How to Navigate the New Lima Airport (LIM), A Visual Guide for Travelers
A Visual Guide for Travelers, With Real Photos and a Map
Get a real-world walkthrough of the new terminal at Lima Airport (Jorge Chávez International). This is not a new airport, it’s a new additional terminal, and knowing where to go will save you time and confusion.
Travelers now arrive and depart on the 3rd floor, and the layout can be tricky if you’re not prepared. I’m a local airport driver here in Lima, and I pick up passengers daily from this terminal. I’ve taken real photos and notes to create a visual guide to help you find your way — from baggage claim to the arrivals area and beyond.
Official Interactive Map, QR Code And Link
While walking through the terminal, I found the official interactive map QR code posted by the airport. You can scan the code below to explore the map, or click the photo for a direct link if you’re on a computer or don’t have a scanner app
Baggage Claim
Upon arrival you will land on the third floor of the new terminal, and have to make your way to the first floor for baggage claims. And as you can see in my photo above, Baggage Claims can become a bit crazy.Â
How To Find Your Baggage Quicker
Here’s a step-by-step tip that most travelers don’t know, and yes, I’ve tested it myself:
Go to the official Lima Airport website.
Click on “Passengers” (top left).
Click “Arrivals”, then “Search”.
Enter your flight number in the search box (top right).
Click on your flight, then click “Get WhatsApp Notification” (also in the top right).
(Screenshot below shows the flight search box and WhatsApp button.)
This tool will tell you which baggage belt your luggage is on, no more guessing!
Baggage Claims Are Far From Immigration
While this new terminal is modern in many ways, there are still a few quirks that might make it feel. . . , not so modern.
One big surprise? The distance between Immigration and Baggage Claim.
You’ll land on the third floor, but have to make your way all the way down to the first, a long walk, especially after a long flight.
So why the layout? The goal is to keep passengers flowing through the airport, helping the terminal handle more people efficiently. It might feel weird, but there’s a reason for it.
After Baggage Claim, Customs!
Declare whatever you’re bringing. Period.
Don’t try to beat the system, it’s not worth it. If you’re bringing something valuable, or even just unusual, be upfront. If paying a few dollars in refundable customs fees is a dealbreaker, maybe it’s time to reconsider bringing that item at all.
Important:
Items like vitamins and supplements are heavily controlled in Peru.
If the declared value exceeds $500, expect them to be confiscated unless you have proper documentation.
This isn’t rare, I’ve seen it happen multiple times.
Just be smart. Declare, answer honestly, and keep moving.
Main Arrivals Waiting Area
This is a real photo of the international arrivals area in the new terminal at Lima Airport. And while it helps give context, let me be honest: this image doesn’t do justice to how chaotic this tiny space can get.
The original terminal was built to handle 30 million passengers a year, this new terminal is designed for 40 million. That’s a massive jump. But here’s the catch: the pickup area remains tight, crowded, and at peak hours, downright overwhelming.
Tip: If you’re arriving internationally, finding your driver quickly can be a challenge — especially if you’re tired or unfamiliar with the layout. Below, I’ll show you the exact location (with a real photo) where you should go to meet your driver.
The domestic arrivals area? Almost identical in structure and size, and just as busy.
Connecting Flights
Note: The previous photo showed a wide, panoramic view of the arrivals waiting area. This image zooms in on the far right side of that same space — and yes, it gets that crowded.
After clearing customs, you’ll want to head straight out, staying as direct as possible through the crowd, to reach this spot. This is where many drivers wait for passengers.
Lima Airport Express Bus
To find the Lima Airport Express bus, exit through Door #3, as shown in the photo above, the bus is right outside and visible from inside. This option can work well if you’re comfortable navigating the city with your luggage and if the bus stops near your hotel. Otherwise, a taxi is often the faster, more direct choice, especially after a long flight.
More Real Help Coming Soon
A Note From Me to You
This isn’t some polished corporate brochure. I wrote this guide sitting at my dining room table over the course of a few days, with a goal of helping travelers like you.We’re trying to rebuild after COVID crushed Peru’s tourism industry.
I’m not a big company. I’m the driver, the guy behind the camera, the one building this website for you, piece by piece, with real experience and real photos.
More and more often people are finding us through Reddit, Facebook groups, and even ChatGPT, and not just Google. That tells me one thing: travelers trust other travelers. If that’s how you found us, you’re in the right place.
We’re also working on two more walkthroughs, one for the domestic terminal and one for the Lima airport hotel. They’re coming soon, so bookmark this page or just check back in a few days.
And if you need a 100% legal taxi in Lima with transparent prices and honest service, book a legal airport taxi with transparent pricing and a real human behind the wheel, you can book one right below.
