Jorge Chavez International Airport Guide

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Jorge Chavez International Airport

Address

Av. Elmer Faucett s/n, Callao 07031, Peru

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Phone +51 1 5173501

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Named after a famous Peruvian aviator, the Jorge Chavez International Airport is the main point of entry and departure in Peru for global and domestic travelers. It's located in Callao, a coastal city of Peru and an important port within the Lima metropolitan region. Operating internationally since 1960, the airport has major plans to expand what is currently a single terminal and runway facility.

Here's everything you need to know about navigating Lima’s Jorge Chavez airport.

Jorge Chavez International Airport Code, Location, and Contact Information

• Airport code: LIM 
• Address: Av. Elmer Faucett s/n, Callao 07031
• Airport Website: https://www.lima-airport.com/eng
• Flight Status: https://www.lima-airport.com/eng/for-passengers/flights-and-airlines/flight-status
• Phone Number: (01) 5173501

Know Before You Go

The Jorge Chavez International Airport is diminutive in comparison to other airports found in metropolitan cities, such as Los Angeles’ LAX or New York’s JFK. That said, the two-floor airport is one of the busiest in South America (in 2018, it served over 22.1 million passengers). Due to its modest size and simple layout, the Lima airport is easy to navigate—check-in counters are visible upon entry; a single set of escalators, stairs, and an elevator lead to the second floor for customs and departure gates—it’s just a matter of getting around the crowds.

Jorge Chavez Parking

Though most international travelers will likely be taking a taxi to and from the airport, rest assured that there are options for short-stay and prolonged parking in case you need it. Upon entrance to the airport’s property, drivers receive an entry ticket that's used to track total parking time. There are designated spaces for prolonged parking (24 hours or more) on the right side of the entrance, though most of the parking lot is dedicated to short-term and staff parking. 

When ready to exit the parking lot, drivers can cancel their parking fee at one of the automatic pay stations (just steps from the Arrivals exit) using their ticket stub and paying in cash (Peruvian soles or U.S. dollars). Short-stay fees are as follows: 5.20 soles for 45 minutes or less; 7 soles for 46 to 60 minutes; and 7 soles per each additional hour. For prolonged parking, the fee is 49 soles per 24 hours.

Driving Directions

Let’s be honest: Commuting to and from the Lima airport will not be a highlight of your Peru trip. A subpar roundabout just beyond the premises of the airport has little to no effect upon the infamous Lima traffic.

Located north of the San Isidro, Miraflores, and Barranco districts (the latter being the furthest away), tourists should plan on leaving at least one hour before they are expected to check in at the airport. Keep in mind that rush hour(s) in Lima is from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Drive north along the Costa Verde (Lima’s coastal highway) until reaching the Calle Mariscal Agustin Gamarra exit in San Miguel. Then, take Av. Rafael Escardó to Av. La Marina, one of Lima’s largest avenues that heads east-west. About five minutes later (depending on traffic), turn right onto Av. Elmer Faucett; you'll continue north for nearly 4 miles before arriving at the airport entrance, visible on your left. 

Public Transportation and Taxis

Due to traffic and unfixed schedules, taking a public bus (or micro) to the Lima airport poses a great risk for travelers. It’s worth the extra money to coordinate a shuttle or taxi pick-up to avoid missing your flight. 

Shuttles to and from the Lima Airport are available through third-party companies. QuickLlama is a reliable option that offers door-to-door pick-up and drop-off services for those staying or living in the Miraflores district. Prices start at $5 and the departure times are fixed. Large groups can also request a private shuttle.

For those who are temporarily based in another district and are looking for a trusted shuttle with a flexible schedule, Gringo Taxi offers private services for individuals and groups throughout the city of Lima. The prices are steeper (starting at $26 from Barranco to Jorge Chavez International Airport), but they can also organize pick-ups and drop-offs in the city of Cusco, eliminating stress for many travelers who come to Peru solely to visit Machu Picchu. 

If taking a taxi, be sure to ask your hotel for a reputable contact or use a ridesharing app instead. The fee should be no more than 60 soles. 

Where to Eat and Drink

Only two establishments in the Lima airport do a fair job of reminding international guests that they are about to leave (or have just arrived to) one of the world’s top gastronomic destinations. 

Tanta is one of the many restaurants that belong to Peru’s first celebrity chef, Gaston Acurio. Overlooking the hustle and bustle that is the Lima airport, the restaurant is located directly to the left of the escalators that lead to the customs area on the second floor. Travelers can enjoy a surprisingly calm space while eating classic Peruvian dishes—arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) and lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), for example—paired with a cheeky pisco sour. A meal for two with drinks can average around 100 soles.

International travelers can also indulge at La Bonbonniere, located near Gate 24. Ideal for a pre-flight breakfast or a filling pasta dish, be aware that the space is small and tables fill up quickly. The service is one of the best you will find in the airport.

Travelers on a budget (or short on time) can look for the standard airport grab-and-go stands or fast food, from McDonald’s to Peru’s popular roasted chicken chain, Pardos.

Airport Lounges 

There are a handful of lounges in the Lima airport, all located airside. From free Wi-Fi to buffets, bars, and business centers, the offerings found in each are standard for an airport lounge.

Sumaq is located in the international departures area, across from Gate 17. The lounge is spacious, with showers to freshen up before a flight, a sleeping room to catch a nap or meditate, and a play area for kids. Keep in mind that guests are limited to two alcoholic drinks (first one is free) and that entrance is allowed up to three hours before your scheduled flight. This lounge operates 24 hours.

The best (relaxing) bang for your buck? The Spa Express, located on the second floor in a public area. You can get a 30-minute massage for less than $15, as well as other skin and nail care services.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

At the moment, Jorge Chavez International Airport is not equipped for connectivity. Currently, charging stations are scattered throughout the airport, with multiple passengers having to share one station to charge their phones. There are also no tables or small desks where you can set up a laptop or tablet; if you want to take advantage of a long layover by getting some work done, you will want to invest in a pass to one of the lounges.

Along with a plan for expansion, the Jorge Chavez International Airport intends to provide greater Wi-Fi services for travelers. As of now, travelers are provided 15 minutes of free Wi-Fi, after which they must pay for additional time with a credit card. At a rate of $6 an hour, travelers are better off buying a coffee from the airport Starbucks (landside) and using the cafe’s internet (or doing so from nearly any of the restaurants with seating).

Jorge Chavez Tips and Tidbits 

• In urgent need of a prepaid cell phone? Purchase or even rent a mobile phone from the small Claro store—but be prepared to pay a much higher price than you would in the city.
• If you're looking to book a hotel near the airport, Wyndham Costa del Sol is connected to the airport by a sky bridge, and a Holiday Inn is located directly across the street.
• If you're newly arrived, you'll want to exchange only enough of your currency to Peruvian soles to pay for your taxi or shuttle. The exchange rates are far better in the city.
• Stop by Kuna, a luxury knitwear brand that works with alpaca wool, for one last souvenir. The shop is located on the second floor, in the direction of the cafeteria.