The Lima International Airport Jorge Chávez

Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport, connecting Peru with the world, is located in Callao about 13 km (8 miles) west of Lima's historic city center and approx. 20 km (12.5 miles) northwest of the district of Miraflores. The airport is named after the Peruvian aviation icon Jorge Chávez Dartnell and is one of the largest, busiest and most modern airports in Latin America.

The airport serves as a hub for more than 20 airlines and provides direct international flights to North, Central and South American countries, the Caribbean and Europe, along with national flights in Peru. 

Please note: With the opening of the new terminal of Lima's airport on June 1, 2025, all the information on this page was outdated. I'm busy right now bringing everything up to date. However, being a one-man-show, updating all info, pictures and graphs can only be done step-by-step. So, please allow me a view more days until the article is completely "overhauled" and as informative and helpful as you are used to. Thank you. 

Table of Content

• General Information
  • History of Lima's Jorge Chavez Airport
  • Airlines and destinations
  • Passenger numbers
• Location and layout of Lima’s airport
  • Location
  • Layout of the terminal
  • How to navigate Lima's airport
• Services at the airport
  • Wifi
  • Money exchange
  • Mobile phones & Sim cards
  • Covid test
  • Luggage storage & lockers
  • Lost and Found
  • Peru Plaza - shopping and food court
  • VIP lounges
  • Duty-free shopping
  • Postal services
  • Medical attention
  • Luggage wrapping
  • Lactation room
  • Airport hotel
  • Parking
  • Airport bus
  • Taxi services
  • Car rentals
• Arriving at Lima's airport
  • Covid regulations
  • Immigration
  • Customs
  • Arriving with pets
• Getting from the airport to town
  • Best options
  • Taking a taxi
  • Renting a car
• Departing from Lima's International Airport
  • Check-in, security check and gates
  • Airport tax - TUUA
  • Restricted items
  • Narcotics
  • Departing with pets

General information

Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport, Puer's gateway to the world, is located in Callao about 13 km (8 miles) west of Lima's historic city center and approx. 20 km (12.5 miles) northwest of the district of Miraflores.

History of Lima's Jorge Chavez Airport

Jorge Chávez International Airport was inaugurated in December 1965, replacing Lima’s old airport in San Isidro, named Limatambo. It was privatized in 2001 when the Peruvian government granted Lima Airport Partners (LAP) - today a joint venture of the German Fraport AG (80.01%) and the International Finance Corporation IFC, a member of the World Bank Group (19.99%) - a 30-year concession for the construction, improvement, operation, and expansion of the airport.

Since then, continuous expansions, improvements and modernizations made Lima’s airport one of the most modern, best organized and easy to navigate airports in Latin America. Over the past 20 years, the hard work of management and staff was regularly honored with awards such as the "Best Airport in South America” award by Skytrax World Airports Awards or the "South American Leading Airport” award by the World Travel Awards; and deservedly so.

As part of an extensive expansion project, a second runway and new high-tech control tower was inaugurated in April 2023.

And after many delays, a new airport terminal, three times larger than the old one, was opened on June 1, 2025 replacing the old terminal, which is planned to be repurposed for logistics, medical services, offices, and private aviation, with the possibility of serving as a secondary terminal if needed.

The total capacity of the new terminal is expected to handle up to 40 million passengers annually, making Lima's airport one of the largest in the region but still easy to navigate. The terminal features around 90 check-in counters, 42 self-service check-in kiosks, 59 boarding gates (46 with boarding bridges, 13 with buses), 37 elevators, 33 escalators, and 10 moving walkways, large commercial areas, and state-of-the-art technology for baggage handling and security. It also includes VIP lounges, fast-track connection areas, and rest areas, offering travelers a modern and efficient experience.

The expansion project as well includes the development of the Lima Airport City, the first airport city in South America. The hole project is connected to improvements in Lima’s infrastructure for better connectivity and accessibility: finally, the airport and the new airport city are planned to be connected properly by a mass transportation system (metro and busses) and an improved road network with Lima.

Airlines and destinations

In 2024, Lima’s airport served as a hub for 22 airlines with 60 destinations and as a logistical hub for cargo in South America. To give you an overview which airlines connect Lima with the world find below a listing. Please note that some routes may be seasonal or subject to change.

