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Getting from Montevideo Airport to City

Montevideo is the capital city of Uruguay and the country’s main commercial and cultural hub. The city is known for its rich culture, vibrant food and fantastic beaches with all manner of sun and sea pursuits. Most visitors stay in the Old Town or Barrio Centro, a brilliant area from which to explore all this historical city has to offer.

Montevideo Airport is located approximately 22 km from the Plaza Independencia, which sits on the border between Barrio Centro (city centre) and Ciudad Vieja (historic centre). You have three modes of transportation from Montevideo Airport to the city centre; taxi, private transfer or bus. The quickest and most reliable way to get to the centre is by taxi or private transfer. The journey takes just 25 minutes in normal traffic conditions and takes you door-to-door. 

Alternatively, the cheapest option is to take the bus for just €1.60 (UYU 68). Buses run frequently every hour and as long as you haven’t got kids or lots of luggage in tow, it’s a relatively reliable budget choice.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Montevideo at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €38 25min 24/7 Book
Book
Taxi €45 25min 24/7
Bus €3.20 45min 04:41–00:15

How to get from Montevideo Airport to city by taxi

Taking a taxi from Montevideo Airport to downtown is the quickest and most convenient option. Forget standing around waiting for a bus or carrying luggage around, taxis are available 24/7 and provide a comfortable transfer straight from the airport to the door of your hotel. The journey takes just 25 minutes and you’ll pay around €45 (UYU 1890) for the trip.

How much is a taxi from Montevideo Airport to downtown?

Taxis in Montevideo follow a taximeter system, meaning your final fare will depend on the length of the journey, the time of day and the day of the week. However, you can still ask the driver how much the fare will cost to get to your specific destination. In most cases, they will contact their company to find out the usual price. That being said, the estimated cost of a ride from Montevideo Airport to the city is about €45 (UYU 1890)

*Bear in mind that you’ll be charged extra for rides at night and factors such as extra luggage.

Cost

€45

Trip Duration

25 Min

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 from Montevideo Airport.

Where do I get the taxi from?

The taxi rank at Montevideo Airport is located just outside of the arrivals area. You’ll see taxis queuing up as you exit the terminal.

Convenience

Opting to take a taxi from Montevideo Airport to the town is definitely the most convenient option. The ride is quick and door-to-door, taking just 25 minutes and ideal for those travelling in groups or as families. 

For a more personalised experience with no risk of hidden fees and plenty of extras, you can book a private transfer in advance.

Editor’s Note

If you want to get to your destination quickly without any hidden fees, we recommend booking a private transfer in advance.

Useful Tips

It is recommended to discuss the taxi fare with the driver before starting your trip, you can show them the address and ask “¿Cuánto puede salir?”
Always double-check the taximeter is turned on and working before you get going.
Tipping in Uruguay is not common but if you really appreciated the service, local taxi drivers will definitely appreciate a little extra.

How to get the bus from Montevideo Airport to the city centre

The only mode of public transport from the airport in Montevideo to town is the bus. It’s a convenient, budget-friendly option as it is direct from the airport and tickets won’t cost you more than 2.

There are a few companies running routes from the airport to the centre; Cutcsa, Copsa and COT. You can board any of the buses from these companies as long as they have “Montevideo” showing on the front. COPSA lines 703 and 704, as well as COT lines Punta Del Este/Montevideo and Chuy/Montevideo are the most commonly used. 

The buses run multiple times per hour and stop at various points throughout the city, depending on the line. The main stops include the bus station at Tres Cruces (45 minutes) and the Rio Branco Terminal which is located in the city centre (1 hour).

How much is the bus from Montevideo Airport to the city?

Taking the bus from Montevideo Airport to town costs around €1.60 (UYU 68) for a one-way trip, the companies tend to charge the same prices so it doesn’t matter which one you end up using as they’ll all be just as cheap.

*You can buy tickets on the bus with cash or online.

Cost

€1.60

Trip Duration

45-60 Min

There’s a maximum 30-minute waiting time for the bus.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Buses run between 04:41 and 00:15.

Where do I catch the bus?

The airport’s bus stop is located directly in front of the terminal.

Convenience

The bus system is a cheap way to travel into the city and there are plenty to choose from every hour. For those of you looking for the most cost-effective choice and don’t mind using public transport, this is your best bet. However, if you’re travelling with lots of luggage or numerous people, it may be better to hop in a taxi or pre-book a private transfer, especially in the warmer months.

Editor’s Note

Get off at Tres Cruces to change onto other bus lines that travel to other popular destinations around Montevideo such as Sacramento and Punta del Este.

Useful Tips

If you buy a return ticket for the day of your departure, you’ll save some money.
If you don’t book your tickets online, make sure you have some cash handy to pay for your ticket upon arrival.

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

Read More

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Montevideo Airport to downtown?

You have three modes of transportation from Montevideo Airport to the city; taxi, private transfer or bus. Opting for a taxi or private transfer is the most hassle-free choice and it’ll get you to the door of your hotel in 25 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch a bus straight into town from just outside the terminal. Tickets cost €1.60 (UYU 68) and it should take you around an hour to reach the historic centre. 

How far is it from Montevideo Airport to the city?

Montevideo Airport is approximately 22 km from the city centre, taking around 25 minutes by car.

What’s the cost of a taxi from Montevideo Airport to downtown?

Taxis in Montevideo follow a taximeter system, meaning your final fare will depend on the length of the journey, the time of day and day the of the week. However, you can still ask the driver how much the fare will cost to get to your specific destination. The estimated cost of a ride from Montevideo Airport to the city is about €45 (UYU 1890). Just be aware that you may be charged extra for rides at night and extra luggage.

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