How to get from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls
Argentina · Brazil · Nature & Outdoors · Rivers & Lakes · Buenos Aires · Foz do Iguaçu · Iguazu Falls · Puerto Iguazú
Buenos Aires to Iguazú Falls (Argentina side) is easiest by a quick flight to Puerto Iguazú (IGR), but you can also go by comfortable overnight bus, fly to the Brazilian side (IGU) and cross the border, or self-drive for a road-trip adventure. Here’s how to choose, book, and connect smoothly.
At A Glance (Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight (AEP/EZE → IGR) + Short Transfer | ~1h50–2h flight + ~25–45m road | Fastest, most convenient |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~ARS 90k–220k one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🚌 Overnight Bus (Cama/Semicíama) | ~17–20h (direct) | Budget, no airport transfers |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~ARS 45k–110k one-way (seat type/date). Check operators at Retiro or online aggregators. | ||
| 🛫 Flight to Foz do Iguaçu (IGU, Brazil) + Border Crossing | ~2h flight + 45–90m transfer (border-dependent) | More flight times, flexible pricing (visa rules apply) |
| 🏷️ Cost: Similar to IGR flights + transfer » compare BA→IGU | ||
| 🚗 Self-Drive / 🚐 Private Transfer | ~16–18h drive (1,300+ km) | Road-trippers, door-to-door groups |
| 🏷️ Cost: Car ~ARS 35k–80k/day + fuel/tolls » compare rentals | Private car: quote-based » GetTransfer | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest & easiest: Fly to IGR (Puerto Iguazú) and connect by taxi/shuttle to the town or the park entrance.
- Cheapest without flying: Overnight cama bus from Retiro to Puerto Iguazú—long but comfy if you pick good seats.
- Most flight availability: Fly to IGU (Brazil) and cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge—ensure you meet visa/entry requirements.
- Door-to-door & road-trip vibes: Self-drive or hire a driver, stopping at Posadas or Esteros del Iberá en route.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Book early for weekends/holidays: Compare fares on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com; buses fill up before long weekends.
- Where to stay: Pick Puerto Iguazú town for dining or a lodge near the park; browse Iguazú hotels.
- Transfers & ride apps: In Buenos Aires use Uber/Cabify; for fixed quotes to/from airports, compare Welcome Pickups (Buenos Aires) or GetTransfer.
- Luggage storage: Sightseeing before departure? Use Radical Storage Buenos Aires.
- Park timing: Argentine side deserves a full day (or two). First trains/walkways open early—arrive at gate opening for quieter viewpoints.
✈️ Option #1 — Flight to Puerto Iguazú (IGR) + Short Transfer (Fastest, Most Popular)
Fast Frequent Airport transfer needed
- Overview: Daily nonstops from Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP) and Ezeiza (EZE) to IGR. From IGR it’s ~25–45 minutes to Puerto Iguazú town or the Argentine park entrance.
- How to book (with price): Typical fares ~ARS 90k–220k one-way depending on season. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. For pickup at either end, check GetTransfer or Welcome Pickups (BA).
- Pros: Short total travel time; ideal for quick trips. Cons: Higher cost on peak dates; baggage fees vary by airline.
Step-by-step: Flight to IGR
- Get to your departure airport (AEP is central; EZE serves many airlines). Use Uber/Cabify or a prebooked car via Welcome Pickups.
- Compare and book flights on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check luggage rules at purchase.
- Land at IGR; take taxi/shuttle to Puerto Iguazú or go straight to the Argentine park gate.
- Plan your park day: upper/lower circuits + Devil’s Throat; consider returning the next morning for softer light.
Getting to the main embarking points (AEP/EZE & IGR)
- Buenos Aires: AEP is near Palermo/Recoleta; EZE is 30–60m from downtown—leave early for traffic.
- IGR arrivals: Taxis and shuttles are outside the terminal; most hotels can prearrange pickup.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — Overnight Bus (Cama/Semicíama) from Buenos Aires (Budget-Friendly)
Cheapest Sleeper-like seats 17–20h ride
- Overview: Direct coaches run from Terminal de Ómnibus de Retiro to Terminal de Ómnibus de Puerto Iguazú. Choose seat types (semicíama/cama/cama suite) for comfort.
