Getting Here and Around

Hydrofoils and ferries cross the Río de la Plata between Buenos Aires and Uruguay several times a day. Boats often sell out, particularly on summer weekends, so book tickets at least a few days ahead. The two competing companies that operate services—Buquebus and Colonia Express—often wage a reduced-rates war in the low season.

Buquebus provides two kinds of service for passengers and cars: the quickest crossing takes an hour by hydrofoil and the slower ferry takes around three hours. The Buquebus terminal in Buenos Aires is at the northern end of Puerto Madero at the intersection of Avenida Alicia M. de Justo and Avenida Córdoba (which changes its name here to Bulevar Cecilia Grierson). It's accessible by taxi or by walking seven blocks from L. N. Alem subte station along Trinidad Guevara.

Colonia Express operates the cheapest and fastest services to Colonia but has only four daily services in each direction. There often are huge discounts on the 50-minute catamaran trip if you buy tickets in advance. The Colonia Express terminal in Buenos Aires is south of Puerto Madero on Avenida Pedro de Mendoza, the extension of Avenida Huergo. It's best reached by taxi, but Bus No. 130 from Avenidas Libertador and L. N. Alem also stops outside it.

The shortest way to the Barrio Histórico is to turn left out of the port parking lot onto Florida—it's a six-block walk. Walking is the perfect way to get around this part of town; equally practical—and lots of fun—are golf carts and sand buggies that you can rent from Thrifty.

Ferry Contacts

Buquebus. Av. Antartida Argentina 821, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1104AAH. 11/4316–6500; www.buquebus.com.

Buquebus. Av. Córdoba 867, Centro, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1054AAH.

Colonia Express. Av. Pedro de Mendoza 330, La Boca, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1156ACQ. 11/4317–4100; www.coloniaexpress.com.

Colonia Express. Av. Córdoba 753, Centro, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1054AAG.

Rental Cars

Thrifty. Av. Gral. Flores 172, Colonia del Sacramento, Colonia, 70000. 4522–2939; www.thrifty.com.uy.

Taxi Contact

Taxis Colonia. 598/4522–2920.