Getting Around Callao
Callao sits right on the Pacific coast and forms part of the Lima metropolitan area, so getting around the port city and connecting to neighbouring Lima is straightforward. The city is compact in its central and historic parts, and most visitors find that a mix of walking, taxis and the occasional bus or minibus covers everything they need. Note that Callao has no airport or major railway station of its own; the region's transport hubs sit just outside the province, in Lima.
Walking
Walking is one of the most pleasant ways to explore the districts visitors tend to gravitate toward. The historic centre and the La Punta district are both described as walkable and enjoyable on foot, which makes them good bases for a slow afternoon of sightseeing. As with any port city, it pays to stay within well-trafficked tourist areas such as La Punta and Monumental Callao, and to avoid remote port neighbourhoods after dark.
Rail, Metro and Trams
Callao has no major railway station, and regular passenger rail service to the port is essentially nonexistent. Peru's rail network is mostly devoted to freight or to Andean tourist routes, so you should not plan on using trains for everyday movement around the city.
The one rail option worth knowing about is the Ferrocarril Central Andino, which links the port of Callao with Lima, Huancayo and Cerro de Pasco, running parallel to the Rímac River for the first stretch of the route. It is one of the world's highest railway lines, climbing to almost 5,000 metres above sea level. This is a scenic, long-distance experience rather than commuter transport: the Callao–Huancayo service typically runs only once a week, between April and October. Trains occasionally depart from Lima via the Central Railway as well.
There is no metro or tram network serving Callao that a visitor can rely on for getting around.
Buses and Minibuses
Buses are a popular and budget-friendly way to reach and move around Callao. Regular services connect the city with Lima over a short journey, and intercity buses run frequently. For getting between districts within the Callao–Lima area, modern bus systems are one of the recommended options.
You will also see minibuses, known locally as combis. These are small, slow and often overcrowded, but they are very cheap and plentiful, and they are available at the airport. The destination is usually displayed on a card in the windscreen, so look for your destination before boarding. If you prefer a calmer ride, the modern bus systems are the better bet; if you want the cheapest possible trip and don't mind the squeeze, combis will get you there.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are a practical way to cover short hops, especially between districts or when you are carrying luggage. Because Callao and Lima are virtually adjacent, a taxi from Lima into Callao takes only minutes.
Two habits will make taxi travel smoother. First, agree on the price in advance before you get in. Second, use official taxis or a trusted mobile ride-hailing app rather than hailing an unmarked car. Sticking to trusted transport providers is also the standard safety advice for the city.
Car Rental
Car rental is available around the clock at Jorge Chávez International Airport. Self-driving is not always the easiest choice here: parking in central Lima is very difficult, and some roads further afield, such as those toward Huancavelica, can be uneven and dusty. A common alternative is to hire a car with a driver, which spares you the parking and navigation headaches.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is Peru's main international and domestic air facility and serves both Callao and the wider Lima region. It sits on Elmer Faucett Avenue / Néstor Gambetta in Callao, and although it carries the Callao name, it is located outside the city centre itself, roughly 9–10 km from Callao and about 16 km from downtown Lima. Travel time into the city runs around half an hour, though traffic can stretch that considerably.
Your main options for the airport-to-city leg:
- Taxi or ride-hailing: The quickest and most comfortable choice with luggage. Agree the fare in advance or book through an official app, and use a trusted provider.
- Minibus (combi): Available at the airport and very cheap, but small, slow and often crowded. Check the destination card in the windscreen before boarding.
- Car rental: Counters operate 24 hours at the airport if you would rather drive yourself, though hiring a car with a driver is a popular alternative.
The airport handles a broad spread of international destinations, including Amsterdam, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Madrid, Mexico City, Miami, New York, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago de Chile and Toronto, alongside domestic flights to cities such as Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Chiclayo, Cusco, Iquitos, Juliaca, Piura, Pucallpa, Puerto Maldonado, Tacna and Trujillo.
If for some reason you need an alternative air gateway, Jauja (JAU) and Pisco (PIO) are the other options in the wider region, but both require a long overland transfer of several hours, so LIM remains by far the most convenient arrival point.
Practical Tips
- Currency: The Peruvian sol. Cards are accepted in large malls and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and small shops.
- Language: Spanish is the everyday language; you will find some English in tourist spots and hotels.
- Water: Tap water is not recommended for drinking — buy bottled water.
- Weather: A cool ocean breeze and thick morning fog known as garúa are common. Light natural-fabric clothing plus a windbreaker or light sweater works well.
- Etiquette: Greeting people with "Hola" or "Buenos días" when you enter an establishment is standard politeness.
- Food: Ceviche at the seaside cevicheras is a port-city specialty worth seeking out.