The LÃnea 2 del Metro de Lima is Lima’s first underground subway line, a modern electric railway that will eventually connect Ate Vitarte in the east with the port of Callao in the west. Currently, the operational segment runs from San Juan de Lurigancho to the historic center of Lima, with 5 stations open as of 2025. This guide gives you everything you need to ride it smoothly: the exact stations, fares, hours, connections, and practical tips for navigating the system like a local.
Ingredients
- 1 contactless card or mobile payment (starting at S/ 1.50 per ride)
- 1 validated ticket or card balance (minimum S/ 1.50)
- 1 mask (optional, but recommended in crowded trains)
- 1 map of the route (available at stations or on your phone)
- Patience for security checks (bags are scanned at every entrance)
Instructions
- Locate the nearest station. As of 2025, the open stations are: San Juan de Lurigancho (Estación San Juan), El Ã�ngel, PresbÃtero Maestro, Caja de Agua, and Estación Central (in the historic center). Check the official line map to confirm which station is closest to your starting point.
- Buy or load your card. At any station, use the ticket machines to purchase a new contactless card (costs about S/ 5.00, which includes S/ 4.00 of travel credit) or to top up an existing card. You can also use contactless debit/credit cards or mobile wallets (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) at the turnstiles, but not all machines accept them yet—cash is accepted at the machines.
- Pass through security. Before entering the paid area, place your bags on the X-ray scanner and walk through the metal detector. This is mandatory, so allow an extra 5–10 minutes during peak hours.
- Tap your card at the turnstile. Hold your card or phone against the reader until the green light shows. The fare is deducted automatically—currently S/ 1.50 per ride, regardless of distance, as long as you stay within the system.
- Follow the signs to your platform. Trains run on the left-hand side (like the road traffic in Peru). Check the electronic boards for the next train time—trains arrive every 4–6 minutes during peak hours, and every 8–10 minutes off-peak.
- Board the train. Wait for passengers to exit before boarding. The trains are modern, air-conditioned, and have designated seating for elderly, pregnant, and disabled passengers. Hold onto the handrails, as the ride can be smooth but sudden stops happen.
- Exit at your destination. Listen for the announcements in Spanish, and check the station name on the platform signs. When you exit, tap your card again at the turnstile—this is required to open the gate. Keep your card if you plan to return, as it retains its balance.
- Transfer to other routes. At Estación Central, you can connect to the Metropolitano (the bus rapid transit system) by walking through the underground passage—look for the blue signs. You will need to pay a separate fare for the Metropolitano, but the connection is seamless and sheltered.
Tips
- Peak hours: The busiest times are 6:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–8:00 PM on weekdays. If you can travel outside these hours, you’ll have a much more comfortable ride with fewer crowds.
- Card balance: Always check your card balance before entering. You can do this at the ticket machines or at the turnstile display. Running out mid-trip means you’ll have to exit and reload, which is inconvenient.
- Safety: The system is well-policed and safe, but keep an eye on your belongings, especially during rush hour. Pickpocketing is rare but possible in crowded areas.
- Language: Signs are in Spanish only. If you don’t speak Spanish, download a translation app or have the station names written down—the announcements are clear but fast.
Serving Suggestions
Use the LÃnea 2 to explore Lima’s contrasts: start at the modern, residential San Juan de Lurigancho district and end at the historic center, where you can visit the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Monastery of San Francisco. For a quick bite, get off at Estación Central and walk to the nearby Mercado Central for a fresh fruit juice or a classic butifarra sandwich. The ride itself takes only about 20 minutes end-to-end, making it a fast and cheap way to cross the city.
Variations
- Full route (when complete): When the entire line opens (expected by 2027), it will run from Ate Vitarte to Callao, with 27 stations and a travel time of about 45 minutes. You’ll be able to reach the Jorge Chávez International Airport directly from the city center.
- Night service: The metro runs from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM Monday–Saturday, and 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Sundays. If you need to travel later, use the Metropolitano or a taxi.
- Tourist pass: There is no multi-day pass yet, but if you plan to ride multiple times, simply keep your card loaded—it’s the same as a single-use ticket but reusable.
Storage and Reheating
Your contactless card is valid indefinitely, but the balance does not expire. If you don’t use it for a year, the card remains active, but you may need to reactivate it at a ticket machine (it will still hold your balance). The card itself is durable—keep it away from magnets and extreme heat. For mobile payments, ensure your phone has battery life; if it dies, you won’t be able to exit without buying a physical card. There are no lockers at stations, so plan to carry your luggage with you—the trains have designated luggage areas near the doors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LÃnea 2 safe for tourists? Yes, it’s one of the safest ways to travel in Lima. Stations have security personnel, cameras, and police patrols. The trains are modern and well-lit. Just practice standard urban safety: keep your phone in your pocket and your bag zipped.
Can I use the same card for the Metropolitano? No, the LÃnea 2 and the Metropolitano use separate payment systems. You’ll need to buy a separate Metropolitano card (or use the same contactless card if it’s a multi-service card—check with the attendant). The physical connection at Estación Central is easy, but you must exit the LÃnea 2 and enter the Metropolitano with a new fare.
What happens if I tap out at a different station than I entered? Nothing special—the fare is flat, so you can travel any distance for the same S/ 1.50. Just remember to tap out to open the exit gate. If you forget, the gate won’t open, and you’ll need to ask staff for help.
Are there restrooms at the stations? Most stations have public restrooms, but they may require a small fee (about S/ 0.50) or be located outside the paid area. It’s best to use them before tapping in, as there are no restrooms on the trains.
Can I bring a bicycle on the train? Bicycles are allowed on weekdays after 9:00 AM and before 5:00 PM, and all day on weekends and holidays. You must use the designated areas near the doors and keep your bike stable. Folding bikes are allowed at all times if folded.
Is the metro accessible for wheelchair users? Yes, all stations have elevators and ramps, and trains have level boarding with no gap. The system is designed to be fully accessible, with tactile paving for the visually impaired.
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