Using public transports in Lima

Yes, finally you made it to Lima! And either if you are on a budget, or if you have not booked a sightseeing tour, or maybe want to see something else of this big, big city, you will need to use our public transportation.

"Combi" in Lima (Photo: Isabel Guerra)

First of all, forget your mental schemes about trains or subways; those don’t exist there. Take a look around. What do you see? You will see noisy traffic jams and see lots, lots of small buses, that locals call combis (usually small coasters or even vans) and micros (small buses).

To be honest, Lima is a city with a very serious problem regarding public transportation; there’s not an unified system that coordinates its organization. During 1990′s, Alberto Fujimori’s government encouraged privatization of all state-owned companies and authorized free import of light transportation vehicles, basically hoping that drivers would associate to create private transport companies; free market was supposed to keep fares low, due to the competition.

The fact is that under this system, the drivers are not paid salaries –their only earnings are the ones they make working with their vehicles. That makes free competition turn out to be a wild competition between drivers to get as many passengers as possible: that explains the large number of infractions and traffic accidents in Lima.

But don’t be afraid. Thousands of Limenians use combis and micros everyday.  Here are some tips for you to get the most of our combis and avoid bad experiences.

Pack light: Try to keep your stuff in only one backpack; the smaller, the better, and if you can go without any backpack, even better. A sensible and comfy choice are those fanny packs, belt packs, bum bags, whatever you name it. Keep your money and belongings there. That way you will be more comfortable inside the vehicle.

Don’t expect schedules: These little buses are not on any schedule. The good thing is that you don’t need to wait too long for boarding one: probably five minutes.

Raise your hand: Routes are announced by signs with street names placed in the windshield. However, you will not find any bus stop signal in the streets. Basically, combis and micros stop at any corner if you raise your hand. You need to ask locals for advice on which one you need to take; people at your hotel can help you on this.

Find the fare collector: Micros and combis have not only a driver, but also a fare collector, called locally cobrador: they are usually standing at the vehicle’s door yelling the names of the main avenues where they are going to circulate and inviting people to board.

Fares are around one sol (S/.1) as an average, which means some US $0.35. Unbeatable. Once you reach your destination, just shout “bajan!” or “esquina!”

However, try using these vehicles only for urban outings, along large avenues and between safe areas; otherwise, you could not only waste too much time in one of Lima’s famous traffic jams, but also risk being pick pocketed!

Now, other choices.

Taxis in Lima do not have taximeters; you need to discuss the price of the ride before boarding; the driver always will tell you a little higher price expecting you will bargain; You are expected to haggle over the price. Bring the price down at least 1 or 2 soles. Locals are masters of this art, and you can be one, too. However, taxis are also very cheap according to US standards, so you may not need to bargain.

Taxis, (Photo: Peru21)

There are two types of taxis; particular ones (the driver owns or rents the vehicle) and company-managed ones, which charge you a little more but are cleaner and safer, and thus more recommendable for a pleasant tourism experience. As a reference, a Lima-Miraflores ride can cost around S/.12-15 (US $2-5) depending on the distance and the time of the day; a Surco-Lima, maybe S/. 14-18.

These taxi companies also offer the option of renting the taxi for a flat fare per hour, and this could be more convenient than taking combis if you are traveling with other two or three people and want to visit several places in a row. So it’s a good idea to call a taxi service or, if you don’t speak Spanish, make someone do the call for you.

However, if you feel adventurous and want to try hailing a taxi in the streets, remember that taxi robbery is not too common… but happens now and then.

So, always sit in the back seat, and try to sit behind the driver if possible.

Also, pick a taxi and a driver that look half decent, and very specially an older driver, since older ones are less likely to give you trouble.

Only take the ones with license plate numbers painted on the side, taxi sign on top and registration stickers on the window.

And despite the heavy, intense traffic in Lima, the drivers usually know what they are doing and are aware to avoid major trouble.

Have fun!