Getting There and Travelling Around

International Airports

• Montevideo (MVD): 19 km from city.
• Full list of airports in Uruguay with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

Internal flights are expensive, and since TAMU (a branch of the Uruguayan Air Force) suspended its services, the only flights available are the domestic legs of international flights from Punta del Este via Montevideo to Brazil.

Although there are no scheduled boat services along the principal rivers, the Río Negro (which flows across the country from northeast to northwest) is navigable as far as the port of Mercedes, and the River Uruguay is navigable from Colonia to Salto.

There are a few local train services that run between villages; however, they are not normally used by tourists and are under threat of closure.

Uruguay has 45,000km (28,000 miles) of roads, 90% of which are all-weather or paved. However, the condition of these roads can vary tremendously and traffic is often disorganised. Car hire is available in Montevideo.

The two main bus lines (COT and COPSA) provide an excellent service, connecting all towns and the Brazilian border points. An extensive bus service also operates in Montevideo and its suburbs, with a flat fare for the central area and suburban services. There are metered taxis from the airport and in all cities, with surcharges between midnight and 6am, and for each item of baggage. Drivers will expect a tip.