How to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo
Buenos Aires to Montevideo is an iconic Río de la Plata crossing. Your main choices are the high-speed ferry (fastest city-center to city-center), a money-saving ferry to Colonia del Sacramento plus bus to Montevideo, a short flight, or an overnight cross-border bus. Door-to-door private transfers and self-drive give extra flexibility. Pick your style below and follow the step-by-steps.
At A Glance (Buenos Aires to Montevideo)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ⛴️ High-Speed Ferry (Buenos Aires ↔ Montevideo) | ~2h15–3h on water (+ check-in/immigration) | Fast city-center to city-center |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$70–150 one-way (seasonal, class) » compare ferry tickets | ||
| ⛴️🚌 Ferry (BA→Colonia) + Coach to Montevideo | ~1h15–1h45 ferry + ~2.5h bus | More departures, often cheaper bundles |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$55–120 combined (bundle deals common) » check combos | ||
| ✈️ Flight (AEP/EZE → MVD) | ~55–60m in air (+ airport transfers) | When seas are rough or miles to burn |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$80–220 one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🚌 Direct Cross-Border Bus (Overnight) | ~8–10h (border + stops) | Budget, traveling late, no boats |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$35–70 one-way (seat/season) » curated options | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer / 🚘 Self-Drive via Bridges | ~8–9h (Gualeguaychú–Fray Bentos or Colón–Paysandú) | Door-to-door, multi-stop flexibility |
| 🏷️ Cost: Private ~US$300–600/vehicle » get quotes | Car ~US$45–90/day + fuel/tolls/insurance » compare rentals | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest & easiest: Direct high-speed ferry BA↔MVD with immigration at terminals.
- Best value & most departures: Ferry to Colonia + bus (bundles often cheaper than the direct ferry).
- When waves or schedules don’t align: Fly AEP/EZE→MVD.
- Cheapest without flying/boats: Overnight cross-border bus to MVD Tres Cruces Terminal.
- Door-to-door flexibility (families/groups): Private transfer or self-drive via international bridges.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Passports & immigration: Argentina↔Uruguay crossings require passport checks. Ferries do exit/entry at terminals; buses stop at the border post.
- Money & cards: Carry some pesos/Uruguayan pesos; cards are widely accepted. Check dynamic currency conversion prompts.
- Luggage: Travel light for ferries; ports have porters. If you need a stash before departure, try Radical Storage Buenos Aires.
- Local rides: Use Uber/Cabify in Buenos Aires and Uber in Montevideo for terminal/airport transfers; for fixed long rides compare GetTransfer.
- Staying over? Check well-located hotels near BA ferry terminal or MVD Old Town on Booking.com Buenos Aires and Booking.com Montevideo.
⛴️ Option #1 — Direct High-Speed Ferry (City-Center to City-Center)
Fast Scenic Popular (book ahead)
- Overview: Sail from Buenos Aires Puerto Madero ferry terminal to Montevideo port in ~2.5–3 hours. Check in early for passport control; enjoy café seating onboard.
- How to book (with price): Expect ~US$70–150 one-way depending on day/class. Compare times and classes on GetYourGuide. Official operators include Buquebus and Colonia Express (check schedules and promo fares on their sites).
- Pros: Downtown to downtown; easy border formalities. Cons: Peak dates sell out; seas can be choppy on windy days.
Step-by-step: Direct Ferry BA → Montevideo
- Get to the Buenos Aires Ferry Terminal (Puerto Madero) by Uber/Cabify or taxi; arrive 90–120 minutes early for check-in and immigration.
- Collect/scan your ticket, clear passport control (Argentina exit + Uruguay entry), then board your assigned ferry.
- On arrival at Montevideo Port, follow signs to customs exit; use Uber/taxi to your hotel in Ciudad Vieja/Centro/Punta Carretas.
- If you want door-to-door, compare private pickups on GetTransfer.
Getting to the main embarking points (BA Ferry Terminal & Montevideo Port)
- Buenos Aires side: Puerto Madero terminal is near central BA; allow time for traffic.
- Montevideo side: Port is by Ciudad Vieja—5–15 minutes to many hotels.
- Official ferry info: Check timetables/fares on operator websites (Buquebus / Colonia Express) for the BA↔MVD direct route.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
⛴️🚌 Option #2 — Ferry to Colonia del Sacramento + Bus to Montevideo (Often Best Value)
Budget-friendly More departures One change
- Overview: Fast ferry BA→Colonia (Uruguay) in ~1h15–1h45, then a comfortable coach to Montevideo (~2.5h). Many operators sell through-tickets.
- How to book (with price): From ~US$55–120 one-way. Compare ferry + bus bundles on GetYourGuide or check operator combo fares (Buquebus / Colonia Express).
- Pros: More time choices; often cheaper than the direct ferry. Cons: One connection in Colonia; slightly longer overall.
Step-by-step: BA → Colonia Ferry + Bus to Montevideo
- Head to Buenos Aires Ferry Terminal (Puerto Madero) and check in 90–120 minutes early for the BA→Colonia ferry.
- Arrive at Colonia del Sacramento, exit to the connected bus area (or operator counter) for the onward coach to Montevideo.
- Ride ~2.5 hours to Montevideo Tres Cruces Terminal; switch to Uber/taxi or local bus for your hotel.
- Optional: If you have time, store bags and take a quick walk in Colonia’s old town between connections.
Getting to the main embarking points (BA Ferry / Colonia Port / Tres Cruces)
- Colonia transfer: The bus connection is usually within/next to the ferry terminal area—follow “Montevideo” signs.
