How to get from Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls
Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls is easiest by flight to Foz do Iguaçu (IGU, Brazil) or Puerto Iguazú (IGR, Argentina), then a short road transfer to the parks. Overland buses run but take a full day. Below: how to choose, book, and go—plus step-by-steps and map links.
At A Glance (Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight (GIG/SDU → IGU) + Hotel/park transfer | ~2h flight + 25–45m road | Fastest & simplest on Brazilian side |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~BRL 450–1,400 one-way (seasonal) + transfer » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🛫 Flight (GIG/SDU → IGR via São Paulo/Buenos Aires) + Border transfer | ~4–7h total (with connection) + 40–70m road + border control | Staying on the Argentine side / different viewpoints |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~BRL 600–1,800 one-way + transfer » compare routes | ||
| 🚌 Intercity Bus (Rio → Foz do Iguaçu) | ~22–26h (direct/1 change) | Budget travelers with time |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~BRL 250–500 one-way (seat class/date) » curated options | ||
| 🚗 Fly + Self-Drive (IGU/IGR) / 🚐 Private Transfer | ~2h flight + 30–60m road | Park-hopping, custom timing, families |
| 🏷️ Cost: Car ~BRL 150–300/day + fuel » compare rentals | Private car ~BRL 250–600/ride in-region » quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: Rio → IGU (Brazil) if your hotel and first park day are on the Brazilian side.
- Best for Argentine trails & the Devil’s Throat catwalk: Rio → IGR (Argentina) with a border transfer to Puerto Iguazú.
- Cheapest (time-rich): Long-distance bus from Rio to Foz do Iguaçu.
- Most Flexible: Fly + rent a car to easily visit both national parks over 2–3 days; or book a private transfer if you prefer not to drive.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Book early in peak months (Jul–Aug; Dec–Feb): Compare fares on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com; tours on GetYourGuide or Klook.
- Border & tickets: Carry passport and check visa needs when crossing Brazil↔Argentina. Reserve timed entries or popular boat rides in advance via tour platforms.
- Luggage: If you have hours before flights/trains, stash bags via Radical Storage Rio.
- Local rides: Uber/99 operate in Rio and Foz do Iguaçu; fixed-price airport/hotel rides can be compared on GetTransfer.
✈️ Option #1 — Flight to Foz do Iguaçu (IGU, Brazil) + Short Transfer
Fastest Plenty of daily flights Best for Brazil-side first
- Overview: Nonstop or 1-stop from Rio’s GIG/SDU to IGU. From IGU it’s 25–45 minutes by taxi/transfer to hotels and the Brazilian national park entrance.
- How to book (with price): From ~BRL 450–1,400 one-way depending on season. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Day tours/park shuttles on GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Shortest overall journey; quick access to Brazil-side boardwalks and boat rides. Cons: Flights can spike on holidays; prebook transfers late at night.
Step-by-step: Flight to IGU
- Get to your departure airport: from Ipanema/Copacabana, ride Uber/99 or taxi to SDU (closer) or GIG (more flights).
- Compare fares and times on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check in online and arrive 2 hours before departure.
- Land at IGU; meet your prebooked car via GetTransfer or take a taxi/Uber to your hotel or the Brazilian park entrance.
- Drop bags and head for the Parque Nacional do Iguaçu (Brazil) boardwalks or schedule a boat ride via your tour provider (see options).
Getting to the main embarking points (GIG/SDU & IGU)
- Rio departures: GIG is the main international hub; SDU is close to central/beach districts and has frequent domestic flights.
- Foz arrivals: Taxis/Uber are outside IGU arrivals; private cars can wait with a name sign.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛫 Option #2 — Flight to Puerto Iguazú (IGR, Argentina) + Border Transfer
Argentine trails & Devil’s Throat Often 1-stop Border formalities
- Overview: Fly via São Paulo/Buenos Aires to IGR, 20–30 minutes from Puerto Iguazú hotels and ~45–70 minutes (with border) to Brazil-side attractions.
- How to book (with price): From ~BRL 600–1,800 one-way. Compare routes/times on Booking.com Flights. Arrange cross-border transfers or tours on GetYourGuide or Klook.
- Pros: Direct access to extensive catwalks, including Garganta del Diablo. Cons: Border queues at peak times; fewer direct flights from Rio.
Step-by-step: Flight to IGR
- Travel to GIG/SDU (Uber/99 or taxi). Choose a connection (São Paulo or Buenos Aires) that gives a comfortable layover.
- Book tickets on Booking.com Flights; confirm luggage rules across carriers.
- Arrive at IGR; take a taxi to Puerto Iguazú or meet a prebooked cross-border car via GetTransfer.
