✈️ How to Get There
Getting to and around Paraguay
✈️ Flying to Paraguay
Main Airports
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) — Asunción’s main international gateway, 15km from the city centre. Modern terminal with shops and money exchange. The vast majority of international flights arrive here.
Other International Airports:
- Guaraní International Airport (AGT) — Ciudad del Este, near Iguazú Falls and the Brazilian border. Connects to São Paulo (GRU) with LATAM and Gol. Useful if visiting eastern Paraguay.
No Direct Transatlantic Flights
Paraguay has no direct flights from Europe, North America, or Asia. All international connections require at least one stop. Main connection hubs:
- São Paulo (GRU) — Most popular hub. LATAM, Gol, Avianca. 2hr 30min to Asunción.
- Buenos Aires (EZE) — Aerolineas Argentinas, LATAM. 1hr 45min to Asunción.
- Lima (LIM) — LATAM, Copa. Good connections from Europe and North America.
- Bogotá (BOG) — Copa Airlines. Direct from many North American cities.
- Panama City (PTY) — Copa Airlines. Connects North America and Europe via Panama.
- Santiago (SCL) — LATAM. Useful from Australia and Pacific connections.
💡 Insider Tip
Copa Airlines via Panama City often offers the most competitive fares from North America and Europe. LATAM via São Paulo gives the most flight frequency. Book 6–8 weeks ahead for the best prices—Paraguay fares fluctuate significantly.
🚌 From Asunción Airport to City Centre
Taxi (Recommended)
Official airport taxis operate from the arrivals hall with fixed-price metering. Journey time: 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Cost: approximately USD 12–18 to the city centre. Always use the official taxi stand—avoid unlicensed drivers outside.
InDriver / Uber
Both apps work in Asunción. InDriver is significantly cheaper than Uber and very popular locally. A ride from the airport costs USD 6–10. Requires mobile data—connect to airport WiFi before ordering. Pick-up from the public departures area.
Public Bus
Routes 30A and 38 run from outside the terminal into the city centre. Cost: Gs. 2,500 (approximately USD 0.35). Journey time: 40–60 minutes. Buses run frequently 06:00–22:00. Best avoided with large luggage but perfectly fine for light travellers.
💡 Airport WiFi
Silvio Pettirossi Airport has free WiFi in the arrivals hall. Connect before exiting to set up InDriver and save significantly over official taxis. Download InDriver before departure from home.
🌎 Other Ways In
From Argentina (Buenos Aires): Long-distance buses run daily from Buenos Aires’ Retiro terminal to Asunción—approximately 18–20 hours, USD 30–60. Comfortable cama (flat bed) services available. The most popular overland route.
From Brazil (Foz do Iguaçu/São Paulo): Regular buses from Foz do Iguaçu cross the Friendship Bridge into Ciudad del Este (30 minutes). From São Paulo: 20-hour bus. The Foz do Iguaçu–Ciudad del Este crossing is the most common overland entry from Brazil.
From Bolivia: Bus from Santa Cruz to Asunción takes 16–20 hours depending on the route. The road through the Chaco (Ruta 9, Ruta Trans-Chaco) is mostly paved but remote. Possible in dry season; advisable to check conditions in the wet season (November–March).
River crossing from Argentina: A short ferry crossing operates between Clorinda (Argentina) and Asunción across the Paraguay River. Used by locals, rarely by tourists. Inexpensive and scenic.
No passenger trains: Paraguay has no operational passenger rail network. All overland travel is by bus, private car, or taxi.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Paraguay is visa-free for most western passport holders. Citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, all EU member states, and most South American countries can enter Paraguay visa-free for tourism stays up to 90 days.
Brazilian nationals require a visa. Citizens of some Asian and African countries also require advance visa arrangements. Always verify your specific passport’s requirements before booking.
Check visa requirements for Paraguay →🚗 Getting Around Paraguay
Intercity Buses (Main Option)
Paraguay’s intercity bus network is extensive and inexpensive. The Terminal de Buses in Asunción serves all major destinations. Key routes: Asunción–Encarnación (6hrs, USD 12), Asunción–Ciudad del Este (5hrs, USD 10), Asunción–Concepción (5hrs, USD 9). Buses depart frequently throughout the day.
Taxis and Ride-Apps in Asunción
InDriver is the dominant app and significantly cheaper than metered taxis. Uber also operates. Bolt has limited coverage. For short rides within Asunción, InDriver costs USD 2–5. Always confirm fare before accepting in InDriver.
Car Rental
Recommended for exploring the Chaco, Jesuit mission circuit, and rural areas. Major companies at Silvio Pettirossi Airport: Hertz, Avis, Localiza (local operator, often cheapest). International driving licence recommended. Road conditions vary: paved main routes, rough gravel in Chaco and rural east.
Domestic Flights
TAM Mercosur/Paranair operate limited domestic routes. Most popular: Asunción to Concepción and Filadelfia (for Chaco access). Infrequent and small aircraft—check current schedules as routes change seasonally.
🚖 Getting Around Tip
For the Jesuit missions circuit (Trinidad, Jesús, San Ignacio), renting a car for 2–3 days is the most flexible option. Alternatively, book a guided day tour from Encarnación—these are well-organised and include transport.
🚘 Local Transport in Asunción
Asunción has no metro or tram network. Transport options:
Buses
- Single fare: Gs. 2,500 (approximately USD 0.35)
- Routes: Extensive but complex—use Google Maps for real-time routing
- Hours: Generally 05:30–23:00 depending on route
InDriver / Uber
The reliable option for non-Portuguese/Spanish speakers. InDriver is cheaper and locally dominant. Bolt also operates. Fares within the city centre: USD 2–4. Always agree on price before accepting the ride in InDriver.
Walking is possible and pleasant in the historic centre and along the Costanera waterfront. Outside these areas, Asunción is spread out and not walkable between neighbourhoods.
🚗 Renting a Car
Strongly recommended for independent exploration of the Jesuit missions, Chaco, Villa Florida, and the Circuito de Oro. Paraguay’s public transport does not reach most nature destinations conveniently.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended alongside your national licence
- Minimum age: 21 (some companies: 25)
- Speed limits: 50 km/h (urban), 80–110 km/h (open roads)
- Chaco roads: Ruta Trans-Chaco (Ruta 9) is paved to Filadelfia. Beyond that: gravel and red dirt. 4WD strongly recommended for Chaco national parks.
- Police checkpoints common on highways—always carry passport and vehicle documents
- Fuel (nafta): readily available on main routes, sparse in Chaco. Fill up when possible.
⚠️ Chaco Driving
If driving into the remote Chaco (beyond Filadelfia), carry extra fuel, water, and food. Mobile coverage drops significantly west of Filadelfia. Share your itinerary with someone who knows your plans.
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Paraguay
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Use InDriver over taxis: Consistently 30–50% cheaper than metered taxis in Asunción
- Fly via São Paulo: Often the cheapest gateway; LATAM frequently has sales on this route
- Intercity buses: Far cheaper than domestic flights and comfortable. Book at the terminal same-day or one day ahead.
- Jesuit missions self-drive: Renting a car for 2 days costs less than organised tours while giving full flexibility
- Paraguay guaraní: USD cash is accepted widely but you’ll get better rates using local ATMs. Avoid airport exchange desks.
- Travel in shoulder season: April–June and August–October. Lower accommodation rates, mild weather, fewer crowds.