The airport is 19 km east of Montevideo along the Rambla and Interbalnearia highway, with views of the Rio de la Plata.

About Montevideo City Center

Montevideo's city center blends faded colonial grandeur with a bohemian energy that has earned comparisons to a 'smaller Buenos Aires.' The Ciudad Vieja (Old City), occupying a peninsula jutting into the Río de la Plata, is the historic heart of the capital, home to the Mercado del Puerto — a magnificent iron-frame market building from 1868 where grills (parrillas) sizzle with asado, chorizo, and morcilla, accompanied by medio y medio (a local sparkling wine cocktail).

Plaza Independencia, the grand square marking the boundary between the Old and New cities, is dominated by the Palacio Salvo — an eclectic Art Deco skyscraper that was South America's tallest building when completed in 1928. Below the square, the mausoleum of José Gervasio Artigas, Uruguay's national hero, lies beneath an imposing statue. The nearby Teatro Solís, a neoclassical opera house from 1856, anchors the cultural district.

Avenida 18 de Julio, Montevideo's main commercial boulevard, stretches east from Plaza Independencia through the vibrant neighborhoods of Centro and Cordón, lined with bookshops, cafés, and Art Deco buildings. The Rambla, a 22-km waterfront promenade stretching along the entire Montevideo coast, is the city's great outdoor living room — used by joggers, cyclists, mate-drinking families, and fishermen from dawn until well after dark.

Nearby Landmarks

Mercado del Puerto Plaza Independencia Palacio Salvo Teatro Solís

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $25-35 (UYU 1000-1400)
Time 25-35 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $15-22 (UYU 600-900)
Time 25-35 min

Arrivals curb or parking area

Step-by-Step Directions

Take COT bus from outside arrivals to Montevideo bus terminal (Tres Cruces) or city bus L711 to downtown

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $25-35 (UYU 1000-1400) 25-35 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $15-22 (UYU 600-900) 25-35 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Airport taxis operate 24 hours with metered fares. Uber operates in Montevideo and is widely used. The COT airport bus runs limited late evening services. Late-night taxi from the airport to the city center costs approximately UYU 1,200-1,500 ($30-38). Montevideo's nightlife centers on the Ciudad Vieja on Thursday and Friday nights, with bars and clubs open until 3:00-4:00 AM. The Rambla is safe for walking at night in most sections.

Luggage Tips

Airport taxis and Uber handle luggage easily. The COT bus has a luggage hold. Ciudad Vieja's streets are cobblestoned and slightly uneven. Hotels in the Old City are often in converted historic buildings — confirm elevator access. The Mercado del Puerto has no luggage storage. Most hotels store bags willingly after checkout. 18 de Julio avenue sidewalks are flat and wide for rolling luggage.

Accessibility

Carrasco Airport is modern and accessible. Montevideo's sidewalks can be uneven, especially in the Ciudad Vieja with its cobblestones. The Rambla promenade is paved and wheelchair-friendly along most of its length. Teatro Solís has accessibility features. Major hotels have accessible rooms. Public buses have mixed accessibility. Taxis and Uber are the most practical options for mobility-impaired travelers.