Montevideo Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is served by one main international airport that acts as the primary gateway for the entire country. As a relatively compact capital, its commercial air traffic is consolidated at a single, recently modernized facility. This guide explains the airport’s layout and provides clear information for reaching the city center and surrounding areas.

Carrasco International Airport (MVD) – General Cesáreo L. Berisso

Overview: Carrasco International Airport (IATA: MVD), officially named after General Cesáreo L. Berisso, is the main and busiest airport in Uruguay. Located in the suburb of Carrasco, approximately 18 km (11 miles) northeast of downtown Montevideo, it is a modern, award-winning terminal that serves as the hub for the national carrier, LATAM Uruguay, and handles flights to South America, North America, and Europe.

Terminals:

• Single Passenger Terminal: The airport features one stunning, expansive terminal building inaugurated in 2009. It is renowned for its sleek, aerodynamic design, abundant natural light, and spacious, uncrowded feel. All arrivals and departures (both international and domestic) are handled under this one roof. Facilities are excellent, including a variety of cafes and restaurants, duty-free shops, car rental desks, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi.

Getting to and from Carrasco Airport (MVD):

• Taxi / Remise (Pre-Booked Car):
  Official Airport Taxis (Taxi Aeropuerto): The most straightforward door-to-door option. Official taxis operate on a fixed-fare system to different zones of the city. Purchase a ticket at the official booth in the arrivals hall before exiting. Fares to the Ciudad Vieja (Old City) or Centro are approximately 1,400-1,600 UYU (∼$35-$40 USD). This is a secure and hassle-free system.

  Remise: A “remise” is a pre-booked private car service, similar to a private transfer. These can be arranged in advance through your hotel or online. They often offer similar pricing to official taxis but with the benefit of a confirmed driver waiting for you.

• Ride-Hailing (Uber / inDriver):
  Uber operates legally in Montevideo and is a reliable, often cheaper alternative to official taxis. The pickup point is in the parking area—follow the app’s instructions carefully. The local app inDriver is also popular, where you can propose a fare.
• Car Rental:
  All major international car rental companies (including local ones like Multicar) have desks in the arrivals hall. Renting a car is a fantastic option for exploring Uruguay beyond Montevideo, such as driving to Punta del Este, Colonia del Sacramento, or the wine region of Canelones. Traffic in Montevideo is calm compared to other capitals. Pre-booking is recommended.
• Interdepartmental Bus (to Punta del Este, etc.):
  If your final destination is a coastal city like Punta del Este, you can take a direct bus from the airport. Companies like COT, Copsa, and others have ticket counters in the arrivals hall. The bus to Punta del Este takes about 1.5 hours.
• Public Bus (CUTCSA Line 700):
  The most budget-friendly option. Public bus line 700 connects the airport to downtown Montevideo (terminating at the “Terminal Ciudadela” near the port). The journey takes about 1 hour and costs less than $2 USD. It is safe and reliable but not ideal for travelers with a lot of luggage or those arriving late at night. Have Uruguayan pesos ready for the fare.

Best for: All travelers visiting Montevideo and Uruguay. It is a pleasant, efficient introduction to the country.

Which Airport Should You Choose for Montevideo?

Carrasco International Airport (MVD) is the only airport with scheduled international and domestic passenger flights serving Montevideo.

Alternative Airport Considerations:

• Buenos Aires Airports (EZE/AEP) + Ferry:
  Some travelers, especially those combining Argentina and Uruguay, fly into Buenos Aires and then take a high-speed ferry (Buquebus, Colonia Express, Seacat) across the Río de la Plata to Montevideo (a 2-3 hour ferry ride from Buenos Aires). This is a scenic option but adds significant time and complexity. It’s only practical for a multi-country itinerary.
• Punta del Este Airport (PDP):
  Located about 130 km (80 miles) east, this airport handles seasonal international and domestic flights. It is only an alternative if your final destination is the resort city of Punta del Este itself, not Montevideo.

Bottom Line: To visit Montevideo directly, you must fly into Carrasco International Airport (MVD).

Getting to Key Areas from Carrasco Airport (MVD)

The route follows the Rambla (the famous coastline boulevard) or the direct highway into the city. Traffic is generally light.

• To Ciudad Vieja (Old City) & Port:
  The historic heart of Montevideo. The drive takes 30-40 minutes.
• To Centro (Downtown) & Plaza Independencia:
  The main business and shopping district. The drive takes 25-35 minutes.
• To Pocitos & Punta Carretas (popular beach neighborhoods):
  Upscale residential and hotel areas along the Rambla. The drive takes 20-30 minutes.
• To Carrasco Neighborhood (near the airport):
  An upscale residential area with some luxury hotels. The drive is only 5-10 minutes.
• To Punta del Este:
  A direct drive east along the coast on Route IB takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The direct bus from the airport is a very convenient option for this route.

Essential Travel Tips for MVD:

• A Pleasant Arrival: Carrasco is consistently ranked as one of the best airports in Latin America. It’s clean, safe, and easy to navigate. Enjoy the architecture.
• Currency: The Uruguayan Peso (UYU) is the official currency. While some places may accept USD, you will need pesos for buses, taxis (if not using the fixed-fare booth), and most local shops. ATMs and currency exchange are available in arrivals.
• SIM Cards: Consider purchasing a prepaid SIM from Antel, Movistar, or Claro at the airport if you need local data.
• Safety: Montevideo and the airport are generally very safe. Standard precautions apply, but the taxi system is reliable.
• Return to Airport: For international flights, aim to arrive 3 hours before departure. For regional flights within South America, 2 hours is sufficient. The check-in and security processes are usually quick.

Why Rent a Car in Uruguay?
Uruguay is an excellent country for a road trip. Renting a car at MVD allows you the freedom to explore the charming colonial city of Colonia del Sacramento (2 hours west), the beaches of Punta del Este and Punta del Diablo, and the inland vineyards and ranches (estancias). Driving is straightforward.

Bottom line: Fly into the beautiful Carrasco International Airport (MVD). For a quick and easy transfer, use the official taxi booth or Uber. For budget travelers, the public bus 700 is a great, safe option. Strongly consider renting a car to discover the wonderful country beyond the capital.