Updated Date:

Author: The Only Peru Guide Editorial Team

Quick Summary: For one person on a budget, the official Airport Express Lima bus to Miraflores is the cheapest simple option. For door‑to‑door to your hotel in Miraflores, QuickLlama and app rides can cost only slightly more and save a short walk. For late‑night arrivals, use the licensed taxi counters inside Arrivals or a pre‑booked transfer. Build a 20–30 minute buffer for traffic or bus delays and avoid street‑hailed taxis around the airport.

What changed recently (and why it matters)

Lima’s new passenger terminal opened in 2025, moving all operations to a larger facility and shifting access via Av. Morales Duárez. Expect clearer wayfinding but new pickup zones and traffic patterns, especially at peaks. Sources confirm the June 1, 2025 operational start and expanded capacity.

ATU also launched the AeroDirecto “Terminal Norte” route in 2025 (S/5), connecting the Plaza Norte intercity hub to the new terminal 24/7—useful if you’re transiting between the airport and long‑distance buses at Plaza Norte.

Quick pick: the best option by traveler type

  • Solo on a budget, headed to Miraflores: Airport Express Lima bus to one of four central stops; cheap, straightforward, luggage‑friendly.
  • Two or more, light bags, Miraflores/Barranco/San Isidro hotels: Rideshare (Uber/Cabify) or QuickLlama door‑to‑door can beat bus-per-person price; still avoid terminal taxi touts.
  • Red‑eye arrivals or travelers with large/valuable gear: Licensed taxi from the official counters inside Arrivals or a pre‑booked private transfer. This minimizes exposure outside the terminal.
  • Connecting to intercity buses at Plaza Norte: AeroDirecto Terminal Norte (S/5) straight to the airport, then official taxi/rideshare to your hotel if needed.

Option 1: Airport Express Lima (official airport bus)

The official airport bus runs roughly hourly (about 07:00–22:00) to Miraflores with Wi‑Fi, USBs, and big luggage bays. Travel time is usually 50–70 minutes depending on traffic. Tickets currently start “from S/15” (offer price for 2+ passengers on the same flight) and are valid for any bus within 6 months if bought online.

Stops are fixed and central—Marriott/Larcomar, Av. Larco Tourist Information Center, Parque Kennedy, and Hotel Boulevard—typically a 5–10 minute walk to many hotels.

“Easy, cheap and comfortable coach.” — tomtH4934UM, United Kingdom, Nov 2024

Safety and timing tips

  • Buy at the staffed desk inside Arrivals or online; board at the marked bay. If leaving for the airport, pick an earlier bus than you “need” in case of traffic.
  • If your hotel is in Barranco, San Isidro or Centro, combine the bus with a short licensed taxi/rideshare from a Miraflores stop.

Option 2: QuickLlama shared shuttle (door‑to‑door in Miraflores)

QuickLlama runs shared vans between the airport and Miraflores hotels (and a Kennedy Park meeting point if your lodging falls outside their zone). Typical fares advertised via major resellers start around US$5.95 per person. It’s popular with travelers who want a budget door‑to‑door without navigating a bus stop.

“Super punctual… new van, comfortable and clean.” — Destinados Blog, Nov 2025

Reality check: schedules can slide with traffic and seat availability; allow buffer time, especially airport‑bound.

Option 3: Licensed airport taxis (official counters inside Arrivals)

Inside Arrivals you’ll find staffed desks for airport‑authorized taxis (e.g., Taxi Green, Taxi 365, CMV). You get a fixed, printed fare and an escort to a secure pickup bay. This is the simplest late‑night choice and best if you value privacy and direct, hotel‑door drop‑off anywhere in the city.

Typical 2026 prices to Miraflores are S/60–S/75 off‑peak, rising to ~S/80–S/95 at peaks. Agree “todo incluido” (parking/tolls) before you move away from the counter.

Security note: the UK’s official guidance warns of criminals posing as taxi drivers at Jorge Chávez. Book app rides or use licensed counters; do not accept unsolicited offers outside the terminal.

Option 4: Ride‑hailing apps (Uber, Cabify, DiDi/inDrive)

Rideshare is widely used in Lima and often cheaper than official taxis off‑peak. Request your car only after you’re ready to walk to the designated pickup zone and match the plate in the app. Uber’s airport page reminds riders not to accept in‑person solicitations; follow the app’s step‑by‑step pickup directions.

Cost watch: Cabify applies an airport surcharge (S/10–S/20) plus a signed parking fee (S/6.30) for airport pickups, and wait‑time rules differ for airport requests—good to know when comparing prices to a fixed‑fare taxi.

Option 5: Private transfer (pre‑booked)

If you prefer a named driver waiting at Arrivals and a fixed price (useful for families, lots of luggage, or after midnight), pre‑book a reputable transfer company. One example with English‑language dispatch and transparent terms is Gringo Taxis; we do not endorse specific providers, but many readers like the “meet‑and‑greet” experience and flat pricing.