- Montevideo arrival: Tres Cruces is the main terminal/mall; well served by taxis and rideshares.
- Official ferry info: Check BA→Colonia timetables on operator sites; confirm your bus time is included in a through-ticket.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
✈️ Option #3 — Fly (AEP/EZE → MVD) (Fast in the Air)
Very fast airtime Frequent weekly Airport transfers
- Overview: Nonstop hops from BA’s Aeroparque (AEP) or Ezeiza (EZE) to Montevideo (MVD) take ~1 hour. Add time for airports on both ends.
- How to book (with price): From ~US$80–220 one-way depending on date/airline. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
- Pros: Fast; reliable in windy river conditions. Cons: Airport time/transfer costs can offset speed vs. ferry.
Step-by-step: Flight BA → Montevideo
- Choose the closer airport (AEP near city center; EZE farther) and book on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
- Reach AEP/EZE by Uber/Cabify or private car; check in and clear security/exit formalities.
- Land at MVD Carrasco; take Uber/taxi or a prebooked car to your hotel (30–45 minutes to central areas).
- If you prefer a fixed meet-and-greet, compare quotes on GetTransfer.
Getting to the main embarking points (AEP/EZE & MVD)
- BA airports: AEP is convenient for Palermo/Recoleta; EZE serves most long-haul and some regionals.
- MVD arrivals: Rideshares and taxis outside; ATMs and SIM shops in the terminal.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #4 — Direct Cross-Border Bus (Overnight, Budget)
Cheapest Sleeper-style seats Border stop
- Overview: Long-distance coaches run BA→Montevideo via international bridges (e.g., Gualeguaychú–Fray Bentos). Expect passport control at the frontier and an arrival at Tres Cruces terminal.
- How to book (with price): ~US$35–70 depending on seat class/date. See curated options on Trip.com activities or buy at BA terminals/agency counters a day ahead.
- Pros: Good value; runs even in rough river weather. Cons: Longest duration; overnight travel; border timing varies.
Step-by-step: Cross-Border Bus BA → Montevideo
- Go to your Buenos Aires bus terminal (e.g., Retiro) by Uber/Cabify or taxi; arrive 45–60 minutes early.
- Board your coach; keep passport handy. The bus stops at the Argentina–Uruguay border for exit/entry stamps.
- Arrive Montevideo Tres Cruces; continue by Uber/taxi/local bus to your accommodation.
- If you need to stash bags before hotel check-in, use Radical Storage Montevideo.
Getting to the main embarking points (BA Retiro / MVD Tres Cruces)
- BA Retiro: Connect via Subte/rail or rideshare; allow extra time at peak hours.
- Tres Cruces: Central terminal/mall with ATMs, food, and taxis outside.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfer (Door-to-Door, Most Comfortable)
Meet-and-greet Bags/kids friendly Costly vs. bus
- Overview: A driver picks you up in BA and drives via an international bridge to your address in Montevideo. Useful for groups or odd-hour arrivals.
- How to book (with price): From ~US$300–600 per vehicle depending on size/waiting time. Compare instant quotes on GetTransfer (Buenos Aires).
- Pros: No terminals; custom timing. Cons: Long road hours; border wait variability; higher cost.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer BA → Montevideo
- Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and group size on GetTransfer; confirm tolls and border wait policy.
- Meet your driver at your BA address; keep passports handy for the border.
- Cross into Uruguay; continue straight to your Montevideo lodging.
- Pay any extras (night hours/waiting) as agreed; tip at your discretion.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)
- Pickup: Any BA hotel/home/airport.
- Drop: Any Montevideo neighborhood (Ciudad Vieja, Centro, Pocitos, Carrasco).
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #6 — Self-Drive via Bridges (Road Trip Flex)
Flexible stops Scenic countryside Border & insurance
- Overview: Rent a car in BA and drive via Gualeguaychú–Fray Bentos (or Colón–Paysandú). Ensure cross-border permission, insurance (Carta Verde), and check bridge hours.
- How to book (with price): ~US$45–90/day for a compact plus one-way or cross-border fees. Compare agencies on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Door-to-door; detours to Colonia or coastal towns. Cons: Paperwork and long hours vs. ferry/flight.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive BA → Montevideo
- Book a car allowing international border crossing; collect Carta Verde insurance/documentation from the rental desk.
- Exit BA toward RN12/RN14 to Gualeguaychú; cross the General San Martín Bridge to Fray Bentos.
- Proceed on Ruta 2/1 to Montevideo; watch speed limits and toll booths.
- Return car per agreement; verify one-way drop-off hours in MVD.
Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & Bridges)
- Pickup/return: City or airport depots (longer hours at EZE/AEP and MVD).
- Border: Bridges operate daily; allow extra time on weekends/holidays.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Buenos Aires to Montevideo)
Ferry or flight — which is better?
Ferry is easiest city-center↔city-center with simple immigration; flight is fastest in the air but adds airport time on both ends.
Do I need to print tickets?
Most operators accept mobile QR/e-tickets, but bring ID/passport and allow extra time at terminals.
Is the sea crossing rough?
The Río de la Plata can be windy; if you’re motion-sensitive, pick a morning sailing or fly.
Where do buses arrive in Montevideo?
Tres Cruces Terminal (central). From there it’s 10–20 minutes by Uber/taxi to most neighborhoods.
Can I do a day trip?
Yes—take the earliest ferry and the last return, or ferry to Colonia for a Colonia-only day and back to BA (see combos on GetYourGuide).
Any luggage storage near the ports?
Use staffed locations via Radical Storage Buenos Aires and Radical Storage Montevideo if your check-in/out times don’t align.