Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇦🇷 Argentina 🇺🇾 Uruguay
Nearest Cities
🇦🇷 Buenos Aires, 🇺🇾 Colonia del Sacramento
Coordinates
34.60°S, 58.37°W
Border Type
Ferry crossing
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Wait Times
30-90 min for ferry
Peak Times
Mornings (8-11 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Ferry, passengers
Daily Crossings
~15000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Currency Exchange
Available near Buenos Aires (ARS, UYU)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at terminals, 4G/5G
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Generally safe, busy port
Emergency Contacts
🇦🇷 101 🇺🇾 911
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About 🇦🇷 Buenos Aires, 🇺🇾 Colonia del Sacramento
A Ferry Crossing on the River of Silver
The border crossing connecting the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, with the historic city of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay is one of the most popular and iconic journeys in South America. This is not a road or a bridge; it is a high-speed ferry crossing over the vast, brown expanse of the RÃo de la Plata (the River Plate). To cross here is to take a short, comfortable sea voyage from a bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis to a tranquil, beautifully preserved colonial town. It is a passage that is a rite of passage for almost every tourist who visits the region, a journey defined by the stark contrast between the two destinations and the simple pleasure of travel on the water. It is less a border crossing and more a mini-cruise, a perfect day trip that feels like traveling back in time.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the city of Buenos Aires in Argentina with the Colonia Department of Uruguay. The crossing is served by several ferry companies (most notably Buquebus and Colonia Express) that operate multiple daily services. The journey can take as little as one hour on the fastest catamarans. The ferry terminals in both Buenos Aires (in the Puerto Madero district) and Colonia are modern, airport-style facilities where all immigration and customs procedures for both countries are completed before you board the ferry. This “pre-clearance” system makes for an extremely efficient and seamless arrival, a model of modern border management. The service is primarily for passengers, but some larger, slower ferries also transport vehicles.
A History of a Contested Estuary
The history of this crossing is the history of the rivalry between the Spanish and Portuguese empires for control of the RÃo de la Plata. The city of Colonia del Sacramento was founded by the Portuguese in 1680 as a strategic outpost directly opposite the Spanish stronghold of Buenos Aires. Its purpose was to challenge Spanish control of the estuary and to facilitate smuggling. For the next century, the city changed hands between the two powers multiple times, with each side leaving its architectural mark. Its unique, cobbled streets and a mix of Portuguese and Spanish colonial architecture are a direct result of this turbulent history. The modern ferry service continues this long history of connection and competition across the great estuary, now a peaceful and prosperous tourist route.
The Integrated Border Procedure
The border crossing procedure is extremely efficient and a model of international cooperation. At the ferry terminal in your city of departure, you will proceed through a series of windows in a single hall. First, you will get your exit stamp from the country you are leaving. You will then immediately proceed to the next window, just a few feet away, where you will get your entry stamp for the country you are arriving in. All immigration and customs formalities for both countries are completed before you step on the boat. This means that when you arrive, you can simply walk off the ferry and into the city without any further checks. You will need a valid passport or, for citizens of Mercosur countries, a national ID card. The process is seamless and stress-free.
The Surrounding Region: Argentina Side
On the Argentine side, the crossing is in the heart of Buenos Aires, one of the world’s great capital cities. Buenos Aires is a vibrant, sprawling metropolis famous for its elegant European-style architecture, its passionate tango culture, its world-class steakhouses (`parrillas`), and its intense love of football. The ferry terminal is in the modern, redeveloped district of Puerto Madero, a short walk from the historic city center, the Plaza de Mayo, the presidential palace (Casa Rosada), and the colorful neighborhood of La Boca with its Caminito street museum. The city offers an endless array of cultural attractions, from world-class museums to intimate tango shows.
The Surrounding Region: Uruguay Side
On the Uruguayan side, the crossing is in the magnificent historic city of Colonia del Sacramento. The city’s “Barrio Histórico” (Historic Quarter) is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a beautifully preserved maze of cobbled streets, colonial houses, and a charming old lighthouse that offers panoramic views of the river. It is a wonderfully tranquil and romantic place to explore on foot, with vintage cars lining the streets and bougainvillea cascading over the old stone walls. The city is the gateway to Uruguay’s beautiful coastline and its growing wine country. The capital city, Montevideo, is about a two-hour bus ride away.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route is essential. You must book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (December to February) and on weekends, as the services often sell out. Tickets can be booked online directly with the ferry companies. The official currencies are the Argentine Peso (ARS) in Argentina and the Uruguayan Peso (UYU) in Uruguay. Services are widely available in both cities. The journey is very comfortable, with modern ferries offering cafes and duty-free shops on board. Remember to arrive at the ferry terminal at least an hour before departure to complete the check-in and immigration procedures.
Final Considerations
The Buenos Aires–Colonia del Sacramento ferry crossing is a quintessential South American travel experience. It is a fast, comfortable, and incredibly scenic journey between two of the continent’s most fascinating cities. The efficient, integrated border procedure is a model of modern travel. It is a passage that is not just a means of transit, but a highlight of any trip to the region, a beautiful and relaxing voyage across the “River of Silver” from the bustling energy of a great metropolis to the tranquil charm of a colonial gem.