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Asunción Silvio Pettirossi Layover Guide (ASU)

What are you looking for in ASU?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Asunción Airport (ASU) is an international airport located in Luque, Paraguay, serving the capital city of Asunción. It’s situated about 16 km (10 miles) from downtown Asunción. The airport officially opened in 1938. Asunción is Paraguay’s largest city and a key political, cultural, and economic center. The city is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and growing tourism sector, offering a blend of history, modernity, and South American charm.

Can you leave Asunción Airport (ASU) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Transit passengers can exit Silvio Pettirossi (ASU) to explore during layover by clearing immigration, paying the departure tax. Passengers must also present return tickets. Entry rules apply: passport-holders from visa-exempt countries stay up to 90 days visa-free; others need a visa before arrival or at designated consulates. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Palacio de los López Marvel at the neo-colonial façade of Paraguay’s presidential palace overlooking the river, explore its courtyards and ornate halls, admire the changing of the guard ceremonies and its panoramic city views. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi 25 mins via Ruta Transchaco; bus 50 mins.)
• Panteón Nacional de los Héroes Discover Paraguay’s storied past at this solemn mausoleum honoring national heroes, admire its marble architecture, intricate statues and eternal flame, and learn tales of independence and valor through guided exhibits. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 mins; bus 45 mins.)
• Museo del Barro Visit this unique cultural gem showcasing indigenous and rich contemporary Paraguayan art, ceramics and pottery, handicrafts, vibrant paintings and sculptures, traverse colorful ethnographic and folk art collections reflecting national identity. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 30 mins; bus 60 mins.)
• La Costanera Park Stroll along the Parana River waterfront, enjoy scenic boardwalk views, vibrant street food stalls and playgrounds, watch local fishermen, catch breathtaking sunsets, and relax amid landscaped gardens and bike trails. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 35 mins; bus 70 mins.)
• Mercado 4 Dive into local culture at vibrant bustling Mercado 4, browse fresh produce, spices, textiles and handicrafts, sample street snacks, haggle with vendors for souvenirs, and experience authentic Paraguayan market life. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 mins; bus 40 mins.)
• Catedral Metropolitana Explore the 19th-century Metropolitan Cathedral’s neoclassical façade, step inside to admire its vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows and ornate religious artworks, attend a brief mass or serene moment of peaceful reflection. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi 25 mins; bus 50 mins.)
• Loma San Jerónimo Wander through colorful hillside streets of historic Loma San Jerónimo, admire vibrant murals, artisan workshops and cozy cafés, enjoy panoramic city & river views, and engage with local creative communities. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 30 mins; bus 70 mins.)
• Jardín Botánico y Zoológico Relax in expansive botanical gardens featuring native flora, stroll among themed plant collections, spot colorful birds, giant aroids and reptiles in the adjoining zoo, dine at café overlooking serene ponds. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 25 mins; bus 55 mins.)

Things to Do in Asunción Airport (ASU)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Multiple lounges are available airside at Silvio Pettirossi Airport. The VIP Gold Lounge (24/7 between gates 3 and 4), Sala VIP Black (near gate 4), Sudameris Lounge (for elite cardholders) and a Business Lounge offer comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi and quiet spaces. Access via membership or fee. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There’s no on-site hotel, but several properties sit within a 5 km radius. Top choices include Gran Bourbon Hotel Asunción, Holiday Inn Express Asunción Aviadores, Beulah Hotel Boutique and Sol de Luque Casa Hotel. Most offer airport shuttles, free Wi-Fi, fitness centers and flexible check-in/out for pre- or post-flight stays. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
The terminal lacks dedicated sleep pods, but travelers camp out on benches and seats in both concourses, especially near gates 1–3. Quiet corners emerge after late-night flights with dimmed lighting. Bring earplugs and an eye mask for added comfort. Note that security patrols run overnight, and seating fills up fast.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Silvio Pettirossi offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal via the “Tigo” network; no password required and unlimited session length. Signal is strongest near gates 1–3 and in lounges. Power outlets are scattered around departure halls, cafes and seating areas. A few landside internet cafés also provide pay-per-use access.

SIM/eSIM Card: In the arrivals hall you’ll find kiosks selling prepaid SIM cards from Tigo, Claro and Personal, with data plans starting around ₲ 50,000. eSIM rentals (e.g., Rent’n Connect) are activated via QR code and deliver 4G/5G coverage without a physical card. ID or passport is required for purchase. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Asunción Airport (ASU) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Licensed taxis queue outside the arrivals exit offering metered rides to downtown Asunción for about ₲ 150,000–₲ 200,000 (≈ $25–30). Ride-hail apps like Uber and Bolt also pick up at designated zones with upfront fixed fares. Service runs 24/7; the 20–30 minute journey depends on traffic.

Train: There is no rail connection to Silvio Pettirossi Airport. A proposed commuter rail along Autopista Ñu Guasú, including an airport spur, remains in planning stages. Until then, all passenger transfers rely on road transport via taxi, bus or shuttle services.

Bus: Public bus line 30-A links downtown Asunción with the terminal via Avda. Aviadores del Chaco from early morning until around 10 PM; fare is about ₲ 2,000. NSA coach lines also serve intercity routes across Paraguay and into neighboring Argentina and Brazil. more info

Shuttle: There is no official airport shuttle; however, most nearby hotels provide complimentary transfers. Private companies and shared-van operators (e.g., All Ways Airport Transfers) offer pre-booked shuttles and group vans. Reserve in advance for guaranteed pickup and drop-off directly at the terminal entrance.

Car rentals: Car rental desks for Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Thrifty and Localiza are inside the arrivals hall by baggage claim. They offer vehicles from economy cars to SUVs. Rentals require a valid driver’s license and credit card. Pick-ups are outside the terminal; most agencies operate 24 hours with prior booking recommended. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: The airport’s parking lot sits adjacent to the terminal with both short- and long-term options. Rates hover around ₲ 20,000 per hour (≈ $3) with a daily cap near ₲ 120,000. Covered and open-air spaces are available; payment is via cash or card at pay-and-display machines.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Lockers and a staffed baggage storage counter are located in the central landside hall. You can store suitcases by the hour or day for a modest fee. The information desk handles lost-and-found inquiries, and hours align with the terminal’s operating schedule. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Asunción Airport (ASU) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks