Ferry from Buenos Aires to Uruguay

The ferry companies operating routes from Buenos Aires to Uruguay (either Colonia del Sacramento, Montevideo, or Punta del Este) offer similar discounts across their services. Typically, infants under 2 years old travel for free (though port fees may still apply), while children up to 13 years old usually receive a 15% to 25% discount on ticket prices. For frequent travelers, multi-trip passes are often available, providing savings of up to 25%.

Traveling by ferry from Buenos Aires to Uruguay (whether your destination is Colonia del Sacramento, Montevideo, or Punta del Este) means enjoying a comfortable and pleasant journey with a variety of services onboard. Most ferries offer:

• Spacious, air-conditioned lounges with comfortable seating.
• Light meals, snacks, and beverages available for purchase in onboard cafeterias or bars.
• Duty-free shops offering a selection of products and souvenirs.
• Wi-Fi access, usually available for purchase, so you can stay connected while crossing the Río de la Plata.
• Outdoor deck areas where you can relax and take in the scenic views.
• Entertainment options such as LCD screens showing TV programs on some vessels.
• Accessibility features including ramps, elevators, and reserved seating to assist travelers with reduced mobility.

Cabins and accommodation

On the Buenos Aires to Uruguay ferries, there are no cabins available since these are short, daytime crossings, with durations ranging from from about 1 hr 15 min to 2 hr 30 min, depending on the route.

Passengers can select from seating options such as:

• Standard seats located in air-conditioned lounges.
• VIP or business-class seating featuring extra legroom, leather chairs, and sometimes access to exclusive lounges on higher decks.

Seats are typically unassigned, so boarding early is recommended to secure a preferred spot. Restroom facilities and snack or drink services are available onboard.

Luggage

Luggage policies across the ferry operators are generally consistent and generous:

• Passengers are allowed to bring carry-on and personal items onboard.
• Checked luggage, including suitcases, bicycles, or sports equipment, is accepted free of charge up to a limit of 30 kg per passenger.

Oversized or special equipment usually needs to be checked in at the terminal prior to boarding, without extra fees. Also, it’s advisable to verify specific rules with your ferry company.

Traveling with pets

Pets are welcome on ferries from Buenos Aires to Uruguay. However, ules vary slightly depending on the route and whether a bus transfer is involved.

• Small pets can usually travel free of charge, either in a carrier placed in designated onboard areas or in the vehicle if you're traveling by car.
• Larger pets must travel in approved kennels, provided by you or the ferry company, and remain in designated areas throughout the crossing.
• Guide and assistance dogs are always allowed on board with the required documentation, regardless of size or transport method.

If your trip includes a bus transfer (as is the case for all Punta del Este connections and some routes to Montevideo via Colonia), please note that pets are not allowed in the bus cabin. According to Uruguayan regulations, animals must travel in the luggage hold inside an appropriate carrier. The only exception applies to certified guide dogs, who may travel with their owner in the passenger area upon presenting official documentation.

To ensure a smooth journey, remember to inform the ferry or bus operator at least 24 hours before departure if you're traveling with a pet. Also, bring any necessary health certificates and supplies for your pet’s comfort and well-being during the trip.

Planning to travel from Buenos Aires to Uruguay by ferry? Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for a smooth and enjoyable trip:

• The ferry terminals in Puerto Madero (Buenos Aires) can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Make sure to arrive 30-45 minutes early to allow time for check-in and border control.
• As this is an international route, all travelers must carry a valid passport or national ID. Double-check that your documents are up to date before heading to the port.
• There are both direct ferries to Montevideo and combined ferry + bus trips to Montevideo or Punta del Este via Colonia del Sacramento. Pay attention to the total travel time and stopovers when selecting your itinerary.
• If you tend to get motion sick, try to choose a seat in the middle section of the lower deck, where movement is less noticeable. This is especially helpful on windy days over the Río de la Plata.
• Outdoor access is not always available, but window seats can still offer scenic views. On clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of the Uruguayan coast before arrival.
• If you’re spending a few days in Argentina, consider planning a day trip or short stay in Colonia del Sacramento or Montevideo. Both are great additions to your travel itinerary and, as you can see, easily accessible by ferry!

Where to take the ferry from Buenos Aires to Uruguay?

All ferries from Buenos Aires to Uruguay depart from the Puerto Madero area. Depending on your operator, your journey will start from one of the following terminals:

• Buquebus Terminal (Av. Antártida Argentina 821): a spacious and modern terminal featuring Wi-Fi, coffee shops and restaurants, a two-level duty-free store, tourist information desks, onsite parking, and VIP lounge access for eligible passengers. It’s conveniently located and well-connected by public transport, taxis, and rideshare services.
• Colonia Express Terminal (Av. Elvira Rawson de Dellepiane 155): a smaller but efficient terminal with all the essentials, including a cafeteria, duty-free shopping, parking facilities, and Wi-Fi. Located at the southern end of Puerto Madero, it's also easily reachable by public transport or taxi.

If you're arriving by plane, allow around 1 hour by car or taxi from Ezeiza International Airport. From Jorge Newbery Airfield (Aeroparque), the journey is shorter, typically taking 20 to 30 minutes.

Where will the ferry arrive in Uruguay?

Depending on your destination and itinerary, your ferry or bus journey from Buenos Aires will end in one of three main locations in Uruguay:

• Colonia del Sacramento: ferries dock at the passenger terminal in the Port of Colonia, located just a short walk from the city’s UNESCO-listed Historic Quarter. Its central location makes it ideal for travelers planning to explore on foot or continue by bus to other destinations.
• Montevideo: direct ferries arrive at the Terminal Fluvial Puerto de Montevideo in the heart of the Ciudad Vieja district, steps from the old town and the Rambla promenade. If you take the ferry + bus route via Colonia, the bus will drop you off at the Tres Cruces Bus Terminal, the city’s main transport hub.
• Punta del Este: all routes to Punta del Este involve a ferry + bus combination. The bus arrives at the Terminal de Ómnibus, conveniently located near Playa Brava and walking distance from the town center, shops, and restaurants.