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How to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo
The usual way from Buenos Aires to Montevideo is a ferry across the Río de la Plata: a direct fast ferry takes about 2 h 15 to 3 h, or a shorter crossing to Colonia del Sacramento (about 1 h 15) plus a bus of about 2 h 30. Flights take about 45 minutes in the air; the overland bus takes about 8 h.
Best option: Ferry. Ferries leave from central Buenos Aires and arrive in central Montevideo or Colonia, avoiding airport transfers and the long road around the river.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ferry Buquebus direct ferry from Buenos Aires port to Montevideo | about 2 h 15 to 3 h | a few a day | varies widely; often about US$60–120 one way | Immigration for both countries is done at the Buenos Aires terminal. |
| ferry Ferry to Colonia del Sacramento (Buquebus, Colonia Express and others), then a connecting bus to Montevideo | about 1 h 15 ferry plus about 2 h 30 bus | several crossings a day | often cheaper than the direct ferry, especially in combined tickets | Combined ferry-and-bus tickets are sold; Colonia's old town is worth a stop. |
| flight Flights from Aeroparque (Buenos Aires) to Carrasco (Montevideo) | about 45 min in the air | several a day | varies | Door-to-door time is similar to the direct ferry once airports are included. |
| bus Overnight overland buses via the Gualeguaychú–Fray Bentos bridge | about 8 h | a few a day | usually cheapest | Long, but avoids the ferry; border controls on the bridge. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Prices for the ferries vary greatly by date; compare direct and Colonia options.
- Arrive at the ferry terminal at least 1 h early for check-in and immigration.
- Carry your passport; you exit Argentina and enter Uruguay at the port.
- Uruguay uses the Uruguayan peso; cards are widely accepted.
Common questions
What is the fastest way from Buenos Aires to Montevideo?
Door to door, the direct fast ferry and a flight are similar, each about three to four hours once check-in and transfers are included. The ferry leaves from Puerto Madero near the centre and arrives at Montevideo's port, so it avoids airport transfers. Flights go from Aeroparque to Carrasco.
Can I do Montevideo as a day trip from Buenos Aires?
It is possible on an early direct ferry and a late return, but with check-in that leaves only about six hours in the city. Colonia del Sacramento, an hour or so away by ferry, is the more common day trip. For Montevideo, one night is better.
What is the cheapest way?
Usually the overland bus via Fray Bentos, which takes about eight hours. The ferry via Colonia with a connecting bus is often cheaper than the direct ferry, especially with a combined ticket booked ahead. Ferry and flight prices vary widely by date and season.
Do I need to book ahead?
Yes in summer (December to February) and on long weekends, when ferries fill up and prices rise. Book online a week or more ahead for better fares. Outside peak periods you can often buy a few days before, but walk-up tickets on the day are usually expensive.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.