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How to Get to Foz Do Iguacu

How to Get to Foz Do Iguacu

Foz Do Iguacu The South, Brazil Travel Guide

Air Travel

Regional Air Hubs

This is the main airport serving the city and the surrounding tri-border region.

Airport Information

  • Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU): About 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the city center.
  • Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport (IGR), Argentina: Near Puerto Iguazú, Argentina; serves the Argentinian side of the falls.
  • Guaraní International Airport (AGT), Paraguay: Near Ciudad del Este, less common for tourist arrivals.

Flight Options

Direct flights from major global hubs directly to Foz do Iguaçu are rare.

Connecting Flights

  • Brazilian Domestic Airlines: LATAM Airlines, GOL Linhas Aéreas, Azul Linhas Aéreas.
  • Typical Route: Fly from your global hub to a major Brazilian international airport (São Paulo GRU or Rio de Janeiro GIG), then a connecting domestic flight to IGU.
  • Book domestic flights in Brazil in advance for better rates. Dollar Flight Club for deals.

Seasonal Flights

High Season (Dec-Feb, Jul, Easter): Highest prices, frequent flights. Shoulder Season: Reasonable prices. Low Season: Best deals.

Airport Facilities

IGU is a modern, single-terminal airport. Offers ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, cafes, car rental agencies, and Wi-Fi. Generally accessible.

Airport Transfers

From IGU: Public Bus (Line 120 - cost-effective), Taxis, Ride-Sharing apps (Uber, 99), Hotel Shuttles, Private Transfers.

Cross-Border Considerations

IGU Airport Transfers

  • Public Bus (Line 120): Most cost-effective; links airport, Falls, and city.
  • Taxis: Faster and more direct. Confirm fare before starting.
  • Ride-sharing (Uber, 99): Competitive rates; request via the app.
  • Hotel Shuttles: Inquire with your accommodation for pre-arranged services.

IGR Airport Argentina Transfers

  • International Buses: Regular buses connect IGR airport to Puerto Iguazú and then across the border to Foz do Iguaçu.
  • Taxis/Private Transfers: A common and convenient way to cross the border directly. Confirm the driver waits at immigration.
  • Stop at both Argentinian and Brazilian immigration checkpoints for passport stamps.
  • Failure to stop for immigration can lead to issues upon re-entry or future visits.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Buses

The Terminal Rodoviário Internacional de Foz do Iguaçu connects to major cities across Brazil. Companies include Catarinense, Expresso Kaiowa, Pluma. DiscoverCars.com for car rental options.

Self-Driving

Requires a valid driver's license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Major companies operate at IGU. Cross-border driving requires rental company permission and fees.

Road Conditions

Main roads leading to Foz do Iguaçu (e.g., BR-277) are generally well-maintained. Roads within the city are also good. Brazil has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving.

Border Crossing Specifics

Brazil-Argentina Border

The Tancredo Neves Bridge connects Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) with Puerto Iguazú (Argentina).

Procedure

  • All foreign nationals must stop at both Brazilian and Argentinian immigration checkpoints for passport stamps.
  • Buses traveling between the two cities will stop at these checkpoints.
  • Taxis/ride-sharing vehicles should also stop for these formalities.

Brazil-Paraguay Border

The Friendship Bridge (Ponte da Amizade) connects Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) with Ciudad del Este (Paraguay).

Procedure

  • This border is notably busy with cross-border commerce.
  • For short day trips, immigration procedures for tourists are often more relaxed.
  • Advisable for all foreign nationals to officially enter and exit Paraguay by getting passports stamped to avoid future issues.

Sea/River Arrivals

Foz do Iguaçu is an inland city, so direct sea arrivals do not apply. River transportation mainly serves local use or specific tours.

River Transportation Options

  • Scenic Boat Tours: Available on the Iguaçu River below the falls (Macuco Safari) and on the Paraná River. These are recreational tours.
  • Itaipu Dam Boat Tour: A specific boat tour exists on the Itaipu Lake, providing views of the dam from the water. This is a guided tour, not public transport.
  • Connections to Land Transportation: Any river-based activities or tours connect directly to land transportation at their embarkation points.

Ferry Services and Cruise Ports

  • No Ocean Cruise Ports: Foz do Iguaçu, being inland, has no ocean cruise ports or ferry services from coastal cities.
  • Local River Ferries: Very localized, informal ferry services may exist for residents crossing rivers, but these are not for general tourist transportation.
  • Immigration Procedures at Seaports: Not applicable, as Foz do Iguaçu is not a seaport.

Departure Information

  • Exit Fees or Taxes: No specific exit fees or taxes for tourists departing Brazil by air or land. Visa application fees are separate.
  • Airport Departure (IGU): Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flight, 3 hours for international.
  • Bus Terminal Departure: Arrive at least 30-60 minutes before scheduled long-distance bus departure.
  • Border Crossing Timing: Factor in considerable time for border crossings. Lines at immigration can be unpredictable.
  • Immigration Form: Present your passport and the stamped immigration form upon departure.
  • Airport/Station Facilities: IGU offers check-in, baggage drop, security, duty-free, cafes, Wi-Fi. Bus terminal has ticket counters, waiting areas, food stalls.
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