Perhaps you’re planning a weekend getaway from Buenos Aires.
You might be doing an Argentinian visa run. Or maybe you’re moving on to your next South American backpacking destination. Regardless of your reasons, here’s everything you need to know about getting a ferry from Buenos Aires to Uruguay.
You can of course go by air or road. But getting a ferry to Uruguay from Buenos Aires is what we would recommend because it’s quicker and cheaper.
How to Get A Ferry From Buenos Aires to Uruguay
The first thing you need to decide when taking a boat from Buenos aires to Uruguay is whether you want to head to the smaller, picturesque, historical port town of Colonia del Sacramento, or the larger, bustling, trendy port city of Montevideo.
There are options to get a direct ferry to ports at both. However, because Colonia is closer, it is usually the cheaper route.
If you are wanting to head straight to Montevideo, you can can also take a ferry to Colonia and then a connecting bus direct to Montevideo.
There isn’t a direct ferry to Punta del Este. To get there you need to take a ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia and then a 4 hour bus from there.
Or alternatively opt for a direct Buenos Aires to Montevideo ferry and then a 2 hour bus from there.
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Which Ferry Company To Choose
There are three companies that you can use to take a ferry from Buenos Aires to Uruguay: Buquebus, Colonia Express and SeaCat.
We found Buquebus and Colonia Express to be the cheapest and have used them both.
The Buenos Aires to Colonia ferry takes either one hour or three hours depending on whether you opt for a catamaran or the larger ferryboat option.
Thankfully there’s usually little to no difference in price so you should always check the journey time and choose the fast ferry.
The ferries from Buenos Aires to Montevideo take between 2 and 3 hours depending on which ferry company you are going with.
Buquebus runs 13 times per week with a journey time of 2 hours 15 mins. And Colonia Express 3 times per week with a journey time of 3 hours 30 mins.
We paid around £45 GBP / $58 USD each for the ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia. This was for a one way foot passenger ticket.
If you have a car or have hired a car in Argentina, there are ferry crossings that you can also book cars onto.
It generally isn’t any cheaper to book return tickets. But it is cheaper to book online in advance.
Ferry tickets direct to Montevideo are more expensive at around £220 GBP / $281 USD. So if you are going from Buenos Aires to Montevideo it will be cheaper to take a ferry to Colonia and then a connecting bus direct to Montevideo.
Seats aren’t assigned but there are plenty and they are comfortable. If you need to charge anything there are a few plug sockets to be found but not many. So it’s best charge your gadgets before you leave to get the ferry from Buenos Aires to Uruguay.
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Buenos Aires to Uruguay Day Trip
Up until only a few years ago, the cost of a ferry to Uruguay from Buenos Aires was much cheaper, making a Buenos Aires to Uruguay day trip way more affordable.
Of course it is still doable, but we just wanted to mention this as many outdated guides provide old prices.
If you still want to do it, the best option is a day trip to Colonia from Buenos Aires. This will cut down on both travel time and expense.
The Portuguese founded, colonial town of Colonia is a lovely chilled out place. And there’s plenty to do for a weekend if you do decide to stay overnight.
If you have a few more days to play with or are leaving Argentina to travel in Uruguay, our advice would be stop off in Colonia del Sacramento before heading to Montevideo. Even if just for the day. The walled town is a UNESCO world heritage site after all.
Buenos Aires to Montevideo via Colonia
If you choose not to get the direct ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, you’ll need to catch a connecting bus from Colonia. Buses run from Colonia to Montevideo every hour and it’s around a 2 hour journey.
If you get an early boat from Buenos Aires to Uruguay you will have time to explore Colonia. A great option is to take a look around and have lunch before getting an evening bus to Montevideo.
If you choose to do this, don’t book a boat-bus combo ticket for your ferry from Buenos Aires to Uruguay. Your bus will leave too soon after you dock into the port for you to do anything in Colonia.
Instead, book your bus ticket to Montevideo separately when you get to Colonia.
From the port, turn left and it’s a 10 minute walk into the town, or turn right and it’s a few minutes walk to the bus station. You can also leave your luggage in lockers at the bus station so you’re not carting them round all day.
There are loads of different bus companies running the route between Colonia and Montevideo. We used the company COT, the buses were really comfortable and had decent wifi onboard. We paid $383 UYU (£9 GBP / £12 USD) each.
You can also check and book buses around Uruguay here, if you’d prefer to do it in advance of getting to Colonia del Sacramento.
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How To Get To Buenos Aires Ferry Port
All ferries from Buenos Aires to Uruguay go from the same port, Puerto Madero.
