To travel to Uruguay from Buenos Aires, you don't need to take a plane. The ferry to Colonia del Sacramento crosses the Río de la Plata in about an hour, and from there you can reach Montevideo, Punta del Este, and other cities by land . There are also direct boats to Montevideo, buses to Salto and Paysandú, and round-trip cruises to Uruguay from Buenos Aires.
The five destinations in this guide are Colonia del Sacramento, Punta del Este, Montevideo, Salto, and Paysandú . For each one, you'll find information on how to get there, travel times, things to do, and which excursion or package best suits your schedule. If you're looking for ideas to plan your getaway to Uruguay from Buenos Aires, you can view all the excursions and packages to Uruguay before continuing to read.
A simple rule for choosing: with a free day, Colonia is the best option . With a weekend, add Montevideo or Punta del Este. With three or more days, Salto and Paysandú await with hot springs and coastal scenery.
1 - Colonia del Sacramento: the easiest getaway from Buenos Aires
Colonia del Sacramento is the closest and most popular destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. Its historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be explored on foot in just a few hours. It features cobblestone streets, a lighthouse, churches, museums, and a riverfront promenade with stunning sunsets over the river .
The trip to Colonia from Buenos Aires can be done independently, with a tour that includes the boat, or with a package that adds an overnight stay. The best option depends on how much time you have and whether you prefer a guided tour or exploring at your own pace.
Day trips to Colonia from Buenos Aires
If you only have one day, excursions depart from the port of Buenos Aires and return the same night . The classic day trip to Colonia. It departs around 9:00 AM, includes round-trip transportation and lunch, and allows free time in the historic district. It lasts between 12 and 13 hours in total.
The "Unmissable Colonia in a Day" tour departs earlier, around 7:00 AM, and includes a guided walking tour of the historic district . It passes by the Portón de Campo, the Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs), and the lighthouse, and the return boat leaves at 6:00 PM. Choose this tour if you want a guide and don't need lunch included.
Packages to Cologne from Buenos Aires: two days
To see the city at a leisurely pace, the best option is to spend a night. The two-day package in Colonia del Sacramento includes transfers, the round-trip ferry, one night's hotel accommodation with breakfast, and a private city tour .
On the first day, you depart Buenos Aires at 9:00 AM and explore the Real de San Carlos neighborhood, the west coast, and the historic center . The second day is free, and the return trip departs at 4:00 PM. This package is ideal for those seeking trips to Colonia from Buenos Aires with accommodation included.
Things to do in Colonia del Sacramento
If you're already in the city, there are three activities that complement the classic walk:
By bicycle : the bike tour through the historic Real de San Carlos neighborhood and the beaches lasts about 3 hours and passes through the promenade, the Álamo and Oreja de Negro beaches and the old church of San Benito.
With a private guide : The private city tour departs at 3:00 PM and lasts approximately two and a half hours. It explores Real de San Carlos and enters the historic center through the Portón de Campo gate.
With wine and lunch : The Fripp Winery wine tasting and lunch includes a winery tour, a three-course lunch, and four wines. The transfer from Colonia takes between 30 and 45 minutes. It operates from Wednesday to Sunday and is available upon request.
Punta del Este: Trip to Punta del Este from Buenos Aires
Punta del Este is Uruguay's most famous beach resort. Located on the Atlantic coast, it sits on a peninsula with beaches offering both calm waters and strong waves. In addition to the summer season, the area offers excursions to coastal towns, wineries, and nature reserves .
From Buenos Aires, Punta del Este is a multi-day getaway, not a one-day trip . The route is longer than to Colonia, and it's advisable to spend at least one night. Excursions to Cabo Polonio, Piriápolis, and Garzón also depart from there.
How to get to Punta del Este from Buenos Aires
There are two ways to get to Punta del Este from Buenos Aires. The first is a The direct ferry from Buquebus , which according to ticket comparison websites is seasonal and lasts about 5 hours and 15 minutes.
The second option is a combined ferry and bus journey via Colonia or Montevideo , available year-round. This option takes between 6 and almost 8 hours, and the overland leg from Colonia is between 270 and 300 km along Route 1 and Route 10.
Cabo Polonio from Punta del Este
Cabo Polonio is a village of dunes, beaches, and sea lions within a protected area . Private cars are not allowed: you must leave your vehicle at the Route 10 terminal and continue on a 4x4 truck that crosses the dunes.
There is no direct bus service to Cabo Polonio from Buenos Aires . You must first travel to Montevideo or Punta del Este and then continue by land. The distance from Punta del Este ranges from 123 to 157 km, taking approximately two hours . From Montevideo, it is between 227 and 264 km, taking about three hours. The route uses Routes 9 and 10.