North America

• Aeroméxico: Mexico City
• Air Canada: Montréal, Toronto
• American Airlines: Dallas, Miami
• Delta Air Lines: Atlanta
• Interjet: Cancún, Mexico City
• JetBlue: Fort Lauderdale
• LATAM: Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Miami, Mexico City, Cancún
• United Airlines: Houston, Newark

Central America and the Caribbean

• AraJet: Santo Domingo
• Avianca: San José (CR), Santiago de Chile, San Salvador
• Copa Airlines: Panama City
• LATAM: San José (CR), Havana, Montego Bay, Punta Cana
• Volaris: San José (CR)

South America

• Aerolíneas Argentinas: Buenos Aires
• Avianca: Bogotá, Guayaquil, Quito
• Boliviana de Aviación: Santa Cruz de la Sierra
• Copa/Wingo: Bogota
• JetSmart: Santiago de Chile
• LATAM: Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Santiago de Chile, Bogotá, Quito, and more
• Sky Airline: Santiago de Chile

Europe

• Air Europa: Madrid
• Air France: Paris
• Iberia: Madrid
• KLM: Amsterdam

Domestic Destinations within Peru

• LATAM Perú: Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Chiclayo, Cuzco, Iquitos, Juliaca, Piura, Pucallpa, Puerto Maldonado, Tacna, Tarapoto, Trujillo, Tumbes
• Sky Airline: Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cuzco, Iquitos, Piura, Pucallpa, Tarapoto, Trujillo, Tumbes
• Star Perú: Cajamarca, Chiclayo, Cuzco, Iquitos, Pucallpa, Tarapoto

Jorge Chavez International Airport passenger traffic

Since the beginning of the 21st century, passenger numbers at Jorge Chávez International Airport have shown consistent growth, transforming the airport into a major regional hub. This upward trend continued steadily until 2019, when the airport reached a historic peak of 23.6 million passengers.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 abruptly interrupted this growth from one day to another, causing passenger numbers to plummet to around 7 million due to global travel restrictions and a complete lockdown of Peru. A gradual recovery began in 2021, with traffic rising to about 10.8 million. By 2022, numbers rebounded strongly, reaching approximately 18.6 million passengers - a 72% increase from the year before. The recovery continued in 2023, with the airport nearly reaching its pre-pandemic levels.

In 2024, Jorge Chávez set a new record by handling 24.5 million passengers, driven by renewed international demand and Lima’s growing importance as a transit hub. In 2025, the airport opened a new terminal (a second runway and a high-tech control tower were already added in 2023) expanding its capacity and paving the way to handle over 30 million passengers annually in the next years and even 40 million mid-term. 

Location and layout of Lima’s airport

Location

Jorge Chávez International Airport is located in Callao, about 13 km (8 miles) west of Lima’s historic city center and approximately 20 km (12.5 miles) northwest of the Miraflores district. In June 2025, a new terminal was inaugurated within the airport complex. It now handles all domestic and international flights. The old terminal nearby remains standing and may be repurposed in the future. Access to the new terminal is now via Av. Morales Duárez.

Layout

The new terminal at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima represents a significant expansion designed to accommodate the growing demand for air travel. It's three times larger than the old terminal, encompassing approximately 270,000 sq m (2.9 million sq ft). The terminal spans five levels - four above ground and one basement - each designed to streamline passenger movement and enhance the travel experience. 

While this may sound like one of the large and confusing airports in North America or Europe, Lima’s new terminal is just as easy to navigate, passenger-friendly, and well-organized as the old one. Additionally, all signs are in Spanish and English, and most airport personnel are bilingual. So, you’re unlikely to get lost and should have no trouble finding your way.

In general, the left side of the terminal is dedicated to international departures and arrivals, while the right side serves domestic flights. The upper part of the terminal functions as a shared area for both domestic and international flights. The central section houses key departure and arrival services such as immigration, customs, and baggage claim, as well as passenger amenities including a food court, shops, and lounges.

