Buenos Aires to Montevideo Ferry: Day-Trip Itinerary & Things to Know
Montevideo, Uruguay and Buenos Aires, Argentina are two bustling country capitals just a stone’s throw away from each other. If you are reading this blog, you are probably considering taking the Buenos Aires to Montevideo Ferry!
Before we begin, yes, given the proximity of Montevideo to Buenos Aires, it makes a perfect one-day visit where you can see the most important landmarks in one day. If you’re a budget traveler, there’s nothing better than a day-trip where you don’t have to spend money on a hotel room.
In this guide, we will go over the Buenos Aires to Montevideo ferry, a few things to know, logistics, and of course, we will share a short day-trip itinerary and must-see bucket list items in Montevideo, Uruguay.
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Popular Ferry Operators
There are two very popular options when traveling from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. The companies are Buquebus and Colonia Express. The important thing to know about both of these companies is that you are really looking at two ways to get to Montevideo. The first way is a direct ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. The second option is the direct ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento from which you will take a bus to Montevideo. Now, it does get a little bit complicated because both of these companies offer these routes, so it really does come down to your individual travel days, and if you have a car. If you are planning to bring a car, there’s no question about it, as Buquebus is the only operator that takes vehicles.
Overall, Buquebus has far better reviews, is more reliable, and this is the one we took and greatly enjoyed. It is the most popular option because it operates very frequently and will have you go in between Montevideo and Buenos Aires directly.
How long is the ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo?
The actual travel time varies depending on season and weather conditions, but it tends to be approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes if you take the direct route. If you choose to go via Colonia, the ferry ride will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and then the bus ride into the center of the city will take around 2 hours.
Of course, do remember that Argentina and Uruguay are two different countries, and therefore, you will need to pass through customs and immigration. This process is a lot, lot faster than at an airport, so it really only adds a few minutes to the overall travel time.
How much does the ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo cost?
Unfortunately, the ferry ticket cost varies significantly depending on the season and the operator. However, you should expect to spend about 200 USD round-trip on your ferry tickets. If you have a car, this price is going to go up significantly, but if you are planning on just exploring the center of the city, leave your car at home.
How to Get Tickets
There are a few ways to get tickets for your ferry ride. The most convenient way is to get them ahead of time on their website (which I will link in the next section). However, if you are already in Buenos Aires, you can buy the tickets at the ferry building the day before in person. Definitely note that Buquebus and Colonia Express have two different terminals located approximately 15 minutes away by car (so definitely don’t go to the wrong one!)
The Buquebus ferry is incredibly large and comfortable. note, though that the fairy is very large and comfortable. We took the 5am ferry, so of course, wanted to sleep through the entire ride. While the chairs were not reserved, we had an easy time find a comfortable spot and sleeping on the main deck. If you want to shell out a couple more bucks, there is a large VIP section on the upper deck. Honestly, the ferry feels more like a mall with a large central staircase and shops, and I wish I had more photos of the journey.
Buenos Aires to Montevideo Ferry Schedule
As the schedule and times vary significantly depending on the season and day of the week, I have not included a copy and pasted schedule here. However, please check out this link for Buquebus and this one for Colonia Express for up-to-date information and price comparison for your specific dates.
Is Montevideo worth visiting?
Okay, we all have to address the elephant in the room: is it actually worth visiting Montevideo or is this just another excuse to scratch a country off your list? I think Montevideo is definitely worth visiting! In fact, it is quite compact so it makes for a perfect day-trip to get a taste for the city and see the wonderful architecture. Montevideo is considered to be the art deco capital of South America, and while the historical buildings will floor you, so will the miles and miles of beautiful shoreline and pockets of sandy beaches. Now, if you’re looking for a beach getaway, definitely spend more time exploring the coast. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a sandy beach in Buenos Aires!
Things to Do in Montevideo, Uruguay
You’ve made it from Montevideo to Buenos Aires. Congratulations! If you have taken the direct ferry, you will have arrived at the Montevideo Terminal Portuaria which is located right on the outskirts of the Old City. This particular part of the Old City is mostly industrial, but more notable stops are only a short 25-minute walk away.
Plaza Independencia
Start to wander towards Plaza Independencia, and don’t forget to check out Café La Farmacia for a quick breakfast in a marvelous pharmacy-turned-restaurant. Don’t be shocked to see that some of the side streets in the Old City are rather run-down, with abandoned shopfronts and restaurants. Once you exit the port area of the city, you will find more vibrant neighborhoods.
Arrive at Plaza Independencia, the most important square in the city. If you are a history buff or really enjoy old historical buildings, this plaza is for you. The square is surrounded by landmarks such as Palacio Salvo, where you can take a tour of the building and explore their tango museum. The Puerta de la Ciudadela is one of the last gates from where the old city walls used to stand. Finally, take a peek inside Teatro Solís. While you certainly don’t have to sit down and watch a play, the beautiful performance hall is worth a look.
Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo
The Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo is a great stop for any meal you are craving as well as souvenir shopping. Not only does the market offer local produce and restaurant stands, but they also have gift shops, specialty stores, and a massive indoor food court. It is important to note that it is not located walking-distance from the center and is a 15 minute drive from Plaza Independencia. If you are looking for more local bites, check out the Tannat Grill or Pizca Food & Drink.
La Rambla de Montevideo
Now it’s time to explore the beautiful shores of Uruguay. La Rambla de Montevideo is a beautiful avenue that stretches for 22 uninterrupted kilometers along the coast line of the city. Here, you will get stunning views of the South Atlantic Ocean and a chance to relax on warm sand or walk under palm tree-lined streets. You can definitely take a stroll, although I suggest getting out of the center area and heading towards the beaches, such as Playa Ramírez and Playa de los Pocitos.
Definitely feel free to rent a bike, or a Lime scooter like my friend and I did! While Lime does not appear to be operating in Montevideo anymore, there are still companies that you can use to rent a bike for the day. Even though the scooters were fun, we got crazy whiplash! You don’t realize how bumpy the cobblestoned streets are until you try to go full-speed on a little scooter. Save your neck and take a bike.
Montevideo Letters
The Montevideo Letters are a fun way to end your exploration of La Rambla, at the Eastern edge of Playa de los Pocitos. The letters are yet another reason why you should grab a bike, as while it takes a while to walk here, it is only about a 30 minute ride from the center area. The Montevideo Letters provide a great spot for a photo as well as stunning views of the ocean and surrounding beaches.
Mercado del Puerto
At the end of the day, wrap up your activities and start heading back to the ferry terminal to catch your ride back to Buenos Aires. I highly suggest stopping by Mercado del Puerto. It is right next to the terminal and is a great spot for your last Montevideo meal. Mercado del Puerto is a 19th-century market now filled with countless mouth-watering steakhouses, restaurants, and bars.
That is all for your trip to Montevideo! We hope that your ferry trip from Buenos Aires and back was flawless. If you are looking to add on any other South American city to your Argentina/Uruguay trip, check out our South American guides here, and sign-up for blog updates below to know when we released our Buenos Aires guide. Happy sampling!