How to get from Montevideo Carrasco Airport to Ciudad Vieja

Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Urban & Cultural · Uruguay · Ciudad Vieja · Montevideo · Montevideo Carrasco Airport

Montevideo’s Carrasco International Airport (MVD) sits east of the capital; Ciudad Vieja (the Old Town) is on the western edge of Centro by the port—so the simplest plan is a direct taxi/ride-hail, while buses work best if you’re traveling light and arriving in daytime.

At A Glance (Montevideo Carrasco Airport to Ciudad Vieja)

Mode Duration Best For
🚕 Official Airport Taxi (MVD → Ciudad Vieja) ~30–45m (traffic-dependent) Most travelers, simplest door-to-door
🏷️ Cost: Often ~UYU 1,200–2,200+ (night/traffic may increase) » official fare table | fixed pickup alternative
📱 Ride-hailing (Uber / Cabify) ~30–55m (pickup + traffic) In-app estimate, card payments
🏷️ Cost: Often ~UYU 900–2,000+ (surge possible) » MVD pickup instructions | Cabify fares info
🚌 Airport Bus (COPSA / COT / CUTCSA) + short connection ~60–90m total (waiting + ride + connection) Lowest cost, daytime & light luggage
🏷️ Cost: Budget-friendly (pay onboard/terminal; fares vary by operator) » airport bus operators | city bus schedules
🚐 Private Transfer (meet & greet) ~35–60m door-to-door Families, late arrivals, lots of luggage
🏷️ Cost: Commonly ~US$35–80+ per vehicle » pre-book airport pickup | compare private drivers
🚐 Shuttle Van (airport shop, fixed-price product) ~40–75m (routing & stops) Groups, simple booking, set product
🏷️ Cost: Example product priced in USD » airport shuttle product
🚗 Car Rental (self-drive) ~35–55m drive (+ pickup time) Road trips beyond Montevideo
🏷️ Cost: Varies widely by season/vehicle » compare car rentals | stays in Ciudad Vieja
🧳 Luggage Storage (add-on, not transport) 5–15m detour (drop-off/pick-up) Exploring Ciudad Vieja hands-free
🏷️ Cost: From ~US$5/bag/day » find storage points
🚲 Bike Rental (add-on for exploring the Old Town & Rambla) Pick-up time + ride at your pace Sightseeing after you arrive
🏷️ Cost: From a few €/day depending on provider » compare bike rentals | alt. bike rental listing
🗺️ Guided Tour in Ciudad Vieja (optional) ~2–4h (tour-dependent) First-time visitors, quick orientation
🏷️ Cost: Varies by tour » browse Ciudad Vieja tours | alt. activities

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Use official airport guidance first: Carrasco Airport lists where to catch buses and how airport taxis/shuttles work.
  • Know your exact destination in Ciudad Vieja: It’s a neighborhood—share a hotel name/address or a landmark like Plaza Matriz, Mercado del Puerto, or Teatro Solís so the driver doesn’t drop you at the “wrong end” of the Old Town.
  • If you choose official airport taxis: Check the airport’s official taxi provider and (if helpful) their published fare table so you have a reality check before you ride.
  • Ride-hailing at MVD: Follow the provider’s pickup rules; Uber publishes a dedicated MVD pickup guide.
  • Public transit strategy: The airport bus gets you into the city; then use the official Montevideo bus tools for schedules and fares to finish to Ciudad Vieja.
  • Cash helps: Have some small UYU bills for buses or tips; cards work widely in Montevideo but not everywhere at the curb.
  • Late-night arrivals: Prefer pre-booked transfer or official taxi; avoid long waits outside with valuables visible.
  • Need a place to stay? Compare hotels inside the Old Town on Booking.com (Ciudad Vieja).
  • Exploring before check-in: Drop bags with Radical Storage in Montevideo and wander the Old Town hands-free.
  • Planning onward trips: After you reach the city, the main hub is Tres Cruces; you can compare popular intercity routes on 12Go (Tres Cruces).
  • Flights planning: If you’re still booking your arrival, search routes to Montevideo on Booking.com Flights or browse deals on Trip.com.

