Uruguay : What means of transportation to get around?
Uruguay : Organize your stay
From the airport to the city centre Uruguay
The airport is 20 km from downtown Montevideo. It offers all the usual services of a modern airport.
Air France, Air Europa and Iberia offer direct flights from Paris and Madrid. American Airlines is the only airline to offer direct flights from the USA. Regular flights are operated from Chile (LATAM and Aerolineas Argentinas), Colombia (LATAM and COPA), Panama (COPA), Paraguay (Aerolineas Argentinas and Paranair) and Peru (Avianca). To get to Argentina, it's best to take the Buquebus or Colonia Express ferries, which are much faster. Both offer direct access to the city center and unique views of both cities.
Buses. Buses 700, 701, 704, 710, 724 and D10 are located right in front of the terminal and are the best way to get downtown. It will take you almost an hour to get to the center. Expect to pay between $36 and $72. You'll be asked to pay in cash.
Cabs. Cabs are also available in front of the terminal, right next to the bus stop. Expect to pay around $2,000. To reach an Uber driver, go outside from the2nd floor, as they are not allowed to go to the ground-floor exit. Expect to pay around $1,000.
Shuttles. Airport shuttles leave as soon as they have five passengers. The cost is $400 per person.
Arrival by train Uruguay
The Uruguayan railway system, which was established in the 19th century and reached its peak in the 1940s, unfortunately ceased to function in 1985 due to the decline in passenger numbers. Currently, the Uruguayan railway network is mainly used to transport goods such as rice, pulp and livestock for export to the port of Montevideo. There is also a tourist train service called "El Train de las Sierras", which offers guided tours in the department of Tacuarembó.
Arrival by boat Uruguay
Buquebus is a ferry company operating on the Río de la Plata, providing services between Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo, and vice versa. The ship, named Francisco (in honor of Pope Francis), can accommodate 1,000 passengers and 135 vehicles. With a top speed of 58 knots (107 km/h), it's the fastest ferry in the world! In addition to its speed, it is distinguished by its sustainability: powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), its sulfur dioxide emissions are reduced by 98%.
Several itineraries are offered, including a direct route to Colonia (1h15 travel time) and Montevideo (2h30), as well as a route combining a boat trip to Colonia followed by a bus trip to Montevideo's Tres Cruces terminal or other destinations such as Punta del Este or Piriápolis. The company offers 4 fares: Economy, Tourist, Business and First. Fares vary according to the day of the week and the season. Fares vary according to the day of the week and the season, and cost around US$50 for economy class, US$60 for tourist class, US$75 for business class and US$90 for first class.
Buquebus also offers day packages to discover Colonia from Buenos Aires, which include a round-trip ticket, guided tour, bicycle rental and travel assistance. Note that you can bring your own vehicle on your trip, but this will incur additional charges at your rental agency in Argentina. It's best to rent a car once you've arrived in Uruguay.
Colonia Express offers cheaper options for travel between Colonia and Buenos Aires. The company offers several daily departures with fixed timetables in both directions, and a one-way ticket costs around US$40.
The ferry terminal in Buenos Aires is located in the Puerto Madero district, at 821 Avenida Antártida Argentina. In Colonia, it's in the historic district, next to Playa Honda, on Calle Osvaldo Cartolano. In Montevideo, the terminal is located at 1825 Rambla 25 de Agosto, in the Ciudad Vieja. It is advisable to arrive at the terminal 2 hours before the scheduled boarding time to check-in. Check-in must be completed at least 20 minutes before the ship's departure time. The baggage limit is 20 kg per passenger. We recommend arriving early to take advantage of the best seats with the best views.
Public transport Uruguay
Montevideo's central bus station - Terminal Tres Cruces - is located at 1825 Bv. General Artigas. From here, buses leave for the country's main cities, as well as for Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.
To Argentina. Buses and ferries operated by Belgrano, EGA CAUVI, ENCON, Colonia Express and Buquebus. Daily departures, especially in the evening. To Buenos Aires, allow 8 hours for the bus and 4 hours 15 minutes for the ferry via Colonia.
To Brazil. To Porto Alegre, take EGA or TTL, departing daily around midday (approx. 12-hour journey). To Florianopolis, take a daily EGA bus (approx. 18 hours' travel time).
