Silvio Pettirossi is a small airport and the journey to Asuncion is short, but travelling with children in Paraguay has specific challenges worth knowing about.
The main challenge
Child car seats are not part of taxi culture in Paraguay. Standard airport taxis do not carry child seats, and booster seats are not available at the rank. If your children need car seats, you must either bring your own or arrange them through a pre-booked transfer. This is the single biggest practical issue for families.
Transport options for families
Airport taxi is the fastest option to arrange. You pay at the counter, get assigned a vehicle, and leave within minutes. Cost is PYG 120,000-180,000 (EUR 14-21) to central Asuncion. The downside: no child seats. Standard sedans fit two large bags plus a stroller in the trunk, but it is a squeeze.
Pre-booked transfer is the best option for families with young children. You can request child seats when booking. A sedan costs PYG 180,000-300,000 (EUR 21-35), a minivan PYG 300,000-450,000 (EUR 35-52). The driver meets you at arrivals, helps with bags, and has the right setup ready.
Rideshare is the cheapest but least reliable for families. No child seats, variable vehicle sizes, and the pickup logistics at the airport can be stressful with tired kids.
Child seats in Paraguay
Paraguayan law requires child restraints for children under 10 years old in private vehicles. However, enforcement is minimal and taxis rarely comply. This does not mean it is safe to skip car seats; it means the responsibility falls on you.
When booking a transfer, specify exactly what you need:
- Infant seat (rear-facing, 0-13 kg)
- Toddler seat (9-18 kg)
- Booster seat (15-36 kg)
Strollers and heavy luggage
The airport is small and navigating with a stroller is easy. No long walks or complicated connections. For transport, a standard sedan fits one stroller in the trunk with some luggage. If you have a double stroller plus multiple bags, you need a minivan. Be specific about luggage when booking.
Practical tips for families at the airport
- Changing facilities are basic but available in the terminal restrooms
- There is a small cafe and shop in the arrivals area for snacks and drinks
- Wi-Fi is available but slow
- If you need children's medicine or supplies, buy them in the city. Airport shops have limited stock
- The drive to central Asuncion is 20-40 minutes. Bring water and a snack for the car ride
- Traffic between 5-8 PM can be heavy on the Luque-Asuncion road, stretching the journey
The honest recommendation
If your children are old enough to ride without car seats (generally above 10 in Paraguay), the airport taxi counter is perfectly fine. For younger children, book a transfer with appropriate child seats specified. The cost difference is modest and the safety benefit is real. A minivan transfer is the most comfortable option for families with strollers and multiple bags.