1st and 2nd floor - Arrivals

The 1st and 2nd floor of Lima's airport terminal is mostly dedicated to arriving passengers. An exception are the remote departures gates (marked on the map with the letter B), which require a bus transfer to the aircraft. 

 

On the second floor arriving passenger conveniently find the areas for national and international transit, a seating area with food and drink options as well as the Sleep 'N Fly Lounge. On the first floor immigrations, baggage claim and customs are located. 

3rd floor - Departures

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4th floor

Services at Lima's airport

As you can expect at an awarded international airport, Lima’s airport offers all you need when travelling.

Wifi

Since April 2021, Jorge Chavez International Airport offers free Wifi, which is not restricted by any time limits anymore. Just connect your mobile device to .FreeAeropuertoGTD and you are ready to go.

Additionally, some shops at the food court, such as Starbucks or Britt, offer free Wifi when you purchase something.

Money exchange at the airport

You can exchange money at the small exchange booth in the international arrivals area on the ground floor or at the Interbank branch at Peru Plaza on the second level. As the exchange rate at the airport is more than miserable, we recommend better using one of the many ATMs spread around the airport to withdraw local cash.

Here you find some tips when using ATMs in Peru

ATMs - Credit Cards - Traveler's Cheques

General Peruvian Money Information

When traveling you of course need money. Even though debit and credit cards are at least in major cities widely accepted, cash is still king in Per...

If you prefer to exchange at the airport, only change the absolute minimum to get to town. There rates are much better.

Mobile phones & Sim cards at the airport

For years you could either rent a cellphone with a local Sim card / number at Rent a Cell (rather expensive), buy a local prepaid Sim card at the Claro shop for a few Dollars and use it in your own, unlocked mobile, or buy a cheap cellphone at the airport. These times seem to be over. In September 2022, Claro at the international arrivals only offered overpriced tourist packages for around US$ 50. However, you could as well check out the local cellphone providers at Peru Plaza on the second floor.

If you want a local phone number, we highly recommend skipping the airport option and better get the Sim card / number for around S/ 10 at a Claro shop in town and there choose a package that fits your needs.

Covid test at the airport

As most countries around the globe don't require a Covid test to enter anymore, the Covid test facility at the airport is history. However, if you need a test, Unilabs still offer antigen tests and PCR tests at their branches in Miraflores, Jesus Maria and La Molina. The antigen test is S/ 100, the PCR test S/ 185; results are ready in one hour (antigen) or 24 hours (PCR). The lab asks to please make an appointment here.

Luggage storage & lockers at Lima's airport

The “Left Luggage” (luggage storage) at the Lima airport is located in the public international arrivals area on the ground floor. It is open 24/7 and costs S/ 6.50 per hour and piece of luggage or S/ 39 per day (24 hours) and piece of luggage. Over-sized items (such as surf boards) are charged depending on size and weight.

You as well have the option to store smaller luggage items in private lockers. A locker is S/ 56 per day (24 hours) or S/ 12 per hour for all you can fit in. The dimensions of the lockers are 45 cm (wide) x 60 cm (long) x 75 cm (high).

Please note: Discounts for the storage of lots of luggage or for an extended period of time can be negotiated.

Terms & Conditions of using the “Left Luggage” include:

• Show passport or ID when leaving your luggage
• No valuables, food, flammables, drugs, and weapons are accepted
• Payment when picking up your luggage
• Only cash payments either in Peruvian Soles or US Dollars are accepted; payment with credit card is not possible
• Area is monitored by video, so be aware that you are recorded

Lost and Found

If you forgot or lost something in the airport building, you can contact the "Oficina de Hallazgos" (Lost and Found office) only by mail under hallazgos [at] lima-airport.com.

Be aware that in case you lost or forgot something in the airplane you should contact the airline.

Peru Plaza - shopping area and food court

Peru Plaza, the public shopping area and food court at Lima’s airport, is on the second floor of the terminal. It offers numerous shops where you can buy a wide range of typical Peruvian and international products and get something to eat or drink before passing the security check and being limited in your choice.

