How to get from Asuncion Silvio Pettirossi Airport to Downtown Asuncion
Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Paraguay · Urban & Cultural · Asunción · Downtown Asunción · Silvio Pettirossi International Airport
Asunción’s Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) is in nearby Luque, roughly 15–30 minutes from Downtown Asunción (Microcentro/Centro Histórico) by car—so most travelers go straight by taxi or ride-hailing, while buses are best if you’re traveling light.
At A Glance (Asuncion Silvio Pettirossi Airport to Downtown Asuncion)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Official Taxi (ASU → Downtown Asunción) | ~15–30m (traffic-dependent) | Most travelers, simple door-to-door |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~PYG 70,000–150,000+ (destination/time-dependent) » typical prices & tips | ||
| 📱 Ride-hailing (Uber / Bolt / inDrive) | ~15–35m (pickup + traffic) | In-app estimate, cashless possible |
| 🏷️ Cost: Often similar to taxis; can surge at peak times » Uber pickup info | Bolt at ASU | ||
| 🚌 Public Bus (Budget) | ~35–70m (waiting + ride + walk) | Lowest cost, daytime & light luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: Low (often ~PYG 2,500–4,000 per ride) » bus overview | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer (meet & greet) | ~20–40m door-to-door | Families, late arrivals, big luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: Often ~US$20–45+ per vehicle » pre-book pickup | alt. private transfer | compare transfer offers | ||
| 🚗 Car Rental (self-drive) | ~20–35m drive (+ pickup time) | Road trips beyond Asunción |
| 🏷️ Cost: Varies widely by season/vehicle » compare car rentals | hotels in the city | ||
| 🧳 Luggage Storage (add-on, not transport) | 5–15m detour (drop-off/pick-up) | Exploring downtown hands-free |
| 🏷️ Cost: From ~US$5/bag/day (availability varies) » nearby storage options | ||
| 🗺️ Guided Downtown Tour (optional) | ~2–4h (tour-dependent) | First-time visitors, quick orientation |
| 🏷️ Cost: Varies by tour » browse Asunción tours | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: Option #1 — Official Taxi (walk-up, door-to-door) or Option #2 — Ride-hailing (app estimate + receipt).
- Cheapest/Most Economical: Option #3 — Public Bus if you’re traveling light and arriving in daytime.
- Most Stress-free (families/late arrivals): Option #4 — Private Transfer for a driver waiting at Arrivals.
- Most Flexible for regional travel: Option #5 — Car Rental if you’re continuing to places like Areguá, Ypacaraí, Encarnación, or the Chaco.
- Bonus (explore first, check-in later): Pair any arrival option with Option #6 — Luggage Storage to walk downtown hands-free.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Use a precise destination: “Downtown” can mean Microcentro, the historic center, or the Costanera—set a specific landmark or hotel address.
- Have small cash: Keep some PYG cash for buses and small payments; drivers may prefer cash late at night.
- Avoid unofficial offers: Use the official taxi line, a recognized ride-hailing app, or a pre-booked transfer—especially after dark.
- Ride-hailing pickup rules: Follow the app’s in-airport instructions (Uber: ASU pickup; Bolt: ASU airport rides).
- Pre-book for a smooth arrival: If you land late or want meet-and-greet service, reserve ahead with Welcome Pickups or an airport private transfer.
- Choosing where to stay: Compare central stays on Booking.com and filter by city center or landmarks.
- Planning onward travel: For intercity buses after you reach town, check common routes from Asunción Terminal de Ómnibus.
- Flight planning: Search routes to ASU on Booking.com Flights or browse deals on Trip.com.
🚕 Option #1 — Official Taxi (Most Convenient, Walk-Up)
Door-to-door No app needed Price varies
- Overview: Take a taxi from the official rank outside Arrivals straight to Downtown Asunción. This is the most straightforward option after a flight.
- How to pay (with price): Ask the driver for an approximate price to your exact address before you depart. Many travelers report ~PYG 70,000–150,000+ depending on traffic and where you’re going downtown. For a reality check on typical pricing and airport tips, see Asuncion Airport taxi info.
