Getting Around Lima: A Visitor's Guide
Lima's public transport system offers several options for getting around the city, though the experience can be chaotic and requires some planning. The most common modes are microbuses (known locally as micros), buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps. A modern metro system is also under development. Understanding your options will help you navigate the city more confidently.
Microbuses and Combis
Microbuses—called micros in local Spanish—are the most common form of public transportation in Lima. These are small, privately owned minibuses that run along major arterial roads throughout the city. You'll see them marked with stickers indicating their routes, such as "Todo Angamos" or "Todo Benavides," showing the avenue they serve.
Micros and smaller combis (compact vans) offer an economical way to travel, but come with significant caveats. They are known to drive dangerously fast and frequently have accidents. Tickets are compulsory and cost a flat fare, though you should negotiate or ask other passengers what the current price is. Importantly, there are no transfer tickets, so if you need to change vehicles, you'll pay again. Routes are not officially controlled, meaning drivers stop anywhere along their route to pick up and drop off passengers, despite this being technically prohibited.
One major limitation: micros are banned from downtown Lima's crosstown streets. If you need to travel east-west through the city center, you'll need to walk or use a taxi instead. Micros travel north-south only, using either Tacna Avenue on the west side or Abancay Avenue on the east side.
El Metropolitano Bus Rapid Transit System
El Metropolitano is a modern bus rapid transit (BRT) system with dedicated bus lanes that bypass regular traffic. It runs from Independencia in the north to Chorrillos in the south, connecting major points across the city. This system is cleaner, safer, and more reliable than traditional micros, making it a good choice for longer journeys or if you prefer a more organized experience. You'll need to buy a ticket at one of the stations before boarding.
Lima Metro
The Lima Metro is an electric rail system currently consisting of one operational line that runs from the southern areas through the city center to the northeast. This modern system is being expanded, with additional lines in development. Line 2 recently became operational and runs east-west underground, with plans eventually to connect to the airport. The metro is fast, efficient, and avoids traffic entirely. Tickets must be purchased at stations before boarding.
The Sistema Integrado de Transporte (SIT)
The local government operates SIT, an integrated bus system designed to modernize Lima's transport by reducing routes and renewing the bus fleet. These buses run on designated routes connecting different districts across the city. They represent an improvement over traditional micros in terms of safety and reliability, though coverage is still expanding.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
Taxis are ubiquitous in Lima and are considered an economical mode of transport. However, there are important things to know before using them. Taxis have no meters, so you must agree on a price with the driver before starting your journey. Many taxi drivers may overcharge inexperienced foreigners, so it's wise to ask locals or your accommodation what a fair price should be for your destination. Taxis vary widely in condition, from small Korean compacts to larger vans.
To hail a taxi, wave your hand up high. If you prefer a more organized approach, several established companies like Taxi Seguro can be contacted directly and will send company vehicles to collect you.
In recent years, mobile ride-hailing apps have become increasingly popular because they typically offer a more comfortable and safer experience than street taxis. The most widely used apps in Lima are Uber and Beat, with Cabify and DiDi available to a lesser extent. These apps show you the driver's name, vehicle details, and license plate before pickup, allowing you to verify you have the correct car. Prices are displayed before you book.
Walking
Lima has an extensive network of cycle paths (over 100 kilometres) and many neighborhoods are walkable, particularly in areas like Miraflores and the historic center. However, the city center can be congested, and some areas are safer than others. Walking is practical for exploring specific neighborhoods but less viable for covering longer distances across the city.
Getting from Jorge Chávez International Airport to the City
The airport is located in Callao, northwest of Lima, roughly 11 km from the historic center and 17 km from Miraflores. Several transport options are available:
Airport Taxis
Avoid informal taxis that accost you outside customs. Instead, use the certified taxi desks inside the customs reception area—Green Taxi and Taxi365 are options. These companies charge fixed prices (around 55 soles to the Centro Histórico or 65 soles to Miraflores as of recent years) and are safer than street taxis. You can also book a reputable company online in advance.
Be warned: taxi drivers at the airport are aggressive and persistent. Some may even pretend to be your Uber driver if you've booked ride-hailing. Always ask for the driver's name and verify the license plate. Prices can vary depending on whether they're quoted in soles or dollars—confirm the currency. Once you leave the airport grounds, prices drop significantly, though safety is less guaranteed in the surrounding area.
Express Airport Bus
An hourly express bus connects the airport to four stops in Miraflores, with a one-way ticket costing 20 soles. The last bus departs at 10:00 PM. This is a budget-friendly option but takes longer than taxis.
Public Buses (AeroDirecto)
AeroDirecto operates public bus routes from the airport with six different routes available. This is the cheapest option but takes considerably longer—between one to three hours to Miraflores depending on traffic—and travels through less safe areas. The "Sur" route serves Miraflores; the "Terminal Norte" route serves Gran Terminal Terrestre Plaza Norte in the north. The journey is significantly slower than taxis or express buses, so consider this option only if budget is your primary concern and you're comfortable with longer travel times.
Ride-Hailing Apps
You can pre-book Uber or other ride-hailing apps before arrival. This offers a middle ground between cost and convenience, though beware of fake Uber drivers impersonating app drivers at the airport.
Car Rental
If you plan to rent a car, rental agencies including Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and Sixt operate desks at the airport.
Practical Tips for Getting Around
- Plan your route in advance, especially if traveling through downtown Lima, where micros don't operate on crosstown streets.
- Use ride-hailing apps when possible for safety and predictable pricing, particularly at night or if you're unfamiliar with the city.
- Avoid street taxis at the airport—use certified company desks instead.
- When using micros, carry small change and ask other passengers or your accommodation what the current fare is.
- The metro and Metropolitano BRT are faster and more reliable than traditional micros for longer journeys.
- Stay alert in crowded areas and keep valuables secure, particularly on public transport and around the airport.
- Ask locals or your accommodation staff for fair taxi prices to your destination before negotiating with a driver.