Pluma (tel: +55 (41) 3212 2689; website: www.pluma.com.br) runs a variety of coach services from cities in Brazil. These buses and those from other parts of Uruguay arrive at the city's Tres Cruces bus station (website: www.trescruces.com.uy). A full list of operators and timetables is available online.

From Argentina, there are road crossings at Fray Bentos and further north, but it is simpler to take a boat across the River Plate's estuary from Buenos Aires with Buquebus (tel: +54 (11) 4316 6500; website: www.buquebus.com). There is a direct crossing to Montevideo and a shorter crossing to Colonia del Sacramento with bus connections on to the capital.

For independent drivers, Uruguay has an extensive system of paved highways, and the roads into Montevideo are generally in good condition. Driving is on the right and seatbelts are compulsory. The ruta interbalnearia (inter-beach route) runs from Chuy on the Brazilian border all the way to Montevideo and is a pretty coastal drive, popular with tourists.

Emergency breakdown services:
The Automobile Club of Uruguay (tel: 1707).
Car Up (tel: (02) 628 1555 or 0800 1501).
Automobile Center of Uruguay (tel: (02) 408 6131/2091).