- Pros: Immediate, direct, easy with luggage. Cons: Prices vary; language barriers can happen—having your destination saved in maps helps.
- Tip: If your destination is on narrow/one-way streets downtown, tell the driver a nearby landmark (e.g., Plaza de los Héroes) as a backup.
Step-by-step: Official Taxi
- Exit Arrivals and follow signs for taxis; join the official line.
- Show your destination (hotel name + address) and confirm approximate price.
- Ride to Downtown Asunción; request drop-off right at your entrance when possible.
Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi rank)
- Where to go: Outside the Arrivals exit (follow “Taxi” signage).
- Safety: Prefer the official rank; avoid negotiating with random solicitors inside the terminal.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
📱 Option #2 — Ride-hailing (Uber / Bolt / inDrive)
Upfront estimate Cashless possible Surge & pickup rules
- Overview: Ride-hailing is popular in Asunción and can be a convenient alternative to taxis—especially if you want an in-app fare estimate and trip record.
- How to book (with price): Request your ride after you’ve collected your bags. Follow the platform’s airport pickup guidance: Uber pickup at ASU or Bolt at ASU. Prices can be similar to taxis and may surge during peak demand.
- Pros: App receipt, route sharing, easy destination entry. Cons: Surges and occasional waits; pickup points can change.
- Alternative apps: If Uber/Bolt aren’t available at your arrival time, try inDrive (availability varies).
Step-by-step: Ride-hailing
- Connect to airport Wi‑Fi/data and open your app.
- Set your destination to your exact downtown address (or a landmark like Calle Palma).
- Walk to the pickup spot shown in the app and verify plate/driver before entering.
- Share your trip if arriving late, and keep valuables out of sight.
Getting to the main embarking points (Ride-hail pickup zone)
- Where to go: Use the in-app pickup map: Uber or Bolt.
- Best practice: If wait times spike, switch to Option #1 and leave from the official taxi line.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Public Bus (Cheapest)
Low cost Local experience Slower & luggage-unfriendly
- Overview: The public bus is the lowest-cost way to reach downtown, but it’s slower and less comfortable with big luggage. Best for daytime arrivals with a backpack/small suitcase.
- How to ride (with price): Walk to the roadside stop outside the airport area and board a bus toward central Asunción. Fares are usually very low (often ~PYG 2,500–4,000), paid onboard or via local systems depending on the service. For an easy “what to expect” primer, see airport-to-city options.
- Pros: Cheapest. Cons: Stops frequently, can be crowded, and doesn’t always drop right at your exact downtown address.
- Tip: If you arrive late or have multiple bags, choose Option #1 or Option #4 instead.
Step-by-step: Public Bus to Downtown
- Exit Arrivals and ask staff for the nearest bus stop for city-bound routes.
- Confirm the bus direction is toward Centro/Microcentro (or a landmark you recognize).
- Pay the fare and keep your bag in front of you if the bus is crowded.
- Get off near your downtown landmark and walk the last few blocks.
Getting to the main embarking points (Bus stop)
- Where to go: The bus stop is outside the terminal area on the main road—confirm with airport staff for the safest walking route.
- Timing: Service is best during daytime; late-night coverage is limited.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer (Meet & Greet, Fixed Price)
Hassle-free Driver waiting Costs more
- Overview: A pre-booked driver meets you at Arrivals and takes you directly to Downtown Asunción. Ideal for late arrivals, families, and anyone who wants the least hassle.
- How to book (with price): Reserve a meet-and-greet pickup via Welcome Pickups (Asunción) or book an ASU private transfer. For comparing transfer-style offers, you can also check GetTransfer’s airport transfer service. Expect many bookings around US$20–45+ per vehicle (car size and time-dependent).
- Pros: No queue, flight tracking, easiest with luggage. Cons: Higher cost than public bus.
- Tip: Send your hotel pin and a WhatsApp number in advance to avoid delays finding the right entrance downtown.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Book using your flight number, landing time, passenger count, and destination address.
- On arrival, follow signs to Arrivals and meet your driver at the location in your confirmation.
- Verify your name and destination, then head straight downtown.
