Lima LIM Transfer & Departures

Flying from/to Jorge Chávez International Airport

Plan your journey from/to Jorge Chávez International Airport by finding out which transport links are available upon arrival—whether its an airport transfer by coach or a local train which gets you to where you need to be. We recommend booking your ticket with Omio.

Arriving at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)

The primary airport in Peru's capital, Jorge Chávez International Airport, is in the Callao neighborhood, around six miles (nine kilometers) from the city centre. Airlines flying to the airport include American Airlines, LATAM Perú, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Its US connections include New York, Atlanta, Houston, and Newark. The airport is open 24/7, but flights tend to leave between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. It's not uncommon to see people sleeping at the airport. As for Peru's capital, it's famous for its colonial city centre, seafood dishes such as ceviche (a distant relative to sashimi), and spooky catacombs, which contain thousands of skeletons of wealthy locals.

What's the best way to get from Jorge Chávez International Airport to the city centre?

Lima's airport isn't far from the center of town, and transfers should be hassle-free in most instances. Only one coach operator offers regular connections between the city centre and Jorge Chávez International Airport. Airport Express Lima runs 17 coaches per day to Miraflores, with free WiFi, no limits on luggage, and USB charging points. Visitors could also research rental options before heading to Lima (outlets such as Budget, Hertz, and ANC Group can be found at the airport). Or they could rely on a recommended licensed taxi operator to book a stress-free transfer. Taxis will be essential for those staying outside Miraflores, and are easily the most comfortable transportation option for heading to the colonial city.

How far is the city centre from Jorge Chávez International Airport?

Jorge Chávez International Airport, six miles (nine kilometers) west of Lima's historic center, is located in Callao, a famous neighborhood by the Pacific Ocean. However, Airport Express coaches to Miraflores will need to travel slightly further, as the coach stop is a couple of miles south of the center. This location increases the distance to around 11 miles (16 kilometers).

Journey times by coach tend to be fairly long - usually totaling just over one hour. It's not unusual for transfers to San Isidro or Miraflores to take 25-30 minutes, even in favorable traffic conditions. Although Plaza Mayor, at the heart of the colonial city, is only about five miles (eight kilometers) from the airport, coaches there still need to change at Miraflores. Taxis to the city centre are much faster, taking 15-20 minutes.

What services are there at Jorge Chávez International Airport?

Jorge Chávez International Airport is a well-equipped modern airport, offering pretty much anything travellers could need. Dining options at the airport include bar-brasseries, cafés, delicatessens, Chinese eateries, and donut vendors. Shops range from cellphone accessory stores to boutiques selling chocolate made with locally grown cocoa. Additionally, travellers will find a variety of banks, ATMs, and currency exchange facilities, and they could also check into VIP lounges to unwind and work before their flights. There's a shoe-shine kiosk for smartening up, a mother and baby center, left luggage services, and even an onsite hotel. Everything has been designed to ensure maximum ease for disabled travellers, and step-free access is engineered into the airport terminals. WiFi is also provided, but travellers should note that they may enjoy just one hour of free coverage divided into two 30-minute slots. After that, a small fee is required.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?​

Getting around Jorge Chávez International Airport ​shouldn't pose too many problems for travellers with limited mobility. The facility has been set up to meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It caters well to wheelchair users, and wheelchairs can be supplied on request if passengers need help before boarding. All major facilities at the terminals are step- and barrier-free, and it's easy to find accessible toilets when needed. travelling from the airport may be more problematic due to the absence of public transport. Airport Express Lima does cater to those with limited mobility, but it has just one stop that may be far from travellers' booked accommodations. Instead, wheelchair users may prefer to arrange specialized taxis or mini-coaches to shorten transfer times and ensure they have the space they need.

Local tips: what to know before flying to Jorge Chávez International Airport

When they fly to the airport, travellers will need to pass through immigration, customs, and luggage reclaim, and fill out a tourist visa card. The process doesn't usually take too long, and concludes in the transport services area, where visitors can buy coach tickets and book taxis.​ At this point, it's worth noting that Uber isn't a good option. The ride-hailing company has been banned from serving arrivals at the airport by Lima's authorities, so using a licensed company such as Taxi365 would be a safer bet. Airport Express coaches are popular with locals and tourists alike due to their safety and premium facilities. The coaches are well worth considering for travellers staying in southern Lima. Anyone who has an appointment to keep or check-in time in mind should factor traffic into their planning. Although Lima has terrible traffic at times, transfers are quicker between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.