🚕 Option #1 — Official Airport Taxi (Most Convenient, Reliable)

Door-to-door Official provider Higher cost

  • Overview: Take the official airport taxi from Arrivals directly to your address in Ciudad Vieja (Old Town). This is the simplest option after a long flight.
  • How to book (with price): Follow signs to the official taxi office/rank in the Arrivals area. Ballpark fares to central areas are commonly in the UYU 1,200–2,200+ range (timing and destination matter). The official provider publishes a fare table.
  • Pros: No app needed, direct, reliable. Cons: Usually costs more than buses; night/traffic can increase totals.
  • Tip: Ask for the fare to your specific landmark (e.g., Mercado del Puerto) before you depart if you’re uncertain.

Step-by-step: Official Airport Taxi

  1. Exit Arrivals and look for the official taxi office and signed taxi queue.
  2. Tell staff/driver your exact destination in Ciudad Vieja (hotel name or landmark).
  3. Confirm the fare basis (fixed table vs. meter) and any surcharges (night/extra stops).
  4. Ride to Ciudad Vieja; request drop-off right at your door if streets are open (some streets are pedestrian-priority at certain times).

Getting to the main embarking points (Official taxi office / rank)

📱 Option #2 — Ride-hailing (Uber / Cabify)

Upfront estimate Cashless possible Surge & pickup rules

  • Overview: Use Uber or Cabify for a car to Ciudad Vieja. Travel time is similar to taxis, but prices can be lower off-peak (or higher during surges).
  • How to book (with price): Request your ride after you’ve collected luggage. Follow the Uber pickup guide for MVD (the pickup point can differ from taxis). Expect typical trips in the UYU 900–2,000+ ballpark depending on demand.
  • Pros: App receipt, driver ratings, route sharing. Cons: Surge pricing and occasional delays finding the pickup.
  • Tip: If wait times spike, switch to Option #1 inside the terminal to avoid lingering outside.

Step-by-step: Ride-hailing

  1. Connect to airport Wi‑Fi/data and open Uber/Cabify.
  2. Set destination to your hotel/landmark in Ciudad Vieja.
  3. Follow the app’s instructions to the pickup zone; confirm plate and driver name.
  4. Share your trip if you’re arriving late, and keep valuables out of sight.

Getting to the main embarking points (Ride-hail pickup zone)

🚌 Option #3 — Airport Bus (COPSA / COT / CUTCSA) + Connection (Cheapest)

Low cost Frequent daytime Slower

  • Overview: Take an airport bus into Montevideo, then connect by city bus, taxi, or a short walk to reach Ciudad Vieja. It’s the best-value option if you have a small bag and flexible timing.
  • How to ride (with price): Carrasco Airport lists bus operators serving the terminal on its buses page (including COPSA, COT, and CUTCSA). Fares depend on route/operator; use the city’s official pages for fares and timetables for your final leg.
  • Pros: Cheapest, good daytime coverage. Cons: Multiple steps; not ideal late at night or with heavy luggage.
  • Tip: If you land late, choose Option #1 or Option #4.

Step-by-step: Airport Bus + Connection to Ciudad Vieja

  1. After Arrivals, follow signs for Buses (ask staff if unsure).
  2. Choose a bus into Montevideo (common hubs include Tres Cruces and central stops nearer Centro).
  3. Once in the city, either:
    1. Connect by city bus using the official schedule tool, or
    2. Take a short taxi/ride-hail for the last stretch, or
    3. Walk if you’re already near Plaza Independencia/Centro and traveling light.
  4. Set your final stop to a specific Ciudad Vieja landmark (Plaza Matriz, Mercado del Puerto, Solís) to avoid extra wandering.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport bus stop)

🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer (Meet & Greet, Fixed Price)

Hassle-free Driver waiting Costs more

  • Overview: A pre-booked driver meets you at Arrivals and drives straight to Ciudad Vieja. Best for late arrivals, families, and anyone who wants minimal logistics.
  • How to book (with price): Pre-book with Welcome Pickups (Montevideo) for meet-and-greet service, or compare offers on GetTransfer (Montevideo). Typical pricing is often ~US$35–80+ per vehicle depending on car size and timing.
  • Pros: No queue, driver tracks your flight, easiest with luggage. Cons: Higher cost than taxis/buses.
  • Tip: Share a WhatsApp number and your exact Ciudad Vieja address to avoid delays in the Old Town.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

  1. Book with your flight number, landing time, passenger count, and destination details.
  2. After landing, follow signs to Arrivals and find your driver at the meeting point specified in your confirmation.
  3. Verify your name and destination; then head directly to Ciudad Vieja.
  4. Keep the provider contact handy in case of baggage delays or terminal changes.

Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals meeting point)

  • Where to meet: Usually in or near the Arrivals hall; your confirmation will specify the exact spot.
  • Backup plan: If you can’t find your driver quickly, use Option #1 from the official taxi office.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #5 — Shuttle Van (Airport Shop Product)

Good for groups Straightforward booking Routing varies

  • Overview: Shuttle vans can be a simple middle ground between buses and private cars. Depending on the product, you may have a fixed service area within Montevideo.
  • How to book (with price): The airport’s online shop lists a shuttle service product (review terms, passenger limits, and service area). Pricing is shown in USD on the product page.
  • Pros: Simple purchase, can be good value for small groups. Cons: Less flexible than a private transfer; may involve timing/route constraints.

Step-by-step: Shuttle Van

  1. Buy the shuttle product and confirm coverage includes your Ciudad Vieja address (or the closest feasible drop-off point).
  2. Follow instructions in your confirmation for where to meet the van and at what time.
  3. Ride into Montevideo and ask for the closest safe drop-off to your Old Town destination if streets are restricted.

Getting to the main embarking points (Shuttle meeting point)

  • Where to meet: The confirmation will specify the exact pickup location at the terminal.
  • Alternative: If you want a driver waiting with your name sign, use Option #4.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #6 — Car Rental (Most Flexible for Day Trips)

Maximum freedom Good for coast trips Parking needed

  • Overview: Rent a car at MVD and drive to Ciudad Vieja if you’re continuing beyond Montevideo (Punta del Este, Colonia, wineries, beaches). For “airport → Old Town only,” a taxi is usually easier.
  • How to book (with price): Compare suppliers on Booking.com car rentals at MVD. Rates vary by season/vehicle; expect a deposit and check insurance coverage.
  • Pros: Great for multi-stop trips, easy luggage handling. Cons: Old Town streets can be narrow and parking is limited/paid.
  • Tip: If staying in Ciudad Vieja, confirm your hotel’s parking situation before you commit.

Step-by-step: Car Rental to Ciudad Vieja

  1. Pick up your car at the airport counters and document existing damage with photos.
  2. Set navigation to your exact Ciudad Vieja address or a nearby garage/lot.
  3. Park securely, then walk the final blocks if your accommodation is in a pedestrian-priority zone.

Getting to the main embarking points (Car rental desks)

  • Where to go: Follow terminal signage for Car Rental desks.
  • What to check: Insurance, fuel policy, and return hours (especially for early flights).
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚲 Option #7 — Bike Rental (Add-on for Exploring Ciudad Vieja & the Rambla)

Fun & scenic Flexible Not for airport transfer

  • Overview: Once you’re settled, cycling is a great way to connect Ciudad Vieja with Centro and the Rambla. It’s not the practical way to get from the airport, but it’s excellent for sightseeing.
  • How to book (with price): Compare local rentals on BikesBooking or check an alternative bike rental listing. Prices vary by bike type and duration.
  • Pros: Great way to see the coastline and neighborhoods. Cons: Weather-dependent; use lights/locks and stick to safe routes.

