Buquebus with a Car: How to Ferry from Buenos Aires to Uruguay

Buquebus with a car: how to ferry from Buenos Aires to Uruguay

Linking Argentina and Uruguay by car can be done by land, going around the Río de la Plata, or over the water, on a ferry crossing that saves hours of road. That is where Buquebus comes in, the company that connects Buenos Aires to the Uruguayan side, and the only one among the main operators that takes the car along. For those traveling with their own vehicle, understanding how this crossing works is what turns two countries into a single itinerary.

This guide covers the ferry routes, how to take the car, the time of each crossing and what to prepare before boarding.

In short: Buquebus links Buenos Aires to Uruguay by ferry across the Río de la Plata, and is the only one among the main operators that carries cars. The fast crossing to Colonia del Sacramento takes about 1h15, and the one to Montevideo is longer. The vehicle's price varies with its size. Arrive at the terminal at least two to three hours early, because immigration for both countries and the boarding of the car happen there. It is the way to join Argentina and Uruguay without going around the river by land.

The crossing routes

Buquebus operates mainly two connections out of Buenos Aires. The fastest is the one that goes to Colonia del Sacramento, in Uruguay, a crossing of about an hour and fifteen minutes on the fast boats. From Colonia, those who want to continue to Montevideo can keep going by car, since the two cities are a little more than two hours of road apart. There is also the direct connection from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, longer, which crosses a larger part of the Río de la Plata.

In practice, the route most used by those taking the car is the one to Colonia, for the combination of a short crossing and being the natural gateway to the Uruguayan coast. From there, the coastal road passes through Colonia, Montevideo, Piriápolis and Punta del Este.

How to take the car

Among the main companies that cross the Río de la Plata, Buquebus is the one that boards cars. The car goes onto the vehicle deck, where it stays parked, and you go up to the passenger area during the crossing. The vehicle's price varies with its size and type, and is charged separately from the people's tickets, so it is worth simulating in advance to avoid surprises.

Booking somewhat in advance tends to be worthwhile, especially in the high summer season, when demand from those heading to the Uruguayan beaches tightens. Taking the car also means arriving earlier at the terminal, because the vehicle boarding has its own line and its own procedures.

Before boarding: time and documents

The point that most catches the unwary traveler is time. Arrive at the terminal at least two to three hours early, especially when taking a car. It is in that window that check-in, baggage drop, immigration and the positioning of the vehicle for boarding happen. Immigration is usually integrated, with Argentina and Uruguay at the same counter, which speeds things up, but still takes time.

Bring the car's documents, the driver's license and insurance with Mercosur coverage, plus the ID or passport of everyone. If the car is not yours, an authorization from the owner. Since the rules and prices change, check everything on the company's official website before buying.

Why it is worth it

The alternative to the ferry is going around the Río de la Plata by land, a big detour that adds hundreds of kilometers to the route. The crossing trades that roundabout for one or a few hours over the water, with the car going along. For those putting together an itinerary through the two countries, it is the shortcut that makes Buenos Aires, Colonia, Montevideo and Punta del Este fit into a logical sequence.

To fit the ferry into your itinerary, GT Overlander helps: you describe something like "from Buenos Aires to Uruguay by ferry, following the coast to Punta del Este", and the app builds the route with the stops and the context of each leg, considering the crossing as part of the way. The boarding logistics stay with the company, but the design of the trip becomes clearer.

Frequently asked questions

Does Buquebus carry cars? Yes. Among the main companies that cross the Río de la Plata, Buquebus is the one that transports cars, charging the vehicle separately from the people's tickets, according to its size.

How long does the crossing from Buenos Aires to Colonia take? About an hour and fifteen minutes on the fast boats. The direct connection to Montevideo is longer, because it crosses a larger part of the Río de la Plata.

How early do I need to arrive at the terminal? At least two to three hours, especially when taking a car. In that time you do check-in, immigration and the boarding of the vehicle, which has its own line.

What documents do I need to take the car on the ferry? The vehicle's document, the driver's license, insurance with Mercosur coverage and an ID or passport for everyone. If the car is not yours, an authorization from the owner. Check the updated rules beforehand.

Is the ferry or going by land more worth it? It depends on the itinerary, but the ferry saves the big detour of going around the Río de la Plata by land. For those who want to join Buenos Aires and the Uruguayan coast, it is usually the more logical way.

A shortcut over the water

Few crossings solve as much as this one. Putting the car on the ferry and crossing the Río de la Plata turns two neighboring countries, but separated by a huge estuary, into a continuous itinerary. Arriving early at the terminal and with your documents in order, the rest is enjoying the view of the water while the car travels on the deck below.