Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)

Layover Guide

Making the most of your stopover at Jorge Chávez International Airport — hotels, city tours and transit tips.

Your LIM Layover at a Glance

City AccessAccessible
Minimum layover for city6 hours

Best use of a long layover

The Historic Center of Lima (UNESCO-listed) is about 12 km from the airport; Miraflores and Barranco are further out and better suited to a longer layover given Lima traffic.

Inside the airport

The June 2025 terminal expansion added new dining and retail, but ground access is still catching up — temporary bridges provide access pending permanent road infrastructure, and there's no metro connection until Line 4 (expected around 2028), so budget extra time for transfers.

The Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol opened directly in front of the new terminal in June 2025 for a true landside-adjacent stay; the original Wyndham Costa del Sol at the old terminal remains operational as a shorter-transfer alternative.

Most US, EU, and many Latin American passport holders get 90 days visa-free, but the exact list varies by nationality — confirm against Peru's current entry requirements before counting on a same-day city run.
Transit visa requirements vary by nationality and change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate of Peru before travel.

Layover Duration Guide

Under 3 hrs
Stay Airside

Grab a meal, use the lounge or rest. Not enough time to clear immigration and return safely.

3 – 6 hrs
Airport Exploration

Explore landside facilities, duty-free and airport dining. Consider a transit hotel if you need rest.

6 – 12 hrs
Quick City Visit

Enough time to visit Lima city centre if transit visa permits. Allow 3 hrs buffer for return and re-entry.

12 hrs+
Overnight Stay

Book a nearby hotel. You can explore Lima properly — consider a guided tour to maximise your time.

Hotels Near LIM

Staying close to the airport? Airport hotels and transit hotels let you rest without a long transfer.

Recommended · Hotels
Find Hotels Near LIM

Airport hotels, transit stays and Lima city centre options — free cancellation on most bookings.

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City Tours from LIM

Short on time? Layover tours are designed to fit your connection window — pickup from the airport, back before your gate opens.

Recommended · Tours
Lima Layover Tours

Half-day and layover-specific tours with airport pickup. See the highlights of Lima without missing your connection.

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Practical Tips for Your LIM Layover

Use left-luggage storage at Jorge Chávez International Airport if you plan to leave the terminal — most airports offer coin lockers or staffed storage near arrivals.
Get a Peru eSIM before your layover so you have data for maps and translation the moment you land.
Download offline maps for Lima in advance — useful if you leave the terminal and connectivity is patchy.
Always allow at least 3 hours buffer before your next departure when leaving the airport — immigration queues are unpredictable.
Check your next airline's check-in deadline. Some require you to be at the gate 45–60 minutes before departure.
Recommended · eSIM
Stay Connected in Peru

Activate a Peru eSIM on Airalo before you travel — instant data, no SIM card queue at the airport.

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