Shoppers can find all sorts of souvenirs and other products characteristic for Peru: from silver and gold jewelry to alpaca clothing, leather products and Peruvian-style printed shirts, to a wide choice of Peruvian handicrafts and popular goodies (Peruvian coffee, Peruvian chocolate, Peruvian sweets, etc.). Also, international products such as perfumes, fine jewelry, women's accessories, and useful items for travelers are on offer.

Once you pass the security check, shopping options are limited to the duty-free shops and basic supplies (cafe, sandwiches...); so, if you have plenty of time before your flight, Peru Plaza might be the better place to kill an hour or two.

VIP lounges at the airport

Lima’s airport has three VIP lounges:

• Hanaq VIP Lounge: exclusive lounge for international passengers; includes free Wifi, buffet, bar, business center with conference rooms, printers, copiers, TV, resting area, showers and more; open 24 hours; after the security check between gate 17 and 18 turn left
• Sumaq VIP Lounge: exclusive lounge for international passengers; includes free Wifi, buffet, bar, business center, TV, resting area, showers and more; open 24 hours; ; after the security check between gate 17 and 18 turn left
• El Salón by Newrest National VIP Lounge: exclusive lounge for national passengers; includes free Wifi, buffet, bar, business center, TV, resting area, showers and more; open 01.30am to 11.00pm; after the security check turn right

Duty-Free shopping

As at any other international airport, duty-free shopping is limited to international travelers. After the security check you will find a wide selection of shops offering the typical duty-free products such as perfumes, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and tobacco products, coffee and chocolate, but also a smaller variety of gold and silver jewelry as well as clothing and souvenirs characteristic for Peru.

Postal service at the airport

A branch of Serpost, Peru's postal service, is on the second floor between Peru Plaza and the airline offices.

Medical attention at Lima's airport

Emergency medical attention is available 24/7. The infirmary is in the national arrivals area. Further information is available at the Information counter in the international arrivals area on the ground floor, and also at Peru Plaza, on the second level.

Luggage wrapping at the airport

Just in front of the check-in counters you find Safe Bag, a service offering to plastic-wrap your luggage.

Lactation room at the airport

Some breastfeeding moms will be happy to find a private space at Lima’s airport where they can either nurse their babies or use a breast pump in a relaxed and inviting environment. The Lactation Room as well offers newborn care and breastfeeding counselling. Located at Peru Plaza (facing the parking lot) and open 24/7.

Airport hotel

The Costa del Sol hotel is located directly opposite the terminal and even is connected with the second floor of the terminal by a covered bridge. The hotel offers spacious, modern and comfortable rooms, a 24/7 restaurant, a bar, a great spa and conference / event facilities.

Parking at Lima’s airport

The spacious airport parking lot, operated by Los Portales, is located just opposite the terminal. Short-term parking for cars up to 2.20m height is S/ 5.20 for up to 45 minutes, S/ 7.00 from 46 to 60 minutes and S/ 7.00 per hour for anything over 61 minutes. Payments are made in cash Soles or US$ before leaving at the payment machines in front of the terminal.

Long-term parking costs S/ 49 for every 24 hours. Next to cash payments, Visa, Master and Diners cards are accepted.

Airport bus

Since April 2017, the airport finally has an official bus service. The service was ceased from March 2020 till the end of October 2022 due to Covid, but they are back in business starting November 5, 2022.

The Airport Express Lima is a safe, reliable, punctual, and cost-effective way to get from the Jorge Chavez Airport to Lima’s districts of San Isidro and Miraflores and vice versa. The modern buses, which are well maintained and spotless, are equipped with free Wi-Fi, USB ports and TVs, ensuring a safe, comfortable and pleasant ride.

Before Covid, they had 9 bus stops in Miraflores and another 3 in San Isidro. After restarting the operation in November 2022, they offer only two stops, Larcomar and Parque Kennedy both in Miraflores. Hopefully, as soon as visitor numbers in Peru pick up again, the service might be extended.

For trips from and to the airport, you can book a ticket on the Airport Express Lima website, where you additionally find detailed information about bus stops and prices. If you buy a ticket online, you can use it for any bus, and online ticket holders always take first preference if the bus is full.

