Getting Around Paraguay
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use affordable buses in Asunción and major cities. Rural: Rent a car for Chaco and interior exploration. Rivers: Boats for Paraná and Paraguay rivers. For convenience, book airport transfers from Asunción to your destination.
Train Travel
FCCSA National Rail
Limited passenger network connecting Asunción to nearby areas with infrequent services, primarily for tourists.
Cost: Asunción to Areguá $5-10, short journeys under 1 hour on available routes.
Tickets: Buy at stations or through local operators. Cash preferred, limited online options.
Peak Times: Weekends for tourist runs; check schedules as services are sporadic.
Rail Passes
No national rail passes available due to limited services; opt for bundled tourist tickets for $15-25 covering multiple short trips.
Best For: Day trips from Asunción, savings for families or groups on heritage routes.
Where to Buy: Asunción station or tourism offices with on-site activation.
Heritage & Tourist Trains
Special tourist trains connect Asunción to Ypacaraí Lake and historical sites, often with guided commentary.
Booking: Reserve in advance via tourism agencies for weekends, discounts for locals up to 20%.
Main Stations: Asunción Central Station handles all departures, with connections to bus terminals.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Gran Chaco and rural Paraguay. Compare rental prices from $25-45/day at Asunción Airport and city centers.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Full coverage advised due to road conditions, verify theft and collision protection.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80-90 km/h rural, 110 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal on major routes like Route 1, pay in cash at booths ($1-3 per toll).
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, buses have informal priority.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered in Asunción $1-2/hour, use guarded lots for safety.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common at $0.80-1.00/liter for petrol, $0.70-0.90 for diesel in urban areas.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, download offline maps for remote areas.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Asunción rush hours, potholes common on rural roads.
Urban Transport
Asunción Buses & Trolleys
Extensive bus network in the capital, single ticket $0.70, day pass $3, multi-journey card $5.
Validation: Pay exact cash to driver upon boarding, no transfers between lines.
Apps: Local apps like Moovit for routes, real-time updates, and fare calculators.
Bike Rentals
Bike Rentals
Bici Pública sharing in Asunción and Ciudad del Este, $2-5/day with stations in key areas.
Routes: Growing cycling lanes in urban centers, ideal for flat terrain sightseeing.
Tours: Guided eco-tours available along river paths, combining nature with local culture.
Buses & Local Services
SETA and other operators run city and interurban buses across Paraguay.
Tickets: $0.50-1 per ride, buy from kiosks or use contactless where available.
River Ferries: Essential for border crossings to Argentina/Brazil, $1-5 depending on vehicle.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus terminals in cities for easy access, central Asunción or Encarnación for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for summer (Oct-Mar) and events like San Bernardino Festival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-affected rural plans.
- Amenities: Check for AC, WiFi, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G coverage in cities and along major routes, 3G in rural Paraguay including Chaco.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Tigo, Personal, and Claro offer prepaid SIMs from $5-15 with solid coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 3GB for $10, 10GB for $20, unlimited for $25/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi available in hotels, cafes, and malls, less reliable in rural spots.
Public Hotspots: Bus terminals and tourist areas offer free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally 10-50 Mbps in urban areas, suitable for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Paraguay Time (PYT), UTC-4, daylight saving Oct-Mar (PYST, UTC-3).
- Airport Transfers: Silvio Pettirossi Airport 15km from Asunción center, bus $1 (30 min), taxi $15, or book private transfer for $20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus terminals ($2-5/day) and services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Buses and taxis vary in accessibility, urban areas improving but rural limited.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses (small free, large $5), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on buses for $2-3 off-peak, allowed free on ferries.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Paraguay
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) is the main hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Silvio Pettirossi (ASU): Primary international gateway, 15km from Asunción with bus connections.
Guaraní (AGT): Regional hub near Ciudad del Este 15km away, bus to city $2 (20 min).
Teniente Amin Ayub (CIO): Serves Concepción in the north, domestic flights mainly.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (Oct-Mar) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Buenos Aires or São Paulo and taking bus to Paraguay for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
LATAM, Gol, and Paranair serve ASU with South American connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and ground transport when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available in cities, typical withdrawal fee $3-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in urban areas, cash preferred in rural spots.
- Contactless Payment: Growing in Asunción, Apple Pay and Google Pay in larger stores.
- Cash: Essential for buses, markets, and small vendors, keep $50-100 in small bills.
- Tipping: Not customary in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for great service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchanges with poor rates.