A picture of Iguazú Falls showing expansive waterfalls cascading down in a powerful display of nature's force.

How To Get From Buenos Aires To Iguazu Falls: Ultimate Guide

ByMaria Dol

Planning a trip to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires? You’ve got options! Whether you’re looking for the quickest route or the most budget-friendly way to get there, this guide will break it all down for you. In this post, I’ll cover How to Get from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls: Flights, Buses & Tours, so that you can choose the best travel method for your adventure.

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Let’s dive in and get you on your way to one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders.

Below you can find useful resources for planning your trip to Iguazu Falls. These are brands and services I trust and use myself. Click on the links to check them out.

Book your accommodation at the lowest cost at booking or hotels. Click on the links and book at the best price.

Compare the prices for your flights on skyscanner, although I recommend booking directly with the airline of your choice for better customer service.

Find the best tours and activities on viator and getyourguide. Some of them fill up quickly, so click on the links and secure your spot now.

Avoid paying high roaming charges. Stay connected with an eSIM from airalo.

No matter where you go: Never travel without travel health insurance.

Everything else that you might need to plan your trip to Iguazu Falls, you will find on my page of Travel resources.

Best Ways to Get To Iguazu Falls From Buenos Aires

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The most popular ways to travel to Iguazu Falls from Buenos are:

Flights to Puerto Iguazu. This is the quickest and most convenient option, with multiple daily flights from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú (the nearest airport to the falls). The flight takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Taking the bus from Buenos Aires is not necessarily a more budget-friendly option, and it takes significantly longer. The bus ride from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú takes around 18 to 20 hours. Buses are usually comfortable and often have reclining seats, making it a viable choice for overnight travel.

Renting a car and driving is a good option if you prefer a road trip, though it’s a long journey. The trip from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls will take you around 15 to 20 hours, depending on stops. 

Taking a guided tour is another popular way to get from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls, especially if you prefer a more organized and stress-free experience. A guided tour is a great option if you want everything taken care of and prefer to travel with a group or a private guide.

Each method has its pros and cons, so the best choice depends on your budget, time, and travel preferences.

Flying from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls

The view from an airplane window overlooking a dense, lush jungle canopy. The picture is taken while the plane from Buenos Aires approaches Iguazu Falls Airport.
The jungle from the plane window before a visit to Iguazu Falls

Flying is quick and easy. The flight from Buenos Aires takes less than two hours, so I consider it to be the best option.

Aerolineas Argentinas airline, FlyBondi, and JetSmart operate several daily domestic flights to the town of Puerto Iguazu and back. They fly to and from both Buenos Aires airports: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP).

Airfares are affordable, especially if you choose one of the low-cost carriers. Booking well in advance doesn’t necessarily guarantee the cheapest airfare.

Read also: Domestic Flights In Argentina: How To Choose And Why

When booking a flight, pay attention to which airport you are flying from and to.

AEP airport is closer to the tourists’ favorite area where you will most probably choose to stay.

Read also: Where To Stay In Buenos Aires: Best Neighborhoods Guide

TIP: Puerto Iguazu airport is located in the middle of the jungle, within the Iguazu National Park. Book a window seat for a great view when landing.

Getting From Puerto Iguazu Airport to the city of Puerto Iguazu

The photograph displays a scenic view from the hotel room in Puerto Iguazu, showcasing a serene river flanked by lush greenery. A prominent bridge with distinctive yellow triangular structures spans the river in the distance. On the right, a large Ferris wheel creates a focal point against the clear sky. In the foreground, a swimming pool with azure water provides a leisurely contrast to the natural scene.
View from my room at O2 Iguazu Hotel

There is a bus service between Puerto Iguazu Airport (IGR) and the city of Puerto Iguazu. It is operated by Rio Uruguay. It is relatively cheap and the travel time is around 30 minutes.

Taking a taxi is a good option too, especially if you have lots of luggage. If you are traveling in a group of at least three people it might be cheaper than the bus. And way more comfortable as you won’t need to wait for the bus.

