Getting Around Asunción
Asunción isn't a walkable city — but with four ride-hailing apps, a cashless bus system, and affordable taxis, getting around is easy and cheap once you know the system.
$2–5
Ride-Hailing
$0.30
Bus Fare
$0.88/L
Gasoline
4 Apps
Ride Options
01 — Most Popular
Ride-Hailing Apps
Most expats in Asunción rely on ride-hailing apps for daily transport. Four platforms compete for your business, keeping prices low and wait times short — typically 2–5 minutes in central neighborhoods like Villa Morra and Carmelitas.
Bolt
Market Leader→ Cheapest fares in Asunción
→ Largest driver network, fastest pickup
→ International cards sometimes fail — cash or local card preferred
→ Best for daily commuting on a budget
Uber
Best for Cards→ Excellent international credit card support
→ Consistent ride quality, premium feel
→ Slightly higher prices than Bolt
→ Best for expats who don't have local payment methods yet
MUV
Local Favorite→ Paraguayan company, fully legal with tax invoices
→ "Women for Women" filter — female passengers matched with female drivers
→ Good international card acceptance
→ Best for those who need factura (legal invoice) for tax purposes
inDrive
Negotiate Fares→ You set the price, drivers accept or counter
→ Useful during surge pricing on other apps
→ Mostly cash-only, limited card support
→ Best as a backup when Bolt/Uber prices spike
Payment Compatibility
| Platform | Int'l Card | Preferred Method | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt | Moderate | Cash / Local Card | Daily rides, budget |
| Uber | Excellent | Credit Card | New arrivals, cards |
| MUV | High | App-linked Card | Invoices, safety |
| inDrive | Low | Cash | Surge pricing backup |
Rainy Season Warning
During heavy storms (October–March), ride-hailing drivers go offline and wait times spike to 20+ minutes. Keep cash on hand for taxis during rainy season. Surge pricing can double or triple normal fares on Bolt and Uber.
02 — Traditional Option
Taxi System
Taxis are metered by law and remain a reliable option, especially at night or during storms when ride-hailing apps are unreliable. Look for white cars with a parada number and municipal stickers.
Common Routes & Fares
| Route | Day Fare | Night Fare | USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport → Centro | ₲100,000–110,000 | ₲135,000–145,000 | $13–19 |
| Villa Morra → Shopping del Sol | ₲25,000–35,000 | ₲35,000–45,000 | $3–6 |
| Centro → Villa Morra | ₲40,000–55,000 | ₲55,000–70,000 | $5–9 |
Practical Tips
→ Night rates (Tarifa 2): 22:00–05:00 and all day Sunday
→ Tipping: not expected, just round up the fare
→ Fixed prices common for longer trips — agree before departing
→ Look for white cars with parada number and municipal stickers
Radio Taxi
→ Radio Taxi Asunción: +595 21 311 080
→ More reliable than street hailing at night
→ Dispatch in Spanish — have your address written down
→ Can request a taxi to your building entrance
03 — Budget Option
Public Buses
Asunción's bus system is fully cashless — you'll need a Jaha or Más smart card to ride. It's the cheapest way to get around, but comfort and reliability are limited. Most expats use buses for short, predictable routes and ride-hailing for everything else.
Getting Your Bus Card
Card Cost
25,000 PYG (~$3.80)
Where to Buy
Aquí Pago, Pago Express, Biggie stores
Reload
Same locations, or Jaha app (with local bank)
Bus Types & Fares
| Type | Fare (PYG) | USD | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convencional | 2,300 PYG | $0.30 | No AC, basic seating, windows open |
| Diferencial | 3,400 PYG | $0.45 | Air conditioning, comfortable seats |
| Búho (Night) | 2,300–3,400 PYG | $0.30–0.45 | 22:00–04:00, limited routes |
Key Bus Lines
→ Line 30 — Av. España corridor (Centro to San Lorenzo)
→ Line 12 — Av. Mariscal López (Centro to Villa Morra)
→ Use the Jaha App for real-time GPS tracking of all routes
→ Búho (night) service runs 22:00–04:00 on major routes
Safety Tips
→ Pickpocketing risk — keep bags in front, phone in pocket
→ Avoid buses during peak hours (07:00–09:00) when overcrowded
→ No change given — card-only system prevents cash theft
→ Stick to well-lit stops and travel with a companion after dark
04 — Driving
Driving in Asunción
Driving gives you the most freedom but comes with challenges: aggressive driving culture, poor lane discipline, and dangerous flash floods. If you plan to stay long-term or live outside the center, a car is a worthwhile investment.