Step-by-step: Bike Rental After Arrival

  1. Choose a rental location near Ciudad Vieja/Centro for easy pickup and return.
  2. Check what’s included (helmet, lock, map) and take photos of the bike before leaving.
  3. Ride to key Old Town spots (Plaza Matriz, Solís) then continue to the Rambla if you want the classic Montevideo seaside ride.

Getting to the main embarking points (Bike rental pickup in Centro/Ciudad Vieja)

  • Where to go: Choose a pickup location close to your accommodation for convenience.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🧳 Option #8 — Luggage Storage (Add-on for Exploring Hands-Free)

Hands-free Perfect on arrival day Small detour

  • Overview: If you arrive before check-in (or have a late departure), store your bags and explore Ciudad Vieja without luggage.
  • How to book (with price): Reserve a drop point via Radical Storage (Montevideo). Pricing is typically per bag per day and varies by location.
  • Pros: More comfortable walking the Old Town. Cons: Requires a stop to drop and collect.

Step-by-step: Luggage Storage + Ciudad Vieja

  1. Select a storage point near your route (Ciudad Vieja/Centro) and reserve.
  2. Drop bags, keep your QR/receipt details, and head to the Old Town sights.
  3. Pick up luggage and continue to your accommodation or onward transport.

Getting to the main embarking points (Storage location near Ciudad Vieja)

  • Where to go: Pick a partner location that’s close to your planned walking loop in the Old Town.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🗺️ Option #9 — Guided Tour in Ciudad Vieja (Optional)

Easy orientation Local context Fixed timing

  • Overview: If you want a structured introduction, join a walking tour focused on Ciudad Vieja’s plazas, architecture, and port-side history.
  • How to book (with price): Browse listings on GetYourGuide (Ciudad Vieja) or check additional Montevideo options on Klook.
  • Pros: Efficient, informative, great for first-time visitors. Cons: Less flexible than exploring on your own.

Step-by-step: Join a Ciudad Vieja Tour

  1. Pick a tour that starts close to where you’ll be staying (or near Plaza Independencia/Centro).
  2. Arrive 10–15 minutes early; bring water and sun protection in warmer months.
  3. After the tour, continue on foot to Mercado del Puerto or the Rambla for an easy extension.

Getting to the main embarking points (Tour meeting point in Centro/Ciudad Vieja)

  • Where to meet: The tour listing will show the precise meeting point and a map.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Montevideo Carrasco Airport to Ciudad Vieja)

What’s the easiest way to get from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Ciudad Vieja?
For most travelers, Option #1 — Official Airport Taxi is the simplest door-to-door choice. If you prefer an app-based estimate and digital receipt, use Option #2 — Ride-hailing.

How long does it take?
By car (taxi/ride-hail/transfer) it’s commonly ~30–55 minutes depending on traffic. With the airport bus plus a connection, plan ~60–90 minutes total.

Is there public transport from the airport to the Old Town?
Yes, via airport buses into Montevideo; then you connect to Ciudad Vieja by city bus, taxi, or walking from a central stop. Start with the airport’s bus operators page and finish with the official city tools for schedules.

Do Uber and Cabify work at the airport?
Uber provides specific pickup instructions for MVD pickups. Cabify also operates in Montevideo; check its tariffs information for fare structure.

Should I pre-book a transfer?
If you’re arriving late, traveling with family, or carrying lots of luggage, Option #4 — Private Transfer is the most stress-free.

Where exactly in Ciudad Vieja should I be dropped off?
Ciudad Vieja is an area—use a precise endpoint like your hotel, Plaza Matriz, Teatro Solís, or Mercado del Puerto.

Can I store luggage if I arrive before check-in?
Yes—use Option #8 — Luggage Storage to explore the Old Town without bags.

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