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Lima Airport (Jorge Chávez International Airport, code LIM) now operates from a modern terminal on the north side of the runway in Callao. Inside you get a much bigger, more modern building; outside you have a new access road, different traffic patterns, and a few extra frictions to plan around. This guide explains how the current terminal is laid out, how long it really takes to reach Miraflores or Barranco, and which transport options make the most sense in 2026.
Quick summary
- Terminal: A single, larger building about three times the size of the old terminal, with a second runway, new control tower, and upgraded baggage and security tech.
- Location & access: Still in Callao, but now reached by vehicles via Av. Morales Duárez and modular bridges over the Río Rímac. No direct metro into the terminal yet; the future “Aeropuerto” station on Line 2 is by the old terminal.
- Typical travel times: Around 35–60 minutes to Lima’s Historic Center and 45–70 minutes to Miraflores on a normal day; longer in rush hour or if there’s an incident on Morales Duárez.
- Best airport–Miraflores option for most travelers: The official Airport Express Lima bus, with fixed stops, luggage hold and Wi-Fi, so you don’t have to negotiate taxis straight off a long flight.
- Key frictions: Only one main access road, no safe pedestrian access, a new connection fee for some transit passengers from late 2026, and a surrounding area that’s still rough in parts.
In short: Lima Airport is much better inside than it used to be, but getting in and out still needs planning and extra time.
What actually changed at Lima Airport in 2026?
New terminal, runways and capacity
The expansion turned Jorge Chávez into more of an “airport city”, with a new midfield terminal, a second runway and a taller control tower. The current terminal is about three times larger than the old one and is being expanded to roughly 270,000 m², with capacity for up to 40 million passengers per year by the end of 2026.
Inside, you get:
- More gates and boarding bridges
- New CT-scanner security lanes where you usually don’t take out liquids or electronics
- A better baggage system to reduce waiting times and lost bags
- More lounges, food options and retail
It feels like a modern South American hub rather than an overcrowded regional airport.
Lima Airport layout: how to find what you need
The current Lima Airport terminal is much bigger than the old one, but if you think in zones instead of levels, it’s quite easy to navigate.
When you arrive: where you go first
Most of what you need just after landing is on Level 1:
- Immigration for international arrivals
- Baggage claim and the red/green customs channels
- The exits to Airport Express Lima, official taxi counters and pick-up lanes
- ATMs, money exchange, SIM/eSIM kiosks, medical help, luggage storage and information desks
Tip: sort out Wi-Fi, cash and your SIM while you’re still inside on this level, then walk straight out to your chosen transport instead of wandering around outside with bags.
When you’re hungry, tired or killing time
Food and “pause points” are spread mainly across Levels 2 and 3:
- Cafés, restaurants and bars with Peruvian and international brands
- Extra ATMs and banking services
- Rental car counters (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz and others) on the services floor
- Sleep pods / micro-hotel-style cabins if you need a few hours’ rest between flights
If you have a longer wait, move one level up from arrivals and follow the signs for food courts or sleep pods rather than staying in the baggage hall.
When you’re leaving: check-in, security and gates
Departures mostly live on Level 3, which acts as the “engine room” of the terminal:
- A large check-in area with islands and self-service kiosks
- Multi-lane security; the airport tax (TUUA) is already included in your ticket
- Immigration for international departures
- Most boarding gates, surrounded by a busy food and retail zone
Tip: if you’re short on time, don’t get stuck window-shopping landside. Go straight up to Level 3, check in, clear security, and only then look for food or coffee airside.
Where to find quiet corners and lounges
For lounges and calmer seating areas, head to the upper part of the building, mainly Level 4:
- LATAM Lounge, The Club LIM and protocol lounges
- Quieter corners away from the main gate traffic, often with better chances of grabbing a seat and a plug
Even without lounge access, this is usually the best place to decompress for an hour of work, reading or a quick nap before your next flight.
Location, access and the entry bottleneck
Where the terminal really is now
The airport is still in the Callao region, but the passenger terminal is now on the north side of the runway, with all vehicles funneled through Av. Morales Duárez and a set of modular bridges. There are no standard sidewalks on these access structures; they were designed for cars, buses and shuttles only.
Realistic travel times into Lima
On a normal day with no strikes or major accidents, you can roughly expect:
- Historic Center: 35–60 minutes
- Miraflores: 45–70 minutes
- Barranco: 55–85 minutes
These ranges already assume regular Lima traffic. At true rush hour or if something blocks Morales Duárez, times can stretch a lot more, which is why it’s smart to leave an extra 30–45 minutes beyond whatever Google Maps suggests.
Is it safe (or even possible) to walk?
In practice, no:
- The access bridges are vehicle-only and over 1 km from the main road to the terminal doors.
- Local media and official reports have mentioned safety concerns on these temporary structures and in some nearby streets, especially at night.
Plan on taking organized transport directly to the terminal – there is no safe pedestrian access in or out of the current terminal.
Transport from Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores & the rest of the city (2026)
Getting out of Lima Airport is where traffic, new access roads and “taxi amigo” offers can stress you out. It’s much easier if you already know which option you’ll use before you land. Here’s the simple, honest breakdown.
Airport Express Lima – official bus and best option for most travelers
Airport Express Lima is the official airport–Miraflores bus linking the terminal with several stops in Miraflores.
- Route: Lima Airport ⇆ key Miraflores spots near Parque Kennedy, the malecón and hotel areas.
- Frequency: Regular buses timed around main flight waves.
- Luggage & onboard: Big bags go in the hold; staff help you. On board you get Wi-Fi, USB chargers, A/C and comfortable seats.
