Uruguay, nestled between Argentina to the west and Brazil to the east, is often considered small by South American standards. However, don’t be fooled—distances in this part of the world can be vast. Whether you’re coming from Argentina, Brazil, or farther afield, there are a variety of transportation options to suit your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to get to Uruguay based on your starting point.
Traveling from Argentina
From Buenos Aires
One of the most popular routes to Uruguay is from Buenos Aires. There are several convenient options, depending on your preferences:
- Direct Ferry: You can take a ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, which takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. Alternatively, there’s a shorter ferry ride to Colonia (about 1 hour), and from there, you can take a bus to Montevideo in just over two hours. This route allows you to enjoy a stop in Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its charming, colonial-era architecture.
- Ferry from the Tigre Delta: A less well-known but scenic option is the daily ferry from the Tigre Delta in Buenos Aires to Carmelo, Uruguay. This route is managed by Línea Delta, now part of Buquebus, and offers a picturesque way to cross the river.
- Overnight Bus: For travelers coming from Córdoba or Rosario in Argentina, there are overnight buses several times a week that will take you directly to Montevideo.
- Flying: While flying from Buenos Aires to Montevideo takes only 40 minutes, it’s generally not recommended. The ferry option offers a more relaxing journey, and with check-in and boarding times, flying doesn’t save as much time as you might think. For a detailed comparison of travel options, check out my guide on why flying may not be the best choice.
Struggling with ferry websites?
If you’re having trouble finding ferry prices online, you’re not alone. Many travelers find the ferry websites challenging to navigate. To help you out, I’ve created a handy ferry price matrix that makes it easier to compare options and find the best deal.
Traveling from Brazil
If you’re coming from Brazil, flying is often the most convenient option.
- From São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro: Flights from these major Brazilian cities to Montevideo take around 2 hours and 45 minutes. It’s quick, efficient, and saves you from long overland journeys.
- From Porto Alegre: Porto Alegre, the Brazilian city closest to the Uruguayan border, is about a 10-hour bus ride to Montevideo. However, the price difference between flying and taking the bus is typically minimal, so I recommend opting for the 1-hour flight instead.
- Driving: While it might seem appealing to drive from Porto Alegre to Uruguay, I don’t recommend it. Most rental companies won’t allow you to cross international borders with their vehicles, and the route from Porto Alegre to Chuy, a border town in Uruguay, is not particularly scenic. It’s also a two-lane road frequently clogged with large trucks, making for a stressful drive.
Coming from Europe, North America, and Beyond
For travelers flying in from Europe, North America, or other international destinations, Montevideo’s Carrasco International Airport is the main gateway to Uruguay. I’ve written a detailed article on the airlines flying to Uruguay, covering both recommended and those to avoid.
Traveling from Iguazú Falls
The breathtaking Iguazú Falls, located at the border between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, is another popular destination from which many travelers head to Uruguay. However, there are no direct flights to Uruguay from Iguazú.
- By Bus: A 24-hour bus runs from Iguazú to Montevideo, offering a budget-friendly option.
- By Flight: You can fly to Montevideo via Buenos Aires (with Aerolineas Argentinas) or São Paulo (with TAM). With good connections, the total travel time will be around 6 hours. However, if you’re on vacation and want to relax, consider staying overnight in Buenos Aires to break up the trip.
Getting from Montevideo Airport to the City
Once you arrive at Carrasco International Airport, you’re just 15 miles (25 km) from Montevideo’s city center. A 30-40 minute taxi ride will get you into town, and traffic is rarely an issue. However, during rush hours or long weekends, it’s a good idea to allow for a little extra time.
To explore your options for getting from the airport to the city center, check out my detailed guide on transportation to and from Carrasco Airport.
Time Zone Differences
If you’re traveling around South America, be aware of the time zone differences. Since October 2015, there is no longer a time difference between Buenos Aires and Uruguay, making travel between the two even more seamless.
For More In-Depth Travel Tips
For more detailed advice on traveling through Uruguay and Montevideo, check out the Guru’Guay Guidebooks. Written by a long-term expat living in Uruguay, these guidebooks are packed with insider knowledge and local secrets. Unlike other guidebooks, they offer not just dry facts but also passionate insights into Uruguayan culture, making them perfect for travelers and expats alike.
Happy travels!