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Lima Airport, officially known as Jorge Chavez International Airport, is a common stopover for travellers en route to Cusco. Many travellers opt to stay overnight at the airport due to the short time between flights. But is it safe to do so? While the airport is generally considered safe, with security personnel on patrol, travellers should still exercise caution as there have been reports of theft and pickpocketing. The airport facilities remain open 24/7, with eateries, shops, and seating available throughout the night. However, the surrounding neighbourhood has been described as sketchy and iffy, with some travellers opting for nearby hotels or Airbnb accommodations for added safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Lima Airport safe at night? | No recent reports suggest safety issues at night |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in the airport
Sleeping in Lima airport is fairly safe and easy. The airport is busy even at 3 am and happening. Food places are open, and washrooms are decent. The airport is open 24 hours for landside and airside access, and there is plenty of seating. However, there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. The best place to sleep is in the upstairs area overlooking the check-in, where there is a cafe, market, and an internet/phone place. There are security people walking around throughout the night.
If you can make it to the airside to sleep, your experience will probably be better. Most eateries are open 24 hours in the terminal, and free unlimited WiFi is available. Economy class travellers can buy entry to three airport lounges, all of which are equipped with shower facilities. The food court outside security is always busy with travellers getting a bite to eat and sometimes a quick nap. The closer you are to the food court, the noisier it is, but it's also safer because there are more people hanging out.
If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, it's best to stay alert and awake. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
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Nearby hotels
While there are hotels near Lima Airport, many travellers have reported that they feel unsafe in the surrounding area at night. Travellers have also noted that the nearby hotels are expensive. Some have chosen to stay at the Holiday Inn Express across the street from the airport, but others have advised against this, citing safety concerns and the inconvenience of having to take a taxi to and from the hotel.
One recommended option is the Wyndham Costa Del Sol, which is attached to the airport via an elevated walkway. The hotel offers spa facilities, a pool, a hot tub, and a sauna. Travellers can pay to use these facilities for a few hours without needing to be a guest at the hotel. The hotel is considered a safe option, but it is also noted to be pricey.
Another option is to simply stay in the airport, which is reported to be fairly safe. The airport is busy at all hours, with eateries and the food court open 24 hours, and free unlimited WiFi available. There are also airport lounges that economy class travellers can pay to access, which include shower facilities.
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Transport options
If you're looking for transport options to and from Lima airport, there are several to choose from. The airport is served by several taxi companies, including CMV Taxi, Taxi 365, Taxi Directo, Trip, and Taxi Green. CMV Taxi provides 24-hour executive and group transportation in luxury vehicles. Taxi Green operates modern, air-conditioned vehicles and has been recommended by some as a good option. Avis, Budget, and Hertz also have rental desks in both International and Domestic Arrivals.
If you're looking for a cheaper option, Uber is available throughout the city, although it is not a licensed taxi service in Peru, so there's a chance your driver won't be allowed into the airport. However, some travellers have used Uber without any issues, and it can be more cost-effective than taxis.
If you're looking for a place to stay near the airport, there are several options, including the Holiday Inn Lima Airport, which provides an airport shuttle service. There are also some highly-rated Airbnbs near the airport, and some travellers have recommended staying at a hostel, such as Tupac Hostel, which is close to the airport.
If you're connecting to a domestic flight, you may be able to walk over to the domestic terminal after going through customs and collecting your bags. However, it's recommended that you allow plenty of time for this, as the airport facilities are older and prone to system outages, which can cause delays.
Finally, if you're feeling adventurous, you could consider using the Airport Express Lima bus service, which provides a safe and affordable way to get to and from the airport, with 15 departures per day between Miraflores. At the time of writing, the one-way fare is USD 4, or USD 6 return.
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Food and facilities
Lima Airport, also known as Jorge Chavez International Airport, is a busy airport with many flights arriving late at night and departing early in the morning. The airport is open 24 hours and offers a variety of food and facilities for travellers spending the night.
The airport has a large food court with recognised fast-food franchises such as McDonald's, Papa John's, and Starbucks. There are also several popular Peruvian options, including Juicy Lucy and Sangucheria La Lucha. The food court is located outside the secure zone, before security, and is always busy with travellers getting a bite to eat. There are also great sit-down restaurants within the terminal, such as La Nacional, Paprika, and Tanta, serving Peruvian and international cuisine.
In addition to the food options, Lima Airport offers various other facilities. There are shopping areas, including a duty-free section, and access to the internet and long-distance phone calls. The airport also has banking services, ATMs, and full accessibility for people with limited mobility or those using wheelchairs. Economy-class travellers can purchase access to airport lounges with shower facilities.
While the airport itself is considered safe for spending the night, it is important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Pickpocketing and petty theft have been reported in the landside area, so it is recommended to keep your valuables secure and stay near other travellers or close to security. The airport can be noisy and busy, even at midnight, making it challenging to get uninterrupted sleep.
If you prefer a more comfortable option, there are hotels connected to or nearby the airport, such as Costa del Sol and Holiday Inn, which offer convenient access to the terminal. However, the area around the airport is not considered the safest, and it is recommended to use reputable taxi services booked from inside the airport.
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Safety outside the airport
Lima Airport, also known as Jorge Chavez International Airport, is generally considered safe by most travellers. The airport is open 24 hours and is busy even at 3 am, with eateries and washrooms accessible throughout the night. However, the areas outside the airport are not considered very safe. Travellers have reported incidents of carjacking and attacks on women in the neighbourhood surrounding the airport.
If you have a long layover or an overnight stay, it is recommended to stay inside the airport. Sleeping in the airport is considered fairly safe, but you should still stay alert and watch your belongings, as there have been reports of bags being snatched and pockets being picked. The best places to sleep inside the airport are in the upstairs area overlooking the check-in, where there is a cafe, market, and internet/phone access, or in the hallways leading off the food court, as these areas are noisier but have more people around.
If you prefer more comfort and privacy, there are several hotels near the airport, including the Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport, which is located across from the terminal. However, these hotels can be expensive, and you will need to factor in the time and cost of transportation to and from the airport. Another option is to stay in a nearby Airbnb, as there are accommodations available just a few minutes from the airport that offer airport transfers.
To get around Lima, you can use Uber, which operates similarly to the US and is considered reliable. There are also other taxi services available, such as Taxi Green, CMV Taxi, Taxi 365, Taxi Directo, and Trip. These taxi companies have desks located by the exits in both International and Domestic Arrivals. Additionally, Airport Express Lima provides a safe and affordable way to travel between the airport and Miraflores, with 15 departures per day.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is generally considered safe to sleep in the airport overnight. There are security personnel patrolling the airport throughout the night, and the airport is busy even at 3 am. However, there have been reports of theft, so it is best to stay alert.
The best place to sleep is in the upstairs area overlooking the check-in, where there is a cafe, market, and internet/phone access. The areas inside security are more comfortable, and the closer you are to the food court, the safer you will be as there are more people around.
There are several hotels near the airport, including Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport, which is located across from the airport terminal, and Holiday Inn Lima Airport, which provides an airport shuttle. There is also a highly-rated Airbnb located 3 minutes from the airport.
The area surrounding the airport is not considered very safe. There are slums nearby, and some travellers have reported being carjacked or attacked in the neighbourhood. It is recommended to use Uber or a reputable taxi service to get to and from the airport.
