Montevideo is served by Carrasco International Airport (MVD), about 20 km east of the city centre. Taxis from the airport to the centre cost around USD 25–30 and take 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Public buses (line 715 or COT) run from the airport to the Tres Cruces bus terminal in the city — cheap (around USD 2) but slower, taking up to an hour. The Tres Cruces terminal is a good stopping point from which to take a local bus or taxi to your hotel.
From Buenos Aires, the most scenic arrival is by high-speed ferry across the Río de la Plata. Buquebus and Colonia Express both operate from Buenos Aires port to either Colonia del Sacramento (2.5 hours, then 2-hour bus to Montevideo) or directly to Montevideo (3 hours by fast ferry, longer by slower boat). Book in advance in summer.
Overland bus connections run from Buenos Aires and throughout Uruguay via the main terminal at Tres Cruces.