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.
Airport taxi (counter): PYG 120,000-180,000 / EUR 14-21
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. Fares to central Asuncion range from PYG 120,000 to 180,000 (about EUR 14-21) depending on the specific neighbourhood. This is the safest and most transparent pricing system.
Rideshare (Bolt/Uber): PYG 80,000-150,000 / EUR 9-17
Rideshare apps offer slightly lower prices. A ride to central Asuncion typically costs PYG 80,000-150,000 (about EUR 9-17). The catch is that driver availability at the airport varies, especially outside peak hours. Surge pricing during busy periods can push prices up.
Pre-booked transfer: PYG 180,000-300,000 / EUR 21-35
A sedan transfer to central Asuncion costs PYG 180,000-300,000 (about EUR 21-35). Minivans for groups run PYG 300,000-450,000 (about EUR 35-52). The price includes meet-and-greet, flight tracking, and waiting time. More expensive but with more included.
Local bus: PYG 3,000-5,000 / EUR 0.50
Buses pass on the main highway near the airport for about PYG 3,000-5,000 (under EUR 1). You need to walk roughly 500 metres from the terminal. Not practical with luggage.
Costs to other destinations
| Destination | Distance | Taxi/Transfer | |------------|----------|---------------| | Asuncion centre | 15 km | PYG 120,000-300,000 / EUR 14-35 | | Luque centre | 5 km | PYG 40,000-80,000 / EUR 5-9 | | San Lorenzo | 12 km | PYG 100,000-180,000 / EUR 12-21 | | San Bernardino | 50 km | PYG 400,000-700,000 / EUR 47-82 | | Encarnacion | 370 km | PYG 2,000,000+ / EUR 230+ | | Ciudad del Este | 330 km | PYG 1,500,000-2,500,000 / EUR 175-290 |
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). At current rates, PYG 8,500-9,000 equals roughly EUR 1. 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 prices are fair and the system is transparent. Rideshares save a few euros 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.