The crossing between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay is often a bit daunting before experiencing it.
In reality, it’s quite simple… as long as you know what to expect.
We tested two options:
- the taxi,
- the bus.
Both work very well, but the price, the time, and the experience are not comparable.
Taxi: the fastest solution (and the most expensive)
Taxis are waiting for you directly at the bus station entrances and border areas.
You can try to negotiate, but for us, the quoted rate was quite clear.
- Price observed Brazil → Argentina : about 25 €
- Price Argentina → Paraguay : often double
This explains the price:
- the driver accompanies you for all formalities,
- he waits for you during the checks,
- you leave immediately, without connections.
It is clearly the fastest and most comfortable option.
As a bonus, drivers are often very nice and can drop you off exactly where you want in the city.
Preferable if:
- you are in a hurry,
- you are traveling with others,
- you have a lot of luggage.
Bus: cheaper, but much longer
The bus is the option most used by locals… and the cheapest.
- Price Argentina → Paraguay: about 5 €
You can buy your ticket in advance at the ticket office of the bus station.
Even in the off-season, it’s recommended: many locals make the round trip for shopping.
Why so many round trips?
Paraguay is known for its very low prices on electronics: phones, accessories, computing. Some products can cost up to half as much as in Argentina or Brazil.
The journey and border controls
Once on the bus, you take a border highway.
It can be very congested, especially due to the expansion work on border posts.
👉 Expect about 2 hours, sometimes more.
The journey is a bit particular:
- exit from Argentina,
- passing through Brazil,
- entry into Paraguay.
Controls:
- Exit from Argentina: computer registration + quick baggage check
- Entry into Paraguay: stamp on the passport
For French travelers, no visa is required for entry. The allowed duration is generally 90 days (always to be confirmed before departure).
Watch out for electronic equipment
If you travel with computer equipment (drone, computer, camera), be attentive.
When loading and unloading luggage, some porters may offer you:
- to “pass” your equipment,
- in exchange for a ticket.
The risk mentioned: the lack of an invoice, which can complicate inspections.
Our experience
They let our drone pass; we didn’t say anything about the computer.
In the end:
- the police seemed to be looking for something else,
- our bags were opened halfway,
- no issues for our equipment.
Quite a funny moment when the porters returned the drone to us, as if we had just smuggled it.
Local tip
The locals are very familiar with these practices.
Feel free to ask questions:
- at the train station counter,
- at your inn,
- or directly to the locals.
They know what’s going on, what’s blocking, and how to avoid unnecessary troubles.
Express FAQ
Got questions? We may have the answers!
Summaries
FAQ : vos questions
Taxi if you’re in a hurry. Bus if you want to save money.
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