Ferry to Montevideo

Compare all available ferry crossings and secure the best deals for your journey. At Openferry, we make it easy to find and book ferry tickets to and from Montevideo in just a few clicks.

Because ferry travel can be seasonal, frequencies and departure times often change throughout the year. We recommend using our live search to see the most accurate schedules and information for your travel dates including:

Popular Connections: The port of Montevideo connects to several high-traffic destinations, including Buenos Aires - Montevideo.

Top-Tier Operators: Regular services to and from Montevideo are provided by leading carriers like BuqueBus, Colonia Express.

Amenities vary depending on the specific vessel and operator, but most ferries serving Montevideo feature:

Comfortable Seating: Options ranging from standard lounges to premium airplane-style seats.

Dining & Leisure: Onboard cafés and restaurants serving food and drinks.

Travel Essentials: Restroom facilities and, on longer routes, private cabins for added privacy.

Vehicle Transport: Most sailings accommodate cars, motorbikes, and campervans, allowing you to take your own transport to Montevideo.

Montevideo is currently served by 2 ferry routes operated by 2 ferry operators including BuqueBus, Colonia Express.

Montevideo is well-connected to neighboring countries through various transportation options. Arriving by road is straightforward via routes from Brazil or Argentina, with the latter offering the possibility to combine with ferry services across the Río de la Plata. The city's Tres Cruces bus terminal serves as the main hub for long-distance coaches. International travelers typically fly into Carrasco International Airport, located about 20km from the city center, with taxis and shuttle services readily available to the ferry terminal. If driving, ample parking can be found near the port area, though it's advisable to arrive early during peak tourist seasons.

Nestled along the banks of the Río de la Plata, Montevideo blends European elegance with South American warmth. This vibrant port city serves as Uruguay's cultural and economic heart, offering visitors a refreshing alternative to the region's more frenetic metropolises. With its palm-lined rambla, historic Ciudad Vieja, and relaxed café culture, Montevideo promises a maritime gateway to Uruguay's distinct charms.

Montevideo enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, making it a year-round destination. The summer months of December through February offer warm temperatures ideal for enjoying the city's beaches and outdoor cafés, though this coincides with the busiest tourist period. Spring (September-November) and fall (March-May) present milder temperatures with fewer crowds, creating perfect conditions for exploring the city comfortably. Winter (June-August) brings cooler weather but rarely extreme cold, with the advantage of lower accommodation rates. Carnival celebrations in January and February bring the streets alive with candombe drums and colorful parades, while ferry services maintain consistent schedules throughout the year.

Montevideo serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the wider Río de la Plata region by water. Buenos Aires lies just across the estuary, reachable in approximately 2-3 hours by high-speed ferry, offering visitors Argentina's cosmopolitan capital with its tango halls and European architecture. The historic town of Colonia del Sacramento can be reached via a short ferry ride, where cobblestone streets and colonial buildings create a UNESCO World Heritage experience. For a more relaxed coastal escape, ferries connect to Punta del Este, Uruguay's premier beach resort, particularly vibrant during the summer season. The scenic river journey itself provides spectacular views of the widening Río de la Plata estuary, considered the widest river in the world.

Montevideo's 22-kilometer Rambla (waterfront promenade) offers the perfect introduction to the city, where locals gather for evening mate tea rituals and sunset views over the estuary. The Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) rewards explorers with colonial architecture, bustling markets, and the distinctive Mercado del Puerto, where traditional parrillas (grills) serve Uruguay's renowned beef accompanied by robust Tannat wines. Cultural enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Teatro Solís, Uruguay's oldest theater, or the vibrant street art in the Palermo neighborhood. For a taste of authentic Uruguayan cuisine, try chivito (the national sandwich), fresh seafood from the port, or dulce de leche desserts from local bakeries.

Montevideo's name allegedly comes from a Portuguese navigator who spotted the hill overlooking the bay and noted 'Monte vide eu' ('I see a mountain'), despite the hill being relatively modest in height. The city hosts the world's longest Carnival celebration, lasting over 40 days and featuring distinctive candombe drumming traditions with African roots. Uruguay was the first country globally to fully legalize cannabis, with Montevideo at the center of this progressive policy shift. The city's port was instrumental in the creation of the world's first FIFA World Cup, as Uruguay hosted and won the inaugural tournament in 1930.