Posadas and Encarnación face each other across the Paraná river. The capital of Argentina’s Misiones province and the Paraguayan city are joined by the San Roque González de Santa Cruz international bridge, which carries both a road and a railway line. This is an urban crossing, city to city, so traffic varies a great deal from one day to the next. Operating hours and entry rules should be confirmed before you travel.
Why people cross
- Shopping. Depending on the exchange rate, the flow runs more towards Encarnación or more towards Posadas.
- River beaches. In summer the Encarnación waterfront draws many Argentine visitors.
- Carnival. Encarnación has a well-known carnival that fills the city on those dates.
- Sightseeing. The Jesuit missions of Trinidad and Jesús are near Encarnación.
- Flights. Posadas has an airport, also used by travellers continuing into Paraguay.
Ways to cross
- International train. A passenger service between the two cities has run over the bridge. Check whether it is operating on the day you travel.
- International bus. It links the two centres. Passengers get off for the controls.
- Your own car. The option most exposed to the queue on busy days.
- Taxi. Ask whether it crosses and whether waiting is included.
- Private transfer. One vehicle for your group, with room for suitcases or shopping. Whether the crossing is available, and on what conditions, is confirmed at booking. We do not promise a crossing time.
The order of the controls
- Exit from the country you are leaving: immigration and customs.
- The bridge.
- Entry to the country you are going to.
Each passenger shows their own valid travel document in good condition. With children, read the rules on authorisation first. Vehicle papers are the responsibility of whoever is driving. When you return with shopping, the customs limits of the country you return to apply.
When queues build up
There is no stable waiting time. Delays grow at weekends, on public holidays in either country, in January and February because of the beach season, during carnival, and whenever the exchange rate pushes shoppers to one side. The hour counts as well: the morning and the late-afternoon return are usually the busiest.
Where to confirm the details
Operating hours, the state of the crossing and the requirements for your nationality come from the national migration authority of Argentina and of Paraguay, or from the consulate of the country you are entering. Our guide to documents to enter Paraguay covers the general picture. For longer journeys, see transfers to Paraguay.