Transportation in Lima
Spanning an urban area of more than 4,000 square kilometres, Lima is huge by any standards, as is the diverse cultural experiences here.Start by exploring the colonial architecture and landmark buildings in Lima's historical centre.From here, catch a cab south past pretty Pueblo Libre to business-centre San Isidro and further along the coast to buzzing Miraflores. Even further south is bohemian Barranco and east of that wealthy Santiago de Surco, San Borja and La Molina.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Taxi
Taxi is by far the easiest way to get around Lima. Although the traffic might seem harrowing, you are safer in a cab than in a cramped bus or a rickety mototaxi. By western standards cabs are cheap and easily available.
Foot
Choose your districts with care and you can enjoy lovely walks in Lima. Stroll down to the seafront via Barranco's footpaths or cross between the main plazas in the centre. The quiet streets of Pueblo Libre and busy avenues of Miraflores are also pedestrian-friendly.
Bus
Lima's bus system is a confusing disarray of private buses, known as micros, combis, or colectivos. There are no coordinated route-numbers and no conventional bus-stops, but people get on and off wherever. Unless you are there for a long stay or have a very tight budget, avoid them if you can.
Train
Lima's overland Metro, or tren urbano, remains under construction and runs only part of a line with seven stops. It goes from Villa El Salvador in the far south to Atocongo in the poor San Juan de Miraflores district, and is of little use to most visitors.
Rent your car
Lima is criss-crossed by larger avenues that lead to major routes, including the famed Pan American Highway. Most neighbourhoods have a grid layout but roads are often one-way, traffic moves fast and vehicles weave between lanes, testing the most patient driver.
Transportation Tips
Always bargain with taxi drivers – whatever their first suggestion for a price is, it is bound to be way too much. Special permits aren't required, so anyone with a car can run a taxi business. If you feel uncomfortable with that, ask your hotel to arrange a driver for you. Seatbelts are required by law, so if a cab hasn't got them, pick another one.