Additionally, if you want to use the service from the airport to Miraflores, you can also buy your ticket at the Airport Express Lima counters at the airport (international arrivals just after customs or national arrivals waiting area). Payments can be made in cash (Soles, US$ or Euro) or with credit card (Visa or Mastercard). If you are going from Miraflores to the airport next to booking online, you can as well pay on board; however, make sure to have the exact change.

The buses run from Miraflores to the airport from 07.00 am to 09.00 pm every hour daily and from the airport to Miraflores from 07.00 am to 10.00 pm every hour daily.

Taxi services

The counters of the three official taxi service companies can be found at the international arrivals just after customs or at the national arrivals waiting area. All airport taxi companies have implemented strict Covid-19 hygiene protocols to ensure your safety during the ride.

• Taxi 365: for 20 years registered as official airport taxi; bilingual staff, modern and safe vehicles, trust-worthy and on-time, nice drivers; you can choose between a car for 2 persons, a minivan for 6 and a large van for up to 10 people. You can book at the airport and on their website.
• Taxi Green: as well for 20 years registered as official airport taxi, reliable, punctual, modern and well-maintained vehicles, nice drivers. You can choose between cars, SUVs or vans.
• Taxi Directo: the newcomer at the airport with modern and safe vehicles including cars, SUVs and vans which are clean and well-maintained. You can book at the airport counter or through their app.

Car rentals

At the international arrivals just after customs or at the national arrivals waiting area you find the counters of three rental car companies.

• Budget: worldwide operating car rental company
• Hertz: represented in Peru by Inka’s Rent a Car for over 20 years
• Grupo ANC: operating in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Peru as franchisee of Alamo Rent a Car, National Car Rental and Enterprise Rent a Car

Before renting a car at the airport, please read the chapter “Getting from the airport to town” below.

Arriving at Lima's International Airport

With changes in immigration procedures and progressive digitalization over the past years, today entering Peru is usually a simple and mostly organized process, however depending on the number of flights arriving sometimes a bit time-consuming.

Covid regulations

After a complete shutdown, Peru re-opened the country for international air travel in October 2020, however with strict and ever changing entry and travel requirements.

Finally, on November 1, 2022, the State of Emergency in Peru was lifted and all Covid entry requirements as well as all other regulations and restrictions that were in place to avoid the spreading of Covid were repealed.

So, entering Peru is back to "normal" again. You just need your passport with at least 2 free pages in the visa section that is valid for at least another 6 months upon arrival and, if you have to apply for a tourist visa before coming to Peru, your visa stamp.

Immigration

Once you left the plane, you automatically end up at the immigration control. For now, the automatic passport machines for a quick and contactless entry are in a trial period and reserved for Peruvians only. So foreigners, tourists and foreign residents of Peru, have to proceed to an immigration counter and clear immigration conventionally.

While during the height of the Corona pandemic Peru eliminated the stamping of passports when entering the country, in May 2022 the entry stamp was re-introduced just to be eliminated again at the end of May 2023 for those entering Peru on international flights; and, unfortunately, this time it seems for good.

Today, your entry (and when you leave your departure) is only automatically registered and the so-called TAM virtual created. A few years back this Tarjeta Andina de Migración was a physical white card that you had to fill in, was stamped at the point of entry and had to be given back when leaving the country. Today it’s just an entry in the Migraciones database registering your personal data, the date of entry (and later departure), the point of entry (and later departure) and if you entered as a tourist or business traveler the number of days you are allowed to stay in Peru.

Be aware that you can't extend your stay as a tourist / business traveler in Peru once you entered the country. So, at the immigration counter make sure you get at least the number of days you are planning to stay in the country (for most nationalities, 90 days is the max).

As you don't get an entry stamp anymore, your only options to find out how long you can be in Peru as a tourist or business traveler is to ask the immigration officer and, if you want to have a confirmation "in writing" or need proof when you entered or left the country, to check online. Our article "How many days did I get when entering Peru" explains in detail your options to check your allowed length of stay in Peru.

How many days did I get when entering Peru?

Legal Stuff

While during the height of the Corona pandemic Peru eliminated the stamping of passports when entering the country, in May 2022 the entry stamp was...

Customs

Once you cleared immigrations, your next stop is picking up your luggage. If you have nothing to declare, just follow the green markings to the exit of the airport.

