Argentina → Uruguay
Buenos Aires → Punta del Este
There is no direct boat to Punta del Este: these are through tickets, a ferry across the Río de la Plata with a connecting coach on to the resort. 12Go lists 3 departures a day between 07:30 and 18:30 from Buenos Aires to Punta del Este, run by Buquebus and Colonia Express, taking 5h 15m – 7h 30m. Buquebus and Colonia Express show their departures only inside their booking engines. The times are the booking site's: check yours before you travel.
Buenos Aires to Punta del Este ferry at a glance
The ferry from Buenos Aires to Punta del Este takes 5h 15m – 7h 30m across the Río de la Plata, operated by Buquebus and Colonia Express. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: 3 departures a day between 07:30 and 18:30, as listed by 12Go.
Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-10-29.
Sources: 12go.asia · How we verify
Return crossing: Punta del Este to Buenos Aires
Buquebus and Colonia Express also sail Punta del Este to Buenos Aires, taking 5h 15m – 7h 30m.
Buenos Aires to Punta del Este ferry timetable & sailing pattern
Times from 12Go, check before you travel. No operator publishes a timetable for this crossing, so these are the departures 12Go lists.
Times from 12Go, check before you travel: 3 departures a day between 07:30 and 18:30
Departures listed by 12Go
- Buquebus: 07:30 → 12:45
- Colonia Express: 08:30 → 16:00, 18:30 → 02:00
Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures and live seats for your travel date before you book.
Check prices & book on 12Go →Source: 12Go schedule (booking site; Buquebus and Colonia Express show their departures only inside their booking engines). Verified 2026-10-29.
Maritime Crossing Route Map
Interactive sea passage between Buenos Aires and Punta del Este
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Operators on This Route
| Operator | Crossing Time | Vessels |
|---|---|---|
| Buquebus | About 5h 15m | Ferry + coach |
| Colonia Express | About 7h 30m | Fast ferry + coach |
Route Features
Vehicles
Foot passengers only
Foot Passengers
Walk-on passengers welcome
Pets
No pet facilities
Distance
170 nautical miles
Getting There & Onward Transport
Tips for the Buenos Aires to Punta del Este Crossing
- Buquebus and Colonia Express show their departures only inside their booking engines. The times on this page are the ones 12Go listed on 29 October 2026; check yours when you book and again before you travel.
- This is an international crossing: Argentine exit and Uruguayan entry formalities are done at the Buenos Aires terminal before boarding.