Uruguay is South America's hidden gem, offering a sophisticated blend of colonial history, vibrant beach resorts, and gaucho culture. This small nation between Argentina and Brazil boasts UNESCO World Heritage sites, world-class wine regions, and some of the continent's best beaches.
- Public
- Montevideo's bus network is extensive and affordable at $1.20/ride with the STM rechargeable card. Buses cover the entire city running 5AM-midnight with some 24-hour routes. Intercity buses from Terminal Tres Cruces are comfortable and connect all major destinations.
- Taxi
- Yellow metered taxis are reliable and safe. Rideshare apps Uber and Cabify operate in Montevideo and Punta del Este and are typically 20-30% cheaper than taxis. Always use metered taxis or apps — never negotiate a flat rate without a meter.
- Rental
- Car rental is excellent for exploring outside Montevideo. Route 1 to Colonia and Route 9 along the Atlantic coast are well-maintained highways. Gas is relatively expensive at $1.70/liter. Parking is free outside the city centre.
- Walking
- Ciudad Vieja and central Montevideo are highly walkable. The Rambla promenade is perfect for pedestrians. Punta del Este peninsula is walkable. Colonia del Sacramento old town is entirely pedestrian.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi: $40-55 USD (30-40 min)
- Shuttle
- Airport bus (COPSA/COT): $2 USD (30 min to Terminal Tres Cruces)
- Bus
- Rideshare (Uber): $35-45 USD
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Extensive bus network in Montevideo covering entire city. Single fare $1.20 USD payable with rechargeable STM card ($5 deposit). Buses run 5:00-23:00 most routes, with some 24-hour lines. Clean, frequent, and efficient.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Metered taxis widely available. Base fare $2.50 USD plus $1.50/km. Yellow cabs are official. Tipping not required but rounding up appreciated. Safe and reliable.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Excellent intercity bus network operated by companies like COT, COPSA, Turil, and EGA. Routes connect all major cities and tourist destinations. Terminal Tres Cruces is main Montevideo hub. Montevideo to Colonia: 2.5 hrs, $12-15. Montevideo to Punta del Este: 2 hrs, $10-12. Comfortable coaches with bathrooms and WiFi on premium routes.
Flights
Limited domestic flights. BQB Lineas Aéreas operates between some cities, but distances are short enough that buses are preferred. Most internal travel by bus or car.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Carrasco International Airport
From centre: 22 km from Plaza Independencia
Options: Taxi: $40-55 USD (30-40 min); Airport bus (COPSA/COT): $2 USD (30 min to Terminal Tres Cruces); Rideshare (Uber): $35-45 USD; Hotel shuttle: varies by property; Car rental: available from $35/day
Capitán de Corbeta Carlos A. Curbelo International Airport
From centre: 25 km from Punta del Este center
Options: Taxi: $35-45 USD (25 min); Rideshare: $30-40 USD; Hotel shuttle: most resorts offer service; Car rental: available from $40/day
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Uber
Rideshare app operating in Montevideo and Punta del Este. Cheaper than taxis, cashless, and reliable. Download before arrival.
Cabify
Alternative rideshare to Uber with similar coverage and pricing in Montevideo. Often has promotional codes for new users.
STM App
Official Montevideo public transport app showing real-time bus arrivals, routes, and STM card balance management.
COT Buses App
Book intercity bus tickets in advance for routes including Montevideo-Colonia, Montevideo-Punta del Este, and along the Atlantic coast.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Buy a rechargeable STM card for Montevideo buses ($5 deposit, unlimited recharges) — it's cheaper than cash fares and accepted on all city buses.
Uber and Cabify are the safest and most affordable options for city transport — app-based pricing avoids metered taxi disputes.
Book intercity buses in advance online (cotbuses.com.uy, turil.com.uy) for popular routes to Punta del Este especially in December-February.
The ferry from Colonia del Sacramento to Buenos Aires (Buquebus/Colonia Express) is a convenient way to combine Uruguay with Argentina — book ahead in summer.
For the Atlantic coast, car rental gives maximum flexibility to explore Cabo Polonio, La Paloma, and José Ignacio on your own schedule.