Driving in Uruguay makes it easy to combine Montevideo, Colonia del Sacramento and the oceanfront rambla in one relaxed route. Follow the coast east along Ruta Interbalnearia, calling at Piriapolis and Punta del Este when it suits you.
With a hire car you can explore quiet Atlantic villages such as Jose Ignacio, then head inland to gaucho country near Tacuarembo. Enjoy beaches, estancias and small towns without relying on limited timetables.
At a glance
Drives onRight
Motorway tollCheck locally
CurrencyUruguayan Peso (UYU)
Min. rental age21 years
Good to know before you drive
The essentials for a smooth, ticket-free trip.
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Speed limits
Town50 km/h
Open road90 km/h
Motorway130 km/h
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Parking
Paid short-stay zones in city centres — buy a ticket and display it.
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Alcohol limit
Typically 0.05% blood-alcohol limit; lower for new drivers.
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Vignette / tolls
Check whether a motorway vignette or tolls apply — many rentals include one.
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What drivers say about Uruguay
★★★★★★4.5
★★★★★★4.5
"I travelled with a friend and the car was ideal for touring the coast, clean and economical. Staff were friendly and pick-up was quick. Only thing missing was clearer info about tolls."
M
Martín Cabrera
Uruguay
★★★★★4
"We booked a car for a week’s family holiday with our two kids. Child seats were in good condition and the car had plenty of space for luggage. Pick-up and drop-off at the airport were smooth."
L
Lucía
Uruguay
★★★★★4
"Nice car for our couple’s trip, just wished for faster pick-up."
For travel in Uruguay it is wise to book your hire car at least 2–4 weeks before arrival, especially for high season (December to March), public holidays and Carnival. In Montevideo and Punta del Este, popular vehicle classes and automatics sell out quickly. Early booking usually gives a wider choice of cars and better rates.
In Uruguay the security deposit is normally blocked (pre-authorised) on your card when you collect the car. After you return the vehicle without new damage or unpaid fees, most banks release the hold within 3–10 working days. Some international cards may take slightly longer, depending on your bank’s processing times.
The excess (deductible) is the maximum amount you must pay if the car is damaged or stolen. In Uruguay it typically ranges from about UYU 25,000 to UYU 120,000, depending on vehicle class and supplier. If repair or loss costs are lower, you pay less. You can reduce or sometimes remove this excess by buying additional insurance cover.
Most Uruguayan rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit. However, some suppliers offer no-deposit or no-credit-card deals, usually limited to certain car groups or with higher daily rates and stricter conditions. Always check payment rules in the booking conditions before confirming.
Prices vary by season, location and car type. As a general guide, a small economy car in Uruguay usually costs around UYU 1,600–3,000 per day with basic insurance and limited kilometres, if booked in advance. Larger vehicles, automatics and one-way rentals tend to be more expensive, particularly in Punta del Este during summer.
Bookingcar lets you compare prices from many car hire companies in Uruguay in one search, helping you quickly find cheaper or better-value offers. By showing different suppliers, car types, mileage packages and insurance options side by side, Bookingcar makes it easier to choose a deal that fits your budget and travel plans.
If you return your rental car late in Uruguay, companies usually charge an extra fee. This can be calculated per additional hour, and after a grace period they may charge a full extra day at the current rate. A significant delay might also invalidate insurance cover. Contact the rental office as soon as possible if you expect to be late.
Typical maximum speed limits in Uruguay are:
Cities and towns: about 45–60 km/h (check local signs)
Open rural roads: around 75–90 km/h
National routes / main highways: generally 90–110 km/h
Always follow posted limits, which override general rules, and reduce speed near schools, roadworks and in bad weather.
Traffic fines in Uruguay vary by offence and locality. Typical penalties can range from around UYU 2,000 for minor speeding or parking violations up to UYU 20,000 or more for serious offences such as heavy speeding, running red lights or dangerous driving. Unpaid fines may be charged via your rental company, plus administration fees.
Uruguay applies a zero-tolerance policy for drink-driving. The legal blood alcohol limit for most drivers is 0.0 g/l, meaning you must not drive after consuming alcohol. Police carry out roadside breath tests, particularly on weekends and holidays. Penalties can include heavy fines, licence suspension and your rental agreement being terminated without refund.
Fuel in Uruguay is relatively expensive and prices are set nationally. As a recent indication, unleaded petrol (nafta) often costs around UYU 80–95 per litre, while diesel is usually slightly cheaper per litre. Prices can change due to government adjustments and global markets, so check current rates at ANCAP stations or local news before driving long distances.
Yes, several main highways in Uruguay, such as sections of Ruta Interbalnearia and other national routes, have per-use toll booths. Fees are modest and usually paid in cash in Uruguayan pesos, though some booths accept electronic tags used by locals. Keep small notes and coins handy, as tolls are charged in each direction at specific points.
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