To Paraguay. One or two departures per week. EGA serves the capital Asunción; allow 20 hours travel time.
To Punta del Este. COT and Copsa buses. Daily departures.
To Colonia. COT and Turil buses. Daily departures.
Most destinations have regular bus schedules, so it's not essential to book in advance, except during vacation periods such as Christmas, New Year, Carnival week and Tourism week (Holy Week).
To get around Montevideo by public transport, you'll need to buy a bus pass from one of the Système de transport métropolitain (STM) service points. It's free, but you'll need to top it up with a minimum of $100 before you can use it. You can also pay for your bus ticket with cash, using small denominations such as $20, $50 or $100 bills. Timetables are available on the Como Ir and Moovit mobile applications .
Bike, scooters & co Uruguay
Montevideo offers a self-service bicycle service called "Movete en Bici", with more than 600 bicycles distributed in more than 60 stations in the city, with affordable rates and subscription flexibility for users. The system is easy to use with automatic kiosks and a mobile app to find available bikes and stations in real time, offering a convenient and sustainable option to explore the city. Check out the montevideo.gub.uy/mapa-montevideo-en-bici map to locate different bike routes.
With a driver Uruguay
It is possible to contact regular cabs by dialing 1771 (Radio Taxi Punta Gorda) or 141 (Radio Taxi Patronal). Fares in Uruguay are regulated by the government, which means that prices are uniform for all companies. The initial cost for a ride is approximately $44. This amount can increase depending on the distance and duration of the trip. Tipping is not mandatory, although it is usually appreciated. Driver booking apps such as Uber, Taxi Montevideo and Cabify allow users to book a ride from their smartphone.
By car Uruguay
Uruguay has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with main roads called "rutas nacionales" as well as secondary roads, commonly known as "caminos". Travelers can expect easy and pleasant driving on Uruguay's main roads, with a speed limit of 90 km/h on two-way roads and 110 km/h on highways. Foreign drivers must have their International Driving Permit and be at least 21 years old to drive in Uruguay. Speed limits are strictly enforced and fines for speeding are quite high. Be warned that the country is not kidding when it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol. In fact, Uruguay has a zero tolerance policy for drunk driving. If a driver is stopped by the police and tests positive for alcohol, his or her license will be immediately confiscated and a fine of US$500 will have to be paid. In addition, the driver will not be allowed to drive for the rest of his or her stay in Uruguay. If he wants to get his license back, he will have to go to the consulate of his country in Montevideo. Finally, it is crucial to bring enough fuel to cover long distances, as gas stations can be scarce in rural areas.
Tolls. There are a number of tolls along Uruguay's highways. The main roads connecting Montevideo to Colonia and Punta del Este, Ruta 1 and Ruta Interbalnearia (IB), are toll roads. Other main roads also have tolls, often located at departmental borders. The cost of tolls is relatively affordable, at about US$3. However, it is important to note that cash payments are not accepted and that electronic payment is the only way to pay tolls on the country's roads. In order to pass all tolls, it will be necessary to register your vehicle on the website Telepeaje.com.uy/paseturista, or via the mobile app Telepeaje Uy in order to obtain a tourist pass(Pase Turístico). When passing through a tollbooth, a license plate recognition system will identify you and let you pass without interruption. Then, once you arrive at your destination, you can proceed to pay your tolls online at telepeaje.com.uy/recargar.
Accessibility Uruguay
Accessibility for people with reduced mobility and strollers is not guaranteed on all buses, with only 20% equipped with ramps and dedicated spaces. Nevertheless, disabled people can travel free of charge and have a reserved seat on urban and interdepartmental transport. Renting a car may be a better option. Major car rental companies usually have vehicles that are suitable for people with limited mobility and families with strollers. Please check accessibility options with the agency before booking.
Tourist traps Uruguay
Informal parking attendants, better known as "cuidacoches" (in Spanish, "cuidar" means "to take care of" and "coches" means "cars"), will help you park on the street and watch over your vehicle while you are away. They will usually ask you for a ten peso tip when you return. It is best to pay this small tip to ensure that your car is well looked after and to avoid future trouble. Cuidacoches can be nice and helpful, but don't underestimate their potential for intimidation and extortion, or you may end up with a rather large bill!
