food court in the landside shopping area however and the prices are notably higher.

SHOPPING: The small departure lounge has 4 high-end shops located close to the gates including Ilaria jeweller and Kuna, the alpaca knitwear manufacturer.

SUMAQ VIP LOUNGE&VIP CLUB LOUNGE: These two airport lounges are located in the international departures area. They offer free Wi-Fi and TV, a buffet, a business centre, showers and a bar. You can get access by having a membership or a priority pass. You can also pay entrance at the door for $68 or $58. This access is available for 4 hours.

Airside Domestic Flights (i.e. after airport security)

The domestic departures area is far smaller than the international one. There is a small café and some shops in this area.

TRAIN TICKETS: You can buy train tickets to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca at the airport with Peru Rail. It is one of the two only companies in Peru that sell train tickets to Machu Picchu. It is worth mentioning that there aren’t any trains leaving from Lima. There is one office on the second floor passed airport security at the domestic departures area. You can always buy your ticket to Machu Picchu in the Cusco office and most tour operators from Cusco include train tickets in their packages.

CARAL VIP LOUNGE:This lounge is located in the domestic departures area. The lounge offers free Wi-Fi and TV, has a buffet, a business centre, showers and a bar. You can get access by having a membership or a priority pass. You can also pay entrance at thedoor for $68. This access is available for 4 hours.

Exiting Peru – The process at Lima Airport

If you are flying back from Lima, the departure procedure is pretty straightforward. Read these steps extra carefully however if you are in violation with your Visa.

STEP 1: Check-in

The check-in desks are in the centre of the first floor right where you enter the terminal. International flights require you to come 3 hours in advance. If you are taking a national flight, 2 hours in advance is sufficient. Make sure you have your passport and ticket ready when waiting in line for the check-in. You cannot enter the area without a ticket.

STEP 2: Security Control & Customs

After your check-in you can proceed to the second level where you can find the public shopping area and food court. This area is free to anyone. Behind the food court, you will arrive to the security control for both international and domestic flights. Make sure you allow up to 30 minutes to pass through security as it can get busy.

If you have overstayed your visa or have problems with another document please take into account extra delays up to an extra hour. We remind you that overstaying your visa will cost you USD$1 per day you stayed in Peru. This fee will have to be paid at the customs desk and in dollars. If you do not carry dollars, you can go to one of the cash machines before security control.

STEP 3: Boarding

Once you make it through customs, you check the screens for your flight and wait within that area. The international departure area is larger than the domestic area but it is still really easy to find your gate. Although there are some duty free shops worth visiting, we recommend spending most of your time in the public area as there are more options to entertain yourself unless you have access to one of the VIP lounges.

To check your flight status:
– ENG:https://www.lima-airport.com/eng
– ESP:https://www.lima-airport.com/esp

Entry to Peru – Arrival process Lima Airport

Before landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), the stewards on your flight will hand out one document you need to fill in before going through customs.

Customs Declaration Form: The second form you will receive is the customs declaration. There are certain things that you cannot transport over borders or that are restricted; large quantities of cash money, fresh vegetables, fruit or meat, weapons, drugs, certain medication, animals, pesticides, etc. We advise you to fill in this form honestly as they will probably also check your luggage for these items.

Electronic TAM (Andean Migration Card): This card is basically a standard tourist visa. It will ask your personal information and will register your arrival and departure. You can check your electronic TAM Card online.

Upon arriving to the airport, staff and bilingual signs will guide you through the airport.

STEP 1: Migration Control

The next stop on your way out of the airport is through migration control. You show your ticket and passport. Make sure they give you the desired amount of days on your tourist visa. You can stay 183 days per year in Peru on a tourist Visa.

If your country is a member of the Andean community; you are a resident from Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia or Peru, there are specific desks you can go to. All international passengers have to use the international desks.

STEP 2: Baggage claim

After Migration Control you can head over to the baggage claim to collect your luggage. Check the screens to know which luggage carrousel to wait at. Verify the luggage you took from the carrousel to make sure it’s really yours.

STEP 3: Customs

Once you have your luggage you can proceed to customs control. They will ask you for your customs declaration form and scan you and your luggage. They might check inside your luggage to verify the information you have filled in as well. Follow customs officers’ instructions.

