Buenos Aires to Iguazu: the options
Iguazu Falls are in the far northeast of Argentina, a long way from Buenos Aires. There are three realistic ways to get there: a direct flight, a long-distance bus or an organized trip that includes the flight. The flight is the choice for most visitors, and the bus is for those with time and a tight budget.
The flight time is not your whole travel time. Add the transfer to the airport, check-in and the ride from the airport to your hotel. The bus times below are examples from the October 2026 timetable, not a guaranteed duration.
Flight, bus or tour compared
What each way involves.
| Way | Time | Arrives at | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct flight EZE to IGR | About 1 hour 55 minutes in the air | Iguazú airport, Argentine side | Flight time only, not door to door |
| Bus from Retiro | 17 hours 5 minutes to about 20 hours 55 minutes | Puerto Iguazú | Examples: Río Uruguay 17 h 5 min, Crucero del Norte 17 h 55 min, Via Tac about 20 h 55 min |
| Tour with flight | A day or more | Iguazú airport, then your hotel or the park | Check what the price covers |
For a trip of a few days, fly. A bus ride of 17 hours or more each way uses up a full day at both ends. Bus fares change, so check the price on the day you book.
Iguazu Falls tours from Buenos Aires
Day trips and multi-day trips from Buenos Aires with flights, plus tours that start at the Iguazu airports, with live prices and availability.
The airports: IGR and IGU
Two airports serve the falls, one in each country.
IGR, Argentine side
Cataratas del Iguazú airport is the one for direct flights from Buenos Aires. From the airport, taxi, remis, transfers and public transport can take you to Puerto Iguazú or the park. The park is reached by RN 12 and RN 101.
IGU, Brazilian side
Foz do Iguaçu airport is about 13 km (8 mi) from the city center on BR 469, at km 16.5. Bus line 120, Parque Nacional, stops at the edge of the terminal and runs to the park. Check the current fare and timetable at the terminal.
From Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo
Plan your flight to IGU if you want to stay on the Brazilian side, or to IGR for the Argentine side. Schedules change, so check the current flights with the airlines. Do not mix up the two airport codes when you book.
To the Argentine park
The park entrance is about 18 km from the Puerto Iguazú bus station. Bicycles must stay in the parking lot. The park is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, with the last entry at 4:00 pm.
Crossing the border between Argentina and Brazil
The border crossing between Puerto Iguazú and Foz do Iguaçu uses the Tancredo Neves International Bridge. The photo shows the Argentine border post at the bridge. Waiting times vary. Treat the crossing as part of the day and leave a generous margin, especially if you have a timed ticket for the Brazilian park.
You need your passport, not just an ID card. Each country has its own park, its own ticket and its own opening hours, so a visit to both sides is two separate visits. The Argentine side and the Brazilian side each take most of a day.
Entry rules by passport
Rules as of October 2026. Check your own government's advice before you travel.
| Passport | Argentina | Brazil |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Biometric or temporary passport, up to 90 days without a visa for tourism. Proof of valid travel health insurance is required. | Passport (not the ID card), valid for at least 6 months. Up to 90 days per 6 months without a visa for tourism. |
| United States | Up to 90 days without a visa. Passport valid on entry with at least one blank page. | Visa required since 10 April 2025. A short border crossing is not a visa-free exception. |
| Other countries | Check the entry rules for your nationality. | Check the entry rules for your nationality. |
Australian and Canadian citizens also need a Brazilian visa again. Rules change. Check separately what applies to children, dual citizens and rental cars, and confirm the details with the consulates before you book.
Plan the rest of your trip
Once you know how to get there, decide what to see.
Getting to Iguazu Falls: frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu?
About 1 hour 55 minutes on the direct route from Ezeiza (EZE) to Iguazú (IGR). That is flight time only, not the full trip from door to door.
How long does the bus take?
Examples from the October 2026 timetable run from 17 hours 5 minutes to about 20 hours 55 minutes from Retiro to Puerto Iguazú. The exact time depends on the operator and the day.
Which airport should I choose, IGR or IGU?
IGR is on the Argentine side and IGU on the Brazilian side. Choose the one closer to the side where you plan to stay, and check how you will get to your hotel from there.
How do I get from the airport to the falls?
At IGR, taxi, remis, transfers and public transport are options. At IGU, bus line 120 runs to the park. Check the current service before you travel.
Can I visit Iguazu Falls as a day trip from Buenos Aires?
Organized trips with flights exist, but they leave limited time at the park. An overnight stay gives you a calmer visit.
Do I need a visa to cross to the Brazilian side?
It depends on your passport. US citizens need a Brazilian visa, and German citizens need a passport valid for six months. Use the table above and confirm the details for your nationality.