Uruguay Airport Transfer Guide (2026) - All Options & Tips
Plan your Uruguay trip with ease, reliable airport transfers ensure a smooth start to explore Uruguay's beaches, weather, and safe surroundings.
Helpful Tips
Get an STM card for Montevideo buses, it allows discounted transfers between lines within a two-hour window.
Tres Cruces is Montevideo's main intercity bus terminal, with frequent departures to Punta del Este, Colonia del Sacramento, and other cities.
Buquebus ferries connect Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo directly to Buenos Aires, book ahead in peak season as sailings fill up fast.
Uber works reliably in Montevideo and is generally a convenient alternative to hailing street taxis.
Common Scams to Avoid
Unlicensed taxi touts sometimes approach arriving passengers inside Carrasco International Airport offering rides to Montevideo at inflated rates. Use the official taxi stand outside the arrivals hall or pre-book a remise (private car service) to ensure metered or pre-agreed pricing. This is a common tactic at airports across Latin America, though Uruguay's official taxi system is generally well-regulated.
Airport currency exchange counters typically offer noticeably less favorable rates than exchange offices (cambios) found in downtown Montevideo. Visitors who exchange large amounts on arrival may lose a meaningful percentage compared to waiting until they reach the city center or using an ATM. This is a general airport phenomenon worldwide rather than an Uruguay-specific scam. But worth planning around.
Some drivers may quote a flat fare from the airport that is significantly higher than what the metered rate would be, to passengers who are visibly unfamiliar with local pricing. Always confirm that the meter is running at the start of the trip or agree on a fare before departure using a reputable transfer app. Uruguay's taxi fares are generally reasonable by regional standards, so a quote that sounds unusually high likely is.