Ferries Colonia del Sacramento

Ferry operators on the Buenos Aires - Colonia del Sacramento route typically offer fixed discounts to specific passenger categories:

• Infants under 2 years old usually travel for free (port taxes may still apply).
• Children under 13 often receive a 15-25% discount, depending on the operator.
• Frequent travelers can take advantage of multi-trip passes, providing savings of up to 25%.

When booking your ticket on Ferryhopper, simply select the route that suits you, choose the applicable discount, and it will be automatically applied to your final ticket price.

Ferries to Colonia del Sacramento from Buenos Aires run throughout the year. However, ticket demand is higher during summer months (December to March) and around holidays or weekends. We recommend booking 1-2 months in advance if you plan to travel during high season. The rest of the year, there is usually ticket availability, even a few days before departure.

Please note that ferry routes to Colonia del Sacramento can vary seasonally, so always check the latest itineraries on Ferryhopper.

Colonia del Sacramento, nestled on Uruguay’s southwestern coast, is a destination that oozes old-world charm. Once you arrive, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a living postcard from the past. Wandering through its Barrio Histórico (Historic Quarter), a UNESCO World Heritage site where cobbled lanes weave between ivy-draped buildings and colonial façades from the Portuguese and Spanish eras, is one of the closest experiences to time-travelling.

Among its standout attractions are the iconic lighthouse paired with the weathered ruins of the San Francisco Convent, the evocative Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs), and the serene, tree-shaded Plaza Mayor. As you go further down the Río de la Plata, pick a spot among the cafés to witness stunning sunsets that seem to stretch forever.

But Colonia isn’t just about history. The town has its quirky side, too, with vintage cars parked along the streets, cozy artisanal shops, and small museums dedicated to its layered cultural roots. Perfect for a weekend escape, Colonia del Sacramento is also a great starting point for further exploration, with bus routes linking it to Montevideo, the country’s capital, and Punta del Este, a world-class seaside resort famed for its exquisite beaches and vibrant nightlife.

Here are some helpful tips for your ferry trip from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento:

• Make sure to arrive at the ferry terminals in Buenos Aires at least 30-45 minutes before departure to allow time for passport control and smooth boarding.
• The Buenos Aires - Colonia del Sacramento route is an international trip, so a valid passport or national ID is required for all passengers.
• You can also explore other options for ferry trips from Buenos Aires to Uruguay. For example, you can catch a ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital. Some ferries go directly, while others include a ferry + bus combination through Colonia del Sacramento.
• If you wish to combine the riverside historic charm of Colonia with the seaside bliss of the Uruguayan coast, there are ferries from Buenos Aires to Punta del Este. You first need to catch the ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia and then board a bus transfer from Colonia to Punta del Este.
• The local currency is the Uruguayan peso. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is recommended for added convenience.

The Buenos Aires - Colonia ferry route is mainly served by high-speed ferries, ensuring a safe and comfortable crossing. Services on board include:

• Seating areas in air-conditioned lounges
• Cafeterias and duty-free shops
• Wi-Fi access on some routes (available for purchase)
• Outdoor deck areas (on select ferries)

Accessibility services are also provided, including facilities and assistance, for travelers with reduced mobility.

As this is a short international crossing, cabins are not available, and pets are permitted under specific policies, depending on the operator.

Ferries to Colonia del Sacramento arrive at a modern passenger terminal in the Port of Colonia, just a stone’s throw from the city’s Historic Quarter. Once you step off the ferry, you’re practically already in the heart of the town, ready to start exploring on foot.

Inside the terminal, there are broad walkways, ramps for accessibility, and an upstairs food court. This terminal serves as the main maritime bridge between Argentina and Uruguay, welcoming both travelers and their vehicles daily. Given its prime location, it also serves as a key connection point for car or bus trips to Montevideo or Punta del Este.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Colonia del Sacramento, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.