If you’ve got a layover in Lima, don’t let it go to waste sitting at LIM. The city, in Peru, is within easy reach — roughly 120 minutes by Local bus connections to Metropolitano. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave LIM:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Peru. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Lima takes about 120 minutes by Local bus connections to Metropolitano. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is PEN. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
If you head into Lima, here are two things worth checking out:
El Callao Monumental is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. You can see the main features in a short visit.
Museo Larco is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at LIM, check out Sumaq VIP Lounge or Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Transit Hotel to keep yourself occupied.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local bus connections to Metropolitano | ~120 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~140 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Local bus connections to Metropolitano is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Where to Grab a Meal
In Lima
If you make it into town, El VerÃdico de Fidel (La Punta) is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Restaurant El Huaralino (Callao).
Inside LIM
If you’re staying in the terminal, Tanta (Airport) is your main option. La Lucha SangucherÃa Criolla (Airport) works too if you want something quick.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Lima might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$7 USD
- A meal: ~$13 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$30 USD
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at LIM, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Lima itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Peru that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Leave Your Bags
You can store your luggage at Arrivals Hall, ground floor, near exit doors (look for ‘Luggage Storage’ service). Rates typically depend on bag size and duration.
If the airport lockers are full or inconveniently located, services like Bounce and Stasher list verified storage spots in and around Lima as well.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at LIM include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Peru also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Lima is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Lima.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.