Due to the proximity between the destinations, you will find good transportation options to travel from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Montevideo, Uruguay. In this text, we explain all transportation options with must-know tips and suggest the best way to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo.
Buenos Aires is 200 kilometers (124.27 miles) from Montevideo, and you will find 4 main ways to make this trip: by plane, ferry, ferry + car or bus, and by bus or car (land route). For the trip from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, you can choose to take the route gradually and, along the way, visit other incredible destinations in Argentina and Uruguay.
Discover the trip from Buenos Aires to Montevideo
The most straightforward way to travel from Buenos Aires to Montevideo is by ferry. The journey takes just 2 hours and 30 minutes, connecting the heart of one city to the other.
To visit more destinations, I recommend taking the ferry to Colonia del Sacramento and then either catching a bus or driving to Montevideo. This is also the most economical option.
The fastest way to make this journey is by plane, with a flight that lasts approximately 50 minutes.
It is possible to transport a car on the ferry to Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo.
1. How to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo by plane?
This is the traditional way travelers have used to go from one country to another, but when traveling from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, it may not be the best option, as you’ll find more interesting alternatives for the journey.
Aerolíneas Argentinas and JetSmart are the airlines that operate direct flights from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, departing from Jorge Newbery Airport. The flight takes an average of 50 minutes to reach the destination, but remember to book your ticket in advance to ensure the best prices.
UPDATED PRICES IN 2024: According to a quote from the Aerolíneas Argentinas and JetSmart websites, the one-way ticket from Buenos Aires to Montevideo can be purchased starting at AR$ 65,611 (USD 62).
See also: The best tours in Montevideo (prices and tickets).
2. How to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo by ferry?
The primary means of transportation from Buenos Aires to Montevideo is the ferry, which is an intriguing and leisurely mode of transportation. By using this method of transportation, you can travel directly and take in the stunning scenery of both countries.
The company that operates direct ferry trips from Buenos Aires to Montevideo is Buquebus, and it takes an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes. The ferry can carry up to 1,000 passengers and 200 cars. To cross with a car, an additional fee is required.
FERRY PRICES: Ferry tickets from Buenos Aires to Montevideo can be purchased starting at USD 75, available on the Buquebus website (the site sells tickets only in dollars).
3. How to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo by ferry + bus or car?
For the trip from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, it’s also possible to take a ferry to Colonia del Sacramento and then choose between a bus or a car to finish the trip. We find this option quite appealing, as it allows you to explore another incredible destination in Uruguay.
The companies that make the journey from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento are:
We have traveled with both Buquebus and Colonia Express and had the same experience with each company. Therefore, you can opt for the cheaper one, but always pay attention to the service when deciding on a more economical fare.
From Colonia del Sacramento, you can finish your journey by car, renting one in the city to drop off in Montevideo, or by bus, the cheaper option.
Both Buquebus and Colonia Express offer a fare that includes a bus to Montevideo. So, upon arriving at the Port of Colonia del Sacramento, you can directly board a bus headed to your destination. If you intend to explore the city, I recommend buying the bus ticket separately from the ferry. This way, you can stay in Colonia del Sacramento for as many days as you wish.
FERRY PRICES TO COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO: The Buquebus website sells its tickets in dollars, starting at USD 50. On the other hand, the Colonia Express website allows you to purchase tickets in Argentine pesos on the Argentine site or in Uruguayan pesos on the Uruguayan site. Tickets on the Uruguayan site start at USD 55, and on the Argentine site they start at USD 50. On the Direct Ferries website, you can find tickets starting at USD 50.00 and compare prices from both companies.
BUS PRICE FROM COLONIA TO MONTEVIDEO IN 2024: The bus ticket can be purchased starting at UYU 519 (USD 12,48). You can buy the ticket on the COT, TURIL, and URUBUS websites (a site that sells tickets for both companies).
In addition to buying tickets directly on the companies’ websites, you can also purchase them through booking sites like Direct Ferries, Civitatis and Get Your Guide, which offer tickets starting at USD 50,00, including both ferry and bus tickets.
