Lima
Getting around Lima: public transport, passes and taxis
Use app taxis for most trips and the Metropolitano BRT for the Miraflores–centre corridor at rush hour, when a car can take twice as long. Buy a rechargeable Metropolitano card for buses and the Metro; skip street-hailed taxis. Budget S/ 10–30 per app trip and about S/ 3 per transit ride (2026 estimate, check).
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- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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GuideLima
Key facts
- Best default
- App taxi (Uber, Cabify, DiDi, inDrive) for door-to-door trips
- Best for the Miraflores–centre corridor
- Metropolitano BRT, about S/ 3 per ride (2026 estimate)
- Metrocheck
- Line 1 south–north; Line 2 opening in stages — check what is running
- Card
- Rechargeable Metropolitano/Metro card, bought and topped up at stations
- Typical app taxi fare in the city
- S/ 10–30 (2026 estimate)
- Airport to Miraflores
- 45–90 minutes by taxi or app depending on traffic
- Street-hailed taxis
- Not recommended; use app or a registered airport taxi
- Rush hour
- Roughly 07:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00; add 30–60 minutes to road trips
Options at a glance
Lima is a long, coastal city with no single transport solution. Match the mode to the trip: BRT for the Miraflores–downtown spine, app taxi for everything else, and walking inside Miraflores or Barranco.
| Mode | Typical cost | Typical time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitano BRT | About S/ 3 (2026 estimate) | 20–40 min Miraflores–centre | Rush-hour trips along the corridor |
| Metro (Line 1, Line 2 partly open) | About S/ 3 (2026 estimate) | Varies by line | North–south trips on Line 1 |
| App taxi | S/ 10–30 in the city (2026 estimate) | 15–45 min depending on traffic | Door-to-door, airport, late nights |
| Street taxi | S/ 10–40, negotiated | Similar to app | Only if you know the fare and route |
| Bus / combi | S/ 2–3 (2026 estimate) | Slow, no fixed stops | Cheap short hops if you know the route |
| Walking | Free | Miraflores–Barranco about 40–50 min | Neighbourhoods with seafront paths |
Fares and service status change; confirm locally (check).
Metropolitano and Metro
The Metropolitano is a bus rapid transit system with its own lanes and stations, running along the coast and into the centre. For the Miraflores–downtown corridor it is often faster than a car at peak times. You need a rechargeable card, bought and topped up at stations; tap in at the gate. Buses are crowded at rush hour and pickpocketing happens, so keep bags in front.
The Metro is separate. Line 1 runs south–north through the city and is useful for some districts but not for the tourist core. Line 2 has been opening in stages — check what is running during your visit. The same style of rechargeable card is used; fares are low, around S/ 3 (2026 estimate).
- Buy a card at a station window or machine; keep it topped up.
- Tap in and out where gates require it.
- Avoid the front rows of seats at peak times if you have a bag.
- Check Line 2 status before planning around it.
Taxis and ride-hailing
App taxis are the default for visitors: the fare is set before you get in, the route is tracked, and you avoid the negotiation that street taxis require. Uber, Cabify, DiDi and inDrive all operate in Lima; availability is best in Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro and the centre. Typical city trips run S/ 10–30 (2026 estimate).
Street taxis have no meters. If you take one, agree the price before getting in and have small notes ready. At the airport, use the official taxi counters or an app; unofficial drivers approach arrivals and quote high. Allow 45–90 minutes to Miraflores depending on traffic.
| Trip | App taxi (2026 estimate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Miraflores – Barranco | S/ 10–18 | Short hop; also walkable along the seafront |
| Miraflores – historic centre | S/ 18–30 | Can double at rush hour |
| Miraflores – Jorge Chávez airport | S/ 50–80 | 45–90 min; official taxi or app only |
| Miraflores – San Isidro | S/ 12–20 | Business district, quick outside peak |
Prices vary with demand and traffic (check).
What a day of moving around costs
A sightseeing day using the Metropolitano and walking can cost under S/ 10. A day of app taxis between Miraflores, Barranco and the centre is more like S/ 60–120 (2026 estimate). Cash is still useful for buses, small shops and markets; apps and cards cover most other payments.
| Style | Daily transport cost (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Transit and walking | S/ 6–12 |
| Mixed transit and app taxis | S/ 30–60 |
| App taxis for everything | S/ 60–120 |
Practical tips
Traffic in Lima is heavy and unpredictable. Build slack into any timed booking, especially airport runs and long-distance bus departures. Rush hour is roughly 07:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00; a trip that takes 20 minutes at midday can take an hour then.
Keep your phone charged and data working so apps function; an eSIM set up before arrival avoids hunting for a SIM. Carry small change, keep valuables out of sight on crowded buses, and use the same care at night as in any large city. For safety detail, see the dedicated page.
- Order the app taxi inside a shop or lobby, not on the street.
- Screenshot the driver and plate details.
- Avoid unlicensed taxis waiting outside bars and clubs.
- Check for road closures and strikes before long trips.
Questions people ask
What is the best way to get around Lima?
App taxis for most trips, and the Metropolitano BRT for the Miraflores–centre corridor at rush hour. Walking works well inside Miraflores and Barranco. Budget S/ 10–30 per app trip and about S/ 3 per transit ride (2026 estimate).
Is there a transit pass for Lima?
Yes — a rechargeable card covers the Metropolitano and the Metro, bought and topped up at stations. There is no single pass that covers buses, taxis and trains together. Fares are around S/ 3 per ride (2026 estimate).
Are taxis or ride-hailing better in Lima?
Ride-hailing is better for visitors: fixed price, tracked route, no negotiation. Street taxis have no meters, so agree the fare first. At the airport use the official taxi counters or an app rather than drivers approaching arrivals.
How long does it take to get from the airport to Miraflores?
Allow 45–90 minutes by taxi or app, depending on traffic. The trip is longer at rush hour. Use an official airport taxi or a ride-hailing app; expect S/ 50–80 (2026 estimate).
Can I walk between Miraflores and Barranco?
Yes, about 40–50 minutes along the seafront paths, with views over the cliffs. It is best in daylight; take an app taxi back after dark.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check