If you have something to declare, since June 2022 you must download the APP "Bienvenido al Perú" which is available on iOS and Android. It details in short, in English or Spanish, the most important regulations and gives you the option to declare items or money. So, just follow the instructions and fill in the required fields within 48h prior to your arrival in Peru and once in Peru proceed to the customs counters.

Customs urges travelers informing themselves about the regulations and comply with Peruvian laws; and we agree, if caught with dutiable goods or currency without having declared them, fines are hefty. You can find detailed information about Peruvian customs regulations in our article "What you can & can't bring into Peru".

What you can & can’t bring into Peru

Legal Stuff

When travelling to a foreign country it’s always a good idea to know which items you can bring with no problems, and which ones you better leave at...

Then just follow the flow to the luggage scanners. Once your baggage passed through without observations, you made it.

Welcome to Peru!

Arriving with pets

When bringing animals into Peru, be aware that only dogs and cats are considered pets. In charge of monitoring and checking the “import” of pets is Senasa, the National Agrarian Health Service of Peru. Per person, only one pet can be brought into Peru as accompanied luggage (in cabin or as checked baggage) or as air cargo.

The easiest and less painful way to get your pet into Peru surely is having it on the same flight you are traveling with to Peru, either in the cabin or as accompanied luggage. To bring your pet into Peru without quarantine, you have to present the following documents upon arrival:

• Certificate of Good Health issued by an official veterinarian in the home country within 14 days before entering Peru
• Proof of vaccinations against:
  • Rabies for both dogs and cats - vaccinated between 21 days and 12 months prior to entering the country. Peru does not recognize 2- or 3-year rabies vaccines.
  • Additionally, for dogs: vaccination against Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis, and Leptospirosis
  • Additionally, for cats: vaccination against Panleukopenia (FVRCP), Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus
• Recent proof of veterinary treatment against internal and external parasites

Above requirements also apply to emotional support and service dogs and cats.

Peru doesn’t require a special import permit for dogs and cats (exception: puppies and kittens less than 12 weeks of age and unvaccinated) nor a pet microchip or rabies titer test to enter the country and doesn’t have a banned breeds list.

Upon arrival at the airport (if your pet traveled in the cargo hold of the plane, you usually get it back at the baggage claim carousel), pet owners have to proceed with their pet to the Senasa office. Here you first have to pay two different fees:

• an examination fee equivalent to 1.973% of 1 UIT; in 2023 this equals S/ 98
• a fee for issuing the pet’s permit to enter the country equivalent to 0.729% of 1 UIT = S/ 36 (2023).

Then the health certificate, vaccination certificates and parasite treatment certificate are checked, and the dog or cat quickly looked over. If the documents and the pet’s health are to the satisfaction of the Senasa inspector, the pet can enter.

If the documents aren’t in order or the pet doesn’t seem to be in good health, further examination by a licensed Peruvian veterinarian can be requested at the dog owners’ expense. In the end, the Senasa inspector decides if the animal can enter or needs, for example, a parasite treatment or a vaccination or is quarantined before being allowed to enter or has to be returned to the country of origin.

When shipping your dog or cat to Peru as cargo (so not with you in the cabin or as accompanied luggage), expect a stressful, time-consuming process with lots of paperwork, running around and paying hefty fees before you can finally welcome your dog or cat in Peru.

Other animals that might be considered pets in other countries such as birds, rodents, and rabbits, fish, reptiles, and so forth need an export sanitary certificate from the country of origin and a special import permit from Senasa which must be applied for before coming to Peru. Additional permits are required to bring animals that are under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) into Peru.

Above mentioned recommendations are given to our best knowledge reflecting the current Peruvian regulations. As these sometimes change quickly and without prior notice, we highly recommend checking the veterinary regulations shortly before your travel with the nearest Peruvian consulate and / or Senasa.

Getting from the airport to town

As soon as you made it through customs, you end up in the international arrivals area where in pre-Covid times you were greeted by masses of people wanting to pickup other passengers or all sorts of vendors who tried to get you into a special taxi, to sell you tours or anything else. For some people, a very disturbing and annoying experience, especially after a long flight and when visiting Peru for the first time.