Driver's License Process
First 90 Days
Drive with your foreign license + International Driving Permit (IDP). Get the IDP in your home country before traveling.
Get Your Cédula
Once you have your Paraguayan Cédula (residency ID), you must apply for a local license through the Dirección de Tránsito.
Local License
Requirements: Cédula, blood type certificate, vision test. Cost: 200,000–350,000 PYG ($26–46). No driving test required for license holders.
Raudales — Flash Flood Danger
Raudales are Asunción's most dangerous driving hazard. Heavy storms can turn streets into fast-moving rivers within minutes. Cars get swept away every rainy season.
→ Never drive through standing water — you cannot see how deep it is
→ Pull over and wait if visibility drops or water starts flowing across the road
→ Avoid underpasses and low-lying areas during heavy rain
→ An SUV with higher clearance is significantly safer than a sedan
→ Peak risk: October through March (summer storm season)
Fuel Costs
→ Nafta 95 (regular gasoline): 5,690 PYG/L ($0.88)
→ Diesel: 6,250 PYG/L ($0.97)
→ Petropar and Copetrol are the main station chains
→ Full tank: roughly $40–55 for a mid-size car
Navigation & Insurance
→ Waze preferred over Google Maps (better local data)
→ Car insurance not mandatory but strongly recommended
→ Basic coverage: $10–30/month
→ Comprehensive coverage: $40–85/month
05 — Ownership
Buying a Car
Paraguay's used car market is dominated by Japanese imports brought in through Chile ("vía Chile"). These right-to-left-hand-drive converted vehicles are affordable and reliable. Toyota dominates the market — the Hilux is practically a national vehicle.
| Vehicle Type | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Used Japanese Import (vía Chile) | $6,000–12,000 | Best value, Toyota/Honda/Suzuki |
| New (dealer: Toyotoshi, Garden) | $18,000–45,000+ | Full warranty, market price |
| Toyota Hilux (used) | $34,000–42,000 | Holds value, most popular vehicle |
Title Transfer Process
→ You need an Escribano (notary public) for the title transfer — this is mandatory
→ Notary fees: $150–400
→ Government transfer fees: $400–800
→ Always verify the vehicle's legal status (check for liens or theft reports)
→ The Escribano handles all paperwork with the Registro del Automotor
06 — Two Wheels
Cycling & Motorcycles
Cycling
Honest assessment: cycling is not practical for commuting in Asunción. Hilly terrain, extreme humidity (especially December–March), and zero dedicated bike lanes make it uncomfortable and unsafe for daily transport.
→ Costanera — 4km dedicated cycle path along the river (recreational)
→ Ñu Guazú Park — 5km paved loop, popular on weekends
→ Great for exercise, not for getting to work
Motorcycles
Motorcycles are extremely popular among locals — you'll see them everywhere. They're affordable and beat traffic, but the accident rate is high.
→ New 150cc bikes from $1,500–3,000
→ No lane splitting rules enforced
→ Helmet mandatory (but loosely enforced)
→ Not recommended for expats unfamiliar with local driving culture
07 — Long Distance
Inter-City Travel
All long-distance buses depart from the Terminal de Ómnibus de Asunción (TOA), located in the city center. Buy tickets at the terminal or online through bus company websites. Book Cama or Semi-Cama class for overnight trips.
Popular Destinations from Asunción
| Destination | Duration | Price (USD) | Bus Companies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Encarnación | 5–6 hours | $16–32 | NSA, La Santaniana |
| Ciudad del Este | 5 hours | $13–22 | NSA, Expreso Paraguay |
| Buenos Aires 🇦🇷 | 18 hours | $74–120 | NSA, La Santaniana |
Travel Tips
→ Cama class — fully reclining seats, worth the extra cost for overnight trips
→ Semi-Cama — partially reclining, good for 5-hour daytime trips
→ Bring a blanket — AC on buses is often set extremely cold
→ For Buenos Aires, flights are often cheaper than bus ($80–150 on Paranair or JetSmart)
→ Terminal has food stalls, ATMs, and luggage storage
08 — On Foot
Walkable Neighborhoods
Asunción is not a walkable city overall, but a few neighborhoods let you handle daily errands on foot. If walkability matters to you, choose your neighborhood carefully.
Villa Morra
Best walkability in Asunción. Supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, coworking spaces, and Shopping del Sol all within walking distance. Most expats live here for a reason.
