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The best way to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo – Expert Tips

Due to the proximity between the destinations, you have good transportation options to go 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 km away from Montevideo (check out the best tours in Montevideo), and you have 4 ways to make this journey: by plane, ferry, ferry + car or bus, and 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, discover other incredible destinations in Argentina and Uruguay.

1. How to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo by plane?

The image depicts a view from an airplane window looking out over a coastal urban landscape during daylight. Visible through the window are the plane's wing and engine, a broad park-like area with geometric walkways and trees, a packed marina, and a distant horizon where the sky meets the sea. The scene conveys the moment of either departure or approach over a cityscape.

This is the traditional way that travelers use to go from one country to another, but for traveling from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, it might not be the best option, as you will find other more interesting choices 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).

2. How to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo by ferry?

A passenger contemplating the view of the Río de la Plata from a ferry, showcasing a serene journey as the best way to get to Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento.

Traveling by ferry is an interesting and relaxing way to go, and it’s the main method for traveling from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. With this mode of transport, you can enjoy a direct journey while appreciating the beautiful landscapes of both countries.

Buquebus operates direct ferry services from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, and it takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete this route. The ferry can carry up to 1,000 passengers and 200 cars. An extra fee is required to bring a car across.

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?

A woman wearing a beanie and a windbreaker jacket, with a backpack on her back, walking down the corridor to board the Buquebus ferry.

For the journey 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: The Buquebus website sells its tickets in dollars, starting at USD 51. 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 UYU 1523 (USD 37), and on the Argentine site they start a AR$ 43,531 (USD 33).

BUS PRICE FROM COLONIA TO MONTEVIDEO IN 2024: Buses from Colonia del Sacramento are available starting at UYU 519 (USD 12). You can purchase tickets on websites such as COT, TURIL, and URUBUS, a site that sells tickets for both companies.

In addition to purchasing tickets directly from the company websites, you can also buy them through booking sites like Civitatis and Get Your Guide. Prices start at USD 82.50, which includes both ferry and bus tickets.

4. How to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo by bus or car?

Woman sitting on a bus bound for Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay.

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.

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:

  1. If you’re looking for a more relaxed trip, consider taking the direct ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. This ferry takes only about 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the destination. You can book your ferry to Montevideo through Civitatis or Get Your Guide. Also, check out our tips for the best hotels in Montevideo.
  2. If you’re interested in exploring more destinations, we recommend taking a ferry to Colonia del Sacramento first and then traveling to Montevideo by car or bus. Colonia del Sacramento is a charming city that’s well worth a visit (see our tips for the best hotels in Colonia del Sacramento). For those looking to save money, the best option is to complete the journey by bus.

Important tips for your trip from Buenos Aires to Montevideo

The image captures a bustling urban street scene in Buenos Aires from the perspective of a woman, seen from behind, who is taking a photograph of the street ahead. Notable landmarks such as the Obelisco de Buenos Aires are visible in the distance, framed by an array of street signs, vehicles, and pedestrians. The architecture lining the street reflects a mixture of modern and historical styles, contributing to the dynamic urban atmosphere.
  • 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 safe travel, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance for Uruguay. This will help cover any unforeseen events and ensure that your trip is worry-free.

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.

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