We preferred the taxi though it was only two of us. It was quick, comfortable, and inexpensive. I like to chat with the locals, so the stories shared by our driver were a valuable bonus.

Uber is not available in Puerto Iguazu.

Traveling from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls by Bus

The image depicts a scenic view from a metal walkway over a turbulent section of the Iguazu River, with the walkway railing painted in green.
Walkway on the Brazil side of Iguazu Falls

You might think that taking the bus from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls will be more budget-friendly.

This is not the case with the intercity buses within Argentina. Buses tend to be comfortable and clean, although they are not necessarily cheaper than domestic flights.

At the time of writing, a one-way bus ticket from Rio Uruguay or Expreso Singer Carrier costs between ARS 68700 and ARS 76100, depending on the type of seat. Fly Bondi offers one-way flight tickets from ARS 25 000. 

I am not converting ARS to USD as it depends on which exchange rate you convert your money. It is crucial to know the different exchange rates of ARS to USD and EUR to get the most of your money in Argentina.

Other long-distance bus companies you might want to check out are Rio Uruguay, Crucero del Norte, Via Bariloche, and Via Tac. Look at their timetables and prices all in one place and buy your bus tickets at busbud.com.

The bus travel time is about 18 hours. The bus from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls leaves from Retiro Bus Terminal. Buses have two types of seats semi-cama (half bed) and cama (bed). They are comparable to business class seats in an airplane. Anyway, I didn’t want to spend so many hours on a bus, so I opted for the plane.

This is an overnight service, so if you’re on a tight budget and want to save on one night’s accommodation cost, take a bus that leaves in the evening.

Getting From Puerto Iguazu Bus Station To Iguazu Falls

The Rio Uruguay buses offer regular departures from the bus station in Puerto Iguazú to both the Argentine side and the Brazilian side of the falls.  The Buses run every 20 minutes. There is no need to book in advance. Just go to the bus station, buy your ticket, and hop on the next bus to Iguazu National Park.

Guided Tour And Day Trip to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires

Independent travel to Puerto Iguazu is pretty easy. Anyway, if you want everything taken care of a guided tour is a great option.

Though it is possible to go from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls and back to Buenos Aires for a day, I wouldn’t advise you to do so. Plan to stay in Puerto Iguazu for at least one or, even better, two nights to fully appreciate the Iguazu Falls from both sides. 

However, if you’re short on time and a day trip is the only way to go to Iguazu Falls, here is the best day trip from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu you can book.

Private Tours: For a more personalized experience, private tours include flights, private transport, and a dedicated guide. Multi-day package tours that include flights, accommodation, and guided visits to both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of Iguazu Falls. Tours take care of all the logistics, including airport transfers, entrance fees, and even some meals. Here are the best of the best:

Best Time to Visit Iguazu Falls

A panoramic view of Iguazú Falls surrounded by lush greenery under a clear blue sky. Multiple cascades of water plummet over the cliff edges, creating a dramatic and powerful natural spectacle.
Iguazu Falls is hundreds of falls

Iguazu Falls is a year-round destination, but the timing of your visit can impact your experience. December, January, and late July are peak seasons due to school holidays, making the park crowded with limited accommodation options. The weather is rainy and humid, with high water levels, which might lead to some trail closures.

For a more comfortable visit, consider the shoulder seasons: March to June and August to October. During these months, you’ll find fewer crowds, plenty of sunshine, and manageable humidity. While August and September are cooler, water levels are lower, and the falls may not be as impressive.

Tip: Be prepared for a humid climate and pack accordingly.

Read also: Visiting Iguazu Falls in Argentina And Brazil: The Ultimate Guide

Conclusion

Getting from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls is straightforward, with options to suit every travel style and budget. Whether you choose to fly for speed, take a bus for savings on one-night accommodation, or join a guided tour for convenience, there’s a way to make your trip easy and enjoyable. Now that you know the options, it’s time to plan your journey and get ready to experience the breathtaking beauty of Iguazu Falls. Safe travels!

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