The easiest way to get there is to take an Uber, especially if you have a backpack or suitcase. From where were staying in the neighbourhood of Palermo it cost us just £3.30 GBP / $4.20 USD.
It takes around 20-25 minutes from most central neighbourhoods. Be sure you go to the right termianal of Buenos Aires Ferry Port. Because the Buquebus and Seacat terminals are at the top of Puerto Madero and the Colonia Express terminal is at the bottom, a 45 minute walk away.
You will need to get there 1 hour and 30 minutes before the departure time for your ferry from Buenos Aires to Uruguay.
Please note that you will also likely need to have your ticket reservations printed. It will say on the information when you book it.
Checking in For Your Trip to Uruguay
The buquebus terminal can be a little overwhelming upon first arrival, mainly because it’s so busy and it’s difficult to see where you need to go.
There are different desks for collecting tickets, checking in and purchasing tickets – which is another option.
Although in summer, taking a trip from Buenos Aires to Uruguay is a very popular thing to do amongst Porteños. So we’d always recommend booking your ferry tickets from Buenos Aires to Uruguay in advance.
Also, because Buquebus and SeaCat run from exactly the same port, they frequently interchange their services. So even if you have a ticket booked with one company you could be put on the other company’s boat. If you are in any doubt, ask.
The Colonia Express ferry terminal is newly built so is way more organised and efficient, it was relocated from La Boca to Puerto Madero.
Check in is pretty easy. You just present your printed reservation and ID, collect your tickets then go through the bag scanner. Next up is immigration.
Just be aware that they do both your Argentina visa exit stamp and Uruguay visa entry stamp here. Once you’ve been seen by the Argentinian side you’ll be directed to a Uruguayan booth. So make sure you don’t miss getting your entry stamp to Uruguay.
Ferry to Uruguay From Buenos Aires
Once you go through passport control at the ferry port, there isn’t anywhere to get a coffee other than a crappy drinks machine.
So make you sure you get something at the cafe before you go through if you haven’t had breakfast.
And you can take drinks i.e. liquids through check in. It’s a boat, not a plane. There are small shops on the ferries too but they are super expensive. Like $2.50 USD for a small pack of Oreos expensive.
The aircon was blasting on the last ferry we went on, so be sure to have a sweater handy. Even if it’s hot outside.
Ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia Info
Announcements happen in both English and Spanish. So don’t worry if your Spanish isn’t great.
If you are going straight onto Montevideo or Punta del Este, when you get off the ferry from Buenos to Uruguay the buses will be waiting for you.
There’s a cashpoint in Colonia ferry port if you need to take out cash, but don’t dawdle if you’re travelling in a pair and want to sit together.
Depending on the time of year, there may be an hours time difference from Buenos Aires to Uruguay.
If you are just taking a short trip from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, you don’t have to worry about getting money changed.
Argentinian pesos are widely accepted by shops and restaurants in Colonia. And there’s no need to take a cab or bus, it’s just a 10 minute walk.
Where To Stay In Colonia
Cheap & Cheerful: El Viajero Colonia Hostel
Right next to the old town and a short walk from the beach, this hostel gas an ideal location.
The colorful decor matches the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. We really enjoyed our stay here. There’s daily breakfast, communal BBQs and often live musicians playing.
Mid-range: Posada Del Virrey
Set inside an old colonial-style building, this hotel features a charming central courtyard with marble chequered floors.
Elegantly rooms have air-conditioning and private bathrooms with baths. A buffet breakfast of croissants, fresh juices and regional jams is served daily.
Luxury – Charco Hotel
Situated in the old town, this hotel has one of the best-rated locations in Colonia with guests treated to either river or garden views.
There’s is an à la carte restaurant, excellent breakfasts served daily and each room is tastefully decorated in a modern farmhouse style.
Great Reads To Take To Uruguay:
Uruguay Travel Insurance
If you haven’t left on your travels yet, or even if you have, don’t forget your travel insurance. Uruguay is a very safe country. But accidents happen all the time and the last thing you want is to be stuck abroad without good insurance.
Our go to travel insurance provider is World Nomads. They have a no bullshit approach to policy & are perfect for adventurous travellers like us. Get a no obligation quote here:
And if you have any other questions about how to get a ferry from Buenos Aires to Uruguay, drop us a comment below and we’ll do our best to help.
If you’re planning on visiting other places in Uruguay you may also find these posts helpful:
- The Absolute Best Places to Visit in Uruguay
- 21 Unmissable Things To Do In Montevideo
- Where To Stay In Montevideo
Pin Me For Later
Yorkshire born & bred, Sarah is a professional blogger who loves to travel. Pushing her boundaries with new adventures is her jam, so you likely won’t find her in one place for too long. Also a serious Marmite addict.