4. How to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo by bus or car?
Traveling from Buenos Aires to Montevideo by land, either by bus or car, is also a feasible option. However, this is not the most attractive route to Uruguay, as the journey takes about 8 hours on average, and the bus does not make any stops.
The companies operating this route include El Cóndor, Pullman, Cauvi, and B. Carrera, and you can buy tickets directly at their agencies located in the Retiro Bus Terminal.
This route is a good idea for those who want to explore other cities in Argentina before heading to Uruguay, such as Rosario and Córdoba. To do this, you should buy a ticket to these cities first and then another one to Montevideo.
If you choose to drive to Montevideo, the best option is to take the car on the ferry. On both routes, you can cross with the car by paying an additional fee. And the best part is that you will already have your own means of transportation at the destination.
What’s the best way to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo?
We consider two ways to be the most interesting to make this journey, but the best way to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo will depend on your travel style:
- If you want a more relaxed trip, choose to take the direct ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. On this route, the ferry takes only 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the destination. Book your ferry to Montevideo.
- If you want to explore more destinations, we recommend taking a ferry to Colonia del Sacramento and then going to Montevideo by car or bus. Colonia del Sacramento is a charming city well worth visiting. For those looking to save money, the best option is to finish the journey by bus. Book your ferry to Colonia del Sacramento.
See also: The best things to do in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Important tips for your trip from Buenos Aires to Montevideo
- When purchasing your ferry ticket on the Buquebus website, remember that the company sells tickets exclusively in dollars.
- The ferry route between Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento is very popular among tourists, as many choose to make it a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento. Therefore, it’s wise to buy your ticket in advance.
- The operations center for both Buquebus and Colonia Express, where you can also purchase tickets to Montevideo, is located in Puerto Madero. The Buquebus terminal is at Avenida Antártida 821, while the Colonia Express terminal is at Av. Elvira Rawson de Dellepiane, 155.
- For a safe trip, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance for Uruguay. It will help cover any unforeseen events and ensure your trip is worry-free. Be sure to check out all our tips on where to stay in Montevideo.
Did you like our tips on how to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo? Then check out where to stay in Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Plan your trip to Uruguay—Hotels, Car Rentals & Tours
Organizing your trip to Uruguay? Here’s our go-to travel toolkit, with hotels, car rentals, and tours we personally use and recommend. It’s everything you need for a smooth, stress-free adventure.
Book your hotel in Uruguay in advance
We always use Booking or Hotels.com for our trips; they offer the best rates, secure bookings, and often include free cancellation. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or with family, you’ll find the perfect hotel in Uruguay. Our top picks:
- The Grand Hotel (Punta del Este)
- Charco Hotel (Colonia del Sacramento)
- Leading Hotels of the World (Montevideo)
Check availability and prices now.
Travel Insurance for Uruguay: A Must-Have for a Stress-Free Trip
If you’re planning a trip to Uruguay, keep in mind that travel insurance is indispensable. But it’s not just about meeting a requirement; it’s your safety net for unexpected situations like illness, accidents, lost luggage, or even trip cancellations. Our top recommendation for reliable travel insurance is World Nomads.
Want More Freedom? Rent a Car in Uruguay
Uruguay is the perfect country to explore on your own terms. If you’re planning to visit more than one destination and want maximum comfort and flexibility, renting a car is the smartest move. We recommend two trusted platforms: Discover Cars and Rental Cars. Both offer a wide selection of vehicles, competitive prices, and free cancellation on most bookings.
Book your car rental now and start your unforgettable road trip through Uruguay with total peace of mind.
Book your tours and experiences
Planning your tours in advance can save you a lot of time during your trip. Imagine being able to book all your activities directly from the comfort of your home and even pay with your credit card. The companies we use and recommend for booking tours and buying tickets are Viator, Civitatis, and Get Your Guide.
*By booking through our links, you won’t pay anything extra—and you’ll be supporting our work in creating exclusive travel tips. Safe travels, and see you on the next adventure!
