Montevideo to Colonia Del Sacramento: A Quick 2h Bus journey

Introduction:

If you’re planning to travel from Uruguay to Argentina, the easiest and most scenic route is the one connecting Montevideo, Colonia del Sacramento, and Buenos Aires. We took this route ourselves at the end of our trip across Uruguay, and it turned out to be one of the smoothest border crossings we’ve ever done in South America.

The journey is simple: take a bus from Montevideo to Colonia, and from there, hop on a ferry to Buenos Aires. In total, it takes about 3 to 4 hours, including the connection, and the views from the ferry across the Río de la Plata make it more than just a transfer; it’s part of the adventure.

Whether you’re ending your Uruguay trip or just starting your Argentina journey, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from booking your tickets to arriving in Buenos Aires stress-free.

Couple smiling for a selfie among the greenery and stone terraces of Santa Teresa’s botanical garden. — Selfie among the greenery and stone terraces of Santa Teresa’s botanical garden.

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Where to stay in Montevideo

Montevideo has a great mix of accommodations, from stylish boutique hotels to cozy hostels near the Rambla. Since the city is compact and easy to explore, it’s best to stay near Punta Carretas, Parque Rodó, or Ciudad Vieja, where most attractions and restaurants are located.

(€€€): Hotel Costanero MGallery: One of the best luxury hotels in Montevideo, right across from Pocitos Beach. It offers elegant rooms, an indoor pool, a spa, and a restaurant — perfect for those who want comfort and sea views.

(€): MedioMundo Hostel: A charming and social hostel in the Parque Rodó area, just a few blocks from the Rambla. It’s clean, cozy, and has a relaxed, artsy vibe with a small garden and kitchen for guests.

(€€): FAUNA Montevideo: A beautifully designed boutique hotel in Palermo, blending style and comfort. The rooms are modern with natural tones and wood finishes, and the rooftop terrace offers great city views.

Elegant ocean-view room at Costanero Montevideo with floor-to-ceiling windows, stylish furniture, and a relaxing ambiance — Elegant ocean-view room at Costanero Montevideo

Here are all your accommodation options in Montevideo

Montevideo Bus Terminal

Getting from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento is super easy — and honestly, the best way to go. Buses from Montevideo to Colonia run frequently throughout the day, with COT being the main company operating this route.

We took the 11:30 am bus from Montevideo, and by the time we boarded, it was already packed, so it’s definitely worth booking in advance. We bought our tickets two days earlier directly at the Tres Cruces Terminal, along with our Punta del Este tickets.

The trip from Montevideo to Colonia takes around 2 hours, and the ride is smooth and comfortable, with AC and plenty of legroom. If you want to make the most of your day in Colonia, try to catch one of the morning departures so you’ll have more time to explore before taking the ferry to Buenos Aires later in the day.

Busy Tres Cruces bus terminal in Montevideo with travelers waiting and buses lined up at the platforms — Tres Cruces bus terminal in Montevideo

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Bus Schedule from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento

Buses from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento run frequently throughout the day, mostly operated by COT (the most reliable company on this route). The trip takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Here’s an overview of the typical daily schedule (subject to change — always double-check when booking):

Direct Bus (approx 2h20min): 7:45 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm
Non-direct (approx 2h50min): 5:00 am, 6:00 am, 7:45 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 9:00 pm, 10:00 pm

Tickets cost about 400 to 500 UYU.

Inside the COT bus with comfortable reclining seats and wide windows for the Montevideo–Colonia journey. — Inside the COT bus

Tip: Tip: Book your ticket at least a day in advance, especially during weekends or holidays, as this route is popular with both locals and tourists heading to Colonia or connecting to the Buenos Aires ferry.

Bus Ride from Montevideo to Colonia

The bus from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento is modern and comfortable — usually a single-decker equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a WC. The road conditions are excellent, making for a smooth and scenic 2-hour journey through the Uruguayan countryside.

Read: Our complete 10-day Uruguay Itinerary

Colonia’s Terminal de Ómnibus

When you reach Colonia del Sacramento, you’ll arrive at the Terminal de Ómnibus, the town’s main bus station. Conveniently, it’s located less than 10 minutes on foot from the old city and only 5 minutes from the ferry terminal, so you won’t need any taxi or transfer.

The terminal has restrooms, a café, small shops, and ticket counters for onward travel. It’s a great place to grab a snack, stretch your legs, or store your luggage before catching the ferry to Buenos Aires or exploring Colonia for a few hours.

Our Favorite Hotels in Colonia

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Don Antonio Posada

Posada Plaza Mayor

Bright and minimalist room at Comarca Las Liebres surrounded by nature, featuring large windows, whitewashed walls, and modern comfort.

Comarca Las Lieberes

See all available hotels in Colonia

About the authors

We are Alex and Tina, a French-Serbian couple who met in China back in 2014. We spent three incredible years there before making France our home. Our shared passion for travel has been the heartbeat of our relationship for over 12 years, taking us across 44 countries and counting.

We launched TheDailyPackers in 2019 as a way to document our adventures. In 2026, we reached a major milestone by officially turning our blog into our full-time job. While we are still growing toward financial independence through this platform, every article we write is fueled by our mission to make your voyages easier through in-depth guides, honest advice, and the lessons we’ve learned from our own mistakes.

Our journey has not been without its storms. In 2023, our world changed forever when our first son, Poppy, was stillborn on November 25th. It was, and remains, the hardest chapter of our lives. In 2025, we were blessed with our second little boy, Milo. He has since joined our traveling tribe, and you’ll be seeing him—and the reality of traveling with a little one-on the blog more and more.

We hope to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity and resilience. Thank you for being part of our story.