Today, even after the strict Corona measures were canceled and the public is allowed back into the airport building, the international arrivals area is still sort of quiet and much better organized than before Covid. However, the former chaos inside the airport was just relocated to the area behind the exit doors in the parking lot. So, it's still highly recommended to plan ahead how you get from the airport to town.

Be aware that Lima has no mass transportation system, and the airport is not connected to a metro or for visitors recommendable bus network. Except for the Metropolitano and the Tren Electrico, Lima’s metro which is very slowly in the process of being expanded, the public transport is handled by a chaotic system of privately owned and operated, often rundown busses, micros, and combis with drivers who seem to have suicidal tendencies.

Best options to get from the airport to town

Surely the best option to get from the airport to town is to pre-arrange a pickup with the hotel or hostel you're staying at or book a private pickup service. As soon as you leave the terminal, someone is waiting for you, helps with luggage, escorts you to the car and brings you hassle free and safe to town.

An equally great option, especially if you are on a budget, is using the official airport bus, which brings you safely and cost-effectively in modern and comfortable busses from the airport to Lima’s district of Miraflores.

Taking a taxi at the airport

If you plan to just grab a cab at the airport, we highly recommend to only use one of the official airport taxi services. As listed above, you have the choice between Taxi 365, Taxi Green or Taxi Directo. You can book their service either on their website / app in advance or after arriving at the airport at their counters in the international arrivals area (after customs turn right) or the national arrivals area. The drivers are checked and the cars are modern and well-maintained. Additionally, these taxi companies have fixed prices - so no bargaining or feeling ripped off - which you can find printed on a big board next to the desk. Prices vary depending on the district you want to go to and the size of the vehicle (car or van).

Be aware that prices for the official airport taxis are much higher than what you would normally pay for a taxi in Lima or Peru. However, these extra Soles are well spent to ensure that you arrive at your destination safely, comfortably and stress free.

And just for the sake of completeness, you as well have the option to leave the airport and grab a taxi on Av. Elmer Faucett which probably is half the price of an airport taxi or take one of the big green busses which will take you to Miraflores. For your own safety and security, these two options are not recommended, especially not with luggage, you clearly being a foreigner and without knowing Lima and the local situation, and an absolutely no-go at night! We strongly advice against taking a cab from the street or a local bus from the airport to town. Use your common sense to make the right decision.

Renting a car at the airport

As described above there are three rental car companies at the airport: Budget, a worldwide operating car rental, Hertz which is represented in Peru for over 20 years by Inka’s Rent a Car, and Grupo ANC which operates in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Peru as franchisee of Alamo Rent a Car, National Car Rental and Enterprise Rent a Car. You can, of course, make the reservation for a rental car on the website of the companies or other internet platforms in advance or directly at their counters in the airport.

However, if you are not familiar with Lima and not accustomed to the traffic in the Peruvian capital with its own “rules” we strongly advise against renting a car. Driving in Peru and especially in Lima differs greatly from what you are used to. You can get around Lima easily and cheaply by taxi without having to stand your ground and compete against other reckless drivers who seem to not follow any of the traffic rules you know from home. After a long and tiring flight, probably without knowing where exactly you have to go, Lima's traffic is more than a challenge even for experienced drivers.

If you still feel you need a car, please first read our article “Car Rentals in Lima” and our humorous approach on "Driving in Lima". If you still want to rent a car and drive yourself, at least get a taxi from the airport to your hotel or arrange a pickup and once in town and rested, either pick up your rental car at a branch in town or have it brought to your hotel.

Car Rentals in Lima

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Driving in Lima and Peru will be a very “interesting” experience if you are used to driving in North America or Europe.

Departing from the Lima International Airport 

As already described in detailed above, Lima’s Jorge Chavez Airport with its one terminal is compared to large airports in North America and Europe, relatively small, neatly arranged and well organized. All signs are in Spanish and English and most of the airport personal is bilingual. So, you surely won’t get lost and can easily find your way.

