LIM airport is in Callao, ~45 minutes from Miraflores by car (longer in rush hour). Three reliable options for the transit, with the trade-offs for each.
Option 1: Official airport taxi (Taxi Verde, Taxi Green)
Booth inside the arrivals hall. Fixed-rate ~US$25 to Miraflores. Vetted drivers. The default safe choice for first-time visitors.
Pay in soles or USD; card sometimes accepted. Driver helps with luggage. Receipt provided.
Best for: first-time visitors, late-night arrivals, travelers wanting predictability.
Option 2: Uber
Cheapest option (~US$15–$20). Works reliably from LIM. Pickup zone is in the public-transport area outside the official-taxi zone.
Slight friction for first-timers but very straightforward. Use Uber's airport pickup option in the app.
Best for: cost-conscious travelers, repeat visitors, anyone comfortable with Uber.
Option 3: Pre-arranged private transfer
US$40–$70 depending on vehicle. Driver waits with name placard. Most luxury hotels offer this service.
Best for: late-night arrivals, travelers prioritizing certainty over cost, larger groups, special-needs accommodations.
What to avoid
Unmarked taxi solicitations outside the airport. They're not safe by international-tourist standards. Always use the official taxi booth or Uber.
If approached by drivers offering rides, decline politely and use the official booths. This is the most common tourist-scam vector.
Cash on arrival
Get ~200 soles from the airport ATM for tips, small purchases, and the taxi if paying cash. USD is accepted at hotels but soles are essential for casual transactions.
Multiple ATMs in the arrivals area. Use bank ATMs (BCP, Interbank, Scotiabank) over independent ATMs to avoid fees.
Departure side
Reverse logic. Uber works equally well outbound. Allow 90 minutes door-to-airport in rush hour, 60 minutes off-peak. International check-in opens 3 hours before departure.
Lima airport has limited parking; Uber is more convenient than taxi for departure. Car services from luxury hotels also reliable.
Traffic timing
Lima traffic is significant during peak hours (7-10 AM, 5-8 PM). Allow extra time during these windows. Off-peak transits are 30-45 min; peak can be 60-90 min.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a metro from the airport?
Limited and not recommended for tourists. Uber or taxi is faster and safer.
Can I use my US Uber app?
Yes. Same app, same payment method. Lima Uber has been operational for years.
What if my flight is delayed?
Official taxis wait. Uber drivers are responsive to revised pickup times.
Should I exchange money at the airport?
Better rates at Miraflores casa de cambios. Just get $100 USD worth of soles at the airport ATM for immediate needs.
How do I tip the taxi driver?
10-15% is appropriate. Round up to nearest 5 soles is common.
Are there shared transfers?
Some hotels coordinate. Generally less convenient than private Uber/taxi for medical-tourism patients.
What about returning to airport during peak traffic?
Allow 75-90 minutes. Hotel concierge can help estimate based on day/time.
Bottom line
Uber for cost-conscious. Official taxi for first-timers. Private transfer for specific situations. Allow 45 min off-peak, 90 min peak. ~US$25 typical cost. Get soles cash on arrival.