Lima J Chavez Intl Airport (LIM) Flights & Information

Lima Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) is the primary gateway to Peru, but it has also become a major entry and transfer point for all of South America. For years, it has been strained with more traffic than the airport can comfortably handle, but finally, it is redesigning its layout to make it far more user efficient. It’s time for this hub to get the attention it deserves.

For now though, travelers continue to pay the price with weak lounge offerings, crowded terminals and awkward security protocols. Here’s how to survive an airport in transition.

Current and new terminal layouts

The airport previously had significant runway and terminal constraints, which is what the changes were focused on adjusting. Some of these are already in action, thankfully, like a second runway that was added in recent years.

This helps to significantly reduce wait times while taxiing to and from the terminal. Another major change was the addition of a new air traffic control tower that can more efficiently handle traffic and see aircraft more clearly, especially when fog rolls in from offshore.

The airport’s new tower can handle 80 aircraft movements per hour. The old one could only manage 35 planes per hour, and the upgrade is noticeable.

For now, the airport consists of one long terminal that has domestic flights departing from one end and international departures on the other. There are separate security entrances for both sections.

Later in 2025, the airport will have a second terminal that will remove the strain from the existing operation. There are only 19 jet bridges at the existing terminal, but 60 more will be added with the new building. Other flights board by bus to apron positions with departure gates one level below the main part of the terminal.

On the domestic side, I recommend going downstairs if you want a quieter place to sit as it does not have as many shops, and there is always less passenger traffic. Another key change for this earthquake-prone area is that the new terminal will be the only one on the continent with anti-seismic insulators.

What you will find inside the terminal

Lima, like other South American airports, can be especially busy in the early morning and late evening hours. This is when many long-haul flights from North America and Europe arrive and depart, respectively.

The terminal can be crowded with not enough places to sit, dine or relax. Let’s look at what you can expect once past security.

Dining and shopping

The majority of the food and drink outlets are grab-and-go venues where you can bring things to your gate. A few sit-down restaurants and bars are also available as well as a food court. Duty-free shopping is available on the international side of the terminal.

One frustration when departing Lima is that U.S.-bound passengers are not allowed to bring large liquids on the plane, including bottled water or soda. This is a U.S.-implemented restriction due to the airport not having the same stringent security machines.

Keep this in mind before forking over a lot of cash for onboard refreshments. I like perusing the local products in the Britt store, which sells coffee and chocolate or candy coated coffee beans. There are always free samples on offer!

Lounges

In the domestic section, there is one lounge, which is accessible via Priority Pass. I always find it crowded with limited refreshments. Unless you can get in for free, I do not recommend paying extra for this windowless space.

On the international side, the Hanaq and Sumaq VIP Lounges are the spot for those with Priority Pass, and it is used by many airlines. I find the lines to get in long during the evening hours, and many passengers are turned away after learning that their airline does not provide access for those in business class.

Natural light is limited, and the food is only so-so. Drinks are also limited. While LATAM operates a hub here, it no longer has its own lounge although one will open in the new terminal eventually.

Other amenities

Some international travelers may have trouble with their cellular signal around the country. But, there are numerous SIM card operators in the airport, and I recommend inquiring about one on the domestic side if you plan to visit remote or mountainous areas where it is better to connect to local networks.

There is a lactation room for mothers and sundries shops, but this is not the kind of airport you look forward to spending a lot of time in when traveling. One thing that is worth looking forward to: visiting one of the liquor shops selling pisco for a free tasting. Pisco sours are famous all along the western coast of South America, but don’t have too many before the flight as they are quite potent.

Lima Airport City

The redevelopment project will create the first “airport city” in South America. It integrates the highway, runway and nearby port of Callao together to develop a logistics and transportation hub for the region. For passengers, this means the potential for more flight and hotel options, too.

How to get to and from LIM

An improved road system as well as mass transit options, including both bus and metro, will also connect the airport city with downtown.

There is also a reliable bus, the Airport Express Lima, that makes stops in San Isidro and Miraflores (where many popular hotels are). They have Wi-Fi and USB charging outlets.

Be prepared for a barrage of people lending their assistance for transportation into town. I recommend avoiding unlicensed operators and going straight to the express bus, the official taxi lanes, rental car agencies or a pre-arranged transfer (hotels can do this for a fee). This is the safest and most reliable way to get where you are going.

Rideshare services are available in Lima, but they do not always agree to drop off or pick up at the terminal. I have used Uber to take me from a hotel to the airport without problem, but the reverse has proven more complicated to find them in the arrivals area.

If you have a long layover

There is a baggage storage service in the arrivals area where you can leave luggage for a fee and go explore town. Keep in mind that traffic in Lima is notoriously bad, and I recommend allowing plenty of time to get back to the airport. It can take as much as two hours (sometimes more) in rush hour traffic.

There are day tour companies that can organize a city visit to explore the Old Town, museums and ancient ruins. You can also go it alone and head for Miraflores for some shopping at Larcomar and a tasty lunch of ceviche or lomo saltado. Be sure to try chifa, a fried rice or noodle dish that blends Chinese and Peruvian flavors.

Also in Miraflores, you can take a surf lesson (this stretch of coast is famous for big waves) or go paragliding, if you are up for some adventure. Two famous museums in town are the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) and the Mario Testino Museum (MATE).

If money is no object, world-famous restaurants like Astrid & Garcon (Peruvian food) and Maido (Japanese-Peruvian) are incredible. But, clean up a bit before arriving from a long flight as these are sought-after meals. Advance reservations are a must.

If connecting to a domestic flight, but don’t want to venture into town, there are food carts just outside the arrivals area where you can sample local fare on the cheap.

A hub for South America

Both LATAM and Avianca operate hubs in Lima, and they have an extensive network around Peru as well as South America. If you are traveling between many cities on the continent, chances are you will probably connect in Lima.

Because of these hubs, the network of destinations is expansive around the Americas. You can also fly to Europe on several international airlines. All of the major U.S. network carriers fly here, too.

Previously, making an international connection at Lima was cumbersome as everyone had to clear immigration and customs, even if Peru was not their final destination. This is similar to what the U.S. requires. Luckily, this process has changed, and connecting travelers on two international flights can now stay on the transit side.

Hotels near Lima Airport

The only onsite hotel is Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport. But, I don’t recommend it unless you are in a hurry. The property is literally just a few steps outside of the baggage claim area, and it charges rates akin with its location (ideal for a quick overnight connection) without matching service levels.

If you have more than 12 hours, I recommend heading for the Holiday Inn Lima Airport, where the service is better and rates are lower. Unfortunately, you will need to wait for the free shuttle, but it runs every 30 minutes.