Airports In Uruguay: Your Ultimate Gateway To South America

An aeroplane is taxiing on the runway at Laguna del Sauce International Airport, one of the airports in Uruguay

Uruguay, a vibrant South American country, offers excellent air connectivity for international and domestic travellers. Airports in Uruguay provide smooth access to bustling business hubs, luxurious beach resorts, historical towns, and nature reserves. Carrasco International Airport is the principal international airport enabling Uruguay to reach various world cities. Domestic flights and border crossings can be accessed through regional airports, such as Laguna del Sauce and Rivera International Airport. Whether planning a cultural holiday, a beach escape, or business meetings, these airports ensure comfortable, efficient, and hassle-free air travel for every visitor.

10 Airports In Uruguay

These 10 key airports in Uruguay facilitate both domestic and international travel, offering access to country’s scenic coastlines, historic towns:

1. Carrasco International Airport

View of the park area around the Carrasco Airport in broad daylight

Photo: Andrés Franchi Ugart / Wikimedia Commons

Carrasco International Airport is Uruguay’s largest and primary international gateway. It is located 19 km from Montevideo’s main city centre and has easy access by taxis, shuttle buses, and renting cars. Major carriers, amongst them LATAM, Iberia, Copa Airlines, and American Airlines, operate flights from Carrasco International Airport, linking Uruguay to major global hubs such as Buenos Aires, Madrid, and Miami. The terminal contains duty-free shops, luxury restaurants, VIP lounges, business centres, baggage services and car rental counters. Guests can access free Wi-Fi, medical services, and children’s areas.

Location: Montevideo
Nearby Attractions: Ciudad Vieja, Museo Torres García, Playa Pocitos, Mercado del Puerto

2. Laguna Del Sauce International Airport

Aerolineas Argentinas aeroplane parked, at one of the airports in Uruguay

Photo: Bene Riobó / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Laguna del Sauce International Airport is the main entry point into Punta del Este, one of South America’s top luxury beach spots. The airport is approximately 20 km outside Punta del Este’s city centre and can be easily accessed by taxi, car rental and private shuttle services. Aerolíneas Argentinas and Azul Linhas Aéreas, run seasonal and charter flights from Buenos Aires and São Paulo. This airport, like other airports in Uruguay, serves refreshment areas, lounges, baggage collection and hire-car desks.

Location: Punta del Este
Nearby Attractions: Casapueblo, Playa Brava, La Barra, Punta Shopping Mall

3. Capitán Corbeta CA Curbelo International Airport

An aircraft with many other vehicles parked in the Maldonado airport in Uruguay

Photo: Alban from Japan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Capitán Corbeta CA Curbelo International Airport (International Airport of Maldonado) is a significant domestic and private aviation centre. It is about 15 km from Punta del Este and is easily accessible by taxi and car rentals. Seasonal air flight and private jet operations ramp up greatly throughout the summer months for tourists flying to luxurious seashore resorts and the most upscale private residential communities.

Location: Maldonado
Nearby Attractions: Arboretum Lussich, Playa Mansa, Punta Ballena, Ralli Museum

4. Rivera International Airport

Inside the halls of the Rodriguez Airport, with people wandering to their flights

Photo: Matt Seymour / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Rivera International Airport at Uruguay’s border with Brazil serves international capacity for cross-border travel and regional business tourism. Located only 11 km from Rivera’s city centre, the airport is accessible by taxi and private transfers. Commercial airlines can find flights connecting Rivera to Montevideo or Porto Alegre. The airport is minimal, providing passenger lounges, handling aspects, and duty-free shopping due to its easy location close to Brazil. Guests can go shopping in the tax-free area in the nearby city of Santana do Livramento. The airport becomes congested during shopping bazaars and transboundary functions.

Location: Rivera
Nearby Attractions: Plaza Internacional, Parque Gran Bretanha, Tax-Free Shopping Centres, Rivera Cultural Centre

5. Salto International Airport

Salto International Airport is operating with its control tower standing amid greenery

Photo: Clément Dellandrea / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Salto International Airport is for travellers looking for wellness tourism and eco retreats. Only 8 km from Salto city centre, it is well connected by taxis, rental cars, and hotel transfers. It receives domestic flights from Montevideo and occasional charter flights from neighbouring countries. Small cafes, waiting lounges, baggage counters and car hire services. Many tourists use this airport as the starting point for visiting the famous Termas del Daymán hot springs.

Location: Salto
Nearby Attractions: Termas del Daymán, Salto Grande Dam, Parque Harriague, Museo del Hombre y la Tecnología

6. Carmelo International Airport

Carmelo International Airport with modern designs while a security vehicle parked.

