✈️ How to Get There
Getting to and around Uruguay
✈️ Flying to Uruguay
Main Airport
Carrasco International Airport (MVD) — Uruguay's only international airport, located 22km east of Montevideo city centre. Modern and manageable; immigration is typically fast. Most visitors fly in here.
Airlines flying to Montevideo (MVD):
- LATAM Airlines — largest network, connects to Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Lima, Santiago, Bogotá, Miami
- Copa Airlines — hub in Panama City, good connections from North America and Europe
- American Airlines — Miami hub, year-round service
- Iberia / Air Europa — from Madrid, seasonal and year-round options
- Aerolíneas Argentinas — Buenos Aires connections
- Gol / Azul — Brazilian connections via São Paulo and Rio
💡 Flying from Europe
There are no direct flights from Europe to Montevideo. Best connections are via Buenos Aires (EZE), São Paulo (GRU), Lima (LIM), or Miami (MIA). Madrid connections via Iberia or Air Europa are popular. Total journey time from Europe: 14–18 hours.
🏙️ From Carrasco Airport to Montevideo
Taxi / Remise (Recommended)
Official taxis and remises (private hire cars) are available at arrivals. Fixed rates to the city centre run approximately UYU 700–900 (USD 18–22). Journey time: 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Book through the official taxi desk inside the terminal — avoid informal offers outside.
Bus — Línea Roja (Budget)
COT and other bus companies run services from the airport to Montevideo's Tres Cruces bus terminal. Tickets cost around UYU 80–120 (USD 2). Journey time: 45–60 minutes. Departures are frequent during the day. Ask at the information desk inside arrivals.
Car Rental
All major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Europcar, Thrifty) have desks in the Carrasco arrivals hall. Renting at the airport is convenient and a good option if you plan to explore the interior or the coast. Roads in Uruguay are generally good quality and well-signposted.
⛴️ Ferry from Buenos Aires
The ferry crossing from Buenos Aires to Uruguay is one of South America's most scenic arrivals. Two routes operate year-round:
Buenos Aires → Colonia del Sacramento (1 hour)
Seacat/Buquebus fast ferry. Approximately 8–12 crossings daily in summer, fewer off-season. Tickets from USD 35 one-way. Book at least a few days ahead in summer — very popular with day-trippers. From Colonia, regular buses run to Montevideo (2.5 hours, UYU 400–500).
Buenos Aires → Montevideo (2.5–3 hours)
Buquebus operates overnight and daytime crossings direct to Montevideo's port. Tickets from USD 50 one-way. Comfortable ferries with seating, café, and duty-free. Slower but you arrive directly in Montevideo without a bus transfer.
💡 The Classic Route
Many visitors fly into Buenos Aires (EZE), spend a few days, then take the ferry to Colonia del Sacramento, explore Uruguay's coast, and fly home from Montevideo. This works very well as a 10–14 day South American trip.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Uruguay has one of South America's most open visa policies. Citizens of the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most Latin American countries can enter visa-free for tourism stays of up to 90 days.
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. No vaccination requirements for entry (check current health advisories before travel). An onward ticket may be requested at immigration.
Check current visa requirements →🚌 Getting Around Uruguay
Long-Distance Buses (Omnibus)
Uruguay has an excellent intercity bus network radiating from Montevideo's Tres Cruces terminal. Comfortable, punctual, air-conditioned coaches connect all major towns. Main operators: COT, Cynsa, EGA, ONDA, Rutas del Sol. Fares are inexpensive — Montevideo to Punta del Este: UYU 400–600 (USD 10–15, 2 hours). Buy tickets at the terminal or online.
Car Rental
Strongly recommended for exploring the interior, estancias, and quieter beaches. Driving in Uruguay is easy — roads are well-maintained, distances manageable, traffic light outside Montevideo. A valid driving licence from your home country is accepted. Minimum age: usually 21. Petrol stations are plentiful on main routes.
Taxis & Remises in Montevideo
Taxis are metered and reasonably priced. Remises (private cars booked by phone or app) offer fixed prices. The Cabify app works in Montevideo and provides reliable service. Uber does not operate in Uruguay.
Local Buses in Montevideo
STM card covers all local buses in Montevideo — available at kiosks near main stops. Single fare: UYU 37. The bus network is extensive but routes can be confusing. Google Maps gives accurate real-time directions for Montevideo buses.
🚗 Renting a Car
Car rental is the best way to see Uruguay beyond Montevideo and the coastal towns. Roads in the interior are quiet and mostly well-maintained. Distances are modest — even the Brazilian border is reachable in a long day's drive from Montevideo.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Speed limits: 45 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on routes, 110 km/h on highways
- Headlights are mandatory at all times on highways
- Seatbelts required for all passengers
- Blood alcohol limit: zero tolerance — do not drink and drive
- Toll roads (peajes) operate on main highways — have small notes or a card ready
- Gravel roads (caminos) are common in the interior — check tyre suitability