Silvio Pettirossi Airport is about 15 km from central Asuncion, in the suburb of Luque. Transport costs are low by international standards, though the options are limited compared to larger airports.
One caveat before the detail: Paraguay's civil aviation authority does not publish the airport's taxi tariff, and we could not confirm any fare from the operator or the authority. So this page tells you how each option is priced and how they rank against each other, and does not print numbers we cannot stand behind. Guarani figures also age quickly, which is the other half of the reason.
Airport taxi (counter): fixed by zone, quoted at the counter
The official system works through a counter inside the arrivals hall. You state your destination, pay a fixed fare, and receive a receipt. A designated taxi is assigned to you. The fare depends on the neighbourhood you are heading to. This is the safest and most transparent pricing system at the airport — you know the number before you get in the car, which is worth more than any estimate we could print here.
Rideshare (Bolt/Uber): app price, shown upfront
Rideshare apps generally come in under the counter taxi fare, and the app shows your price before you confirm. The catch is that driver availability at the airport varies, especially outside peak hours. Surge pricing during busy periods narrows or erases the saving.
Pre-booked transfer: quoted at booking
A sedan transfer to central Asuncion is quoted when you book and fixed from then on. Minivans for groups cost more. The price includes meet-and-greet, flight tracking, and waiting time. More expensive than the counter taxi, with more included — and it is the only fare here you can know before you land.
Local bus: a flat local fare
Buses pass on the main highway near the airport, at the standard city fare — a rounding error next to a taxi. You need to walk roughly 500 metres from the terminal to reach the stop. Not practical with luggage.
Costs to other destinations
| Destination | Distance | Taxi/Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Asuncion centre | 15 km | Counter fare by zone, or a transfer quote |
| Luque centre | 5 km | Counter fare by zone — the closest destination |
| San Lorenzo | 12 km | Counter fare by zone, or a transfer quote |
| San Bernardino | 50 km | Transfer quote |
| Encarnacion | 370 km | Transfer quote — a long drive, price it properly |
| Ciudad del Este | 330 km | Transfer quote |
Fixed-price private transfer
ASU Asuncion City Center
From€55for 2 passengers
What affects the price
Destination zone determines the taxi counter fare. Central neighbourhoods like Centro Historico, Villa Morra, and Carmelitas have standard rates. More distant areas cost more.
Traffic does not change the fixed fare but affects journey time. Rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM) can double the drive time from 20 minutes to 40+ minutes. The Luque-Asuncion road gets congested.
Time of day has no surcharge on counter taxis but rideshare prices fluctuate. Late night availability drops.
Currency matters. Paraguay uses the guarani (PYG). Check the rate on the day rather than trusting a figure printed on a travel page — that is exactly the sort of number that quietly goes stale and takes every conversion built on it down with it. ATMs at the airport give guaranies at decent rates. Currency exchange counters are less favourable.
Common money traps
- Airport exchange counters offer poor rates. Use an ATM instead.
- Drivers asking for USD may round in their favour. Pay in guaranies for better value.
- Unlicensed drivers inside the terminal may quote higher prices. Use the official taxi counter.
- Forgetting to confirm the fare at the counter before stepping outside. Always check your receipt.
The honest recommendation
The airport taxi counter is the most practical option for most travellers. The system is transparent: you agree the fare and get a receipt before you leave the building. Rideshares usually save a little but are less reliable at the airport. Pre-booked transfers are worth it for families, groups, or anyone wanting a guaranteed driver with a name sign. Paraguay is affordable for transport and you are unlikely to overpay if you use the official systems.