If you'd rather not drive, the city tour to Cabo Polonio and the beach from Punta del Este lasts about 10 hours and departs from centrally located hotels in the morning. It passes through La Pedrera, travels by 4x4 to the cape, and returns in the afternoon.
Piriápolis: day trip from Punta del Este
Piriápolis is a seaside resort founded by Francisco Piria, featuring hills, a waterfront promenade, and buildings dating from the early 20th century. It is located about 45 minutes from Punta del Este via Route 10, passing through Punta Ballena.
The Piriápolis city tour from Punta del Este lasts 5 hours. It includes visits to the Fountain of Venus, Cerro del Toro, the San Antonio Hill viewpoint, La Cascada Park, and Piria Castle . Museum and zoo tickets are not included, and the tour is not valid for cruise ship passengers.
Garzón Winery: wine near Punta del Este
Garzón is an inland town in Maldonado, known for its vineyards. It can be reached from Montevideo in about 2 hours via the Interbalnearia Highway and Route 9.
Bodega Garzón offers two experiences. The premium tour and tasting at Bodega Garzón lasts approximately two hours and includes a tour with a sommelier, wines from the Reserva and Single Vineyard lines, and olive oils. The premium experience at Bodega Garzón lasts approximately 4 hours and includes a private vineyard tour and a paired lunch. No tour includes transportation from Punta del Este.
Montevideo: what to do on a day trip from Buenos Aires
Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay and is just over two hours from Buenos Aires via the direct Buquebus ferry. It has a walkable old town, a waterfront promenade along the river, neighborhoods with markets and cafes, and a vibrant and interesting nightlife .
It's a great base for a long weekend, because from there you can reach Colonia in a day and Punta del Este by land . It's also a common stop for cruises from Buenos Aires.
How to get to Montevideo from Buenos Aires
The fastest way is the direct Buquebus ferry, which takes 2 hours and 15 minutes . The cheapest alternative is to take the ferry to Colonia and then continue by bus, a total journey of about 4 hours. If you arrive on a cruise ship, the ship docks in the port of Montevideo, and passengers spend the day exploring the Old City, the Mercado del Puerto (Port Market), and the Rambla (coastal promenade ).
Day trip to Colonia from Montevideo
If you're staying in the capital for several days, you can take an exclusive city tour to Colonia del Sacramento . It's a private tour of about 10 hours that departs from centrally located hotels. The route between the two cities is approximately 180 km, along Route 1, a dual carriageway.
The tour visits the historic center, Real de San Carlos, and museums, whose entrance fees are paid separately . On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, it also includes Colonia Suiza and Nueva Helvecia with a coffee stop.
Salto: hot springs and relaxation on the Uruguayan coast
Salto is located in northwestern Uruguay, on the Uruguay River and across from Concordia . It's the starting point for visiting the thermal baths, which are natural hot springs. The best-known are Termas del Daymán , about 9 or 10 km from the city center, and Termas del Arapey , between 65 and 80 km to the north.
It's a three-day or longer getaway, not a short weekend . Choose this destination if you prefer a different kind of trip than the beaches and cities of the south.
How to travel to Salto from Buenos Aires
The most common route to travel to Salto from Buenos Aires is by bus, passing through Concordia and over the Salto Grande bridge . Flecha Bus operates this route, with a journey time of between 5.5 and 8 hours.
By car you have to drive about 475 km, passing through Zárate to the Salto Grande bridge, where you have to go through customs and immigration procedures.
Salto travel package: Arapey Thermal Resort & Spa
The package at Arapey Thermal Resort & Spa Includes 2 nights in a superior room with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. Access to the thermal pools, spa, gym, and tennis courts is included. The resort is located approximately 80 km north of Salto.
Paysandú: what to do on a getaway
Paysandú is located on the banks of the Uruguay River, opposite the Argentinian city of Colón. It's a city with history, a riverfront promenade, and hot springs. For many Argentinian travelers, its accessibility via the General Artigas Bridge makes it a convenient weekend getaway .
It combines well with a thermal spa package, as its urban attractions can be seen in a day. Those looking for things to do in Paysandú, Uruguay, can divide their trip between the city and the hot springs .
Tourist attractions in Paysandú
The most popular tourist attractions in Paysandú are the Artigas Plateau, a viewpoint overlooking the river, and the Monument to Perpetuity, a funerary-style monument . In the city center are Artigas Square, the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the City Hall, and the Municipal Historical Museum, which houses artifacts from the Battle of Paysandú. The Beer Festival is one of the city's most well-known events.
