Airport Hubs:
LIM → Lima Historic Center (Plaza Mayor & Centro) Updated for 2026

How to Get from Lima Airport (LIM) to Lima Historic Center (Centro Histórico)

Distance 11 km
Fastest 30 min
From 50 - 60 PEN (~$14 - $16)
Top Pick Authorized Airport Taxi (Taxi Green / 365)
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

Lima Historic Center (Plaza de Armas / Plaza Mayor) is 11 km east of the airport. An authorized airport taxi (Taxi Green or Taxi 365) is the only recommended option for international travelers with luggage, costing a fixed 50 - 60 PEN (~$14 - $16 USD) and taking 30-45 minutes. Public buses through the intervening Callao districts are not safe for tourists carrying luggage.

The Centro Histórico of Lima is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with ornate Spanish colonial cathedrals, the Government Palace, and historic wooden balconies. Reaching downtown Lima safely from Callao requires authorized private transport.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
Authorized Airport Taxi (Taxi Green / Taxi 365) Best Overall
30–45 min
50 - 60 PEN
~$14 - $16 / €13 - €15
 Continuous queue All travelers heading to hotels near Plaza Mayor, Sheraton, or historic sites Book Historic Center Transfer
Airport Express Lima / Tourist Shuttle to Centro Cheapest
45–60 min
20 PEN
~$5.50 / €5.00
 Every 60 min Budget travelers wanting safe transit to central Lima Book Shuttle Bus

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Best Overall

Authorized Airport Taxi (Taxi Green / Taxi 365)

50 - 60 PEN ~$14 - $16 / €13 - €15
Travel time 30–45 min
Frequency Continuous queue
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Authorized counters inside baggage claim hall.
Main advantage: Guaranteed safe transit through Callao; fixed pre-paid fare; credit cards accepted.
Keep in mind: Downtown traffic along Avenida Faucett and Avenida Colonial during rush hours.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Book your ride at the Taxi Green or Taxi 365 counter before leaving the baggage hall.
  2. Follow the taxi dispatcher to your assigned vehicle in the guarded lot.
  3. Enjoy direct transport along Avenida Colonial straight to Plaza Mayor or your downtown hotel.
Book Historic Center Transfer
Option #2 Cheapest

Airport Express Lima / Tourist Shuttle to Centro

20 PEN ~$5.50 / €5.00
Travel time 45–60 min
Frequency Every 60 min
Operating hours 07:00 - 22:00 daily
Where to buy tickets Airport Express ticket desk in international/domestic arrivals hall.
Main advantage: Safe official coach with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and USB ports.
Keep in mind: Hourly departures; limited drop-off points near historic hotels.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Buy your ticket at the Airport Express Lima desk inside the arrivals concourse.
  2. Board the blue coach parked directly outside the main exit.
  3. Disembark at your selected downtown stop near Plaza San Martín or historic hotels.
Book Shuttle Bus
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Uber / Cabify / InDrive & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Uber / Cabify / InDrive pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get Peru eSIM on Airalo →Compare Peru Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Lima (LIM) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check Lima Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

Book and pay for your taxi at the authorized taxi booths (Taxi Green, Taxi 365, Taxi Directo) located inside the terminal before exiting the customs hall.

Traveling with Suitcases

Keep all bags inside the locked trunk or on the floor of the taxi; keep windows rolled up when stopping at major downtown intersections.

Arriving After Midnight

Authorized airport taxis operate 24 hours a day with vetted drivers and GPS tracking.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Attempting to take informal combi minibuses through Callao and San Martín de Porres with luggage—the risk of street robberies is high.
  • Not realizing most international tourists prefer staying in Miraflores or Barranco and visiting the Historic Center as a daytime excursion.
  • Callao district outside the airport perimeter is not safe for walking or hailing street taxis, especially with luggage. NEVER walk outside the guarded airport gates to find cheaper cabs. Use only the authorized taxi counters inside baggage claim, the Airport Express Lima bus, or pre-arranged transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much is a taxi from Lima Airport to downtown Lima (Centro)?

Authorized indoor counters charge approximately 50 to 60 PEN (~$14 to $16 USD).

Is the Historic Center of Lima safe at night?

The main squares (Plaza Mayor, Plaza San Martín) are heavily policed during daylight hours, but caution is recommended after dark; staying in Miraflores is generally preferred.

Other Popular Destinations from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)