How to get to Iguazú
A Complete Transportation Guide to Puerto Iguazú, the Falls, and the Entire Area
✈️ From Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the main gateway to Iguazú. The distance is approximately 1,300 km.
Faster
Airplane — 1 hr 50 min
The most convenient and fastest option. Direct flights from Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) y Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE) to Iguazú Falls Airport (IGR).
Aerolíneas Argentinas operates several daily flights. LATAM and Flybondi offer cheaper flights if booked in advance.
💰 Estimated price: $60,000 – $200,000 ARS one way, depending on how far in advance you book and the season.
More economical
Bus — 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The long-distance bus is the most economical option. They depart from the Retiro Terminal (Buenos Aires). The most popular companies are Crucero del Norte, Flecha Bus, and Río Uruguay.
Sleeper and semi-sleeper buses are very comfortable for overnight trips. Some include dinner and breakfast.
💰 Estimated price: $15,000 – $45,000 ARS, depending on the category.
More free
Car — 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
By the National Route 14 (Immigrants' Route), which runs along the Uruguay River. It's a long but very scenic trip. You can split it into two days, stopping in Concordia or Paso de los Libres.
You can also go through Entre Ríos, crossing into Corrientes and continuing on through Misiones.
📍 Distance: ~1,300 km from Buenos Aires.
🗺️ From other cities in Argentina
| City | Airplane | Bus | Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Córdoba | 2 hours (direct flight or flight with a layover) | 8:00–10:00 p.m. | ~1,500 km |
| Rosary | 2 hours with a layover | 6:00–8:00 p.m. | ~1,150 km |
| Mendoza | 3 hours, including a layover | 30+ hours | ~1,800 km |
| Salta | 2 hours with a layover | 8 p.m. | ~1,200 km |
| Inns | There are no direct flights | 5–6 hours | ~300 km on National Route 12 |
💡 Tip for Air Travelers
Book in advance: Flights to Iguazú fill up quickly during peak season (July, January, and Holy Week). If you book 30–60 days in advance, you'll find much lower prices.
Comparators: Use Despegar, Almundo, or the Aerolíneas and Flybondi websites directly to compare fares. Prices vary greatly depending on the time of day.
Luggage: Low-cost airlines like Flybondi charge extra for baggage. Calculate the total cost before booking.
🛫 Iguazú Airport
The Iguazú Falls International Airport (IGR) It is located 20 km from downtown Puerto Iguazú and 11 km from the National Park.
From the airport to downtown and the park
| Medium | Destination | Duration | Approx. cost. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Transfer | Hotel / Downtown / Park | 20–30 min | $5,000 – $10,000 ARS |
| Taxi / Private Car Service | Downtown Puerto Iguazú | 25 min | $4,000 – $8,000 ARS |
| City bus (Line 88) | Downtown Puerto Iguazú | 35–40 min | $500 – $800 ARS |
| Rental car | Free movement | — | Starting at $25,000 ARS/day |
🚕 How to get around the area
The Iguazú region spans three countries and several cities. Depending on which tours and activities you want to do, you'll get around in different ways.
The distance from the city center to the park is 18 km. The options are:
- Provincial bus (Route 88) — inexpensive, departs every 30–40 minutes
- Remis or taxi — faster and more direct
- Organized tour — includes transportation from the hotel
- Rental car — gives you total freedom
It's very common to cross into Brazil to visit the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls or Parque das Aves.
- International bus — from the Puerto Iguazú terminal
- Taxi or private car service for crossing the border
- Organized tour from Argentina — includes all immigration procedures
Important: You need a valid passport to cross into Brazil.
The Tres Fronteras Landmark is where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet. Ciudad del Este is known for its duty-free shopping.
- Organized tour departing from Puerto Iguazú
- Taxi with a local guide (recommended)
Important: A valid passport is required.
Once inside the park, transportation is free:
- Eco-friendly train — connects Central, Cataratas, and Garganta del Diablo stations
- Lower Loop Hike — 1.5 km, 1–2 hours
- Upper Walking Trail — 650 m, 45 min
- Walkways — access included with admission
🎫 Tours with hotel pickup
If you don't want to worry about transportation, most tours in Iguazú include round-trip transportation from your hotel in Puerto Iguazú. It’s the most convenient option, especially for tours to the Brazilian side or to the Three Borders Landmark, where crossing the border can be complicated if you’re on your own.
Tours that include transportation are especially recommended for:
| Tour | Transportation included | Why It's a Good Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Brazilian side waterfalls | ✅ Yes | Crossing the border is easier with a guide. You avoid lines at immigration. |
| Three Borders Landmark | ✅ Yes | You'll visit the three lookout points (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay) with a guide who explains their history. |
| Great Adventure (Boat) | ✅ Yes | The departure point is inside the park. Transportation is arranged through the tour. |
| Jungle Safari | ✅ Yes | We leave early. Transportation is part of the experience. |
| Waterfalls on the Argentine side | ✅ Optional | You can go by bus on your own, but the guided tour is more comprehensive. |
📄 Required Documentation
Argentina only
To stay on the Argentine side
A valid Argentine national ID card or an identity document from your country of origin. For foreign nationals, a valid passport is sufficient for entry into the National Park.
Border
To cross into Brazil or Paraguay
Valid passport required — The Argentine national ID card is not accepted in Brazil or Paraguay for formal entry. Citizens of other countries should check whether they need a visa.
Minors
Travel with minors
If you are traveling with minors who are not accompanied by both parents, you need a notarized authorization. If the minor is an Argentine citizen, the document must be apostilled to cross borders.
💡 Tips for Planning Your Arrival
Book tours before you arrive: During peak season, tours sell out weeks in advance, especially the Grand Adventure and the helicopter tour.
I chose a hotel near the park: If your budget allows, staying at a hotel just a few kilometers from the park will save you time and the hassle of transportation.
Plan for at least 2 nights: To see both the Argentine and Brazilian sides comfortably, including travel time and sightseeing, you'll need at least 2 nights in the area.
Bring cash: Cash in pesos and dollars is accepted at the park and local businesses. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants.
Download offline maps: Data coverage in some areas of the park may be spotty. Google Maps and Maps.me work well offline.
Do you know how to get there? Book your tour now
All tours include transportation from your hotel in Puerto Iguazú. Book in advance to secure your spot.
