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Air Travel

Air Travel

Uruguay

Airport & Routes

Carrasco International Airport MVD

Uruguay's main international airport, serves Montevideo and the country as a whole. It is located approximately 17 kilometers (11 miles) east of the city center. The airport is known for its distinctive, architecturally acclaimed terminal building.

Airlines and Typical Routes

  • A variety of airlines: LATAM, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Copa Airlines, American Airlines, Iberia, Air Europa, Azul, GOL, Paranair, Sky Airline.
  • Most direct international flights originate from regional hubs within South America.
  • Common hubs: Buenos Aires, Santiago, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Asunción, Lima.

Direct Flight Options

Direct flights from North America are limited but exist, mainly from Miami (served by American Airlines). For other North American cities, flights typically involve a layover in Miami or a major South American hub like Panama City (Copa Airlines).

European & South American Connections

  • Europe: Direct flights mainly from Madrid, Spain (Iberia, Air Europa).
  • Seasonal availability and price fluctuations: High season (Dec-Feb) flights are more expensive and book up faster.
  • Shoulder seasons (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) often display better value.

Airport Facilities

Carrasco International Airport provides modern facilities including duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental, currency exchange, ATMs, and Wi-Fi.

Taxi to City

Taxis are readily available; many operate on fixed rates. Approx. $U 1,800 - $U 2,500 to city center.

Bus & Shuttle

COT and Copsa buses offer economical services to Tres Cruces Bus Terminal and city points ($U 200 - $U 300). Shuttles are also available.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings

  • Argentina: Via bridges (Fray Bentos-Gualeguaychú, Paysandú-Colón) or popular ferry services.
  • Standard immigration procedures apply at all border points.
  • Brazil: Multiple road crossings (Chuy-Chuí, Rivera-Santana do Livramento).
  • Train services in Uruguay are very limited for tourists; mainly cargo.

Long-Distance Buses

  • Tres Cruces Bus Terminal: Montevideo's central hub for all long-distance and intercity travel.
  • Major Companies: COT, Turil, Nossar, Rutas del Sol, Copsa.
  • Buses are generally comfortable and reliable; different service classes available.
  • Tickets can be purchased at the terminal or online.

Self-Driving & Road Safety

Requirements

Valid national driver's license. International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended. Minimum age typically 21-23. Major credit card for deposit.

Road Conditions

Major routes between cities are well-maintained. Rural roads vary. City roads can have potholes.

Driving Laws & Safety

Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Headlights on highways at all times. Strict laws against drunk driving. Mobile phone use prohibited while driving. Traffic can be dense in Montevideo.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Montevideo’s coastal location makes sea travel a viable and popular option, especially for connections with Argentina.

Major Ferry Operators

  • Buquebus: Prominent operator between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Montevideo (direct or via Colonia).
  • Colonia Express: Connects Buenos Aires with Colonia del Sacramento, with bus connections to Montevideo.
  • Book tickets in advance, specifically during peak season or holidays.

Cruise Ports & Immigration

Montevideo serves as a popular port of call for cruise ships sailing South American itineraries, especially during the summer season.

Port Access & Procedures

  • Cruise terminal is conveniently located near Ciudad Vieja, easy access to city.
  • Immigration for international ferry arrivals completed at Montevideo port terminal.
  • Process is often streamlined with single clearance points (Argentine and Uruguayan desks together).

Connections to Land Transport

The Montevideo ferry terminal is very close to Ciudad Vieja, making it easy to access. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, and local bus routes also serve the area.

Onward Travel

  • Taxis for convenient onward travel.
  • Local bus routes service the area for easy transfers.
  • No significant internal river transportation within Montevideo for public commuting.

Departure Information

As of 2015, the airport departure tax for international flights from Carrasco International Airport (MVD) is included in the ticket price. No separate payment is necessary at the airport.

Departure Procedures & Timing

  • Air Travel: Arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure for international flights from MVD.
  • Ferry Departures: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure for check-in and immigration.
  • Bus Departures (Tres Cruces): Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure.

Airport & Terminal Facilities

  • Carrasco International Airport (MVD): Multiple check-in counters, baggage drop-off, security checkpoints.
  • Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, waiting areas, Wi-Fi.
  • ATMs and currency exchange.
  • Tres Cruces Bus Terminal: Numerous bus company offices, food court, shops, ATMs, restrooms.
  • Ferry Terminal: Check-in desks, waiting areas, small cafe/snack bar.
  • Confirm flight or ferry status online before heading to airport/terminal.

Departure Information

Helpful Tip

Confirm your flight or ferry status online before heading to the airport or terminal. This allows you to stay informed of any delays or changes and adjust your travel plans accordingly.