By air
Carrasco International Airport (MVD) in Montevideo is Uruguay's main international gateway, located about 19 km east of the city centre. Direct flights operate from a handful of South American hubs — Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Santiago — as well as Miami and Madrid. If you're coming from Europe or North America, expect at least one connection.
PLUNA, Uruguay's former national carrier, ceased operations in 2012. The main airlines serving Montevideo today include Aerolíneas Argentinas, LATAM, Iberia, and American Airlines. Budget carriers have been slower to establish themselves here, so fares can be higher than in neighbouring countries.
By ferry from Argentina
The ferry from Buenos Aires is the classic entry point and one of the most enjoyable ways to arrive. Two companies operate the crossing:
Buquebus runs a fast catamaran service direct to Montevideo (around 2 hours 15 minutes) and also to Colonia del Sacramento (about 1 hour). Colonia crossings are cheaper and very frequent — it's a popular day-trip option from Buenos Aires.
Seacat / Colonia Express offers additional sailings to Colonia, often at lower prices. From Colonia, buses connect to Montevideo in about 2.5 hours.
Ferry tickets can be booked online in advance; during January and February (peak season) and Carnaval, popular departures sell out quickly.
By bus from Brazil
Long-distance buses connect Montevideo with Porto Alegre (around 12–14 hours), Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. Companies including COT and CYNSA operate cross-border routes; services are comfortable with reclining seats. The border crossing at Rivera–Livramento (opposite the Brazilian city of Santana do Livramento) is the most commonly used road entry from Brazil.
By road from Argentina
If you're driving or taking a bus, you can cross via the Fray Bentos–Puerto Unzué bridge or the Colón–Paysandú bridge. Road conditions are good once in Uruguay.