Ferry from Buenos Aires to Punta del Este

Ferries on the Buenos Aires - Punta del Este route offer a comfortable and convenient travel experience. You’ll find spacious indoor lounges, light meals and drinks on board, duty-free shops, Wi‑Fi (usually for purchase), and on many vessels, outdoor seating to enjoy the views. Accessibility features like ramps, elevators, and reserved seating are also commonly available.

Cabins and accommodation

No cabins are available, as this is a daytime ferry trip lasting between 1 hr 15 min and 2 hr 30 min depending on the route (Buenos Aires - Colonia or Buenos Aires - Montevideo). Instead, passengers can choose from:

• Standard seats in air-conditioned lounges.
• VIP or business-class seating with more space, leather seats, and access to exclusive lounges.

Seats are usually unassigned, so it’s a good idea to board early for the best spot. Restrooms and food/drink services are available during the trip.

Luggage

Luggage allowances are generally generous across operators:

• Carry-on and personal items are allowed on board.
• Checked luggage (like suitcases, bikes or sports equipment) is accepted free of charge, up to 30  kg per passenger.

Traveling with pets

Pets are welcome on board with the following guidelines:

• Small pets can travel free of charge in a carrier, placed in designated areas.
• Larger pets may travel in a kennel.
• Guide and assistance dogs are always allowed on board with proper documentation.

Since all ferry connections from Buenos Aires to Punta del Este involve a bus transfer from either Montevideo or Colonia, please note that pets are not allowed inside the bus cabin. According to Uruguayan regulations, animals must travel in the luggage hold, inside an appropriate pet carrier. The only exception applies to certified guide dogs, which may accompany their owners in the cabin upon presentation of proper documentation.

Please notify the ferry or bus company at least 24 hours in advance if you plan to travel with a pet, and make sure to carry the necessary health certificates and travel essentials for them.

Here are some useful tips for your Buenos Aires - Punta del Este ferry trip (via Colonia or Montevideo):

• Arrive at the terminal 30-45 minutes early to allow time for check-in and border control, especially during weekends or holidays.
• Since this is an international journey, bring a valid passport or national ID and make sure it’s up to date.
• There are daily departures from Buenos Aires to Punta del Este via Colonia or Montevideo, combining a ferry and bus. Make sure to check the itinerary details before booking.
• Beyond Punta del Este, you can also take a ferry to explore Colonia del Sacramento’s old town or the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo, if you’re up for more adventure during your stay in Buenos Aires.

Where to take the ferry from Buenos Aires to Punta del Este?

Ferries depart from the Puerto Madero area. Depending on your operator and route, your departure terminal will be:

• Buquebus Terminal: located at the Av. Antártida Argentina 821, this modern terminal offers a comfortable travel experience with amenities such as coffee shops, a spacious duty-free store, and a VIP lounge. It’s well-connected by public transport and easy to reach by taxi or rideshare.
• Colonia Express Terminal: found at Av. Elvira Rawson de Dellepiane 155, this terminal features a cozy cafeteria, convenient duty-free shopping, and on-site parking. It’s a smaller terminal but still offers all the essentials for a smooth start to your journey.

If you’re coming from Ezeiza International Airport, you’ll need around 1 hour by taxi or car to reach the ferry terminals (possibly more if traffic is heavy). If you're flying into Jorge Newbery Airfield (Aeroparque), the ride is quicker, usually taking 20 to 30 minutes.

Where will the bus arrive in Punta del Este?

Whether you transfer via Colonia or Montevideo, the final bus will drop you off at the Punta del Este Bus Terminal (Terminal de Ómnibus), conveniently located near Playa Brava and just a short walk from downtown shops and restaurants.