Getting Around Uruguay

Air

There are currently no scheduled domestic passenger flights within Uruguay. Private and charter flights use several regional airports, but most travellers journey between cities by coach or car.

Road

Road is the principal means of travelling within Uruguay, with private cars and long-distance coaches linking Montevideo to cities, coastal resorts and rural areas throughout the country. The relatively short distances allow many destinations to be reached from the capital within a day.

Route 1 runs west from Montevideo towards Colonia del Sacramento, while the Interbalnearia and Route 9 serve Punta del Este, Rocha and the Brazilian border at Chuy. Route 5 leads north through Tacuarembó to Rivera, and Route 3 connects the capital with Paysandú and Salto in the northwest. Routes generally radiate from Montevideo, so journeys between smaller towns may require an indirect route or a coach connection in the capital.

The coastal journey east from Punta del Este is particularly scenic, passing the beaches and low dunes around José Ignacio before crossing the distinctive circular bridge over Laguna Garzón. Continuing into Rocha, the road runs through open grasslands and a landscape of coastal lagoons, wetlands and small beach communities.

Side of the road

Road Quality

Uruguay's principal national roads are paved and generally well-maintained, particularly those linking Montevideo with Colonia del Sacramento, Punta del Este and the main border crossings. Most intercity routes are two-lane roads, and lighting is limited outside urban areas.

Secondary roads in rural areas may have gravel or earth surfaces and can deteriorate after heavy rain. Roadworks, temporary diversions and flooding occasionally affect national routes, so check current conditions before longer journeys.

Road Classification

Uruguay's national road network is divided into international corridors and primary, secondary and tertiary roads. International corridors carry regional and cross-border traffic. Primary roads connect Montevideo, or another national road, with the capital of one of Uruguay's 19 departments. Secondary roads link departmental capitals or national roads with ports, railway terminals, principal border crossings, national parks and designated seaside resorts. Tertiary roads include links between neighbouring departmental capitals and cross-country routes connecting the principal roads radiating from Montevideo.

These classifications do not form part of the road number: travellers navigate using the numbered national routes, such as Routes 1, 3, 5 and 9. Local rural roads outside the national network are administered by the country's departmental governments.

Car Hire

Car hire is available at Carrasco International Airport and in Montevideo, Punta del Este, Colonia del Sacramento and other tourist centres. Drivers generally need a valid driving licence, passport or identity document, and a credit card in the principal driver's name. The minimum age is usually 21, although requirements vary between companies and drivers under 25 may pay a surcharge. Some firms require that the licence be held for at least one or two years.

A national driving licence is normally accepted when printed in the Roman alphabet; otherwise, carry an International Driving Permit together with the original licence. Automatic vehicles are less plentiful than manual cars, so reserve early if one is required, particularly during the southern summer.

Check what the insurance covers before accepting the vehicle, especially for damage to tyres, windscreens and the underside when using unpaved roads. Taking a hire car into Argentina or Brazil requires the rental company's prior written permission and additional cross-border insurance; not all companies or vehicle categories allow it.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in Montevideo and other cities and tourist centres. They can be hailed in the street, found at designated ranks or ordered by telephone or app. Fares are metered and regulated by the relevant departmental authority; make sure the meter is switched on at the beginning of the journey. A surcharge of up to 20% applies between 22:00 and 06:00 and on Sundays and public holidays. One suitcase is normally carried without charge, although an additional fee may apply for extra-large luggage.

Montevideo taxis are readily recognisable by their white lower body, yellow upper section and yellow reflective stripe marked "TAXI". Taxi colours and markings vary elsewhere in Uruguay. Many taxis accept electronic payments, but visitors should confirm before travelling and carry some Uruguayan pesos as a precaution. At airports and ferry terminals, use the official taxi desk or designated rank.

For ride-hailing, Uber operates in Montevideo and Punta del Este, while Cabify is available in Montevideo. Fares are shown in the app before booking. Outside Montevideo and Punta del Este, vehicle availability may be limited.

Bike

Long-distance travel by bicycle is possible, particularly for experienced touring cyclists. Uruguay's predominantly flat or gently rolling terrain and quieter coastal and rural roads make cycling relatively accessible, with attractive routes around Colonia del Sacramento, along the Atlantic coast and in the countryside near Montevideo. Bicycles can be hired in Montevideo and several tourist centres, although equipment suitable for multi-day journeys is less widely available.

