How to get around Uruguay
Navigating Uruguay is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
For traveling between cities in Uruguay, buses are the most common and efficient option. The country has an extensive bus network connecting major cities and towns. Bus travel is generally comfortable and affordable, with many intercity buses offering reliable Wi-Fi.
Fares typically range from UYU 350 for shorter journeys like Montevideo to Punta del Este (around $10 USD) to UYU 1050 for longer routes such as Punta del Diablo to Colonia (around $30 USD). Another option, though significantly more expensive, is domestic flights, primarily from Montevideo's international airport to Salto and Rivera. A one-way flight can cost around $96 USD, while a return fare starts from $110 USD.
Train travel within Uruguay is very limited, with only one regular passenger train route available in the north of the country (Tacuarembo to Rivera), and a modernized freight line between Montevideo and Paso de los Toros. Previously, limited suburban passenger train services existed from Montevideo to nearby towns. Car rentals are also available, with prices for an intermediate model around $450 USD per week outside of peak times, and potentially up to $750 USD during peak season.
Travel Within Cities
Within cities, especially Montevideo, public buses are the primary mode of transport and are very affordable. A common bus ticket in Montevideo costs approximately UYU 56 (about $1.50 USD) without an STM card, or UYU 46 (about $1.20 USD) with an STM card. Buses run from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m., with free Wi-Fi often available. During rush hours (7-9 a.m. and 5-7:30 p.m.), buses can be crowded.
Taxis are also widely available, recognizable by their white color with yellow roofs and a yellow stripe. They operate on a metered system, with a base fare of UYU 65 (approximately €1.55 or $1.55 USD) and UYU 65 per kilometer. A 5km taxi ride in Montevideo costs around UYU 390. A trip from Montevideo Airport to the city center costs approximately €45 (UYU 1890). Uber and other ride-sharing services are also an option.
Walking and biking are excellent for exploring certain areas, such as Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja and the Rambla. Hop-on hop-off tourist buses are available in Montevideo for approximately $35 USD for a 24-hour ticket.
