By bus
Buses are the backbone of travel in Uruguay, and the network is good. Long-distance services connect all sizeable towns and cities from Montevideo's Tres Cruces terminal. Major companies include COT, COPSA, Turismar, and Rutas del Sol. Fares are reasonable and coaches are comfortable with air conditioning and reclining seats. For most intercity routes, you can check timetables and buy tickets online via the Tres Cruces website or at the terminal. In the countryside it's also normal to flag down a bus from the roadside.
Journey times give a sense of scale: Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento is about 2.5 hours; Montevideo to Punta del Este is about 2 hours; Montevideo to Salto is roughly 6 hours.
By car
Driving is an easy and rewarding way to see Uruguay. Roads are generally well-maintained and traffic outside Montevideo is light. Petrol is more expensive than in neighbouring countries, but distances are short. The speed limit on highways is 110 km/h; on national roads 90 km/h. Seat belts are mandatory. International driving licences are accepted.
Rental cars are available at Carrasco Airport and in Montevideo. Having your own vehicle is particularly useful for reaching Cabo Polonio, Parque Nacional Santa Teresa, and the thermal spas around Salto and Paysandú — places that buses serve infrequently.
In Montevideo
The city has an extensive bus network run by STM; a rechargeable card (tarjeta STM) is the standard way to pay. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber operates here) are plentiful and reasonably priced. Cycling is viable in the coastal areas around the Rambla, and bike-share schemes are available.
Domestic flights
Domestic flights exist but are rarely necessary given Uruguay's compact size. Aeropuerto de Salto handles some regional connections, but bus travel is usually faster door-to-door for most routes.