Quick answer
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport is about 15 km from central Asuncion, in the suburb of Luque. The drive takes 20-40 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis and pre-booked transfers are the most common options. There is a local bus, but it is not practical for most visitors. The airport is small and manageable.
What actually happens after landing
Silvio Pettirossi is a small airport with one terminal. Immigration can be slow when multiple flights land at once, particularly evening arrivals from Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo. Expect 15-30 minutes at passport control. The e-gates are not common here; most processing is done manually.
Baggage claim is a single hall with a few carousels. Luggage trolleys are available but not always in great supply. After collecting your bags, you walk through customs (usually a quick bag scan) and into a small arrivals hall. The hall has a few currency exchange booths, ATMs, and a handful of car rental desks. It is straightforward and you will not get lost.
Transport options explained honestly
Pre-booked transfers with meet-and-greet service are available for PYG 180,000-300,000 (about EUR 21-35) for a sedan. Minivans cost PYG 300,000-450,000 (about EUR 35-52). The driver waits with a name sign and helps with luggage. This is useful if you are unfamiliar with the city or arriving late.
Rideshare apps like Bolt and Uber operate in Asuncion, though availability at the airport can be inconsistent. Prices are generally PYG 80,000-150,000 (about EUR 9-17) to the centre. Pickup logistics can be confusing as drivers may not be familiar with the airport pickup area.
Local buses run along the main road near the airport, but you need to walk about 500 metres to the highway to catch one. With luggage, this is impractical. The fare is about PYG 3,000-5,000 (under EUR 1) but the bus is slow, crowded, and not air-conditioned.
Car rental desks are in the arrivals hall. Driving in Asuncion is manageable but traffic is chaotic by European standards. Renting makes sense if you plan to travel outside the city.
Realistic pricing expectations
Getting to central Asuncion:
| Option | Price | Time | |--------|-------|------| | Airport taxi (counter) | PYG 120,000-180,000 / EUR 14-21 | 20-40 min | | Rideshare (Bolt/Uber) | PYG 80,000-150,000 / EUR 9-17 | 20-40 min | | Pre-booked transfer | PYG 180,000-300,000 / EUR 21-35 | 20-40 min | | Local bus | PYG 3,000-5,000 / EUR 0.50 | 60-90 min |
For destinations beyond central Asuncion, such as San Bernardino (about 50 km) or Ciudad del Este (about 330 km), only pre-booked transfers are practical. A transfer to Ciudad del Este runs approximately PYG 1,500,000-2,500,000 (EUR 175-290).
Late night arrivals
Asuncion receives some late evening flights, particularly from Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo. Airport taxis are available for all arriving flights regardless of time. The taxi counter operates until the last flight lands. Rideshare availability drops significantly after 10 PM. Local buses do not run overnight. If you are arriving late, a pre-booked transfer or the airport taxi counter are your reliable options. The airport area is quiet at night but safe within the terminal.
Families and luggage
Airport taxis are standard sedans that fit 2-3 large bags in the trunk. For larger families, ask at the taxi counter for a larger vehicle or book a minivan transfer in advance. Child seats are not standard in Paraguayan taxis and very few drivers carry them. If you need child restraints, a pre-booked transfer with seats specified is the only reliable way to get them. Strollers fit in most vehicle trunks but a minivan gives more room.
Where you meet the driver
Airport taxis are arranged at the official counter inside the arrivals hall, just past customs. You pay, receive a receipt, and are directed to your assigned vehicle outside. Pre-booked transfer drivers meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign. The hall is small enough that finding your driver is easy. Rideshare pickups happen in the parking area outside arrivals, though the exact spot can be confusing. Do not accept rides from unofficial drivers who approach you inside the terminal.
Decision helper
Choose a rideshare if you want a slightly lower price and are comfortable navigating the app and pickup logistics.
Choose a pre-booked transfer if you want a driver waiting for you by name, need child seats, have a lot of luggage, or are arriving late at night.
Avoid the local bus unless you are an experienced budget traveller with minimal luggage and plenty of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Silvio Pettirossi Airport from Asuncion centre?
About 15 km. The airport is in the suburb of Luque. The drive takes 20-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
How much is a taxi from Asuncion airport to the city?
PYG 120,000-180,000 (about EUR 14-21) for a fixed-fare taxi from the airport counter. Prices depend on the exact destination within the city.
Does Uber work at Asuncion airport?
Uber and Bolt operate in Asuncion but airport availability can be inconsistent. Expect PYG 80,000-150,000 (EUR 9-17) to the centre. Pickup logistics can be confusing.
Is Asuncion airport safe at night?
Inside the terminal, yes. The airport area is quiet at night. Stick to official taxis from the counter or pre-booked transfers. Avoid walking outside the terminal grounds at night.
Can I exchange money at Silvio Pettirossi Airport?
Yes. There are exchange counters and ATMs in the arrivals hall. ATMs generally offer better rates. Most give guaranies, though some offer USD withdrawal.
Do I need guaranies (PYG) or can I use USD?
USD is sometimes accepted in tourism-related services but guaranies are the standard currency. Withdraw PYG from an ATM for the best rates. Taxis and local businesses prefer guaranies.
Is there a bus from Asuncion airport to the city?
Technically yes, but the stop is about 500 metres from the terminal on the main highway. With luggage, it is impractical. The bus is slow and crowded.
How do I get from Asuncion airport to Ciudad del Este?
Ciudad del Este is about 330 km away. A pre-booked transfer is the most practical option, costing PYG 1,500,000-2,500,000 (EUR 175-290). Buses from Asuncion's main bus terminal are much cheaper but you need to get there first.
Are child seats available in Asuncion airport taxis?
No. Standard taxis do not carry child seats. If you need one, book a private transfer in advance and request the appropriate seat type.
What languages do Asuncion taxi drivers speak?
Most drivers speak Spanish and Guarani. English is rarely spoken. Having your hotel address written down or saved on your phone helps avoid confusion.
Silvio Pettirossi is a small, manageable airport. The taxi counter system works well and protects you from overcharging. For most travellers, paying at the counter and taking the assigned taxi is the simplest approach. Families, groups, and late arrivals benefit from pre-booking a transfer. Have your destination address ready, as not all drivers know hotel names.