Photo: Alfonso Quincke / Wikimedia Commons

Carmelo International Airport is the gateway to Uruguay’s wine country and river resorts. Located 6km from Carmelo town, you can get here by taxi or private transfer. It’s mainly private charters and small regional flights. The small terminal has passenger seating, baggage handling and car hire desks. Wine tourism is big here, and visitors use the airport to get to luxury wine lodges, boutique hotels and vineyards. The surrounding area is very peaceful and perfect for cycling, horse riding and river cruises.

Location: Carmelo
Nearby Attractions: Narbona Wine Lodge, Puerto Carmelo, Playa Seré, Los Cerros de San Juan

7. Artigas International Airport

A flight standing at the Artigas International Airport, one of the famous airports in Uruguay

Photo: Tanathip Rattanatum / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Artigas International Airport serves the north of Uruguay and is famous for its gemstones and culture. It is 7 kilometres from Artiga’s city centre, you can get there by taxi or rental car. It has domestic flights and private charters to Montevideo and other regional cities. Passenger services include waiting rooms, baggage handling, and car rental. You can visit the gemstone markets, jewellery workshops and local fairs, especially during the Agate and Amethyst Festival.

Location: Artigas
Nearby Attractions: Piedra Pintada, Gemstone Market, Artigas Obelisk, Parque Artigas

8. Paysandú Airport

Paysandú Airport's small terminal is standing under a cloudy sky with trees behind it

Photo: Amenoni / Wikimedia Commons

Paysandú International Airport connects western Uruguay, the country’s beautiful outdoors and cultural landscape. You can reach it 5 kilomètres from the city’s heart by taxi or private transfer. The airport serves domestic flights and other charters, mainly during regional festivals. Some amenities include seating for comfort, little dining, baggage handling, and car hire. Travellers to the city’s famous Beer Festival or the nearby hot springs frequently stop by this airport. The most enjoyable time to visit is September to March for outdoor events and warm temperatures.

Location: Paysandú
Nearby Attractions: Termas de Guaviyú, Basilica of Paysandú, Parque Artigas, Mercado Municipal

9. Durazno Airport

Image of a flight arriving on the runway of Durazno Airport, one of the airports in Uruguay

Photo: Jeffry S.S. / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Durazno Airport is essential in connecting central Uruguay by air to facilitate agricultural commerce, trade, cultural tourism, and community events. It is about 4 km from the city centre of Durazno and is available by Taxi or car rental. The airport is used for domestic flights, cargo and private charter operations. Since it is a compact location, basic facilities include check-in counters, a passenger lounge and baggage handling service.

Location: Durazno
Nearby Attractions: Parque de la Hispanidad, Río Yi, Durazno Cathedral, Centro Cultural Teatro Español

10. Melo International Airport

Eurowings aircraft is taxiing on the runway at the Melo airport, one of the airports on Uruguay

Photo: André Gerwing / Wikimedia Commons

Melo Airport provides services to the eastern part of Uruguay for corporate, freight and tourist activities 5 km from the city centre by taxi and private hire. Domestic flights, private charters to Montevideo and Southern Brazil, and a couple of basic lounges, baggage handling and car rental offices also belong to LAV. Tourists visiting Cerro Largo’s historical and natural landmarks use this airport mainly from October through March. The airport equally facilitates agricultural trading and local occasions.

Location: Melo
Nearby Attractions: Plaza Constitución, Cerro Largo Museum, Parque Zorrilla, Río Tacuarí

Airports in Uruguay ensure efficient connectivity, linking the country with international destinations and domestic regions. From the active Carrasco International Airport to smaller local airports, these airports ensure your journey is seamless. Whether you are on business, leisure or adventure, airports in Uruguay make air travel easy and accessible. Make your journey seamless with TripXL! Find the best flight deals, book hassle-free airport transfers, and easily explore Uruguay’s top destinations.

Cover Photo: Bao Menglong / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo is the largest and busiest airport in Uruguay. It serves as the country’s main international gateway, handling flights to global destinations.
Uruguay has several international airports, including Carrasco International Airport, Laguna del Sauce, and Rivera International Airport.
Laguna del Sauce International Airport is the nearest airport to Punta del Este. It offers seasonal international flights and domestic connections, ensuring easy access to the beach resorts.
Yes, major airports in Uruguay, like Carrasco International and Laguna del Sauce, offer car rental services. Smaller airports also provide rental options through local agencies. Pre-booking is recommended.
The best time to visit Uruguay is from November to March, when the weather is warm and ideal for beach vacations. Winter months (June to August) are cooler and suitable for city tours.

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