Who else is transiting LIM right now?
Key Facts
- Airport: Jorge Chávez Airport (LIM)
- Country: Peru
- Layover window: 24 hours
- Recommended time outside: 18–20 hours — treat it as a mini trip
- Visa & Entry: Visa-free for most Western, EU, US passports up to 90 days. Yellow fever vaccine recommended (required for jungle regions, not Lima itself).
Insider Tip
LIM is 11km from Miraflores — Airport Express bus is the cheapest reliable option but slow (60-90 min). Uber is much faster + safer than street taxis for tourists. Lima traffic 07:30-09:30 + 17:30-19:30 can extend journeys significantly.
Getting to Lima City Centre
| Mode | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Express bus (to Miraflores) | PEN 25 (€6) | 60–90 min |
| Taxi (official Aeropuerto Taxi) | PEN 60–90 (€15–22) | 40–70 min |
| Uber / Cabify | PEN 45–70 (€11–17) | 40–70 min |
Top Lima: Where to Go
Miraflores boardwalk + Larcomar
50 min from city centreCliffside park + paragliding launch + Larcomar shopping mall built into the cliff. Safest tourist area. Free walking with Pacific Ocean views.
Plaza de Armas + Lima Cathedral
45 min from city centreUNESCO historic centre + the cathedral with Pizarro's tomb. Free entry to plaza, COP 25 to cathedral. Watch changing of the guard at Government Palace 11:45.
Barranco bohemian quarter
55 min from city centre15-min walk south of Miraflores — Lima's street art + craft beer + restaurants quarter. Best Pisco Sours at Ayahuasca or Vista al Mar.
Larco Museum (pre-Columbian art)
50 min from city centrePEN 35 entry. World-class pre-Columbian collection in an 18th-century colonial mansion. Easily 2 hours.
Eat Like a Local in Lima
Ceviche at Chez Wong (Lima's most-famous, lunch only, no signs out front, ring the bell). Pisco Sour at Ayahuasca (bar in colonial mansion). Anticuchos (beef heart skewers) at street stalls.
24-Hour Itinerary
Day 1 — Morning
Check into hotel near city centre
Book a hotel within 15 min of the main sights. Luggage storage available at most hotels even before check-in.
Day 1 — Midday
Lima signature experience
Use your first afternoon for the city's #1 must-see. Tiredness catches up later.
Day 1 — Evening
Local dinner and evening market or rooftop bar
Evening markets, floating markets, and night bazaars are peak atmosphere. Do this on day 1.
Day 2 — Morning
Second neighbourhood exploration
Mornings offer better light for photos, cooler weather, and fewer tourists at popular sites.
Day 2 — Late Morning
Airport transfer — allow 3 hrs before flight
Build in buffer for morning traffic. International check-in closes 45–60 min before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 24-hour layover in Lima?
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Many countries offer free transit visas or visa-on-arrival for layovers under 96 hours. Check your specific passport requirements before travel and confirm with your airline.
Is 24 hours enough to leave Jorge Chávez Airport?
Yes — 24 hours is enough to explore the nearest neighbourhoods of Lima comfortably, provided you have transit visa clearance. Allow 2–3 hours total for airport transit (both ways).
What is the best way to get from Jorge Chávez to Lima city centre?
Airport Express bus (to Miraflores) is typically the fastest and most affordable option at PEN 25 (€6), taking approximately 60–90 min. Rideshare apps are a convenient alternative.
Is there luggage storage at Jorge Chávez?
Yes, Jorge Chávez Airport has left-luggage facilities in the arrivals and departures hall. Typical cost is $5–15 per bag for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, many airport hotels offer left-luggage for non-guests.
Connect with other travellers at LIM
Book a transfer or rental from Jorge Chávez Airport
Fixed-price airport transfer, licensed drivers, or pick up a rental car — compare and book ahead so you skip the taxi queue.
Things to do in Lima
Tours, skip-the-line tickets and local experiences — book ahead to skip queues.
Trains & buses from Lima
Compare overland routes — often cheaper, more scenic and skip the airport queue.
Flights from Lima
Compare 400+ airlines departing Jorge Chávez Airport
Hotels near Lima Airport
With 24 hours, a day-use hotel room is worth it — shower, sleep, and recharge before your next flight.