Jorge Chávez International Airport is the gateway to Peru — and in 2026, it is a significantly upgraded one. With the new Terminal 2 now operational for international flights, processing times, comfort, and services have improved considerably. Here is everything you need to know to move through LIM with confidence.
Located in Callao, approximately 12 kilometres northwest of Lima's Miraflores district, Jorge Chávez handles nearly all of Peru's international air traffic. It connects Lima to more than 60 destinations across the Americas, Europe, and beyond. Whether you are arriving for the first time or transiting to Cusco, Arequipa, or the Amazon, understanding the airport's layout, processes, and ground transport options will save you time and stress.
🛬 Arrivals: Immigration & Customs
Immigration Process
International Arrivals · First Floor · Terminal 2 (International) or Terminal 1
Upon landing at Jorge Chávez, passengers are directed to the immigration hall. In 2026, the new Terminal 2 has expanded the number of immigration booths significantly, reducing average wait times to under 20 minutes during non-peak hours. Tourist visas are not required for most nationalities for stays of up to 183 days — your passport is stamped at the counter and you receive an immigration card (Tarjeta Andina de Migración, TAM). Keep this card safely with your passport for the duration of your stay; you will need to surrender it on departure.
Tip: Fill in your TAM card on the plane if possible — flight attendants distribute them on international routes. This saves several minutes in the immigration queue.
Customs & Baggage Claim
After Immigration · Baggage Carousels · Green and Red Channels
After immigration, you proceed to baggage claim and then to the customs check. Peru operates a standard green channel / red channel system. The green channel is for travellers with nothing to declare beyond the standard allowances: up to USD 500 in goods, 3 litres of alcohol, 400 cigarettes, and gifts under a set value. The red channel is for those carrying items above these limits or certain restricted products. Customs officers periodically select travellers from the green channel for random baggage checks — this is normal and typically brief. If you are carrying significant photography equipment, note the serial numbers in advance to demonstrate they are for personal use and not resale.
Tip: Do not bring any fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, or animal products into Peru. These are strictly prohibited and confiscated at customs — no exceptions.
🚕 Transport From the Airport
Official Airport Taxis
Arrivals Hall · Counter Services · Recommended
The safest way to leave Jorge Chávez is by using one of the official taxi counters located inside the arrivals hall, before the exit doors. Taxi operators including Taxi Green, CMV Taxis, and Satelital Taxis have booths here where you pay a fixed rate in advance. Fixed fares to Miraflores run approximately S/65–80 (roughly USD 17–21); to San Isidro slightly less; to Barranco slightly more. The journey takes between 25 and 60 minutes depending on traffic — Lima's congestion is notorious and worst between 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–20:00. Do not accept offers from informal taxi drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall — this is a common scam targeting new arrivals.
Tip: If your hotel offers an airport transfer, it is often worth taking for the peace of mind, even if slightly pricier than a taxi counter rate.
Ride-Hailing Apps
InDriver · Uber · Cabify · Available in Lima
Uber, Cabify, and InDriver all operate in Lima and can be booked from the airport. To use them, you need data on your phone — which is why activating an eSIM before arrival is worth considering. Ride-hailing rates are typically 20–30% lower than official taxi counters, though drivers will ask you to meet them in the designated pick-up zone outside the terminal rather than inside. Be aware that informal taxi drivers sometimes position themselves near the ride-hailing pick-up area and may try to divert you — always verify the vehicle plate and driver name in the app before getting in.
Tip: Indriver often offers the best rates for the airport route. Set your own fare and drivers will accept or counter-offer within minutes.
Airport Express Lima Bus
Budget Option · Miraflores Route · ~70 minutes
The Airport Express Lima is a comfortable, air-conditioned bus service that connects the airport directly to Miraflores (stops at Larcomar, Kennedy Park, and the Marriott). Cost is approximately USD 8–9 one-way, making it the most economical comfortable option. The bus departs every 15–30 minutes around the clock and the journey takes 50–70 minutes depending on traffic. This is an excellent option for solo travellers with manageable luggage who are headed to Miraflores. It is not ideal for groups, families with heavy bags, or travellers going to districts outside the Miraflores corridor.
Tip: The Airport Express bus stop is outside the arrivals exit — follow the signs or ask an airport staff member. Tickets can be purchased on board or at the counter.
💱 Currency Exchange & ATMs
Peru's currency is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). The airport has multiple currency exchange desks (casas de cambio) in both the arrivals and departures areas, but their rates are consistently worse than what you will find in central Lima or Miraflores. For small amounts needed immediately — a taxi, a coffee — the airport exchange is acceptable. For larger sums, wait until you reach the city. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall (Scotiabank, BCP, BBVA, Interbank) and dispense both soles and US dollars. BCP machines generally offer the most competitive rates and lowest fees for international cards. Always withdraw in local currency rather than dollars for better value.
🍽️ Restaurants, Shops & Lounges
The expanded Terminal 2 departures area houses a substantially improved food and retail offering. Peruvian chains such as Bembos (burgers), La Lucha Sanguchería (Peruvian sandwiches), and Tanta (upscale Peruvian from the Gastón Acurio group) are represented alongside international options. There is a dedicated duty-free zone with liquor, perfumes, electronics, and Peruvian handicrafts including pisco, chocolate, and textiles. For business travellers, the VIP Lounge operated by Lima Airport Partners is available on a pay-per-use basis (approximately USD 45) or through Priority Pass. The lounge offers hot food, showers, fast Wi-Fi, and a quieter environment than the general concourse — worth it for long layovers.
🔒 Security Tips for Arrivals & Departures
The airport area in Callao has historically required vigilance, particularly in the immediate vicinity outside the terminal. Always remain inside the official airport perimeter until you are in your verified transport. Keep bags close in the arrivals hall — petty theft, while not common, does occur in crowded areas. For departures, arrive at least 3 hours early for international flights and 2 hours for domestic flights: immigration queues can be unpredictable, and security lanes for peak departures to the US, Europe, and Colombia can be slow. Keep your passport and boarding pass easily accessible — you will be checked at multiple points.
✈️ Domestic Connections & Terminal Information
Jorge Chávez handles both international and domestic flights within the same complex. In 2026, international operations have largely migrated to the new Terminal 2, while domestic services continue through the existing terminal area. The connection between terminals is walkable within the secure zone. If you are transiting from an international arrival to a domestic connection (Cusco, Arequipa, Iquitos, etc.), you will need to collect your bags, pass through customs, and re-check in — there are no automated baggage transfers for most domestic routes. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for an international-to-domestic connection. LATAM and Sky Airline operate the most extensive domestic networks from Lima.
📱 Connectivity & Practical Information
Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport and is reasonably fast — suitable for messaging and light browsing. For reliable data during your Peru trip, consider activating an Airalo eSIM before departure: instant activation, no queues, and coverage across Peru from the moment you land. Left luggage services are available in the arrivals and departures areas — useful if you have a long layover before hotel check-in. The airport pharmacy (Mifarma) is open around the clock and stocks basic medications, sunscreen, and travel essentials. There is also a tourist information desk in the arrivals hall operated by PromPerú, where staff can provide maps and general orientation.
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