Uruguay Travel Guide - Getting Around

Regularly scheduled commercial flights within Uruguay have been discontinued. Aeromás (website: www.aeromas.com) still operates domestic charter flights.

There are no scheduled boat services along the principal rivers but the River Uruguay is navigable from Colonia to Salto, and the Río Negro (flowing across the country from northeast to northwest) is navigable as far as the port of Mercedes.

A few local services run between Montevideo and surrounding suburbs. These are not usually used by tourists and are under threat of closure.

Traffic drives on the right. Road conditions vary but are excellent along the main coastal highways. Outside of Montevideo, congestion is rarely a problem.

Bus: The bus service is good; two main bus lines - COPSA (website: www.copsa.com.uy) and COT (website: www.cot.com.uy) - provide services throughout the country, connecting all towns and the Brazilian border points. Information regarding other bus lines is available online (website www.trescruces.com.uy).

Car hire: Available in Montevideo, Punta del Este, Colonia and other main cities throughout the country.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit or licence from your home country is required.

Extensive bus services operate in Montevideo and the suburbs. There are flat fares for the central area and suburban services. Metered taxis are available in all cities and from the airport. Drivers carry a list of fares. A surcharge is made for each item of baggage and between the hours of 2400-0600. Within city limits, taxis may be hired by the hour at an agreed rate. Taxi drivers expect a tip.