Paraguay Transportation Guide: Long-Distance Buses, Airport Transfers, and Private Cars
Intercity travel in Paraguay mainly relies on long-distance buses, while within cities you’ll use local buses and ride-hailing apps—get these basics down and getting around is easy.
Arrival and Airport Transfers
| Airport | Getting into Town | Time/Price |
|---|
| Asunción (ASU) | Taxi / Ride-hailing app | Around 20–30 minutes, about 120,000–200,000 guaraníes |
| Iguazú (IGU, Brazilian side) | Cross-border bus / Taxi | About 30–40 minutes to Ciudad del Este |
| Puerto Iguazú (Argentinian side) | Cross-border bus | Crossing into Encarnación takes about 1 hour |
Intercity Transport
Long-distance buses are the main mode of intercity travel in Paraguay. Asunción has several bus terminals. Trips to Encarnación take about 5–6 hours, and to Ciudad del Este around 5 hours. Buses come in standard and sleeper options—overnight buses can save you a night’s accommodation. Roads in the eastern and southern regions are in decent condition, but the Trans-Chaco highway is long with few gas stations along the way.
Local Transport
- Buses: Asunción has a dense network of local buses, but conditions vary—always carry cash and have small bills ready.
- Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps: Taxis are readily available in the city, but using an app is recommended to avoid haggling over fares.
- Private Car Hire: For visiting sites like the Jesuit Missions or the Itaipu Dam, hiring a private car or joining a half-day tour is more efficient.
Tips
- For long-distance buses, choose early morning or overnight services to avoid the midday heat.
- If crossing into Brazil or Argentina, check visa requirements and border crossing times in advance.
- When driving in the Chaco region, fill up your tank in advance and carry extra water and a spare tire.