list of airports in Uruguay

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Exploring the Skies: A Guide to Airports in Uruguay

Uruguay, a small but vibrant nation on the southeastern coast of South America, offers a surprisingly well-connected air travel network. Whether you’re planning a visit to its bustling capital, Montevideo, or venturing into the scenic countryside, understanding the airports in Uruguay is key to a smooth journey. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of both international and domestic airfields, helping you navigate your travel options with ease.

#ff6900 Uruguay’s Air Travel Landscape

Uruguay’s air travel infrastructure is primarily centered around two major international airports: Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo and Laguna del Sauce International Airport in Punta del Este. These hubs connect the country to key destinations in South America, North America, and Europe. Beyond these, a network of smaller domestic airports facilitates travel to more remote regions, supporting tourism and local commerce. The country is actively working to modernize and expand its airport capacity to accommodate growing travel demands.

#ff6900 Major International Airports

  • Carrasco International Airport (MVD): Located approximately 19 kilometers (12 miles) from Montevideo, Carrasco is the largest and busiest airport in Uruguay. It serves as the primary gateway for international flights, offering connections to numerous cities worldwide. The airport underwent a significant modernization project in the early 2010s, resulting in a state-of-the-art facility with improved passenger services, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, and comfortable lounges. It handles a substantial amount of cargo traffic as well.

  • Laguna del Sauce International Airport (PDP): Situated near the popular resort city of Punta del Este, this airport primarily caters to seasonal tourism, particularly during the South American summer. While smaller than Carrasco, it handles a significant number of international flights, especially from Brazil and Argentina. Laguna del Sauce is known for its scenic location and efficient service.

#ff6900 Domestic Airports in Uruguay

Uruguay boasts a network of domestic airports that connect various regions, making it easier to explore the country beyond the main tourist hubs. These airports generally handle smaller aircraft and offer flights to other domestic destinations or regional hubs in neighboring countries.

#ff6900 A Comprehensive List of Airports in Uruguay

Here’s a table detailing the airports in Uruguay, categorized by type and including key information:

Airport Name IATA Code ICAO Code City Type Length of Runway (ft)
Carrasco International Airport MVD SUMU Montevideo International 10,827
Laguna del Sauce International Airport PDP SUDU Punta del Este International 7,936
Capitán de Corbeta Carlos Curbelo International Airport LAG SULS Laguna del Sauce International/Domestic 6,562
General Artigas International Airport ART S UYA Artigas International/Domestic 6,234
Paysandú International Airport PDU SUPU Paysandú International/Domestic 6,562
Rivera International Airport RVA SURV Rivera International/Domestic 7,218
Salto International Airport SLO SULS Salto International/Domestic 6,234
Tacuarembó Airport TRM SUTU Tacuarembó Domestic 5,249
Carmelo Airport CMO SUCU Carmelo Domestic 4,265
Colonia del Sacramento Airport CLO SCOL Colonia del Sacramento Domestic 4,921
José Enrique Rodó Airport AGP SUJA Agraciado (Montevideo) Domestic 3,937
Durazno Airport DUO SUDZ Durazno Domestic 4,593
Florida Airport FLR SUFL Florida Domestic 4,265
Melo Airport MLU SUML Melo Domestic 4,921
Rocha Airport RRO SURR Rocha Domestic 4,593
Treinta y Tres Airport TTT SUTT Treinta y Tres Domestic 4,265

Note: Runway lengths are approximate and subject to change.

#ff6900 Getting Around: Transportation from Airports

  • Carrasco International Airport (MVD): Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available outside the terminal. A dedicated bus service (Line C) connects the airport to Montevideo’s main bus terminal. Car rental agencies also operate at the airport.

  • Laguna del Sauce International Airport (PDP): Taxis and pre-booked private transfers are the most convenient options. Rental cars are available nearby in Punta del Este.

  • Domestic Airports: Transportation options from domestic airports are typically more limited. Taxis are usually available, and pre-booking a transfer is highly recommended, especially for airports further from city centers.

#ff6900 Future Developments in Uruguayan Aviation

Uruguay is committed to improving its aviation infrastructure. Plans are underway to further expand Carrasco International Airport to accommodate increased passenger and cargo traffic. There’s also a focus on upgrading facilities at several domestic airports to enhance safety and efficiency. These developments aim to position Uruguay as a more attractive destination for both tourists and businesses.

#ff6900 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Which is the main international airport in Uruguay?
A1: Carrasco International Airport (MVD) in Montevideo is the main international airport.

Q2: Do I need a visa to transit through a Uruguayan airport?
A2: Visa requirements depend on your nationality and destination. Check with the Uruguayan embassy or consulate in your country before traveling.

Q3: Are there direct flights from the US to Uruguay?
A3: Yes, there are direct flights from Miami (MIA) to Montevideo (MVD) operated by certain airlines.

Q4: What is the best way to get from Carrasco Airport to Montevideo city center?
A4: The dedicated bus line (Line C) is a cost-effective option. Taxis and ride-sharing are faster but more expensive.

Q5: Can I rent a car at Laguna del Sauce Airport?
A5: No, car rental agencies aren’t directly at the airport, but they are readily available in Punta del Este, a short taxi ride away.

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