Colonia del Sacramento - Buenos Aires
Ferry to Argentina
Colonia del Sacramento - Buenos Aires
Ferry to Argentina
Fares for the Colonia del Sacramento to Buenos Aires crossing usually range somewhere between $98* and $569*. Most travellers pay around $206* for a Colonia del Sacramento Buenos Aires ferry ticket, and the cheapest fares on this route begin at $98*. Foot passengers can expect to pay roughly $206* on average.
Fares vary according to passenger count, vehicle type, the route itself and what time you sail. Figures come from fares searched in the previous 30 days, don't include service fees, and were last checked September 26.
There's a quick way to stack up ferry fares and operators from around the world side by side, so you can pick the crossing that best suits you. Getting in early tends to open up the widest choice of prices and sailing times.
Direct Ferries has discounts running throughout the year. Where a senior discount applies to your crossing, it's applied the moment you pick the matching age bracket in the passenger section of your search.
If you're a student or recent graduate, a 5% discount is up for grabs. Head to our partner Student Beans to confirm your status and you'll receive a code to enter at checkout.
A handful of Spanish and Italian ferry routes also offer a resident discount — choose the "Residents" option if it appears during your search and the lower fare is applied straight away. You'll usually need to show proof of address, like a residency card or certificate, when you check in.
Sailings on the Colonia del Sacramento Buenos Aires route generally kick off from Colonia del Sacramento at around 08:30, and the last departure of the day is usually around 20:46.
You certainly can — with a short crossing and sailings running daily, Colonia del Sacramento to Buenos Aires is an easy day trip. Taking a vehicle, where possible, gives you the freedom to explore a bit further once you land.
No, vehicles aren't currently accepted on sailings between Colonia del Sacramento and Buenos Aires.
Bicycles aren't currently accepted on sailings between Colonia del Sacramento and Buenos Aires.
Yes, Buquebus & Colonia Express carries foot passengers between Colonia del Sacramento and Buenos Aires.
Pet owners are in luck — Buquebus & Colonia Express allows pets on board between Colonia del Sacramento and Buenos Aires. Travelling with a pet on this crossing costs an average of $236.
Fares reflect searches from the last 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last checked September 26.
Before you bring a pet on board, it helps to have the following sorted:
It depends on which operator you're sailing with — some ferries keep pets in your vehicle for the whole trip, while others have dedicated pet areas, kennels, or even pet-friendly cabins. Our Deal Finder lays out the options so you can pick the crossing that works for your pet.
There's a bit to know before travelling with a guide or assistance dog. Let our customer service team know in advance, or mention it to the ferry operator when you book, so everything's arranged ahead of time.
Carry any certification or documentation your dog needs, since you could be asked to show it at boarding or partway through the crossing.
Rules for guide dogs and assistance dogs can differ from general pet policy, even on sailings where pets aren't otherwise allowed. Reach out to our customer service team to check what applies to your sailing, or visit our Special Assistance Help page for more detail.
Whether the Colonia del Sacramento to Buenos Aires route has an overnight sailing depends on a mix of factors. Search with your travel dates, and we'll show you whether an overnight option exists, plus current timetables, crossing times and daytime alternatives.
Note that overnight sailings can occasionally take a bit longer than daytime crossings.
What you'll need to travel varies by route, so it pays to check ahead of your sailing. A valid passport is typically required for the Colonia del Sacramento to Buenos Aires crossing, along with any visa or national ID required for your nationality. As rules depend on both where you're from and where you're headed, our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide is worth a read to avoid any hold-ups at check-in.
Booking couldn't be simpler — select your departure port, arrival port and travel date to see everything on offer. From there, you can weigh up alternative routes and departure times to land on the best fit.
Look for early-booking deals and flexible fare types, like upgrades or flexi-tickets, which give you room to change plans later. Double-check details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specs as you go, to keep the booking process painless.
You'll get a confirmation email the moment your booking goes through. From there, how your boarding pass turns up depends on the operator.
Some operators send the boarding pass straight away, while others want you to check in at the port. Where it's on offer, online check-in through the Direct Ferries app can save you time at the terminal.
Ticket desks tend to sit right by the ferry terminal. Building in some extra time before you sail means you won't be rushed collecting tickets and getting checked in.
Have your confirmation email and valid photo ID — a passport or identity card — ready at check-in. If a pet's travelling with you, bring their vaccination and insurance papers, and hold onto proof of address if you booked with a resident discount.
A gap in sailings from Colonia del Sacramento to Buenos Aires on your chosen date usually comes down to something like a timetable adjustment, limited space, or a seasonal dip in service. Try a different date, or browse other options with our Route & Port finder.
Generally speaking, booking your Colonia del Sacramento to Buenos Aires ferry sooner rather than later pays off — earlier bookings usually mean lower fares and more choice of departure times and cabins.
A few weeks' lead time is usually enough to catch a good deal, though fares can still move around depending on the season and what's left available.
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| Colonia del Sacramento - Buenos Aires Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $206 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $220 | |
| Colonia del Sacramento - Buenos Aires Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Uruguay |
| Destination | Argentina |
| No. of Operators | 2 |
| Operators | Buquebus & Colonia Express |
| Average Price | $206 |
| Average Pet Price | $236 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 5 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 32 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 15 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 15 m |
| First Ferry | 08:30 |
| Last Ferry | 20:46 |
| Distance | 32 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2026.
In south west Uruguay is the small city of Colonia del Sacramento. The small settlement lies on the tip of a peninsula that points to the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires on the opposite bank of the River Plate. There are daily services to the Argentinian capital operated by both Buquebus and Colonia Express
What is there to do in the town?
It’s a settlement with a rich and varied history. Founded in the 17th Century by Portuguese colonists, Colonia del Sacramento can boast to be one of the oldest cities in the entire country with the curving lanes and Old Town Walls of the historic quarter clashing brilliantly with the downtown grid of modern streets. There is a plethora of fantastic architecture to sample, from the rustic Church Maritz to the abandoned Plaza de Toros Real de San Carlos bull ring. The area also contains plenty of wineries for visitors to tour and taste the local tipple.
What transport links are available?
Travelling to and from the port is easy due to Colonia del Sacramento’s prime location in the densely populated south-western region of Uruguay. The Route 1 highway, found just a few minutes from the entrance to the port, covers over a hundred miles of the coast en route to the capital of Montevideo. The bus terminal by the harbour is ideal for those looking to travel more locally, with routes heading into the city centre and along the beach-lined promenades.
What services run from the port?
There are currently two operators offering services to one destination, Buenos Aires. Buquebus offer four daily sailings, taking one hour fifteen, while Colonia Express run three crossings. There are also four weekly sailings by Buquebus that take just over three hours to reach the Argentinian capital.