The following items have restrictions: fresh vegetables, fruit or meat, weapons, drugs, medication (and whether it is for yourself, others or for commercial use), animals, pesticides, weapons, commercial merchandise, etc.

If you are carrying more than USD$10,000 in cash when entering or leaving Peru, please go to the customs office to request and fill in a cash declaration form. It is forbidden to carry amounts above USD$30,000.>

STEP 4: Transport Services Area

In the area after customs, you can choose which way you will get to the centre of Lima. You will find the following desks:

• Airport Express Lima: This luxury bus connects Lima Airport to Miraflores and San Isidro. Please read more information above.– Price starts from $4
• Taxi services: These secure taxi services are preferred to taking a taxi outside the airport. Please read more information above.– One way: $18 – $30
• Car Rentals: there are a few car rental desks in this area. Please read more information above.

To check your flight status:
– ENG:https://www.lima-airport.com/eng
– ESP:https://www.lima-airport.com/esp

Lima Domestic transit

Follow the same instructions as people arriving to Lima. Go to migration control, PICK UP YOUR LUGGAGE, pass customs control and exit to the public area. You will need to check-in your luggage again. They will NOT automatically move your luggage to your connecting flight. Go to the right airline desk for your check-in; drop off your luggage and pick up your boarding pass before heading to the domestic departures area.

Lima International transit

Do not pass migration control if you have an international transit. Go to the International departures on the second floor instead and locate your boarding gate on the screens.

It is possible to exit Lima airport if you are in transit. However, because you lose your transit passenger status upon exiting the airport, they will charge you USD$31 upon returning to the airport. If you decide to exit the airport anyway please keep in mind that Lima traffic is horrible and that a roundtrip to Miraflores or San Isidro could easily take 4-5 hours depending on the time of day.

To take your connecting flight you will need to pay the Unified Tariff for Airport Use (TUUA) on the second level. From then on it is the same as an international departure.

Lima Airport sleeping possibilities

Lima Airport doesn’t have a hotel inside so there are no official ways you can stay at the airport during your layover.

Hotel/hostel

LONG LAYOVER: If you have enough time, you can go to Miraflores, Barranco or San Isidro and spend the night in a hotel or hostel there and maybe squeeze in some sightseeing while you’re at it.

SHORT LAYOVER: If you only have a few hours, you can spend the night close to the airport:

• Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Aeropuerto – This hotel is located on the airport grounds right in front of the airport terminal exit but has a significant price tag. Double rooms are available from $140-$160. They offer day rooms between the hours of 10:00AM – 6:00PM and their rooms include breakfast.
• Pay Purix Backpackers Hostel – The hostel is about 1 km from the airport. Although this is a much cheaper option we advise against going there without transfer or secure taxi. The hostel itself has good reviews. A bed in a 12 bed dorm costs about $7.50, in a 4 bed dorm $10.50 and private rooms range between $25 and $50 per night. This hostel is not in a safe location so be careful around the hostel.

Spending the night in the airport

If you decide to stay inside the airport you can hang around the food court on the second floor or the international/domestic departure areas. The seats behind security don’t have armrests so it is possible to lie down if there aren’t too many people. A lot of people also hang out at the food court or the Starbucks on the landside for the free Wi-Fi.

*If you are in transit and exit the airport they will charge you about $31 for re-entering. For more info check our transit section.

Lima Airport Future Plans

The expansion plans for Lima Airport were signed in 2001. The plans include an expansion of the passenger terminal, a new commercial area, etc. that have been started as early as 2005. Most of these improvements have been finished by now. The complete expansion plans, however, also included a second runway, terminal and a tunnel connecting the old and the new.

The Peruvian government has failed to deliver over 740 acres of land for the expansion, which would mean relocating electrical lines, gas pipelines, and a water tower. Lima Airport Partners is now in dispute with the Peruvian government and asks for the completion of the contract. The airport says construction can continue once they receive the lands that were promised. A new completion date is currently unknown.

If you want to explore all of the different options available to you for getting around Peru, including the heavily traveled Lima to Cusco, then check out this page, which gives you a complete breakdown of the different options and routes available to travelers everywhere.