This was so helpful! I’m thinking of heading to Argentina this year and was thinking of doing a quick few days in Uruguay. Thanks for sharing the details of your trip!
So pleased you found it helpful Joey. Uruguay is really beautiful, as is Argentina – but yeah do try and get in a trip over there. It takes no time at all 🙂
Thank you. All the information I had been seeking in one place. Helping my planning enormously. Much appreciated.
You’re very welcome – hope you have the best time. We’re heading back over this way soon.
Thank you for the detail here – i’ve been researching the ferries and trying to figure out which port is best to arrive into from BA. This is really helpful!
Hey Emma, glad you found it useful. We are actually in the process of updating the post with even more detailed info, as we took the ferry ourselves again just a few days ago – everything in the post is correct but there are a few other things that may also be worth knowing.
Probably the most useful is that the cheapest ferry routes from BsAs to Uruguay go to Colonia. If your final destination is Montevideo or Punta del Este, purchase a ticket with the remaining distance between Colonia and Montevideo included by bus rather than the direct ferry. The buses are also super comfortable and new and clean.
The other thing is that we found Colonia Express is the cheapest ticket provider. Anyway, hope you enjoy your trip and if you’re heading to Uruguay soon we may see you around!
Thank you for a very informative article, as I am planning a trip to BA this spring, and was considering a 3 days side trip to Uruguay. Since I would prefer to travel without my suitcas, do you know if there is a luggage hold at the ferry in BA?
Hey Fred, so happy you found the post useful.
The Buquebus terminal does have luggage storage, yes. This is what they say about it on their website: “The Puerto Madero Terminal has a special space to keep you baggage. The cost per day is ARS 50.”.
Since we did not use it I’m unsure whether the prices are up to date (they tend to fluctuate a lot in BA) but they definitely do have storage there.
Hope you have a great time in Buenos Aires and Uruguay!
Thanks for the information, can you also post information about the return trip from Colonia to Buenos Aires? Should you also be in Colonia 1.5 hours before the departure time? We are considering taking a day trip, for a few hours, lunch, etc., but concerned about the extra time involved and whether it will be worth it.
Hey John, the return trip is pretty similar just in reverse.
You are supposed to be there 1.5 hours before departure time as well according to the ferry company’s info, however as with international flights where you’re meant to be there 4 hours beforehand, it’s usually overkill. I wouldn’t cut it too fine though as you do still need to get your boarding passes printed and go through immigration. That said, this doesn’t usually take very long.
A day trip to Colonia from BsAs is quite common and something I have personally done before. It definitely allows you enough time to see the major sights, have lunch and soak up the atmosphere, so it’s well worth doing. Hope this helps, let us know if there’s any other specific info you’d like to know though.
I did not see ferry times anywhere ?
Hi Roy, if you click on the button that says “Compare Ferry Times & Prices Here” you’ll be able to search the times for the dates that you are intending to go. They depend on the day of travel, time of year, and which service you choose to travel on. Hope this helps.
Hi,
I’m only interested in a half day trip via ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia. Once I get to the ferry port, what are my options for food, shops, etc., if I don’t purchase a tour? Date of travel: August 31, 2019
Thank you,
Kim
Hi Kim, the ferry port in Colonia is right next to the town – literally less than 10 minutes walk away. So you have lots of options for shops & restaurants. It’s a very beautiful place so if you can carve out a little more time to spend there I don’t think you will regret it.
Hey, great post – very helpful. We’re planning to stay one night in Colonia before heading from to MV the following morning – any advice on when the first buses go and if we need to buy tickets at the time we leave or should we buy it advance?
Hey Stephen, glad you found it useful. With regards the tickets, you may as well just buy them when you arrive in Colonia – the bus station is only a couple hundred metres down the road from the port so you can head there straight from the boat easily enough.
I believe the buses start running at around 5am and they’re extremely regular so you shouldn’t have a problem securing tickets for the service you want. Enjoy Uruguay!
Great blog! Really useful information and a great website…
Would you happen to also know if pets are allowed on any ferry crossings from Argentina-Montevideo. We would have two dogs with us.
Thanks! Jenny.
Hey Jenny, thanks so much, glad you like the site.
We actually saw a few dogs on the ferry so they’re definitely allowed. As for what paperwork you need or whether you have to pay for tickets etc I don’t know I’m afraid. I’d suggest checking directly with the ferry operator you’re planning to travel with for full info.