- Language: Staff are used to non-Spanish speakers and can suggest the best stop for your hotel.
Tickets: Buy at the Airport Express Lima counter on Level 1 (outside between Exits 2 and 3) or book online and show your confirmation.
Main Miraflores stops (2026):
- Marriott / Larcomar
- Tourist Information Center on Av. Larco
- Parque Kennedy
- Hotel Boulevard on Av. José Pardo
Best for: first-time visitors, solo travelers, couples and families who want clear pricing, Wi-Fi and a low-stress first ride into Lima.
Taxis & ride-hailing apps
Official taxi counters sit between Exits 1 and 2, and apps like Uber, Cabify and inDrive use marked pick-up lanes.
Pros: door-to-door to any address; very useful if you’re not staying in Miraflores.
Cons: prices can surge; first-timers often find the pick-up area confusing; there are plenty of informal “taxi amigo” offers in arrivals that you’re better off ignoring.
This is a good option if you know Lima a bit, speak some Spanish or land outside Airport Express Lima hours.
Hotel shuttles & private transfers
Airport hotels (Wyndham, Holiday Inn, Sleepover) run shuttles, and many Miraflores / Centro hotels can arrange private transfers.
Best for: late-night or early-morning arrivals, families, older travelers, or anyone with lots of luggage who prefers a pre-booked, fixed-price ride.
Usually more expensive than Airport Express Lima, but very low-stress.
New fees and safety concerns to know about
New connection airport tax (TUUA) for transit passengers
From December 2026, transit passengers making an international connection in Lima pay a new transfer TUUA of about USD 12 per leg, normally included in the ticket price. This has sparked debates with airlines and the tourism sector, who argue it could make Lima less competitive as a regional hub compared with cities like Panama City or Bogotá.
If you’re just passing through Lima on a long-haul connection, expect your overall ticket price to quietly reflect this extra charge.
Security, neighborhood and late-night arrivals
Inside the terminal you’ll find visible security and a typical big-hub atmosphere. The main risks for tourists are:
- Petty theft in crowds
- Overpriced or informal taxis outside
- Wandering into poorly lit streets with luggage
Stick to Airport Express Lima, official taxis, hotel shuttles or confirmed app rides, and avoid walking around the surrounding area with bags, especially at night.
Tips for different types of travelers
Families & travelers with kids
- You can usually take strollers up to the gate and gate-check them when boarding – confirm with your airline at check-in.
- Use baby-changing rooms in the terminal and any small play corners to let kids move a bit before long flights.
- Bring snacks, water and small toys/activities; queues at check-in and immigration can be long, and gate areas get busy, especially at night.
Solo female travelers
- Inside the terminal, stick to well-lit, busier areas if staying late.
- For transport into the city, the safest and least stressful options are Airport Express Lima, hotel shuttles and official taxi counters; these minimize street negotiation and random driver approaches.
Business travelers & digital nomads
- Lounges and Level 4 quiet areas are usually the best places to work, with more reliable Wi-Fi, power outlets and calmer seating.
- If you don’t have lounge access, look for high tables or wall-outlet areas near some gates or food courts and try to avoid peak departure waves when noise rises.
Turning a layover into a mini Lima visit
With 6–24 hours in Lima, you can:
- Ride Airport Express Lima to Miraflores, stroll the malecón clifftop parks and grab ceviche with Pacific views.
- Join a Lima Walking Tour in the Historic Center or Barranco for a guided intro to the city’s history and street life (small groups, licensed guides).
- Take an evening trip to the Magic Water Circuit with transport included, for a low-stress night outing.
- Food-obsessed? A hands-on class like Luchito’s Cooking Class is a fun way to fill a long layover with proper Peruvian flavors.
FAQ: Lima Airport (LIM) 2025
Is Lima Airport a completely new airport now?
No. It’s the same Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), but since mid-2025 all flights use a new terminal on the north side of the runway in Callao. The old building on the south side is closed to passengers.
How long does it take to get from Lima Airport to Miraflores?
In normal traffic it’s usually around 45–70 minutes. At rush hour or if there’s an incident on Av. Morales Duárez, it can take longer, so always add extra buffer time.
Can I walk in or out of the terminal?
Walking is not recommended. The access bridges are for vehicles only and there is no safe pedestrian access to or from the terminal, especially with luggage.
What’s the easiest way to get from Lima Airport to Miraflores?
For most travelers, Airport Express Lima is the easiest and least stressful option. It has fixed fares, luggage storage, Wi-Fi, and several convenient stops in Miraflores.
Are taxis and ride-hailing apps safe at the airport?
Official taxi counters and reputable apps like Uber, Cabify and inDrive are generally safe if you check the plate and driver. Avoid accepting rides from people who approach you in arrivals without ID.
Is there a metro or public bus that goes directly into the terminal?
As of 2026, no metro or city bus drives directly into the current terminal. Metro Line 2 is still under construction and its future “Aeropuerto” station is by the old terminal, not connected to the new one.
What changed inside the airport with the 2025 upgrade?
The building is much larger, with more gates, a better baggage system, modern security scanners, more food options, additional lounges and clearer separation between levels for arrivals, departures and services.
What is the new airport connection tax (TUUA) in Lima?
From December 2026, transit passengers making an international connection in Lima pay a new transfer TUUA of about USD 12 per leg, usually included in the ticket price.
Is it worth leaving the airport on a long layover?
With 6–24 hours you can comfortably visit Miraflores or Barranco using Airport Express Lima, eat, walk the malecón or join a walking or food tour, as long as you return to the airport 2.5–3 hours before your next flight.
