Introduction
Are you in Buenos Aires and looking for a short getaway from the city?
Planning to spend most of your time in “the Paris of South America” but looking to a save money by flying out of Montevideo?
If your answer is yes to either of these questions, or if you find yourself simply wanting to get from Buenos Aires to Montevideo (or the other way around), I highly recommend embarking on the unforgettable ferry journey.
In this post, I’ll share important things to consider when taking the ferry, what it is like, and why the expedition is not just a means of transportation but rather an unforgettable experience in and of itself.
Why choose the ferry?
No doubt about it, flying from Buenos Aires to Montevideo is much quicker than the ferry. While the flight is one hour, the ferry clocks in at just over 4 hours.
But convenience is not why people decide to take the ferry between the two capital cities.
The cost of is undoubtedly a factor, with tickets hovering around the $35-$50 range, depending on the time, season, and company. Aside from the affordable cost, though, the ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo is an all-around immersive experience that continues to allure me and so many others.
Travelers will be afforded breathtaking views of the expansive Rio de la Plata, against the appealing and elegant skyline of Buenos Aires. Whether summer or winter, ferry-goers will likely witness the shimmering ripples of water under the shining sun. Playful dolphins are also known to grace passengers with their majestic presence.
There’s a lot of things I love about taking the ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. Sitting at the top of that list is the peace and tranquility of the journey. There is something about standing on the outside deck, surrounded by water and distant lands, that always puts me in a contemplative and reflective mood.
The serenity of the scene, spurred by the river’s natural beauty and scenic views of the coast, fosters a stillness and presence that will leave you grateful for the experience.
Choosing the Right Ferry
When planning your ferry trip from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, there are two companies you will want to consider, Buquebus and Colonia Express.
While both companies offer great services and a range of ticket options, Buquebus wins when comparing the two, as the company offers ferries directly from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. This cuts the travel time down to 2 hours and 45 minutes. If electing for Colonia Express, travelers must take a 1.5-hour ferry ride to Colonia del Sacramento then take a 2-hour bus to Montevideo. For the convenience of taking a ferry directly from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, however, expect to pay about double the cost (roughly $70-$80).
While getting on a bus after taking a ferry might sound like a hassle, the process is very easy and straight-forward. You will be on the bus no more than 5 minutes after disembarking the ferry. As for the bus ride, while not as scenic as the ferry, it does offer a glimpse into some of the rural farmlands of Uruguay, which in my experience has been quite peaceful and enjoyable.
Another situation in which you might consider Buquebus is if you are interested in visiting other cities in Uruguay, such as the stunning Punta Del Este or Carmelo.
Where Colonia Express has an edge is in its slightly cheaper tickets. Regardless of time or season, travelers choosing Colonia Express will pay $5-$15 less than Buquebus for the same ferry/bus journey to Montevideo.
With both companies, be sure to book tickets in advance to get the best deals and avoid any last-minute hassles. This is especially true during peak travel seasons. As a reminder, both Buenos Aires and Montevideo are in the southern hemisphere and have opposite seasons than the United States and Europe.
Preparation and Check-In
Because the ferry process is typically so smooth and easy, it is easy to forget you are still crossing between two countries. But similar rules apply as when you fly.
Remember to get to the ferry port around 1 to 1.5 hours before departure. This will give you time to check-in and go through customs. There’s a high chance you will spend some time waiting around, as the entire process typically takes 30 minutes at most.
However, to avoid any mishaps, do try to arrive early. Both companies close the check-in counter 30 minutes prior to departure. At both terminals, there are cafes with ample seating room to grab a bite and prepare for the journey.
Though what one chooses to bring on their voyage will be vastly different depending on their reason for travel, two things I highly recommend bringing are a windbreak jacket and a camera or phone that takes high-quality picture. The former will serve you well in all seasons, as it gets incredibly windy on the outside deck. As for the latter, you will be beating yourself up if you are unable to capture the remarkable scenery offered throughout the ferry (more on this below).
Onboard Ferry Experience
The onboard ferry experience from Buenos Aires to Montevideo and the other way around is one that you will likely want to do more than once.
The ships are two floors and offer spacious and comfortable seating areas, a stark contrast to what can sometimes feel like a cramped space in flight cabins. The bathrooms are also typically exceptionally clean and spacious. Each ferry will come equipped with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi to stay connected throughout the trip.
Shop duty-free in the onboard store that offers everything from t-shirts to souvenirs to alcohol. Unwind by enjoying a refreshing drink from the bar or grabbing a bite at the cafeteria. If you are looking for a more luxurious experience (only on Buquebus), consider buying a first-class fare to access the exclusive onboard lounge.
The absolute best part of the experience, however, is the views afforded all who take ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo.
A Scenic Journey
I have already mentioned this, but it is worth saying again: yes, the ferry is much cheaper than taking a flight between the two cities–a reason in and of itself for foregoing a flight. But, the real reason one takes the ferry is for the views. In fact, I would consider taking the ferry simply for the scenery.
Watch the skyline recede as the ferry departs from Buenos Aires, while Rio de la Plata becomes more and more expansive. Excitement will surely set in as the ferry departs from one of the most populous cities in South America to a river of serene emptiness.
The journey offers ample opportunities to bask in this beauty, with spectacular panoramic views of the cities’ distant coastlines. Sitting or standing on the outside deck, with the fierce wind blowing to either side, gaze at the natural beauty lying ahead: golden rays of sun reflecting on one of South America’s most famous and well-traveled rivers.
Whether one is traveling by themself or with others, these moments on the ferry call for pause and silence as the mind is completely captivated by the present moment and enchantment of the voyage.
Conclusion
A ferry journey from Buenos Aires to Montevideo or from Montevideo to Buenos Aires is not simply a way of getting between the two cities. It is an adventure waiting for wanderers seeking discovery.
Of the experiences I have had through my time in South America, the ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo has been one of the most memorable. Part of this surely lies on the fact that in many ways the ferry from Montevideo to Buenos Aires represented the start of my travel journey, while the ferry in the other direction meant I would be leaving my favorite city in the world (for now).
But as biased as I am, given my emotional attachment to the sojourns, the ferry is definitely worth taking.
So, I hope by now you have made the decision to embark on this journey the next time you find yourself in one of these captivating cities.
You never know, maybe I will see you there!
‘Till Next Time, Travel Friends