- Keep provider contact details handy in case baggage delays change your exit time.
Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals meeting point)
- Where to meet: Typically in or near the Arrivals hall; your confirmation specifies the exact spot.
- Backup plan: If plans change, fall back to Option #1 or Option #2.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #5 — Car Rental (Best for Day Trips and Beyond)
Maximum freedom Good for regional travel Parking needed
- Overview: Renting a car makes sense if you’ll continue beyond the city (lakeside towns, border runs, road trips). For a simple airport-to-downtown hop, taxis are usually easier.
- How to book (with price): Compare suppliers and policies via car rentals at ASU. Rates vary by season/vehicle; expect a deposit and check insurance coverage.
- Pros: Great for multi-stop itineraries, easy luggage handling. Cons: Downtown traffic and parking can be tricky; confirm your hotel’s parking situation.
Step-by-step: Car Rental to Downtown
- Pick up your car, inspect for existing damage, and take photos before leaving.
- Set navigation to your exact downtown address (or a secure parking garage nearby).
- Park and walk the final blocks if your accommodation is on a busy one-way street.
Getting to the main embarking points (Car rental desks)
- Where to go: Follow terminal signage for Car Rental desks/counters.
- What to check: Fuel policy, return hours, and whether cross-border driving is permitted (if you plan side trips).
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🧳 Option #6 — Luggage Storage (Add-on for Exploring Hands-Free)
Hands-free Perfect on arrival day Small detour
- Overview: If you arrive before check-in (or have a late departure), drop your bags and explore downtown without luggage.
- How to book (with price): Availability in central Asunción varies; check nearby Greater Asunción options like Radical Storage in Fernando de la Mora. Prices are typically per bag per day.
- Pros: Makes walking downtown and the riverfront easier. Cons: Requires an extra stop to drop and collect luggage.
Step-by-step: Luggage Storage + Downtown
- Choose a storage point that fits your route and reserve online.
- Drop bags, keep your booking details handy, then explore.
- Collect your luggage and continue to your hotel or onward transport.
Getting to the main embarking points (Storage location)
- Where to go: Pick a location close to your planned walking area or your onward ride route.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🗺️ Option #7 — Guided Downtown Tour (Optional)
Easy orientation Local context Fixed timing
- Overview: If it’s your first time in Asunción, a guided tour can help you get your bearings around the historic center, key plazas, and riverfront viewpoints.
- How to book: Browse Asunción tours and pick one that starts near your hotel or a central landmark.
- Pros: Efficient intro, great context. Cons: Less flexible than exploring solo.
Step-by-step: Join a Downtown Tour
- Pick a tour that matches your schedule and meeting point location.
- Arrive early; bring water and sun protection in hot months.
- After the tour, continue on foot to Calle Palma or the Costanera for an easy extension.
Getting to the main embarking points (Tour meeting point in downtown)
- Where to meet: Your tour listing will show the exact meeting point on a map.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Asuncion Silvio Pettirossi Airport to Downtown Asuncion)
What’s the easiest way to get from ASU Airport to downtown?
For most travelers, Option #1 — Official Taxi is the simplest door-to-door choice. If you want an app-based estimate and digital receipt, use Option #2 — Ride-hailing.
How long does it take?
By car (taxi/ride-hail/transfer) it’s commonly ~15–35 minutes depending on traffic. With the public bus, plan ~35–70 minutes total.
Is there a cheap public transport option?
Yes—Option #3 — Public Bus is the budget route, but it’s slower and easiest with light luggage.
Should I pre-book a transfer?
If you arrive late, travel with family, or have multiple bags, Option #4 — Private Transfer is the most stress-free.
Do Uber and Bolt work at ASU?
Yes—check the latest pickup instructions for Uber at ASU and Bolt at ASU.
Where should I be dropped off downtown?
Downtown is an area—use a precise endpoint like your hotel, Calle Palma, or a central landmark (Plaza de los Héroes/Costanera) to reduce confusion.
Can I store luggage if I arrive before check-in?
Possibly—availability varies; consider nearby options like Option #6 — Luggage Storage to explore hands-free.