Hope you and the dogs enjoy Uruguay!
This is so so informative and helpful as my friend and I are going to Colonia from BA on 16th of of Oct 2019 staying 2 nights there then bus to MV for 3 nights returning to BA 21st Oct to catch 5 pm flight to Iguasu so we have to be at the airport in BA at 3pm.
Thank you so much for your blog, so helpful to a lot of travellers.
My question is….would you recommend we get boat to MV first then bus to Colonia and returning to BA from Colonia?
Hi Tia, I’d probably suggest leaving from Colonia to BA to fly to Iguazu purely because it’s a shorter ferry journey back.
However, as long as you’ve left enough time to get to the airport from the ferry from MV then there’s no problem doing that either. If you’ve already got it booked then I wouldn’t bother changing it.
Hope you have an awesome trip 🙂
Thanks for the great info! Looking to go one way to Uruguay. Am wondering about luggage allowance on the ferry. Is there a place to check bags? Do you have to pay separately if so? Or do you just bring all bags to your seat?
Hi Kei, I’m not sure about all of the services but every one we’ve been on you take your bags on with you and they have luggage racks at the back of the boat where you leave them.
The baggage allowance is up to 30kg but we have never seen them weighing any bags. As long as you can carry it it should be fine 🙂
This post was very helpful. We were going to from Buenos Aires to Montevideo on Dec 30th 2019, BUT the prices are US$111/person (and we’re a family of 3 so that’s US$333!) so we decided to go to Colonia first on 29th(US$34/person) and spend the night and then and take a bus to Montevideo on 30th Dec. But here is my question: It appears that the buses are about US$12/person from Colonia to Montevideo based on current month’s schedule – but the schedules don’t go out as far as December. Can I assume that the buses will be running on 30th December? (They don’t close for holidays?) And will the prices shoot up for high season? It’s hard to plan the best route and price ahead of time when you don’t know for sure what things will be costing. I have emailed bus company but am hoping you might be able to offer some insight. Thank you!
Hey Talchinsky, that’s a great way to save money! As far as we’re aware the buses will be running on 30th December, yes. It’ not a public holiday so you shouldn’t have any issues.
With regards to prices, I couldn’t say with certainty I’m afraid. However, from our personal experience we have travelled this route a couple of times during these holidays and the buses have not been significantly more expensive. Enjoy your trip!
Do you have information about using a ferry BA to Colonia or BA to Montevideo for my car?? plus 4 passengers in car?
Thanks
Sorry Hugo, we haven’t made the trip by car, we’ve only been as foot passengers so don’t have any first hand info on this.
Hi! Very helpful blog 🙂 thanks!
I will be backpacking and don’t have a return flight yet, as I will eventually head up to Bolivia.
Do you know if an outbound needs to be shown when entering Argentina again?
Thanks so much!
Hi Melanie, sounds like a great trip you have planned.
We’ve never had to show any travel plans when re-entering Argentina so you shouldn’t have any problems.
We have been asked for these details unexpectedly elsewhere and have just booked a cheap coach trip that covers the requirements on the spot. So on the off-chance you do get asked to show something, this could be an option.
We are flying to BA on Feb 7, 2020 and then have all day Feb 8 free in-between two Road Scholar trips. We are thinking about going to Colonia for the day. Do you know if the ferry takes credit cards? We had not planned to get any Argentinian money as all of our lodging and most meals are included in our tour price. Also, do you think we’ll be able to find a restaurant in Colonia that takes credit cards.
The information in your post is great and has answered a lot of my questions already.
Thank you.
Hey LB, glad you’ve found the info useful.
I’m assuming you mean can you pay for your ferry ticket by card? Our advice would be to book online in advance, that way you can definitely pay on card. The link in this post will take you to the Direct Ferries website and you can book there.
Most places in Uruguay allow you to pay by card so you’ll have absolutely no issues finding a restaurant.
In fact it’s actually beneficial to pay by card because as a tourist you receive a tax rebate. It gets put back on to your card automatically a few days after your transaction.
Hop you have a great trip and enjoy Colonia 🙂
Hi guys…!
First of all, thanks so much for those informations. It was very helpful!
I am going to Buenos Aires for 7 days with my girlfriend and we wanted to make a sidetrip to MV. I saw that the tickets stopping in Colonia are more cheep. We’ll do that!
My question is : As I work with internet , do you guys know if there’s a wifi inside the ferry? Or we are completely disconnected in the way?
Hey Arthur, we’ve never had access to wifi on the crossing so I don’t think there is any on the boat I’m afraid!
Enjoy your trip 🙂