Ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento

The ferries operating between Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento provide a range of services to ensure a comfortable journey. Passengers can enjoy air-conditioned lounges, and there are onboard cafeterias and duty-free shops. Entertainment options include LCD screens displaying TV programs. Wi-Fi is available for purchase, allowing travelers to stay connected during the trip. Additionally, some ferries feature outdoor deck areas with benches for passengers who wish to enjoy fresh air.

Accessibility services are also provided, with facilities and assistance available for travelers with reduced mobility to ensure a safe and comfortable crossing.

Cabins and accommodation

There are no cabins available on this short Río de la Plata crossing (1 hr 15 min). Seating is indoors and included in the ticket price. You can choose between standard seats in air-conditioned lounges or more spacious seats with extra comfort.

Seats are usually not numbered, and there is no outdoor deck access, but amenities like restrooms and snack bars are available onboard.

Luggage

Each ferry company serving the Buenos Aires - Colonia del Sacramento route has its own luggage policy:

• Colonia Express: passengers can bring up to 30 kg of luggage free of charge. This includes one personal item (such as a backpack or handbag) and one carry-on. Larger items must be checked in at the terminal at no extra cost. Special equipment like sports gear must also be checked in at departure.
• Buquebus: passengers are allowed to carry up to 30 kg of luggage without additional fees. Carry-on and personal items are permitted on board, while oversized baggage should be checked in before boarding.

Pets

Pets are allowed to travel on the ferries from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, usually free of charge. Small pets must travel in carriers or in onboard kennels. In some cases, they can stay in the vehicle during the crossing.

Make sure you bring along your pet’s health certificates (in line with regulations for Uruguay and Argentina) and any supplies you may need for the journey.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento:

• The ferry terminals in Buenos Aires can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays. For a smooth boarding, it is recommended to arrive at the port at least 30-45 minutes before departure, as you’ll need to go through passport control.
• Since this is an international route, all travelers must present a valid passport or ID document. Make sure it is up to date and valid for the duration of your trip.
• There is no outdoor deck access, but if you find a seat by the window, you can enjoy scenic views of the Río de la Plata. On clear days, you may even spot the opposite shore as you depart!
• You can also travel from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital. Some ferries go directly, while others include a ferry + bus combination through Colonia del Sacramento.

Where to take the ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia?

Ferries to Colonia depart from the Puerto Madero area, just north of the city’s Microcentro. There are two ferry terminals, depending on the company you are traveling with:

• Colonia Express Terminal: located at Av. Elvira Rawson de Dellepiane 155, Puerto Madero Sur (near the southern end of Puerto Madero). It offers Wi-Fi, a duty-free shop, its own parking, and a cafeteria.
• Buquebus Terminal (Terminal Fluvial de Puerto Madero): located at Av. Antártida Argentina 821. This modern terminal offers amenities like a coffee store & market, VIP lounge access for business/first-class passengers, tourist information desks, free Wi‑Fi, and onsite parking.

Both terminals are easily accessible by taxi, ride-hailing apps, and public buses (lines 4 and 103 from the city center). If you’re coming from the Ezeiza International Airport, you can expect at least 1 hour by car or taxi (longer during peak traffic). From Jorge Newbery Airfield (Aeroparque), the trip is around 20-30 minutes.

Where does the ferry arrive in Colonia del Sacramento?

The ferry arrives at the modern passenger terminal located in the Port of Colonia, just a short walk from the city’s Historic Quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cobblestone streets and colonial charm. Its central location makes it easy to start exploring on foot as soon as you disembark.

The terminal is spacious and accessible, with wide open areas, ramps, and a food court on the upper level. It serves as the main maritime link between Argentina and Uruguay, handling both passengers and vehicles on a daily basis. Thanks to its strategic location, it also acts as a key connection point for travel to Montevideo and Punta del Este by bus or car.