Getting There & Away: Asuncion

Air Travel

Airport & Routes

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) is the sole international airport serving Asunción, located approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) northeast of the city center in Luque.

Flight Information

Airlines include LATAM, Copa, Avianca, Aerolíneas Argentinas, GOL, and Paranair.
Typical routes connect to São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Lima, Panama City (a popular hub for North America), and Montevideo.
No direct flights from North America, Europe, Asia, or Oceania. All require at least one layover in South or Central America.

Seasonal Prices & Facilities

Flight prices can fluctuate based on demand and seasonality. Peak travel seasons often align with the cooler, drier winter months (June-August) and the summer holiday period (December/January), when fares may be slightly higher.

Airport Amenities

Booking flights several months in advance generally yields better prices. Flexibility with travel dates can lead to savings.
Airport facilities: Duty-free shops, car rental agencies, currency exchange, ATMs, cafes, restaurants, Wi-Fi.
Lounges are present for eligible passengers.

Taxi Transfer

Official airport taxis are available outside arrivals. Fares to the city center are often fixed or metered (Gs. 100,000-150,000 / US$14-20). Confirm fare before riding.

Ride-Sharing

Uber and Bolt operate from the airport. Meet drivers at designated pick-up points. Fares are often slightly lower than official taxis with upfront pricing.

Hotel Shuttles

Some larger hotels offer complimentary or paid airport shuttle services. Arrange this in advance with your hotel.

Public Bus Option

Budget-Friendly Choice

Local buses operate from near the airport to the city center.
This is the most budget-friendly option for airport transfers.
It is less convenient, especially with heavy luggage, and may involve a short walk to the bus stop.
Use a Travel backpack for easier handling if you choose this option.

Flight Search Tools

For flight deals, check Dollar Flight Club.
Compare flight prices using Skyscanner.
For car rentals, use DiscoverCars.com.
For flight compensation, AirHelp assists with delayed/canceled flights.

Airport Facilities

Shopping

Duty-free shops are available for last-minute purchases.

Financial Services

Car rental agencies, currency exchange counters, and ATMs are on site.

Dining & Connectivity

Cafes and restaurants are there. Wi-Fi is available for passenger use. Lounges are present for eligible passengers.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings

Paraguay shares land borders with Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. Border crossings are generally straightforward but demand proper documentation and adherence to immigration procedures for both countries.

Common Crossings

Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) - Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil): A busy crossing for Itaipu Dam or Iguazu Falls visits.
Encarnación (Paraguay) - Posadas (Argentina): Uses the San Roque González de Santa Cruz Bridge over the Paraná River.
Required Documentation: Valid passport, vehicle registration (if driving), proof of onward travel.

Long-Distance Buses

Buses are the main mode of intercity and international land travel in Paraguay. They are generally comfortable and reliable.

Bus Information

Main Bus Terminal: Terminal de Ómnibus de Asunción, south of the city center.
Companies: NSA, La Encarnacena, Expreso Brígida. Tickets at terminal or online.
Routes: Connects to major Paraguayan cities (Encarnación, Ciudad del Este) and international destinations (Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro).

Bus Classes

Buses offer different comfort levels for various journey needs.

Comfort Levels

Ejecutivo (Executive): Standard seating, often with air conditioning.
Semi-Cama (Semi-Sleeper): Seats recline significantly for more comfort.
Cama (Sleeper): Seats recline almost flat, the most comfortable for overnight journeys.

Self-Driving

To rent and drive a car, you typically need to be at least 21 or 25 years old (company dependent). Possess a valid national driver's license (preferably with Spanish translation) or an International Driving Permit (IDP). Vehicle registration documents and proof of insurance are also needed.

Driving Conditions

Road conditions vary. Main highways are generally paved and fair, but some have potholes.
Secondary roads can be unpaved, dusty, or damaged, especially in the rainy season.
Safety: Rural roads lack lighting; animal crossings are common. Driving after dark outside major cities is generally not recommended.

Important Notes for Land Travel

Paraguay currently has no operational passenger train services for long-distance travel. The railway network is mainly for cargo or is disused.
Drivers in Paraguay can be aggressive, and adherence to traffic laws sometimes appears flexible. Defensive driving is a must.
For border crossings, always stop at immigration posts for both countries to get entry and exit stamps.

Paraguay is landlocked; no sea access. No major international ferry services or cruise ports for passenger arrivals on the Paraguay River.
Limited boat services on the Paraguay River are mainly for specific tours, not general city transport.
Immigration procedures at seaports and connections to land transport are not applicable for international passenger arrivals in Asunción.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Typically, no specific exit fees apply for air travel from Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU). Most departure taxes are already included in your airline ticket price.

Air Travel Steps

For international flights, plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time.
Online check-in is recommended when available; it saves time at the airport.
Standard airport security procedures apply. Be prepared to remove electronics and liquids from carry-on.

Immigration & Facilities

You will present your passport and receive an exit stamp from immigration officials. Be sure to have the portion of the immigration form you received upon arrival ready.

Airport & Terminal Amenities

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) departure area offers duty-free shops, cafes, and restaurants. Lounges are also available.
Main Bus Terminal: Terminal de Ómnibus de Asunción has waiting areas, various food stalls, and ticket counters. Arrive with sufficient time before bus departure.
A smooth departure completes your travel experience effectively.

No Exit Fees

Most departure taxes are already included in your airline ticket.

Check-in Online

When available, online check-in saves time at the airport.

Arrive Early

Allow 2-3 hours for international flights for check-in, security, and immigration.

Smooth Departures

Following these steps makes your exit from Asunción efficient and stress-free.

Getting There & Away