Amsterdam to Lima is a long-haul run with one big advantage: KLM flies it non-stop from its Schiphol hub in about 12½ hours, so you can reach Peru without changing planes. This guide covers who flies the route, what a fair return fare looks like in euros, and when to book for the gateway to Machu Picchu, the Amazon and the Peruvian coast.
Route: Amsterdam (AMS) → Lima, Jorge Chávez (LIM)
Distance: approximately 10,500 km (6,530 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 12h 30m outbound
Direct flights: Yes — KLM flies non-stop from Amsterdam Schiphol (daily, flight KL743). One-stop options through other European hubs are usually cheaper.
Fares from Amsterdam to Lima (EUR)
Peru’s main tourist season is its dry season, roughly May to September, which lines up with the European summer — that’s when Lima fares peak. The green (wetter) months of November to March are quieter and cheaper, apart from the Christmas and New Year spike. The table below shows when the route is busiest. We no longer print per-month fare estimates here, because they were never measured.
| Month | Demand |
|---|---|
| January | high (holidays) |
| February | medium |
| March | medium |
| April | medium |
| May | high (dry season) |
| June | high |
| July | very high |
| August | high |
| September | medium-high |
| October | medium |
| November | low-medium |
| December | very high (holidays) |
We do not quote a target fare for this route. Our price tracking holds no recorded observations for it, so a “typical” or “good deal” figure here would be an estimate dressed up as a measurement — so this page leaves it out rather than guess. The seasonal pattern above is the part we can stand behind; check the live fare for the number.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 12½ hours):
- KLM — the only non-stop operator, flying daily from its Amsterdam hub on a widebody with economy, premium economy and business cabins.
One-stop (usually the cheapest, about 15–20 hours total):
- Air France via Paris CDG — a short first hop and a single onward flight to Lima; a close partner of KLM.
- Iberia via Madrid — frequent connections and often competitive fares to South America.
- LATAM via Madrid or São Paulo — Peru’s largest carrier, with wide onward options.
- Avianca via Bogotá — frequently among competitive headline fares.
The one-stop carriers compete hard and usually undercut KLM’s non-stop by €50–€150. If time and comfort matter most, book the direct; if price is the priority, a single stop through Paris, Madrid or Bogotá is the sweet spot.
When to book & how to save
- Book 2–4 months ahead. Long-haul fares to Lima rarely improve in the final weeks, especially over the May–September dry season and Christmas.
- Travel in the shoulder months (October–November or February–April) for the lowest fares and thinner crowds at the big sights.
- Watch the peak overlap: July and August combine Peru’s dry season with the European summer holidays, so they are the priciest weeks of the year.
- Check checked-bag rules: KLM and the full-service carriers usually include a 23 kg bag to Lima, but the cheapest “light” fares may not — compare the all-in price.
- Allow time for onward travel to Cusco, Arequipa or the Amazon — a same-day domestic connection out of Lima is easier if you land in the afternoon on the KLM non-stop.
Arriving in Lima
You land at Jorge Chávez International (LIM), about 10 km from central Lima, which opened a large new terminal in 2025. There’s no train, so the usual options are the Airport Express bus to the Miraflores district (around €7–€10) or an official airport taxi or ride-hail (roughly €12–€20 to Miraflores or Barranco, more in traffic). Agree or confirm the fare before you set off, and allow 45–70 minutes for the drive at busy times. Peru uses the sol, and card payment is widely accepted in the city.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Lima?
The KLM non-stop takes about 12 hours 30 minutes from Amsterdam to Lima against the prevailing winds. One-stop itineraries through Paris, Madrid or Bogotá typically take 15 to 20 hours in total, depending on the length of the connection.
Are there direct flights from Amsterdam to Lima?
Yes. KLM flies non-stop from Amsterdam Schiphol to Lima, currently daily. It is the only airline we have seen operating the route without a stop; if you’d rather save money, one-stop flights with Air France, Iberia, LATAM or Avianca are usually cheaper.
How much does it cost to fly from Amsterdam to Lima?
A typical economy return runs about €600–€1,000 depending on the season. Good deals dip to around €574–€650, usually in the quieter shoulder months, while the July–August peak and the December holidays push toward the top of that range.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Amsterdam to Lima?
October, November and February are usually the cheapest months to fly. Avoid July and August (Peru’s dry season plus European summer holidays) and the Christmas–New Year peak, which are the busiest and most expensive.
Which airlines fly from Amsterdam to Lima?
Non-stop: KLM. One-stop: Air France (via Paris), Iberia and LATAM (via Madrid), and Avianca (via Bogotá). The connecting carriers are often competitive on price, while KLM is the fastest and most comfortable option.
Which airport do I fly into in Lima?
All international flights land at Jorge Chávez International (LIM), Lima’s main airport, about 10 km from the city centre. It opened a major new passenger terminal in 2025, so allow a little extra time to find your way around on arrival.
How far in advance should I book Amsterdam to Lima flights?
Aim to book 2 to 4 months ahead. Long-haul fares to Lima tend to climb as departure approaches, particularly for the May–September dry season and the Christmas peak, so early booking almost always wins on this route.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Often, yes — midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) are usually a little cheaper than Friday–Sunday, and flying out and back on weekdays save a little on a long-haul return. Being flexible by a day or two is one of the easiest ways to cut the fare.
Do I need onward flights from Lima to reach Cusco or Machu Picchu?
Yes — Lima is the gateway, and most travellers take a short domestic flight on to Cusco (about 1h20) before continuing to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Booking the domestic leg for the day after you arrive, or an afternoon-landing connection, avoids a rushed same-day transfer.
Route and schedule details from current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — always check the live fare before booking.
