In this special guide, I will show you exactly how to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo so you can plan your trip with nothing but confidence.
You may have heard that Uruguay is so close to Buenos Aires that you can literary hop on and off the ferry and be in Montevideo next to no time.
That is true! However, depending on your budget, and the time you have, you may want to explore one of the other options that I’ll share below.
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Get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo
Today we are going to look at the different ways to get to Montevideo from Buenos Aires so you can sit back and enjoy the ride without complications.
Firstly, I’d like to clear something up. Many people who travel to Buenos Aires think that it’s easier to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo by bus.
I know that the buses in South America are great, but in this case, unfortunately, they won’t save you any time, nor money on this route.
The good news however, is that there’s more efficient ways to get from Argentina to Uruguay, or back to Argentina. This will depend on which side of the river you find yourself, with ferries being the most popular.
Getting From Buenos Aires to Montevideo Map
See the map below to visualize the distance across the River Plata. If you were thinking of taking the ferry to Montevideo you’re on the right track.
Before we get into the details, it’s worth mentioning that the ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo (for many) is also the best way to get to Uruguay from Argentina. Even if you plan to go deeper in to the country.
The company we are going to be looking at is called Buquebus. They provide the ferry service which works in both directions.
You can book your ticket online here and in advance to get the best price.
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Buenos Aires to Montevideo Travel Advice
Depending on which neighborhood you are staying in whilst in Buenos Aires (my favorite is Recoleta), it’s going to take some time to get down to the ferry port, or airport, so allow extra travel time for traffic on the road.
Before we look at the specific methods to get to Montevideo from Buenos Aires I have some universal tips for you to consider which will help you get the most out of your trip no matter which mode of transport you choose.
Travelling from Buenos Aires to Montevideo (Things to know):
- You can expect the ferry to take: 2hrs 12 minutes each way.
- Expect a 30-40 minute ride from the airport to downtown Montevideo.
- Taxi transfers from the airport to the city centre cost around 40 USD.
- Taking the ferry gives you unique views of each city.
- The ferry direct to Montevideo can carry up to 1,000 passengers.
- Many Argentines take advatage of the duty free items on the ferry.
Drawing from my own journey and notes, I hope that some of the tips from this guide help you choose the best way to travel to Montevideo.
Now, let’s look at three different ways to make this journey.
How to get to Montevideo from Buenos Aires
1. Direct Ferry From Buenos Aires to Montevideo
For me, taking the direct ferry to Montevideo from Buenos Aires was the best option and I’d recommend it to anyone traveling here.
There are two different options available. The fastest is to take the direct to Montevideo. The other is by going via Colonia del Sacramento, which I suggest if you have the time, Colonia’s charm is truly unforgettable.
From Colonia, you can then take the bus from outside the ferry port which will take you directly to Montevideo, with many scenic views along the way.
See all the options at seacat.com as they offer the complete service. There is also wheelchair access here for those concerned about accessibility.
2. Bus From Buenos Aires and Montevideo
As you may have guessed getting from Buenos Aires to Montevideo by bus is the cheapest but longest way, so bring snacks and plently of patience.
The bus which can be taken from the Retiro Bus Terminal takes around 8 hours. You’ll find that it travels up and over the Rio de la Plata and heads back down into Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo (border crossing included).
Also, the price can also work out more than the Ferry, it all depends on how far in advance you book the fare. So plan ahead if you want to save money.
3. Flying From Buenos Aires and Montevideo
Let’s suppose you want a faster way to get to Montevideo from Buenos Aires. Well, you’re in luck, because the plane makes the quickest trips.
You can get a flight from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery without heading to Ministro Pistarini which would zap the quickness out of this journey.
If you know where to stay in Buenos Aires you can get to the airport in a matter of minutes. If you’re on a budget you may want to compare flying with the ferry as flights tend to be the most costly of all the 3 methods.
Where to Stay in Montevideo
When you consider the distance from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, and if you are planning your trip in advance, it makes sense to see what accommodation is available, especially during peak travel seasons.
It could be a hostel or one of the many hotels depending on my budget.
After searching high and low for a decent room, I’ve listed a place to stay in Montevideo that you can check out if you’ll be staying overnight.
Viajero Montevideo
- Centrally located
- Accommodating Staff
- Good security
When staying in Montevideo it’s likely that you’ll need a place to stay that is centrally located and has all the amenities a travler requires. The Viajero is in the heart of downtown and close to the main street 18 de Julio.
Things to do in Montevideo
Now you know how to get to Montevideo, here’s some ideas on what to do:
- Mercado del Puerto: A place you must visit whilst in Uruguay if you want to get an authentic feel of the local culture. This is a place where you can touch, taste, see and smell everything Uruguay’s culture has to offer in one place. You can get here with the hop-on hop-off bus. Mercado del Puerto is not only a great place to have lunch, but also a place where you’ll encounter stalls filled with local goods.
- Curioso Free Walking Tour: With the country being one of the most expensive places to spend money in Latin America. It was a delight to find free things to do whilst in Uruguay. On the Curioso walking tour, you’ll learn the history of Uruguay whilst touring the downtown areas of Montevideo. In my experience, and with a short time in Uruguay, I found that by connecting with locals and joining these dynamic tours I got a real understanding of Uruguayan history and culture.
- Plaza Independencia: Along with the Cuidad Vieja and other archaic sites, the Plaza Independencia is a must-see place in Montevideo. Although similar to many other Plazas in South America most visitors miss the guarded tomb that lies under the large statue. It’s free to enter so try your best to go down, it’s free.
- La Rambla: One of the things to do in Montevideo that you can’t miss is a peaceful walk along the Rambla. It’s a long seacoast that runs eastwards from downtown. If arriving in downtown Montevideo from the airport ask your driver to pass by this way so you can enjoy the beautiful view along the way. After a long walk from downtownn, you can arrive at Carrasco River which is another spot to relax in.
Montevideo From Buenos Aires
Now, you have not only the information need to be able to get to Montevideo, but also some ideas on what to do when you get there.
The purpose of this guide is to give you tips and make to be able to make a decision on how to get from Buenos Aires as efficiently as possible.
With a very short stay in Montevideo, I had a great time and my wish is for you to make the most out of your stay in Uruguay’s capital city too.
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