How to Get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo in 2026

Updated in April 2026

Find out how to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. In this post, you’ll see the logistics, the transport options and how long it takes to travel to Montevideo from Buenos Aires.

Considering how close the Argentine and the Uruguayan capitals are, one would expect that travelling from one to another would be simple

The two cities are separated by the mouth of the Rio de la Plata, which is more than 200km wide (124 miles).

While Argentina and Uruguay have a lot of cultural elements in common, the two cities are very different and offer completely distinct experiences.

Although many people wonder if it’s possible to travel by bus from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, the fact is that you can’t.

Don’t let that put you off, though. No matter which side of the river you are on, it’s worth visiting the other city.

With that in mind, let’s now find out how to get to Montevideo from Buenos Aires (or vice versa, of course).

How To Get From Buenos Aires To Montevideo

There are 3 different ways to get to Montevideo from Buenos Aires: ferry, plane and bus. The bus journey is 3 times longer than the other ones, making it the least convenient option.

There are two different ferry services doing this route: a direct ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, and a ferry-bus combo.

Both are convenient and offer completely different experiences. There’s also a difference in how often each of these services operates.

Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to book your trip as far in advance as possible. That’s because this is a popular route among locals and tourists alike.

Let’s explore the options for your Buenos Aires to Montevideo trip below.

Direct Ferry From Buenos Aires and Montevideo

The easiest way to travel from Montevideo to Buenos Aires is by ferry (the opposite direction also works, of course :-)).

The direct service is dominated by Buquebus, who has no competition on this route. The comfortable ferries depart from the Buquebus terminal in Puerto Madero.

The company has been operating this route for many years and is one of the few Buenos Aires-Uruguay ferry operators that survived the 2020-2022 difficulties.

Direct Ferry Times

There is currently only one daily departure for the direct ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo as shown below:

Montevideo To Buenos Aires Ferry: 7:30pm daily

Ticket prices follow the airline model and vary considerably depending on when you are travelling and how far in advance you bought it. With some luck, you will pay around 100USD.

Buenos Aires-Montevideo Day Trip Option

There’s also the option to go to Montevideo on a day trip. Given the travel time between both cities, it may be exhausting for some.

But if you’re short in time, that’s a good option, but it comes at a price tag. You can see details here – make sure to read the full information before booking.

Buenos Aires To/From Montevideo Via Colonia

There are only two direct ferries from Buenos Aires to Montevideo daily (and vice-versa), however many companies operate between Buenos Aires-Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.

You may want to check out my other post on how to go from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento.

In a nutshell, there are two types of service to Colonia: a slow one, which takes three hours, and a fast one which takes around one hour.

If you bought just a Buenos Aires-Colonia ticket, the bus station is 100 metres from the Maritime Terminal. Several bus companies offer services to Montevideo throughout the day.

I travelled with COT, which I found very good and it has the added convenience of wi-fi onboard. The trip takes 2 1/2 hours and a one-way ticket costs around 8USD.

Alternatively, you can buy one single ticket here from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, giving you access to the ferry and the bus.

Flights From Buenos Aires to Montevideo (and Vice-Versa)

This is the most obvious option, and the least exciting, too. Flights from Buenos Aires to Montevideo take 50-minute and operate mostly from Aeroparque Airport (AEP), rather than Ezeiza International.

The route is dominated by Aerolineas Argentinas, a member of SkyTeam, with five daily flights each way.

Buquebus used to also offer lights, but their airline branch went bankrupt – so, Aerolineas is the only option with no competition.

You can check airfares here.

Places To Stay in Montevideo

Montevideo has plenty of great accommodations on offer. Try to stay close to the city centre or the Old Town. That way, you’ll save your precious time, avoiding taxis and Uber.

Having said that, the city’s luxury hotels are around 2 kilometres (1.3 miles) from Downtown.

Below you can see some of the accommodations in Montevideo with options to suit every travel budget.

Hotel Montevideo

Montevideo Hotel is a luxury hotel located 1.2 km from Pocitos Beach. This 5-star retreat is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.

The hotel offers a fitness centre, private parking, and a restaurant. The air-conditioned rooms feature modern amenities, while some units boast balconies.

Nearby attractions include Ramirez and Tres Cruces Terminal Station. Carrasco International Airport is only 15 km away. It’s rated 9.3/10 by Booking.com guests.

Check rates and availability for your travel dates here.

Smart Hotel Montevideo

Located in Downtown Montevideo, Smart Hotel presents sophisticated rooms adorned with chic decor. The property boasts an on-site restaurant, complimentary WiFi, and elegant hardwood floors.

The well-appointed rooms include flat-screen TVs, city-view options, and spacious private bathrooms.

Guests benefit from convenient access to popular landmarks. Carrasco International Airport is 30 kilometres (19 miles) away. The hotel is rated 8.6/10 by Booking.com guests.

Check rates and availability for your travel dates here.

Holiday Rental With a View

This apartment offers sea view and has 2 bedrooms, a terrace, flat-screen TV, full kitchen and private parking.

Nearby attractions include Solis Theatre, Independencia Square, and Cagancha Square. Carrasco International Airport is 19 km away. It’s rated 9.2/10 by Booking.com guests.

Check rates and availability for your travel dates here.