Lima’s Tourism Surge: Metro Capacity Expansion to Enhance Travel Experience

Published on December 3, 2025

The Lima Metro, one of the most vital transport networks in Peru’s capital, has unveiled a new program to increase capacity on its 34.6km elevated line running between Villa El Salvador and San Juan de Lurigancho. The expansion aims to address a sharp rise in daily ridership, from the current 600,000 passengers to over 1 million by the end of 2025. This move reflects the growing demand for public transport in Lima, driven by both local commuters and tourists looking for efficient and reliable transportation across the city.

The Peruvian capital has seen rapid urbanisation in recent years, with an expanding population and increasing demand for public transit. Lima Metro’s elevated line, which has been operational for several years, serves as a critical mode of transport for daily commuters, making it an essential part of the city’s infrastructure. With over 600,000 passengers currently using the metro daily, the increase in capacity will allow the system to serve more passengers and ease congestion, benefiting both residents and visitors.

Expansion Plans and Upgrades for the Metro Network

The capacity increase on the Lima Metro will come with a series of upgrades to improve service efficiency. The program includes adding more trains to the existing elevated line, improving frequency, and expanding the overall operational capacity. These changes will allow the metro to handle higher passenger volumes during peak hours and ensure that tourists and locals alike can travel comfortably through the city.

Lima Metro’s focus on increasing capacity is a response to the growing number of commuters using public transportation. The Villa El Salvador to San Juan de Lurigancho line connects important neighbourhoods and areas, including central business districts and residential hubs, and is a popular route for tourists visiting Lima’s historical and cultural sites. With the capacity increase, it is expected that more tourists will take advantage of the metro to explore the city’s famous landmarks, such as Plaza Mayor, Miraflores, and the Larco Museum.

Tourism Impact and the Growing Demand for Public Transport

Lima’s public transport system has seen an increase in demand, especially as tourism in the city has been steadily growing. The Lima Metro is becoming an essential part of the tourism infrastructure, providing tourists with a fast and cost-effective way to explore the city. The metro network offers visitors easy access to key tourist attractions, from the bustling Plaza de Armas to the scenic Parque Kennedy in Miraflores.

With more tourists arriving each year, the capacity increase is crucial for maintaining a smooth experience for both tourists and residents. The convenience of metro travel allows tourists to navigate Lima’s busy streets without the hassle of traffic jams, making it easier to visit multiple attractions in a single day. The expanded capacity will help improve the overall visitor experience, ensuring that tourists can travel efficiently between various cultural and historical landmarks.

Additionally, the metro network’s accessibility is key for attracting tourists with different mobility needs. The Lima Metro’s design includes features such as wide doors and dedicated spaces for people with disabilities, ensuring that public transport is available to all visitors. This inclusivity is important for positioning Lima as a modern, tourist-friendly city.

Economic Benefits and Infrastructure Development

The increased capacity of the Lima Metro is also expected to have significant economic benefits for the city. By improving public transport infrastructure, the city aims to support economic growth by making it easier for residents and tourists to access key areas for work, commerce, and leisure. The metro system’s ability to handle higher passenger numbers will help reduce congestion on Lima’s roads, contributing to more efficient travel times and less reliance on private cars.

The expansion of the metro service is part of a broader effort by the Peruvian government to invest in infrastructure that can support long-term urban growth. In addition to providing better services for commuters, the project will also generate jobs in the construction, transportation, and service sectors, boosting the local economy. The improved metro system is expected to attract more business investment, supporting Lima’s status as an important hub for commerce and tourism in Latin America.

The success of the Lima Metro’s expansion could also serve as a model for other cities in Latin America facing similar challenges of urbanization and transportation demand. Cities like Santiago, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, have also implemented similar public transit upgrades to cater to growing populations and the rising number of international visitors. Lima’s efforts to modernize its public transport system position it as a leader in urban transit solutions within the region.

Looking Ahead: Enhancing Lima’s Tourism Appeal

As Lima continues to grow as a major cultural and historical center in South America, the expansion of the metro system is just one part of the city’s broader tourism strategy. The increased accessibility provided by the metro network will make it easier for visitors to enjoy Lima’s diverse offerings, from its colonial architecture to its contemporary art scene. The government’s investment in transportation infrastructure is a key element in making Lima a more attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers.

In conclusion, the Lima Metro’s plan to increase capacity on its elevated line between Villa El Salvador and San Juan de Lurigancho is a crucial step in supporting the city’s tourism and daily commuter needs. With the increase in daily ridership, the metro is set to play an even more important role in the city’s transportation network, enhancing the overall visitor experience and contributing to the growth of Peru’s tourism industry. By improving access to key tourist destinations and offering efficient travel options, Lima’s metro system will continue to play a vital role in the city’s tourism development.