Before you set foot in Paraguay, there's an unavoidable first step: Silvio Pettirossi International Airport, in Luque, just outside Asunción. Here's what you need to know to prepare your arrival properly, from flight connections to the ride into downtown.
Silvio Pettirossi (ASU), Asunción's international airport
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport, code ASU, is located in Luque, about twenty minutes from downtown Asunción depending on traffic. It's the country's main air gateway.
It's modest in size compared to the big regional hubs, and that's actually an advantage: fewer crowds, shorter lines at security and immigration, and an overall simpler experience for a traveler discovering the country. You won't find yourself lost in an oversized terminal after a long flight.
Connections from Europe
There is no direct flight between Europe and Asunción. The route always goes through a South American hub: São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Lima, or Panama are the most common connections depending on the airline. Once you reach that hub, the final leg to Asunción is quick: expect around two hours of flying from São Paulo, for example.
In practice, plan for a layover and remember to check the connection times when you book, especially if you're traveling with checked luggage or professional equipment.
Arrival and formalities
Once on the ground, going through immigration and customs is straightforward for most travelers, thanks to the airport's manageable size. Keep your passport and documents related to your stay within easy reach.
Entry conditions (allowed length of stay, required documents) depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. If you plan to settle long term, this is the right time to plan the residency process ahead rather than figure it out once you're there.
Getting to Asunción from the airport
As you leave the terminal, several options let you reach the city: official taxis waiting outside the airport, a private transfer booked in advance, or a rental car if you plan to get around a lot from day one. The ride to downtown Asunción generally takes between fifteen and thirty minutes depending on traffic and your final destination.
If this is your first trip and you arrive at night or after a long journey with a connection, booking a transfer in advance remains the simplest option: you skip the haggling and know exactly what to expect on arrival.
Practical tips for your arrival
- Bring a bit of cash in guaranies for your first expenses (taxi, coffee, SIM card), ATMs are available but it's best not to rely on them entirely right after you land.
- A local SIM card is easy to buy at the airport or in town, useful for staying reachable from day one.
- Keep a digital and paper copy of your travel and residency documents, separate from your checked luggage.
- If settling in Paraguay involves administrative steps, it's better to have them clarified before you leave than to handle everything while jet lagged.
To better understand what everyday life looks like once you've settled in, our article on life in Paraguay nicely complements this arrival step. And if you have specific questions about your situation, contact us, we'll answer you directly.