Carmelitas / Manorá
Shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife within reach. High traffic on main avenues but pedestrian-friendly side streets. Close to Shopping Mariscal.
Centro Histórico
Walkable during business hours with government offices, markets, and historic sites. Caution: streets empty after 18:00 and on weekends — safety concerns after dark.
09 — Side by Side
Transport Comparison
| Feature | Ride-Hailing | Taxi | Bus | Private Car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low–Medium | Medium–High | Very Low | High |
| Safety | High | Medium–High | Low–Medium | High |
| Reliability | High | High | Moderate | Very High |
| Comfort | High | Medium | Low–Medium | Excellent |
| Int'l Cards | Yes (Uber/MUV) | Cash Only | Smart Card | N/A |
| Best For | Daily transport | Night / storms | Budget travel | Families / suburbs |
Our recommendation: Most digital nomads and single expats do perfectly fine with Bolt + Uber and never need a car. Install all four apps on day one. If you have a family or live outside Villa Morra / Carmelitas, consider buying a used car after your first month.
10 — Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Asunción airport to the city center?
Use Uber or Bolt from Silvio Pettirossi airport to the city center for $13-15 USD. Taxis cost ₲100,000-145,000 ($13-19) depending on time of day — night rates apply 22:00-05:00. There is no public bus service to the airport. Ride-hailing apps work from the pickup area outside arrivals.
Is Uber available in Asunción?
Yes, Uber is available in Asunción alongside Bolt, MUV, and inDrive. Bolt is the cheapest and most popular. Uber works best for international credit cards. MUV is a local app that provides legal invoices and has a "Women for Women" safety filter. inDrive lets you negotiate fares.
How does the bus system work in Asunción?
Asunción buses are cashless — you need a Jaha or Más smart card costing 25,000 PYG (~$3.80). Buy cards at Aquí Pago, Pago Express, or Biggie stores. Convencional buses cost 2,300 PYG ($0.30) without AC. Diferencial buses cost 3,400 PYG ($0.45) with AC. Use the Jaha app for real-time GPS tracking and route planning.
Can I drive with a foreign license in Paraguay?
Yes, your foreign driver's license is valid in Paraguay for approximately 90 days when paired with an International Driving Permit (IDP). After receiving your Cédula (residency ID), you must obtain a Paraguayan license from the Dirección de Tránsito. This costs 200,000-350,000 PYG and requires a blood type certificate and vision test.
Which ride-hailing app is best in Asunción?
Bolt is best for price and availability. Uber is best for international credit cards and consistent quality. MUV is best for legal invoices and the "Women for Women" safety feature. inDrive is useful during surge pricing because you can negotiate fares. Most expats install all four apps.
How much does a taxi cost in Asunción?
Taxis are metered by law. Airport to Centro costs ₲100,000-110,000 ($13-14) during the day and ₲135,000-145,000 ($18-19) at night. Short trips within neighborhoods cost ₲25,000-35,000 ($3-5). Night rates (Tarifa 2) apply from 22:00-05:00 and on Sundays. Tipping is not expected — just round up the fare.
Is it safe to drive in Asunción?
Driving in Asunción is generally safe but requires caution. The driving culture is aggressive with poor lane discipline. Flash floods (raudales) are the biggest danger — they can sweep cars off roads during heavy storms. Avoid driving in severe weather. Use Waze for navigation as it has better local data than Google Maps. An SUV is recommended.
How do I get to Encarnación or Ciudad del Este from Asunción?
Take a long-distance bus from Terminal de Ómnibus (TOA). Encarnación takes 5-6 hours and costs $16-32. Ciudad del Este takes 5 hours and costs $13-22. Book Cama (fully reclining seats) or Semi-Cama class for comfort. Major companies include NSA, La Santaniana, and Expreso Paraguay.
Should I buy a car in Asunción?
Most digital nomads and short-term expats do fine with ride-hailing apps. Families and those living outside the city center benefit from owning a car. Used Japanese imports ("vía Chile") cost $6,000-12,000. Budget $150-400 for notary fees and $400-800 for title transfer. Toyota Hilux is the most popular vehicle and holds value well.
Related Guides
Housing Guide
Find the right neighborhood and apartment in Asunción
Cost of Living
Full budget breakdown: rent, food, transport, and more
First 30 Days
Week-by-week settlement checklist for new arrivals
Digital Infrastructure
Internet speeds, coworking spaces, and connectivity
Arriving at the Airport
Immigration, SIM cards, and getting to the city
Neighborhoods Guide
Compare Villa Morra, Carmelitas, Recoleta, and more