Are Taxis Safe in Lima? 2025 Safety Guide for Travelers

Are taxis safe in Lima? This 2025 guide explains the risks, safest taxi apps, areas to avoid, airport scams, and the best ways to move around the city.

Taking a taxi in Lima can be confusing—and sometimes risky—especially for travelers unfamiliar with local transportation. While licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber, Cabify, and Beat are generally safe, unregulated street taxis can involve scams, detours, overcharging, or even theft. This updated 2025 guide explains how to choose safe taxis, what risks to avoid, which apps are the most reliable, and what you should never do when arriving at the new Jorge Chávez Airport.

Are Taxis Safe in Lima in 2025?

Some taxis in Lima are safe, but many are not.
Major difference between regulated and unregulated taxis.
Taxi crime happens due to lack of oversight and informal drivers.
Tourists are often targeted because they are unfamiliar with routes and prices.

The Biggest Taxi Risks Travelers Should Know

Overcharging
Fake or unregistered drivers
Route detours into unsafe areas
Pickpocketing or bag snatching
Express kidnapping (rare but possible)
High scam rate at the airport due to Callao risks

Street Taxis vs Apps vs Airport Transportation

Type	Safety	Pros	Cons
Uber / Cabify	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Safe, app tracking	Pickup confusion at the airport
Taxi Apps (Beat, InDriver*)	⭐⭐⭐	Easy to request	Not all drivers are regulated
Registered Street Taxis	⭐⭐⭐	Safer than informal taxis	Higher prices
Street Taxis (unofficial)	❌ Unsafe	Everywhere	High risk—avoid

*Note: InDriver uses negotiation-based pricing, which is not ideal for tourists.

The Safest Taxi Apps in Lima (2025)

Uber – widely used, reliable, route tracking
Cabify – vetted drivers, safer for women and solo travelers
Beat – still available in some areas, fast response
Didi – limited availability but usually safe

Apps offer driver verification, plate matching, and route tracking.
Highly recommended for solo travelers and women.

Why Street Taxis Are Not Safe

No official identification
No GPS tracking
No insurance
No price regulation
High scam rate

Recommendation: Never hail a random taxi from the street.

Taxi Safety at the New Lima Airport (2025)

Do not walk outside to negotiate with drivers.
Avoid anyone calling “Taxi taxi amigo!”.
Never follow someone to the parking lot.
Callao area around the airport is unsafe for informal taxis.

Safe options at the airport:

Airport Express Lima
Official taxi counters inside the terminal
Pre-booked private transfers

Safe Alternatives to Taxis in Lima

Airport Express Lima – safest way from airport to Miraflores
Hotel transfers – reliable but more expensive
Uber / Cabify – safe for urban trips
Private drivers – best for families or late arrivals
Walking – safe within Miraflores and Barranco

Safest Districts to Take a Taxi

Miraflores
San Isidro
Barranco
La Molina (safe but far)

These districts have tourist presence and safer pickup points.

Areas Where You Should Not Take a Taxi

Callao (airport surroundings)
Downtown Lima at night
La Victoria
Certain areas of Avenida México

These zones have higher theft rates, scams, and unsafe crossings.

How to Recognize a Safe Taxi (Checklist)

Company branding or stickers
Driver ID displayed clearly
License plate matches the app
No other passengers in the car
Working seatbelts
Confirm destination before starting the trip

Essential Safety Tips for Taking Taxis in Lima

Always confirm your driver in the app
Never share rides with strangers
Do not show your phone near open windows
Lock doors immediately
Avoid pickups in isolated or dark areas

FAQs

Is Uber safe in Lima? Yes, it is generally safe and widely used.
Are airport taxis safe? Only official airport taxis—avoid informal ones.
Is it safe for solo female travelers? Yes, with apps like Uber or Cabify.
Are taxis safe at night? Apps are safer than street taxis.
Do taxis overcharge tourists? Street taxis often do—use apps.
Can you pay with card? Most apps allow card payment; street taxis are cash-only.