Dedicated cycle lanes and hard shoulders are uncommon outside urban areas, and traffic moves quickly on the principal national roads. Strong coastal winds, summer heat and long distances between services can also make journeys demanding. Cyclists should carry sufficient water, sun protection and basic repair equipment, and avoid riding after dark. A protective helmet and reflective clothing or bands are required.

Coach

Long-distance coaches connect Montevideo with all major cities and most towns, coastal resorts and border communities.

COT serves Colonia del Sacramento and the Atlantic coast, including Piriápolis, Punta del Este, La Paloma, Punta del Diablo and Chuy; Turil operates north through Durazno, Tacuarembó and Rivera and also serves Artigas. Other principal operators include Agencia Central, Núñez, COPSA, CYNSA and Rutas del Sol.

In Montevideo, services depart from Tres Cruces Terminal at Bulevar Artigas 1825, the country's principal coach hub. Most towns have a central terminal or roadside agency where tickets can be purchased. Online booking is available through individual operators, although some websites accept only locally issued payment cards.

Coaches on longer routes generally have reclining seats, air conditioning and luggage compartments, and some are fitted with toilets. Seats are usually assigned. Frequencies are good between Montevideo and major destinations but less frequent between smaller towns, where a change may be required. Book ahead for journeys to coastal resorts during summer and for travel around Carnival and Easter.

Regulations

Traffic drives on the right and overtakes on the left. Posted speed limits must be observed; as a general guide, the limits are 45km/h in urban areas and 90km/h on national roads unless signs indicate otherwise. Speed cameras and police checks are used.

Dipped headlights or daytime running lights must be used at all times. Seat belts are compulsory for everyone in the vehicle. Children aged 12 and under must travel in the rear using an appropriate child restraint. Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited.

Uruguay has a zero-alcohol limit for drivers. Even a small amount of alcohol can result in penalties, so anyone intending to drive should avoid drinking entirely.

Breakdown services

Drivers of rental vehicles should contact the rental company using the emergency number supplied with the vehicle. Check what roadside assistance is included before setting out and keep the number readily accessible.

If the vehicle breaks down, move it off the carriageway where possible, switch on the hazard lights and place the warning triangle behind it. For a collision, injury or other emergency, call 911.

Documentation

Drivers must carry a valid driving licence, passport or other accepted identification, the vehicle registration document and proof of insurance. An International Driving Permit is recommended if the licence is not in Spanish and may be required by the car-hire company; it must be carried with the original licence.

Rental-car drivers should also carry the rental agreement. Visitors entering Uruguay in their own vehicle need proof of ownership or formal authorisation from the owner, together with valid insurance covering Uruguay and the vehicle's temporary import documentation.

Urban travel

Montevideo has an extensive bus network serving the city and surrounding metropolitan area; there is no metro or tram system. Fares can be paid in cash on board, while the rechargeable STM card offers lower fares and permits timed transfers between services. Visitors can obtain a standard STM card by presenting their passport at an STM customer-service outlet.

The Cómo Ir website (https://m.montevideo.gub.uy/comoir/) and app provide route planning, stop locations and real-time bus information. Services are generally frequent during the day, with reduced frequencies at night and at weekends.

Local buses also operate in cities including Salto, Paysandú and Colonia del Sacramento, while a regional network connects Maldonado with Punta del Este and nearby beach resorts. Central Colonia del Sacramento and the peninsula of Punta del Este are compact enough to explore on foot.

Rail

Uruguay's only regular passenger train runs between Tacuarembó and Rivera, with services on Mondays and Fridays except public holidays. There are no passenger rail services from Montevideo, and most destinations are reached by long-distance coach or car. Check the latest timetable with the state railway operator AFE before travelling.

Water

There are no scheduled domestic passenger ferry services between towns or cities in Uruguay. Ferries operating from Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento are international services to Argentina.

Local sightseeing boats operate in some coastal areas. From Punta del Este, boats carry visitors to Isla Gorriti and offer excursions to view the sea-lion colony around Isla de Lobos; services are most frequent during summer and depend on weather and sea conditions.