- For Brazil-side visits from Argentina, bring passport/visas and plan extra time for immigration at Tancredo Neves Bridge.
Getting to the main embarking points (GIG/SDU & IGR)
- Rio departures: SDU is closer to Zona Sul; GIG has more flight options.
- Puerto Iguazú arrivals: Airport taxis and private cars serve hotels and park entrances.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Long-Distance Bus (Budget, Overnight+)
Cheapest Recliners/sleeper seats 22–26 hours
- Overview: Depart from Rio’s Rodoviária Novo Rio to Foz do Iguaçu. Modern coaches have A/C, toilets, and rest stops; some routes change in São Paulo or Curitiba.
- How to book (with price): ~BRL 250–500 one-way depending on seat class/date. Browse curated options and operators on Trip.com activities, or buy at the terminal a day in advance.
- Pros: Cost-effective; overnight saves a hotel night. Cons: Very long; arrival time can slip with traffic.
Step-by-step: Intercity Bus
- Reach Rodoviária Novo Rio by Uber/99, taxi, or BRT/metro combo.
- Choose seat type (semi-cama/“leito” if offered) and book through a reseller like Trip.com activities or at official counters.
- Arrive 40 minutes early for boarding. Keep valuables with you; stow large bags in the hold.
- On arrival at Foz do Iguaçu Bus Terminal (Rodoviária), take a taxi/Uber to your hotel or directly to the park entrance.
Getting to the main embarking points (Novo Rio / Foz Bus Terminal)
- Rio boarding: Novo Rio is north of the center—allow extra time in rush hour.
- Foz arrival: Taxis/Uber serve hotels and both national parks.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #4 — Fly + Self-Drive (IGU or IGR)
Total flexibility Easy park-hopping Border rules apply
- Overview: Land at IGU or IGR, rent a car, and set your own pace—sunrise to sunset boardwalks, helicopter views (Brazil side), and boat rides (both sides).
- How to book (with price): Cars from ~BRL 150–300/day. Compare pick-up at airport/city on Booking.com Car Rental (Foz) or Trip.com Car Hire. Check cross-border permission with your rental company.
- Pros: Maximum time at viewpoints; easy to visit both parks over 2–3 days. Cons: Parking fees; ensure your rental allows Brazil↔Argentina crossings.
Step-by-step: Fly + Self-Drive
- Book flights to IGU or IGR on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
- Reserve a car with cross-border authorization if you plan to visit both sides (compare rentals).
- Pick up at the airport; drive to your hotel, then to Parque Nacional do Iguaçu (Brazil) and Parque Nacional Iguazú (Argentina) on separate days.
- Carry passport, rental paperwork, and insurance when crossing the Tancredo Neves International Bridge.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airports & Park Gates)
- IGU/IGR car rentals: Airport desks have the widest hours; check return policies.
- Parks: Signed access roads lead to large visitor centers with shuttles to trails.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfers (Airports ⇄ Hotels ⇄ Parks)
Door-to-door Great with luggage/kids Pricier than taxis
- Overview: Prebook a car/van between IGU/IGR, your hotel, and each park—handy for early entries or late flights.
- How to book (with price): From ~BRL 250–600 per ride depending on route/vehicle. Compare offers on GetTransfer or bundle within GetYourGuide tours.
- Pros: Meet-and-greet, guaranteed space for bags/child seats. Cons: Higher cost vs. taxis/Uber.
Step-by-step: Private Transfers
- Enter flight/hotel details and party size on GetTransfer to receive instant quotes.
- Confirm cross-border capability if traveling between Brazil and Argentina, and whether waiting time at immigration is included.
- Meet your driver at arrivals or hotel lobby; share your park entry slot or tour time to align pickup.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airports/Hotels/Parks)
- Airports: IGU (Brazil) and IGR (Argentina) both sit ~20–30 minutes from hotels.
- Parks: Be at the visitor centers early for lighter crowds; bring rain protection for spray.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls)
How many days do I need to see both sides?
Most travelers spend 2 days: one for Brazil (broad panoramas, helicopter/boat options) and one for Argentina (longer trail network and Devil’s Throat).
Can I do Iguazu Falls as a day trip from Rio?
Technically, yes with the first/last flights and a private transfer, but it’s rushed. An overnight is strongly recommended.
Which side is better?
They complement each other—Brazil offers sweeping vistas; Argentina puts you on top of (and inside) the falls via catwalks.
Do I need cash?
Carry some BRL/ARS for small purchases and parking; major cards are widely accepted at visitor centers.
What about luggage between borders?
If crossing for the day, leave big bags at your hotel; otherwise, ask your driver about storing luggage safely during immigration stops.
Is it safe to self-drive?
Yes—roads are well-signed. Drive cautiously near wildlife zones and keep documents ready for border checks.