Uruguay flagTransportation & Infrastructure Guide

Public transit, airports, and getting around in Uruguay

Uruguay features a reliable transportation landscape with modern highways, expanding public bus networks, and reliable ports in Montevideo serving its 3.47 million residents. Key strengths include first-world infrastructure like renewable-powered electricity and ongoing investments in roads and rail, while challenges involve rural connectivity gaps and variable road quality outside cities. Major features encompass 70 airports with 6 major hubs, right-hand driving, and sustainable mobility options blending buses, taxis, and domestic flights for residents and visitors.[1][2][3]
Public Transport
Moderate
Road Infrastructure
Moderate
Public Transport
5.8/10

Good bus networks in Montevideo and urban areas with government investments in expansion, modernization, and tech like mobile ticketing. No metro or high-speed rail; limited trains with priority projects planned. Integration improving but coverage limited outside cities.[2][4][5]

Road Infrastructure
6.7/10

Adequate national road network with modern highways like expanded Ruta 5 (smooth IRI rating, enhanced safety). Urban roads good in Montevideo; rural areas have potholes, rough surfaces. IDB-funded rehabilitation of Route 8 and 200+ km highways ongoing.[1][3][6]

Internet Speed
6.2/10

Moderate broadband speeds averaging 120 Mbps, with fiber expanding in urban areas like Montevideo. Reliable service nationwide but rural-urban gap persists. Strong mobile internet supports connectivity.

Avg: 120+ Mbps • Good urban coverage (Montevideo 70%+), expanding to suburbs; limited rural fiber

Airport Connectivity
7.2/10

70 airports total, 6 major (large/medium) provide solid domestic coverage and regional international links via Montevideo's modern Carrasco hub. Good accessibility, tax-free operations attract carriers; no global mega-hub.[3]

Hubs: Montevideo Carrasco (MVD)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass
N/A (no metro); bus monthly ~UYU 2000-3000 Montevideo
Bus Trip
N/A; ~UYU 50-60 single ride Montevideo
Taxi
N/A; ~UYU 100 start + UYU 50/km
High-speed Train
N/A (no high-speed); intercity bus/train UYU 500-2000 Montevideo-Paysandú

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Major cities (Montevideo, Punta del Este) covered by Antel, Movistar; nationwide expansion 2024-2026
4G Coverage: 95%+ nationwide from Antel, Movistar, Claro; strong rural coverage

Reliable networks with good speeds; Antel state-owned ensures wide reach, high reliability even in interior regions.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

Foreign licenses valid 90 days with IDP (required for non-Mercosur). Right-hand driving. Long-term residents (>90 days) must convert to Uruguayan license via exam/equivalency process.