Getting Around in Paraguay

Asuncion does not have a metro or reliable public transit system in the way you might be used to from larger capitals. There's no subway, no light rail, no BRT. The city's bus system exists but it's crowded, routes are confusing for newcomers, and schedules are inconsistent - especially outside peak hours.

Most residents drive or use ride-hailing apps. That's the reality, and your transportation plan needs to account for it.

Ride-Hailing: Your First Option

Three apps dominate Asuncion: Bolt, MUV, and Uber.

Bolt is the most popular, offering the cheapest fares - roughly 20% less than the competition when it launched in 2020 and still competitive. MUV is the homegrown Paraguayan option, launched in 2018, with better driver vetting and a focus on safety. Uber is present but less dominant than in other Latin American cities.

For daily getting-around in Asuncion, these apps work well. A ride across the city costs a few dollars. Airport to city center runs around $8-12 depending on the app and time of day.

One thing to know: Bolt's driver requirements are minimal compared to MUV and Uber. This means more available rides, but occasionally vehicles and drivers that wouldn't pass stricter screening. Most rides are fine. Use common sense - check the plate matches the app, sit in the back, share your trip.

Taxis

Traditional taxis are yellow and available on the street, but they're less standardized than what you might expect. Meters exist but drivers don't always use them. Negotiate the fare before getting in, or better yet, use an app. Radio taxis are more reliable than street hails.

At night, always use a dispatched taxi or ride-hailing app rather than flagging one down.

Driving Yourself

If you're staying long-term, having your own vehicle makes life significantly easier. Asuncion's layout is spread out, and many neighborhoods, restaurants, and services aren't walkable from each other.

Used cars are affordable by international standards. A reliable sedan runs $8,000-15,000 USD. Gas prices are lower than most of Latin America. Insurance and maintenance add costs, but they're manageable.

You can obtain a Paraguayan driver's license with your residency card. The process is straightforward compared to many countries.

Traffic in Asuncion is heavy during peak hours but manageable compared to larger capitals like Buenos Aires or Bogota. Road quality varies dramatically - main highways and urban roads are decent, secondary and rural roads can be rough, especially after heavy rain. The city floods during intense tropical downpours, which are brief but can shut down streets for an hour.

Getting Between Cities

Intercity buses connect Asuncion to the other main cities and are inexpensive. The main destinations:

Encarnacion (south, near Argentina) - roughly 4-5 hours by bus. A different vibe from Asuncion, quieter, more affordable, known for its Carnival celebrations and proximity to the Jesuit ruins.

Ciudad del Este (east, near Brazil) - roughly 4-5 hours. The commercial hub on the Brazilian border, known for electronics markets and cross-border trade. A very different character from Asuncion.

Bus terminals are functional but chaotic. Buy tickets in advance for long-distance routes when possible.

Compared to Panama

This is one of the clearest differences between the two countries. Panama City has a metro system, well-maintained bus routes, and is generally walkable in many neighborhoods. You can live in Panama City without a car.

In Asuncion, you need personal transportation - whether that's your own vehicle or regular use of ride-hailing apps. Factor this into both your budget and your daily lifestyle expectations.