Recommended apps
- Cabify — clear pricing, support, very safe.
- Uber — less vetted drivers, more variable quality.
- Always check the plate and driver before getting in.
Transport
The most practical option is to use ride-hailing apps (Uber, Cabify). Avoid street taxis. Here you'll find travel times and tips for getting between Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro and the airport safely.
Essentials on arrival
Essentials on arrival
Rush hours
- Lima traffic is terrible.
- Morning 7–9 am · Afternoon 6–9 pm.
- Fridays and rainy days = even worse.
- Major football match days too.
Safety
- Transport: always use apps — never hail a street taxi.
- Share your trip and enable 'follow my ride'.
- Uber in Lima: use the PIN verification code.
Airport to the tourist zone
Airport to the tourist zone
Options
- Cabify: request from the spot shown in the app; verify the plate; from ~55 soles.
- Quickllama: ask for the official stop inside the car park; from ~20 soles.
- Express bus: official stop inside the car park; departures every ~1 hour; from 20 soles.
Time & cost (approx.)
- To Miraflores/Barranco: 35–70 min depending on traffic.
- Ride-hailing apps: from S/ 50 (estimate).
- Avoid taxi offers on the street or inside the terminal.
- QuickLlama: S/ 20, to Miraflores, 24/7.
- Airport Express: from S/ 15, stops in Miraflores; roughly hourly.
Getting around with apps
Getting around with apps
Setup
- Enable roaming or buy an eSIM.
- Add a payment method; cash is also accepted.
- Enter clear destinations (hotel name, mall, street intersection).
Best practices
- Confirm the plate number and driver name.
- Don't get in if there's an unannounced extra passenger.
- If something feels off, cancel and request another. Better to lose 1 minute.
Pricing & tips
- Fares vary with traffic, rain, and demand.
- There shouldn't be tolls on the usual routes.
Metropolitano (public transport)
Metropolitano (public transport)
What it is
- Rapid bus on a dedicated N–S lane.
- Useful for avoiding traffic at peak hours if your route matches a station.
How to use it
- Buy a rechargeable card at the stations.
- Enter through the turnstiles; check the route map and express lines.
- Nearest stops to Miraflores: 28 de Julio / Benavides.
Tips
- Avoid rush hours if you have luggage.
- Watch your pockets and bag on crowded platforms.
- For casual tourism, ride-hailing apps are usually more comfortable.
Common routes (approx. times)
Common routes (approx. times)
From Miraflores
- → Barranco: 10–20 min (app).
- → San Isidro: 10–25 min (app).
- → Historic Centre: 30–50 min (app).
From Barranco
- → Miraflores (Kennedy): 10–20 min (app).
- → San Isidro: 15–30 min (app).
- → Airport: 45–80 min (app).
Other ways to get around
Other ways to get around
Minibuses / combis
- Very cheap but confusing for visitors and usually packed.
- If it's your first time, not recommended.
Cycling & the boardwalk
- The boardwalk is ideal for a leisure ride during the day.
- As daily transport, assess intersections and traffic — not all roads are bike-friendly.
Parking
- Malls and hotels usually have paid parking.
- In Peru they're called 'playas de estacionamiento'.
- On the street, check meters/signs and don't leave valuables visible.
First decide where and what to do
Choose your base neighborhood and build activities by time and style.