Airport Transfer Paraguay: Getting In From Silvio Pettirossi

Knowing your airport transfer Paraguay options before you fly saves a lot of hassle on arrival day. Landing in Paraguay for the first time, most visitors fly into Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (AGT), about 15 kilometres northeast of downtown Asunción in the city of Luque. It is a small, manageable airport, nothing like the sprawl of Buenos Aires' Ezeiza or São Paulo's Guarulhos, but that also means it has fewer of the conveniences bigger hubs take for granted: no train link into the city, a handful of official taxi and transfer counters, and rideshare apps that work but aren't always the smoothest option straight off a long flight. Arranging an airport transfer in Paraguay yourself before you land takes one variable off the table on a day when you're already tired, possibly disoriented by the heat, and carrying luggage.

What arrivals at Silvio Pettirossi actually look like

After immigration and baggage claim, you'll walk out into a single arrivals hall. There is usually a cluster of drivers holding name signs, some from hotels, some from tour operators, some independent. Official airport taxis operate from a marked stand just outside the doors; agree the fare (or confirm it's metered) before you get in. It's a straightforward system, but if you land late at night, don't speak Spanish or Guaraní, and have never seen the layout of Asunción, having a driver you have arranged in advance, waiting with your name on a sign, removes a lot of the friction.

The drive into the city centre or the Villa Morra/Recoleta area, where most visitors and business travellers end up staying, typically takes 20 to 35 minutes depending on traffic and your exact destination. Asunción's road network is fairly simple to navigate: a few main avenues, among them Aviadores del Chaco, Avenida España and Avenida Mariscal López, carry most of the traffic between the airport corridor and the city.

Airport transfer Paraguay options: transfer vs taxi vs rideshare

For a first-time visitor, the choice usually comes down to three options, each with real trade-offs:

A pre-arranged airport transfer: a driver you have contracted directly meets you at arrivals, already knows your accommodation, and the price is agreed in advance. Best for late-night arrivals, families with luggage, or anyone who wants zero decisions to make after a long flight.
The official taxi stand: reliable and regulated, but you'll want to confirm the fare or that the meter is running before departing, and drivers may not speak much English.
Rideshare apps: available in Asunción and generally work well, though pickup points at the airport can be less obvious than at a curbside taxi rank, and connectivity issues on a foreign SIM can complicate things right when you land.

None of these is objectively wrong. A transfer generally trades a higher price for certainty, which matters more on a first trip, on a red-eye arrival, or if you're heading straight out to somewhere like San Bernardino or another destination outside the capital rather than staying in Asunción itself.

Practical information

Airport: Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (AGT), Luque, about 15 km from central Asunción
Typical drive time to the centre: 20 to 35 minutes, longer at rush hour
Currency: bring some Paraguayan guaraníes or US dollars for small cash needs; check current exchange rates before you fly, as they move
What to bring: your accommodation address written out (helps with drivers who don't read English), a charged phone, and light layers, since Paraguay's heat and humidity can be intense stepping off an air-conditioned flight
Best time to arrange a transfer: if you want one, sort it out before you fly rather than on arrival, especially for late-night or early-morning flights when the arrivals hall is quieter and fewer independent drivers are around
SIM cards: a local SIM or eSIM at the airport can save connectivity headaches for the ride in and the rest of your trip

Getting your onward trip right

If Asunción is just your entry point and you're heading on to somewhere like Ciudad del Este for the Iguazu Falls or south towards the Jesuit missions, it's worth thinking about that leg before you land too. A transfer straight from the airport to the bus terminal can save a stopover in the city if your onward connection leaves the same day. For details on Paraguay's road network and entry requirements more broadly, the Wikipedia overview of Paraguay is a solid starting reference before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to take a taxi from Silvio Pettirossi airport?

Yes, using the official taxi stand just outside arrivals is generally considered safe and is what most locals and business travellers do. The main thing to watch is agreeing the fare or confirming the meter is running before you set off, since unmarked or unofficial cars sometimes approach arriving passengers.

How far in advance should I arrange an airport transfer in Paraguay?

There is no fixed rule, and operators set their own terms, so confirm directly with whoever you hire. For a late-night arrival or a busy period such as Semana Santa it is sensible to arrange it further ahead so a driver is confirmed and waiting rather than something you are coordinating on landing.

Does the airport have a train or metro connection into Asunción?

No. Silvio Pettirossi has no rail link, so road transport, whether taxi, private transfer, or rideshare, is the only way into the city. This is one of the main reasons pre-arranged transfers are popular with first-time visitors.

What should I do if my flight arrives very late at night?

This is exactly the situation where a pre-arranged transfer can be worth the cost. Ask any driver you hire whether they monitor flight delays and what happens if you land late, and get the answer in writing. The taxi rank and rideshare pickup points can be quieter and less predictable in the small hours.

Can I get a transfer directly to San Bernardino or another town outside Asunción?

Many drivers and transfer operators will go beyond the city centre, but the price and terms are theirs to set, so agree the final destination, the total price and what is included in writing before the trip. Our guide to hiring a private driver explains how to evaluate a driver and what to ask.

For a step-by-step look at your options on arrival day, read our guide to getting from the airport into the city. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.