If you’re planning to travel between the South American capitals of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Montevideo, Uruguay, there are several options to consider. Whether you’re looking for the fastest route, the most scenic journey, or a budget-friendly option, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore all the ways to get between Buenos Aires and Montevideo, including ferries, buses, and flights, and help you decide which is best for you.
1. Direct Ferry: The Fastest Way to Montevideo
The quickest and most hassle-free way to travel from Buenos Aires to Montevideo is by taking the direct ferry. This option is ideal if you want to reach Montevideo quickly and avoid the complexities of bus or air travel.
Travel Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Ferry Operator: Buquebus, the sole operator for direct ferries, runs two trips daily between Buenos Aires and Montevideo. The ferry, named Francisco after Pope Francis, can accommodate up to 1,000 passengers and 200 vehicles, traveling at speeds of up to 100 km per hour (approximately 60 mph).
Why Choose the Direct Ferry?
- Speed: It’s the fastest way to get to Montevideo, cutting travel time to under three hours.
- Convenience: The ferry departs and arrives at central locations in both cities, eliminating the need for expensive airport transfers.
- Comfort: The Francisco offers a smooth ride with amenities for passengers, making it a comfortable and stress-free way to travel.
While Buquebus holds a monopoly on this route, its service is reliable and widely regarded as the most convenient option for travelers looking to get to Montevideo quickly.
2. The Cheaper Option: Ferry-Bus Combination
If you’re looking to save some money, the ferry-bus combination is a more budget-friendly alternative. This route involves taking a ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, a picturesque town in Uruguay, followed by a bus ride to Montevideo.
Travel Time: 4.5 to 5 hours
Ferry Operators: Buquebus and Colonia Express
Buquebus and Colonia Express both offer ferry rides from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, which takes about an hour. From there, you’ll board a bus to Montevideo, with the entire journey taking around five hours. Buquebus has a slight edge in terms of speed, as it owns the port, giving it preferential treatment, while Colonia Express tends to take a bit longer.
Colonia Express: A New Addition
Colonia Express introduced a new ferry in 2023, which offers outdoor seating—a refreshing way to enjoy the crossing between Buenos Aires and Colonia. If you enjoy the idea of being outside while traveling across the Río de la Plata, Colonia Express is a nice alternative.
Why Choose the Ferry-Bus Combo?
- Cost Savings: This option is cheaper than the direct ferry and flying.
- Scenic Stops: You can enjoy a brief stop in Colonia del Sacramento, a charming UNESCO Heritage city, if you’re up for a bit of sightseeing.
However, be aware that if you purchase a ticket from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, you won’t be able to stop in Colonia del Sacramento. To explore Colonia, you must buy a separate ticket specifically for that destination.
3. A Stop in Colonia del Sacramento: Combine Travel with Sightseeing
Colonia del Sacramento is a historic town on the Uruguayan side of the Río de la Plata, and it’s well worth a stop. Both Buquebus and Colonia Express offer ferry services to Colonia. However, as mentioned above, you must purchase a separate ticket to stop in Colonia, as tickets to Montevideo don’t allow for stopovers.
If you have time, consider spending an afternoon or longer exploring Colonia del Sacramento. Its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and relaxed atmosphere make it a great detour on your way to Montevideo.
Why Stop in Colonia del Sacramento?
- Historic Charm: Colonia’s well-preserved colonial architecture is a delight for history lovers.
- Relaxation: It’s a peaceful place to unwind before continuing your journey to Montevideo.
- Unique Sights: The town offers a distinct experience compared to the bustling cities of Buenos Aires and Montevideo.
4. Flying: Is It Worth It?
You may be wondering why anyone would take a ferry when flying seems like a faster option. While flying from Buenos Aires to Montevideo might seem appealing, there are several reasons why the ferry is often the better choice.
Why Take the Ferry Instead of Flying?
- Cost: Plane tickets are generally more expensive than ferry tickets, though this can vary. Additionally, airport transfers from Montevideo’s Carrasco International Airport can add around $40 USD to your travel expenses. Ferries arrive right in the city center, saving you time and money.
- Convenience: The port is located in downtown Montevideo, while the airport is 30-40 minutes away from the city center.
- Environmental Impact: Ferries are typically more eco-friendly than flights, especially for such a short distance.
- Weather Delays: Montevideo’s airport is often affected by fog during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, causing delays and cancellations. This is not a problem for ferries.
- Unique Views: Traveling by ferry gives you stunning views of both Buenos Aires and Montevideo as you approach each city.
If you still decide to fly, it’s important to check which airlines serve the route and ensure you’re choosing one with good customer reviews and reliable service.
5. Booking Your Ferry: Easy and Stress-Free
Thanks to online booking platforms like Direct Ferries, you can easily compare ferry options and book your trip from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. Direct Ferries is a UK-based ferry aggregator that allows you to book crossings worldwide, including ferries between Argentina and Uruguay. The platform is user-friendly and offers the convenience of comparing prices and schedules, helping you avoid the hassle of using local sites.
Tip: Direct Ferries may also offer promotional deals or discounts, so it’s worth checking the site before you book.
6. Travelling by Bus: Not Recommended
While traveling by bus is another option, we do not recommend it unless you’re coming from cities further north of Buenos Aires, such as Córdoba or Rosario. The bus route takes much longer because it needs to head north along the River Uruguay before turning east to Montevideo.
However, if you’re traveling from northern Argentina, long-distance buses (known as coche-cama) offer reclining seats similar to first-class airline seats, allowing you to sleep overnight. This can be a time- and money-saving option if you’re traveling from cities beyond Buenos Aires.
Why Not Take the Bus from Buenos Aires to Montevideo?
- Length of Trip: The bus journey is significantly longer than the ferry, making it less ideal for those traveling directly between the two capitals.
- Limited Comfort: While coche-cama buses are comfortable, they can’t match the convenience and speed of ferries or flights.
7. What’s the Best Way to Travel from Buenos Aires to Montevideo?
Now that we’ve explored all the options, here’s a quick summary to help you choose the best way to travel from Buenos Aires to Montevideo:
- Fastest Option: Take the direct ferry with Buquebus.
- Best for Sightseeing: Stop off in Colonia del Sacramento and buy separate ferry tickets.
- Cheapest Option: Choose the ferry-bus combination with Colonia Express or Buquebus for a more budget-friendly option.
Whichever method you choose, traveling between these two vibrant capitals is sure to be an enjoyable and memorable experience.