Transportation

Transportation in Paraguay

Paraguay's transportation infrastructure is developing. Asuncion has no metro or rail, but buses and ride-sharing apps make getting around manageable.

Public Transit

Buses:

• Main form of public transport
• Cover most of Asuncion and surrounding areas
• Fare: Under $1 (around 4,000-5,000 Guarani)
• Payment: Electronic cards (Jaha, Mas) or cash on older buses
• Jaha app: Shows routes and tracks buses in real-time

Challenges:

• Routes can be confusing for newcomers
• Not always punctual
• Crowded during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM)
• Limited English on signage

Ride-Sharing

Uber and Bolt are widely available and recommended:

• Upfront pricing
• Cashless payment
• Safer than street taxis
• Typical trip within Asuncion: $3-8

Taxis:

• Meters exist but often not used
• Negotiate price before entering
• More expensive than ride-sharing
• Short trip: $3-6

Driving in Paraguay

License:

• Foreign license valid for 90 days (tourists)
• Residents need Paraguayan license
• Process: Vision test, written test, practical test
• International Driving Permit helpful initially

Buying a Car:

• Used car: $5,000-15,000 for decent vehicle
• New car: More expensive than US (import taxes)
• Insurance: $50-150/month
• Gas: ~$1/liter (cheaper than most countries)

Road Conditions:

• Main highways: Improving (PY-02 duplicated 2024)
• City streets: Variable quality
• Rural roads: Often poor, unpaved
• First duplicated highway completed in 2024

Inter-City Travel

Buses between cities:

• Asuncion to Ciudad del Este: ~5 hours
• Asuncion to Encarnacion: ~4-5 hours
• Companies: NSA, Expreso Paraguay
• Book online: Plataforma 10 works with international cards

By Car:

• Self-driving is possible but roads can be challenging
• One-lane highways in many areas
• Long distances between services in rural areas

Tips for Getting Around

In Asuncion:

1. Use Uber/Bolt for most trips - affordable and convenient
2. Avoid peak hours if possible (major traffic congestion)
3. Download Jaha app for bus routes
4. Walking is pleasant in Villa Morra, Las Carmelitas areas

Outside Asuncion:

1. Inter-city buses are comfortable and affordable
2. Rent a car for exploring remote areas
3. Roads to major cities are decent
4. Rural travel requires preparation

Important Notes

• Traffic congestion is significant in Asuncion during rush hours
• Motorcycle taxis (motos) exist but are riskier
• Parking is usually easy and cheap outside central areas
• No Uber/public transit in smaller cities - taxis only