Getting from Montevideo Carrasco Airport to the city center

Carrasco International Airport is about 20 km east of central Montevideo. The drive takes 20-40 minutes depending on traffic and your exact destination. You have several options: pre-booked private transfers, airport taxis, regular taxis via app, or a bus. The airport is modern and well-organized, and the journey into the city is straightforward. Most travelers heading to Ciudad Vieja, Pocitos, or the Rambla will pay between USD 25-45 for a taxi or transfer.

Carrasco is a sleek, modern terminal designed by architect Rafael Vinoly. Immigration is usually efficient for most nationalities. Luggage arrives at a single baggage hall. Once through customs, you emerge into a clean arrivals area with car rental desks, ATMs, and a few shops.

The terminal does not feel overwhelming. It is a single-level arrivals area, and the exits are clearly marked. Currency exchange is available but rates are mediocre. ATMs accept international cards and dispense Uruguayan Pesos. You can also get by with US dollars at many places in Montevideo, though you will get change in pesos.

One thing worth noting: Montevideo is not a major international hub, so the airport rarely feels crowded. Even during peak arrival times, moving through the terminal is calm.

Airport taxis operate from a rank outside arrivals. They use meters, and the fare to central Montevideo is regulated. These are generally reliable and the drivers are professional. Look for the official taxi stand rather than accepting offers from people approaching you inside.

Ride-hailing apps work in Montevideo. Uber operates in Uruguay, and you can request a pickup from the airport. Pricing is typically lower than official taxis, though availability can vary. You will need a local SIM or Wi-Fi to request the ride.

Bus (COT/Copsa) services connect the airport to the city center. The bus stop is outside the terminal. Fares are very low (under USD 3), but the journey takes longer with stops along the route, and managing luggage on a bus after a flight is not ideal.

Rental cars are available from desks in arrivals. Driving in Montevideo is manageable by South American standards, but city parking can be tricky. Consider whether you actually need a car in the city before committing.

Transport costs from Carrasco Airport to central Montevideo destinations:

• Ciudad Vieja / Centro: USD 30-45 by taxi, USD 25-40 by transfer, USD 20-30 by Uber
• Pocitos / Punta Carretas: USD 25-35 by taxi, USD 22-32 by transfer, USD 18-25 by Uber
• Carrasco neighborhood: USD 10-18 by taxi, USD 10-15 by transfer
• Punta del Este (for those continuing east): USD 100-150 by transfer, higher by taxi

Flights from Brazil, Argentina, and some European connections arrive late in the evening. The airport remains open for arriving flights, and taxis are available at the rank even late at night. The drive into Montevideo at night is quick, as traffic is minimal.

Uber availability drops after midnight but does not disappear entirely. Pre-booked transfers are the most reliable option for very late arrivals, as the driver will be there regardless of the hour. Buses do not run through the night, with the last departure typically around 22:00-23:00.

Montevideo is generally safe at night in the areas most tourists stay (Pocitos, Ciudad Vieja main streets), but keep your wits about you as you would in any city.

The airport is easy to navigate with children. The walk from arrivals to the pickup area is short and flat. Trolleys are available for luggage. The drive to Montevideo is short enough that most children handle it without issue.

Child car seats are not commonly found in taxis or Ubers. If you need one, request it when booking a private transfer. Families with significant luggage should consider a larger vehicle, though standard sedans in Uruguay tend to have decent boot space.

If connecting to Punta del Este, the drive is around 90 minutes and worth planning for with children.

Pre-booked transfer drivers typically wait in the arrivals hall holding a name board. The area is not large, so spotting them is straightforward. If you cannot find your driver, check near the exit doors or call the number on your booking confirmation.

The taxi rank is directly outside the arrivals exit. It is well-marked and organized. For Uber, you will need to walk to the designated rideshare pickup point, which is a short walk from the main exit.

Choose a taxi if you are comfortable with meters, want to leave immediately, and are heading to a central neighborhood.

Choose Uber if you have a working phone with data, want the cheapest car option, and are arriving during reasonable hours.

Choose the bus if you are on a tight budget, traveling with minimal luggage, and have time to spare.