Montevideo's Carrasco International Airport sits around 20 km east of the city centre, close to the upmarket Carrasco neighbourhood and within easy reach of the coastal route into town. Transfers are simple: a choice between two established bus companies, taxis and ride-hailing apps.
The COT and CutCsa buses
COT and CutCsa both operate direct bus services from Carrasco Airport into central Montevideo, and between them provide a frequent, affordable link running through much of the day. Journey time is around 30–45 minutes to the city centre and the Ciudad Vieja (old town), depending on traffic and how many stops the service makes along the way.
COT's airport service tends to run to its own terminal and on to key points in the city, while CutCsa's routes integrate more with the wider city bus network, making stops along the coastal avenue. Both are comfortable, reliable options, and fares are low — this is comfortably the cheapest way into the city from the airport. Tickets can generally be bought on board or at a counter in the arrivals hall.
The one drawback is luggage space and frequency outside peak hours, which can be more limited than a taxi — worth bearing in mind if you're travelling with a lot of bags or arriving very early or late.
Taxi from Carrasco
Taxis wait outside arrivals and are metered, or can be booked at a counter for a fixed fare to central destinations, which removes any uncertainty. The journey takes about 25–35 minutes to the centre, similar to the bus but door-to-door, and costs considerably more, though still moderate by international standards. It's a sensible choice for late arrivals, groups, or anyone with heavy luggage.
App-based ride-hailing
Ride-hailing apps operate in Montevideo and can usually be booked from the terminal, giving an upfront fare estimate that's often a little lower than the standard taxi fare for a comparable journey. This has become an increasingly popular choice among travellers who want the convenience of a taxi without needing cash on arrival.
Getting around once you're in Montevideo
Montevideo's centre and Ciudad Vieja are walkable once you've arrived, and the long seafront promenade (the Rambla) is a natural route for orienting yourself along the coast. Taxis and app cabs are inexpensive and widely used for getting around the wider city, since the local bus network — while extensive — can be harder for first-time visitors to navigate without some local knowledge.
Onward travel from Montevideo
Montevideo is most commonly reached from or combined with Buenos Aires, just across the Río de la Plata. Our route guide to Buenos Aires to Montevideo covers the fast ferry crossing and the short flight in detail. For getting further around the region by road, see coaches in South America and ferries in Brazil & Argentina, which covers the wider River Plate crossings. Before you travel, our overview of South America entry rules is worth checking for Uruguay's requirements.
Practical tips
- Both COT and CutCsa have counters in the arrivals hall where you can confirm the next departure and buy a ticket before heading to the stop.
- Have some Uruguayan pesos on hand for the bus, though cards are increasingly accepted; taxis and app cabs generally accept cards too.
- If arriving very late at night, check bus frequency in advance — services thin out considerably after the evening peak.
- Given the airport's proximity to the well-heeled Carrasco neighbourhood, a taxi from there onward into the centre is a comfortable, unhurried option if you're not pressed for cost.
Airport orientation for first-time arrivals
Carrasco International Airport is a compact, modern single-terminal building, and the arrivals hall makes it easy to find bus counters, taxi ranks and car rental desks within a short walk of baggage reclaim — there is no need to navigate between separate terminals. Signage is in Spanish with English support in most areas, and airport staff are generally used to guiding visitors to the correct bus stop or taxi queue. Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal if you want to confirm a ride-hailing pickup point before heading outside.
Luggage and comfort notes
Both COT and CutCsa buses have some underfloor or overhead luggage space, but it is more limited than a taxi or private transfer, and can be a squeeze with full-size suitcases during busier periods — worth bearing in mind if you're travelling with more than one bag each. Taxis and app cabs offer straightforward door-to-door boot space and are the more comfortable choice for families, groups, or anyone arriving after a long-haul flight who would rather not manage bags on and off a bus.
Weather and seasonal notes
Uruguay's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere's: December to February is summer, with warm, often breezy conditions along the coastal Rambla, while June to August is cooler and can bring rain and wind off the Río de la Plata. Coastal wind is a near-constant feature of Montevideo regardless of season, so a light windproof layer is worth having even on an otherwise mild day, particularly if you're walking any distance along the seafront after arriving.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Carrasco Airport from central Montevideo?
The airport is about 20 km from the city centre. The bus takes around 30–45 minutes; a taxi is a little quicker at 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.
Which bus company should I use, COT or CutCsa?
Both run reliable, comfortable direct services from the airport into the city at similar fares. Check whichever has the next scheduled departure at the arrivals hall counters — there's little practical difference for most travellers.
Is a taxi or ride-hailing app better from Carrasco?
Both cost a similar, moderate amount for a direct 25–35 minute ride. Ride-hailing apps often give a clearer upfront fare and don't require cash, which some travellers find more convenient.
Is there a train from Montevideo airport to the city?
No, there is no rail link from Carrasco Airport — bus, taxi and ride-hailing apps are the only options into the centre.
Sources and further reading:
- Airport transport information: Aeropuerto Internacional de Carrasco official site.
- Bus route and fare information: COT and CutCsa official sites.