Check-in, security check and gates

The check-in area for national and international flights is on the ground floor in the middle of the terminal. For international flights, the airport authority recommends arriving 3 hours ahead of departure time; for national flights, it's advised to check in 2 hours before your flight leaves. To enter the check-in area, you have to present your passport and ticket.

After the check-in, best spend your remaining time on the second level at Peru Plaza where you find all amenities, because as soon as you passed the security check (as well on the second floor) diversion is limited.

Once you passed the security check, the gates for international departures are to your left. Here, after passing immigrations, you find as well duty-free shops and a limited number of food and drink options. Be aware that some gates are located on the ground floor, so you have to take the stairs or elevators to get down again. The gates for national departures are after the security check to your right; be aware that some gates are located on the ground floor, so you have to take the stairs or elevators to get down again.

Airport tax - TUUA

Since 2010, the airport tax (TUUA), which covers different services provided by the airport to passengers at the Jorge Chavez International Airport, is included in your airline ticket price.

Restricted items

As on nearly all flights around the globe, certain items are prohibited in your checked baggage and / or in your hand luggage. These include lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries (including electronic devices with installed lithium batteries such as tablets, laptops, e-cigs), drugs, flammables and firearm-related objects in your checked bags, and liquids, gels, and aerosols over 100 ml, firearms or any imitation of firearms, cutting or piercing instruments of any type and size, drugs and any item considered dangerous for the flight in the aircraft cabin in your carry-on.

On the website of the airport, you find a detailed list of items which are prohibited and permitted to be carried by passengers on international flights and on national flights.

Narcotics

Visitors thinking of making some quick and easy money by smuggling drugs out of Peru should better think twice. The anti-narcotics unit of the PNP at the airport is quite professional and well-equipped and protocols on a high international standard. At least once or twice a week, local newspapers report about drug seizures and arrests of foreigners at the airport in Lima. Prison sentences for drug trafficking are long in Peru, often without being granted remission or extradition to your home country; and a Peruvian prison isn’t a place you want to be. So, don’t go there; it’s not worth it.

And even if you don’t intend to take part in drug trafficking, be extremely cautious when someone asks you to take a package or some seemingly inconspicuous items such bottles of shampoo, Peruvian specialties, clothes or similar for his or her relative with you overseas. Drugs might be hidden in them, and you are used as a mule.

Last but not least, you should also be aware that products made of coca leaves such as mate de coca (coca tea), coca flour, coca energy drinks, coca energy bars, coca sweats and coca chewing gums, which are legal in Peru, may violate the laws of your destination country and be prohibited. Trying to bring them into the country might result in hefty fines or even imprisonment for drug possession / smuggling.

Departing with pets

If you want to travel with your pet from Peru abroad, you have to plan ahead; not because it’s difficult to leave Peru, but probably to enter your destination country. Quite a number of countries require next to vaccination and health certificates as well a pet microchip and a negative rabies titer test result issued by an approved rabies serology laboratory. As there is none in Peru, the sample has to be sent to Chile, which takes time.

An excellent source of information regarding accurate entry requirements for your pet in your destination country is the airline you are flying with and, of course, the authority in charge of pet imports. So, to get all necessary documents together by the time your flight leaves, start early.

On the Peruvian side, Senasa, the National Agrarian Health Service of Peru in charge of monitoring and checking the "import" and “export” of pets, only requires the following documents when leaving with a pet:

• Certificate of Good Health (in the format of the Veterinary Medical College of Peru) issued by a registered Peruvian veterinarian
• Current rabies vaccination certificate (in the format of the Veterinary Medical College of Peru) issued by a registered Peruvian veterinarian
• Recent proof of veterinary treatment against internal and external parasites
• If you travel with a Peruvian Hairless Dog: export permit issued by the Peruvian Hairless Dog National Protection Committee

As already mentioned above, these are only the required documents for leaving Peru; your destination country might require additional documents.

While officially you have to pay the Senasa office at the airport a visit to present above-mentioned documents, pay a fee of around S/ 100 and have the kennel and dog inspected, when we left Peru with our dog we directly proceeded to the check-in counter of our airline and the staff took care of the rest, checked the necessary documents and accompanied us to a room where the dog was checked and the kennel x-rayed and disinfected.