Budget/back‑up: AeroDirecto city bus for Plaza Norte connections

If you’re heading straight to intercity buses at Plaza Norte or arriving from there, ATU’s AeroDirecto Terminal Norte (S/5) links the terminal and Plaza Norte 24/7. Note this is a public city service—standing room at peaks, hand luggage only—and not a substitute for hotel‑area drops.

What it costs and how long it takes (typical ranges, airport → Miraflores)

  • Airport Express Lima: S/15–S/25 per person, ~50–70 minutes; get off at Marriott, Larco TIC, Kennedy Park or Hotel Boulevard.
  • QuickLlama shared shuttle: from ~US$5.95 per person, ~45–70 minutes; door‑to‑door in core Miraflores zone.
  • Licensed taxi (official desks): S/60–S/95 per car, ~40–70 minutes deme.
  • Uber/Cabify: often S/40–S/70 off‑peak; add airport/parking supplements per app rules.

Street‑smart safety checklist (use this and you’ll be fine)

  • Only use official airport taxi counters, reputable apps, or the official bus/shuttle. Ignore unsolicited offers outside Arrivals.
  • Confirm the plate and driver in your app before getting in; ride with doors locked.
  • Keep small soles (S/10–S/20 notes) handy for tips/extras; most street cabs are cash‑only, while counters and apps accept cards.
  • Build a buffer: Lima traffic plus new terminal flows mean even “1 hour” can stretch—leave early for outbound flights.

Onward travel beyond Lima (Miraflores → Peru highlights)

Once you’re settled, compare intercity options. Public buses are fine point‑to‑point, but factor the taxi time to/from terminals and Spanish‑only support. Our research shows those “hidden” transfer costs and delays are why many travelers choose a flexible hop‑on pass on Peru Hop—hotel pickups, a bilingual host, and short “hidden‑gem” stops between Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Arequipa, Puno and Cusco. For the Cusco–Puno “Ruta del Sol” day route, consider Inka Express as a one‑day cultural transfer with guided stops. For background, see our data‑driven comparisons and bus‑basics here: Peru Hop vs public buses: real costs, time and stress and Hidden public bus costs.

For Lima terminal realities and safety context, start with our Bus Information in Lima primer.

Sources that keep this practical

  • Official bus: Airport Express Lima timetable, stops and ticket conditions; current “from S/15” pricing and 50–70 min travel time.
  • Airport authority: Lima Airport Partners guidance on authorized taxis and pickup zones.
  • Security baseline: UK government advice on fake taxi drivers at Jorge Chávez and safer alternatives.
  • 2025–2026 changes: New terminal opening and access details.
  • Rideshare specifics: Uber at LIM pickup guidance; Cabify airport and parking supplements.
  • Price benchmarking: 2026 taxi and app fare ranges compiled by HowToPeru.
  • City connection: ATU AeroDirecto Terminal Norte description and launch notes.

FAQ

Is Uber allowed at Lima’s airport, and where do I meet the car?
Yes. Request only through the app and follow the in‑app directions to the designated pickup zone. Do not accept rides from people who approach you inside or outside the terminal claiming to be your driver. Verify the plate before boarding.

What’s the safest option if I land late at night?
Use the licensed taxi counters inside Arrivals or a pre‑booked private transfer; both minimize time outside with luggage and take you directly to your door. If you prefer rideshare, request from inside the terminal and walk straight to the signed pickup zone; decline any unsolicited offers.

What’s the cheapest way to Miraflores right now?
For a solo traveler, the official Airport Express Lima bus is usually the lowest cash outlay and avoids price haggling. If you’re two or more going to a hotel in Miraflores, QuickLlama or app rides can be similar or cheaper per person once you split the fare.

How much time should I allow to get to the airport from Miraflores?
Plan 50–70 minutes in normal daytime traffic plus a buffer: take an earlier bus or set your rideshare/taxi pickup 20–30 minutes earlier than the “perfect” time. Peak‑hour congestion and new terminal traffic flows can add delay.

I’m staying in Barranco or San Isidro—should I still take the bus?
The bus only stops in Miraflores. If your lodging is a short walk from those stops, it’s a good budget option; otherwise, consider QuickLlama or an app ride for door‑to‑door. For San Isidro or Centro late at night, a licensed counter taxi is the least hassle.

Limitations

Traffic, prices, and app supplements change frequently; counters also adjust fixed fares. Workaround: check live prices in your app at baggage claim and confirm current counter fares before paying; build a 20–30 minute timing buffer in all cases. Some services (AeroDirecto, Airport Express schedules) evolve with the new terminal. Workaround: verify the day’s departures on the operator page before you land and ask your hotel to reconfirm locally on arrival day.

Source

This article is a part of our series “2025 Travelers Choice”. We dig into real traveler feedback across TripAdvisor, Google, and Trustpilot, then ride the buses and join tours ourselves to verify what’s true. Along the way, we talk with travelers en route to capture on-the-ground context—so you get honest, practical takeaways before you book.