- How to book (with price): ~ARS 45k–110k one-way depending on seat/date. Buy at Retiro kiosks or compare departures on major aggregators (many local platforms) and travel agencies; curated ideas on Trip.com experiences.
- Pros: No airport hassle; overnight saves a hotel night. Cons: Long ride; arrival times vary with traffic/stops.
Step-by-step: Overnight Bus
- Reach Retiro Bus Terminal by taxi/ride-hail or Subte + short cab.
- Pick your operator and seat type; purchase tickets and keep your luggage tag receipts.
- Board 30–45 minutes before departure; pack a layer, earplugs, and snacks.
- Arrive at Puerto Iguazú Terminal; take a local bus/taxi to your hotel or directly to the park entrance.
Getting to the main embarking points (Retiro & Puerto Iguazú Terminal)
- Retiro: Well-signed platforms; food courts and ATMs available—watch your belongings.
- Puerto Iguazú: Taxis and local buses depart from outside the terminal; confirm prices before boarding.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛫 Option #3 — Flight to Foz do Iguaçu (IGU, Brazil) + Border Crossing
More flight times Access both sides Border checks
- Overview: Fly BA→IGU (Brazil), then cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge into Argentina to stay in Puerto Iguazú or visit the Argentine park. Ensure you meet visa/entry requirements for Brazil and Argentina.
- How to book (with price): Prices similar to IGR. Compare on Trip.com or Booking.com Flights. For cross-border rides, request quotes on GetTransfer.
- Pros: Potentially better schedules; easy access to Brazilian park trails too. Cons: Border can add time; paperwork required.
Step-by-step: BA → IGU → Argentina
- Head to AEP/EZE via taxi/ride-hail; book BA→IGU on Trip.com or Booking.com Flights.
- Land at IGU; arrange a cross-border transfer (prebook on GetTransfer) or use a taxi—carry passports/visas.
- Cross to Puerto Iguazú; continue to your hotel or straight to the Argentine park entrance.
- If you plan Brazil’s park too, schedule a separate day for the panoramic walkway there.
Getting to the main embarking points (AEP/EZE & IGU)
- Buenos Aires: Factor traffic; AEP is closer to central neighborhoods, EZE handles more long-haul.
- IGU arrivals: Airport taxis and prebooked transfers available; confirm cross-border permissions with the driver.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #4 — Self-Drive (Road Trip) / 🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfer (Door-to-Door)
Scenic Flexible Long distances
- Overview: Drive RN12/RN14 north via Entre Ríos/Misiones with overnights in Concordia/Posadas, or hire a driver for a direct push with breaks.
- How to book (with price): Rentals from ~ARS 35k–80k/day (compact) via Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire. Private quotes on GetTransfer.
- Pros: Total control; add wetlands (Iberá) or Jesuit Missions. Cons: Fatigue, tolls, and long hours—split the trip if driving yourself.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive / Private Car
- Pick up your car in Buenos Aires (airport or downtown) or request a private driver pickup via GetTransfer.
- Follow RN12/RN14 toward Posadas, then Puerto Iguazú; plan fuel/meal stops every 2–3 hours and consider an overnight in Posadas.
- Arrive in Puerto Iguazú; park at the hotel or the park lots (arrive early on peak days).
Getting to the main embarking points (BA pickup & RN12/RN14)
- Buenos Aires: Airport counters (AEP/EZE) have longer hours; downtown depots may close Sundays.
- Arrival: Puerto Iguazú has ample hotel parking; the park has paid parking near the entrance.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls)
How many days do I need for Iguazú?
Two full days is ideal: one for the Argentine side (multiple circuits + Devil’s Throat) and one for the Brazilian panoramic side (if you’ll cross the border).
Which Buenos Aires airport should I use?
Aeroparque (AEP) is most convenient to the center; Ezeiza (EZE) has more long-haul and some domestic options—choose what fits your schedule.
Is the bus comfortable?
Yes—pick cama or cama suite for wide reclining seats, blankets, and AC. Bring snacks and a light layer for overnight rides.
Do I need a visa to cross to Brazil?
Depends on your nationality. Check current entry rules before booking the IGU route or planning a Brazilian-side visit.
Can I visit both sides in one day?
It’s possible but rushed. Border time + transport makes it tight; consider splitting across two days for a better experience.
Where should I stay?
Puerto Iguazú town for restaurants and buses, or a lodge close to the park for early access. Compare options on Booking.com.