Overview
The Lima and Callao Metro (Metro de Lima y Callao) is a rapid transit system serving the Lima metropolitan area. As a visitor, you will primarily use the modern elevated and underground train lines to move between southern, central, and eastern districts. The system is clean, air-conditioned, and integrates with the city's bus network. To ride end-to-end, you purchase a ticket or load a reusable smart card at station counters or automated machines, tap to enter through electronic gates, board your train, and tap again at your exit station.
The network
Metro Lines
- Line 1 – The primary operational line, a 34.6-kilometer elevated viaduct with 26 stations. It runs from Villa El Salvador in the south through the districts of Villa María del Triunfo, San Juan de Miraflores, Santiago de Surco, Surquillo, San Borja, San Luis, La Victoria, Lima District, and terminates in San Juan de Lurigancho in the northeast. The elevated viaduct is the longest in Latin America.
- Line 2 – Currently under expansion, with the first segment opened in December 2023. The completed section spans 5 kilometers with 5 stations in the Santa Anita district in the east of the city. When fully built, this line will run from Ate in the east to Callao in the west, passing through downtown Lima.
- Line 4 – Planned for future completion around 2028, with a segment designed to connect Line 2 to the airport.
- Additional Lines 3, 5, 6, and 7 – Four more lines are planned for the future metro network.
Other Public Transport
- City buses – The metro integrates with Lima's extensive bus network, which serves areas not yet covered by rail.
- Express airport buses – Dedicated bus services connect the airport to the city (see "From the airport" below).
Tickets & fares
You can purchase tickets or load fares onto a rechargeable smart card at station counters or automated ticket machines. Payment is accepted in cash and by credit card at most locations.
Fare types (approximate; fares change regularly)
- Single journey – Approximately 2.5 Peruvian soles (PEN) for a standard adult fare.
- Student fare – Approximately 1.25 PEN with a valid student ID.
- Senior fare – Free for passengers 65 years and older with valid identification.
- 30-day unlimited pass – Approximately 100 PEN for unlimited travel across the month.
Tap your card or ticket at the electronic gates to enter the station and again at your exit station. Prices are subject to change; confirm current fares at station information desks or with the operator.
From the airport
Jorge Chávez International Airport is located in Callao, approximately 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) northwest of Lima's historic center and 17 kilometers (11 miles) from Miraflores.
Public transport options:
- Express airport bus – Airport Express Lima operates hourly service to four stops in Miraflores. A one-way ticket costs 20 soles, with the last bus departing at 10:00 PM. Multiple people on the same flight may pay 15 soles per person. This is safer and faster than general public buses, taking under an hour depending on traffic.
- Public buses (AeroDirecto) – As of July 2025, six routes serve the airport. The "Sur" route connects to Miraflores, though journey times vary from 1 to 3 hours depending on traffic. This is the most economical option but slower and passes through less developed areas.
- Taxis – Certified taxi companies (Green Taxi, Taxi365, and others) have desks inside the customs reception area. A trip to central Lima (Centro Historico) costs approximately 55 soles (as of February 2018), or 65 soles to Miraflores (as of February 2024). Outside the airport grounds, informal taxis are cheaper but less safe.
- Car rental – Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and Sixt operate rental desks at the airport.
Note that the area immediately surrounding the airport is considered unsafe, particularly at night. If you have valuables or are traveling after dark, the Airport Express Lima bus or pre-booked certified taxi is recommended over informal ground transport.
Etiquette & customs
- Queuing – Form orderly queues at ticket counters and when boarding trains. Do not cut in line.
- Priority seating – Designated seats are reserved for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and parents with infants. Give up your seat if you occupy one of these seats and a priority passenger boards.
- Escalators – Stand on the right side of escalators to allow others to walk past on the left.
- Eating and drinking – Food and beverages are generally not permitted inside trains or stations. Comply with posted restrictions.
- Quiet behavior – Keep noise levels low. Avoid loud conversations or playing music without headphones.
- Rush hour – Trains are crowded during peak hours (typically 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM on weekdays). Expect close quarters and move toward the center of the car to make room for boarding passengers.
- Personal safety – Keep belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially on crowded trains and during late-night travel.
Survival terms
- Metro / Ferrocarril (underground or rapid transit) – subway/metro
- Boleto – ticket
- Línea – line
- Entrada – entrance
- Salida – exit
- Transbordo – transfer
- Pasaje sencillo – single fare
- Pase de 30 días – 30-day pass
- Tarjeta recargable – rechargeable smart card
Always check with station staff or the official operator before your journey if you are unsure of your route, as line expansions and service changes occur periodically.