Uruguay Classic Coast by Bus
From the historic old town to the capital, then to Punta del Este and an off-grid fishing village, all by bus and ferry.
This is the standard route for first-time visitors to Uruguay, covering four main destinations from west to east without needing to rent a car. The pace is relaxed at first and busier later: stay in cities and seaside towns for the first five days, transfer to Cabo Polonio on the sixth day, and make the long journey back to the capital on the seventh day. Carmelo and Punta del Diablo are omitted to ensure sufficient time at each stop. Perfect for those who want to explore the coast using public transport in summer.
From May to October, many coastal towns close down, and bus and truck frequencies are reduced.
Day by day
Day 1 · Cross the River to Colonia
Colonia del Sacramento（Portón de Campo、Barrio Histórico、Calle de los Suspiros、Lighthouse & Convent of San Francisco Ruins）
Take a ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes, then explore the old town on foot.
Immigration procedures must be completed before boarding; arrive at the port early as required by the ferry company.
Stay: Historic Quarter
Day 2 · Transfer to Montevideo for Sunset
Colonia del Sacramento（Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo） → Montevideo（Plaza Independencia、Palacio Salvo、La Rambla & Pocitos Beach）
Take a COT bus to Montevideo at noon, taking about 2 hours and 50 minutes. Walk around the city center in the afternoon, and take a taxi to the Rambla in the evening.
Stay: City Center
Day 3 · A Day in Montevideo's Old Town
Montevideo（Ciudad Vieja、Solís Theatre、Mercado del Puerto、Museo Andes 1972）
Walk from the city center into the Old Town (Ciudad Vieja). The sights are close to each other, so the day is mostly on foot. Take a taxi back in the evening.
If it is Sunday evening, you can head to Barrio Sur to listen to Candombe drumming; the timing is not fixed.
Stay: City Center
Day 4 · Head East to Punta del Este
Punta del Este（La Mano (Los Dedos)、Puerto de Punta del Este、Casapueblo）
Take a COT bus from Tres Cruces Terminal in the morning, taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes to Punta del Este. Take a taxi to watch the sunset in the evening.
Casapueblo is crowded during sunset; it is advisable to arrive early.
Stay: Peninsula Town Centre
Day 5 · The Wavy Bridge and José Ignacio
Punta del Este（Puente Leonel Viera (La Barra Bridge)、La Barra、José Ignacio、Playa Mansa）
Take a taxi or local bus east, passing through La Barra to José Ignacio, about a 40-minute drive, and return in the afternoon.
Stay: Peninsula Town Centre
Day 6 · Transfer to Cabo Polonio
Cabo Polonio（Cabo Polonio Village、Cabo Polonio Lighthouse、Sea Lion Colony (Lobería)）
Take a bus to San Carlos and transfer to Rutas del Sol to the village entrance, taking about 3 to 4 hours, then take a truck for 20 minutes into the village.
There is no direct bus for this section, and schedules change with the season, so check the timetable in advance.
Stay: Cabo Polonio Village
Day 7 · Morning Beach, then Long Journey West
Cabo Polonio（Playa La Calavera (Playa Norte)） → Montevideo
Take the truck out of the village in the morning, and catch a Rutas del Sol bus at the junction back to Montevideo, taking about 4.5 hours.
This day is only suitable for connecting to late-night flights or ferries the next day, to avoid delays from transfers.