I posted on Tripadvisor, but thought I'd cross-post here.

We're planning to spend 2 nights in Montevideo in March, then go to Punta del Este for 4 nights. The idea is that we would take a bus to PDE from Montevideo, then rent a car for 3 of the days that we're there. We'll then go back from PDE to Buenos Aires on Buquebus for 1 night before we fly home.

I know that we could rent a car in Montevideo and drive to PDE but we're a little apprehensive about that. I would find it much more comfortable to rent a car when we're actually there. I can find great rates at Budget, but their office is at the airport in Punta. I'm not sure how convenient that is in terms of pickup and drop off at the end of the 3 days. How far is the airport? Will we spent a lot in taxi fares to get there? If so, it might make more sense just to rent from an agency in the city, even if the rate is higher.

Any advice? Our trip isn't until March and car rentals are much cheaper at that time than they are now.

Thanks.

Hi Susan, I am really surprised that the rate is lower in Punta than in Montevideo. The driving is simple , first follow the sea shore, or Rambla, and then there is only a busy strech let us say between the Airport in Montevideo, called Carrasco till you get to the first toll booth. THen it is only a question of following the route. Most of it is double lined, . In route if you wish to buy food, drinks or anything there is a huge Supermarket which is very good called Tienda Inglesa. It is on the right side, I guess some 60 to 70 kms from Montevideo. The rental car should give you instructions for the full drive .
The Punta del Este Airport is like 20 minutes or a bit more from downtown Punta. Very easy to get there from Punta or from Montevideo. The bus ticket is very inexpensive, if you take it be sure you are taking a direct bus to Punta. Most likely the bus can leave you by the airport, check if it will leave near by or right in the Airport. The bus get into Carrasco Airport.
I do not the rates of taxis in Punta but I am guessing they are more expensive that those in Montevideo, the taxi cars are very nice, to have an idea you can call any of the hotels in Punta and ask them. That is what I do. Good luck.

Thanks for the reply.

The car rental costs the same whether we rent in Punta or Montevideo- we're just a little nervous about driving from Montevideo, then back again when we're ready to leave Uruguay. I guess we'll have to think about it. I know we'll want a car when we're in PDE. If we rent in Montevideo and drive to PDE, we'll need to drive back to Montevideo when we're ready to leave. Something we have to think about.

Thanks again.

I would take the bus. THe bus can leave you by the Punta Airport, but it is important that you check as I said before where exactly it will leave you , By the main road, meaning you have to walk, or by the airport building>?
I guess as pros you have not to spend in gas, tolls, etc and it is more relaxed. Setback would be that buses are a little slow and you might loose sometime, but they are flexible and can pick you up in different locations. You would have to check this. I know the bus can leave at the Carrasco airport door. Which is good if you are flying. If you taking Buquebus you might as well check they might be able to leave you in the bus terminal but I do not know. Good luck.

Well, after all that, I checked this morning and the cheap rates at Budget are not there anymore! So now Budget is about the same as the other agencies, so it doesn't seem like it's an issue anymore unfortunately. I'll keep checking but there are no more $16 / day rates - they're more like $35 and up.