Lima Jorge Chávez Airport: Landing in One of Latin America's Newest Mega-Terminals

Getting there, at a glance

Amenities, at a glance

Jorge Chávez International Airport (IATA: LIM) is Peru’s busiest airport and a major LATAM Airlines hub, handling more than 24 million passengers a year. It sits about 12 km (7 mi) northwest of central Lima, in the Callao area.

Overview

LIM recently opened a massive new terminal — one of the largest infrastructure projects in Peru’s history — roughly doubling the airport’s overall capacity and replacing much of the older facility. As LATAM’s Pacific coast hub, it anchors an extensive network across Peru and South America, and the new terminal has quickly made LIM one of the most modern airports in the region. LIM set a new record with 24.5 million passengers in 2024, finally surpassing its pre-pandemic 2018 peak.

Terminals

LIM now operates around a single large, newly built terminal complex (opened 2025), consolidating what were previously more limited facilities. The new terminal significantly expanded gate capacity, security lanes, and passenger amenities compared to the airport’s older infrastructure.

Airlines

LATAM Airlines operates a major hub at LIM, anchoring an extensive domestic network across Peru plus international routes throughout South America, North America, and beyond. LIM’s position on South America’s Pacific coast makes it an important connecting point for travel between the continent’s western countries and the rest of the world.

How to Get There

• Airport Express Lima (bus): S/ 25–35, with direct routes to central Lima and Miraflores, about 45–60 minutes.
• Authorized taxi: S/ 55–75 via the official taxi counter inside the terminal, about 35–50 minutes depending on traffic.
• Uber / inDrive: Generally comparable in price to a taxi, about 35–50 minutes — both apps are widely used in Lima.

Prices above are indicative and can change — always check current fares with Airport Express Lima or your ride-hailing app.

Getting Through Security and Passport Control

• Domestic flights: Security only. Typically 20–30 minutes off-peak, up to 35–50 minutes during busy periods.
• International flights: Security plus passport control. Typically 25–35 minutes off-peak, up to 45–65 minutes during peak international departure banks.
• The new terminal’s expanded security capacity has generally improved processing times compared to the airport’s older facility, though peak LATAM connecting banks can still see longer waits.

Parking

LIM has parking available at the new terminal, with clear signage for short- and long-stay options.

Wifi

Free wifi is available in the terminal with a time-limited free session.

Best Times to Arrive

• Domestic flights: Arrive 2 hours before departure.
• International flights: Arrive 3 hours ahead, especially for LATAM’s peak international departure banks.
• As the new terminal continues to fully ramp up operations, allow a little extra buffer time in case of any lingering transition-period slowdowns.

Where to Eat

LIM reflects Peru’s globally renowned food culture well, with a strong selection of Peruvian cuisine alongside international chains, spread across the new terminal. At the Wyndham Grand, Páprika builds its menu around Peru’s own culinary traditions.

Airport Hotel

The Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol Lima Airport was the first hotel to open inside the new terminal itself, connected by a short walkway on the second level — no shuttle needed. Beyond Páprika, it’s a genuinely convenient pick for a long layover or an early LATAM departure.

Lounges

• LATAM VIP Lounges are available for eligible business class passengers, elite status holders, or paid access.
• Several Priority Pass-affiliated lounges are also available.

Duty-Free Shopping

LIM’s duty-free zone includes genuine Peruvian specialties — alpaca textiles and pisco — alongside the usual international fashion, cosmetics, and electronics brands.

Airport Map

This is a simplified layout to help you get oriented — for real-time, gate-by-gate wayfinding, use Lima Airport’s official resources.

Useful Links

• Official airport site (Lima Airport Partners) — terminal info, services, live flight status.
• LATAM Airlines — flight schedules and connections.

Long Layover Tips

• With 4+ hours and a visa situation permitting entry, central Lima and the Miraflores district are reachable by bus or taxi in about 45–60 minutes.
• If staying airside, the new terminal has significantly more lounge and dining options than the airport’s previous facility.
• Given the terminal is still relatively new, double-check your gate and any updated wayfinding signage, since layouts and services continue to be fine-tuned after such a major expansion.