Salinas del Almirón Thermal Resort
The package at Salinas del Almirón Thermal Resort Includes one night in a superior or deluxe room with full board . The pools are saltwater, heated to 36°C, and there is also an outdoor pool at ambient temperature.
How to get to Uruguay from Buenos Aires
There are four ways to get there: ferry, bus, car, and cruise ship . The choice depends on the destination. Colonia and Montevideo are reached by boat, while Salto and Paysandú are reached by land, crossing the bridges over the Uruguay River.
In all cases, the procedure is similar: you must arrive at the port or terminal in advance, go through immigration, and bring a valid document . These are the options, listed from shortest to longest.
Ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia and Montevideo
The ferry to Colonia is the most common way to travel to Uruguay from Buenos Aires. Buquebus departs from Puerto Madero, and Colonia Express departs from La Boca. Colonia Express is the most economical option, but it doesn't offer a direct ferry to Montevideo.
The crossing to Colonia takes about an hour with all companies. Buquebus also has a direct ferry to Montevideo, which takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. Alternatively , you can cross to Colonia and continue by bus: the total journey takes about 4 hours, including customs, and the bus ride alone takes about 3 hours .
There are departures every day, but the times vary depending on the season. The guide recommends arriving two hours before departure. Tour brochures for Cologne tours request an hour and a half. Therefore, it's always best to follow the instructions provided by the tour company you book with.
How to get to Salto, Paysandú and Carmelo by land
To get to Salto or Paysandú from Buenos Aires, you have to cross into Entre Ríos and then into Uruguay via a bridge. Salto is reached through Concordia and the Salto Grande Bridge. Paysandú is reached through Colón and the General Artigas International Bridge.
By bus, a Flecha Bus service connects Retiro with Salto, stopping in Concordia. The sources I found give varying travel times, between 5.5 and 8 hours. By car, a route planner calculates approximately 475 km and almost 5 hours to reach Salto. For Paysandú, there is also a Flecha Bus service that arrives at the Paysandú Station, located at Cerrito 1305, according to a ticket search engine.
To get to Carmelo, the route is by river. You take the train to Tigre, which takes about an hour from Retiro station, and then a boat for about three hours through the Delta. Sources disagree on which company currently operates this route, so confirm the company and schedule before planning your trip.
Cruises to Uruguay from Buenos Aires: round trip
Another way to experience Uruguay is by cruise. Shorter round-trip cruises from Buenos Aires to Uruguay last three to four nights. They spend most of their time at sea and stop in Punta del Este and Montevideo. In Punta del Este, passengers disembark on small boats to reach the peninsula, and in Montevideo, the ship docks in the port.
The cruise season in Buenos Aires runs from late November to early April. January and February are the most expensive months, while March and early April are 25% to 35% cheaper, according to Tangol's cruise guide. Ships depart from the Benito Quinquela Martín Terminal on Ramón Castillo Avenue in the Retiro district. There are also 8- to 9-night itineraries to Brazil that include Montevideo or Punta del Este in the final leg of the journey.
If it's your first time on a ship, a mini-cruise is a great way to try it out. You can see the available options in Tangol's cruise category . Please note that some shore excursions, such as the Piriápolis city tour, are not available to cruise passengers.
Documents required to travel to Uruguay from Buenos Aires
Argentine citizens can enter Uruguay with a valid national identity document (DNI), according to recent news reports, although it is advisable to also carry a passport. Citizens of other nationalities should check the Uruguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to see if they require a visa.
Minors under 18 leaving Argentina need a travel authorization signed by both parents, in addition to their national identity document (DNI) and birth certificate. These rules are subject to change, so you should confirm them with the Immigration Office before traveling.
How to choose your getaway to Uruguay from Buenos Aires
If you want to combine two destinations, Colonia and Montevideo are easily connected by Route 1. Punta del Este and Cabo Polonio are best visited together, with an overnight stay on the coast. For any option, book in advance during peak season.
How long does the ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo take?
The direct Buquebus ferry takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. If you cross to Colonia and continue by bus, the total journey is about 4 hours.
What documents do I need to travel to Uruguay from Buenos Aires?
Argentinians can enter with a valid national identity document (DNI), although a passport is recommended. Minors need authorization from both parents to leave Argentina. Check the current requirements with the Immigration Office.
Is it possible to go to Cabo Polonio from Buenos Aires in one day?
There is no direct service. You arrive in Montevideo or Punta del Este and from there continue by land to the Cabo Polonio bus terminal. An excursion from Punta del Este takes about 10 hours.
What is the best destination for a short getaway to Uruguay?
Colonia del Sacramento, because it's an hour away by ferry from Buenos Aires and can be easily explored in a day.