Tres Cruces is Montevideo's primary intercity bus terminal and the departure point for all express services to Punta del Este. Located at the intersection of Bulevar General Artigas and Bulevar José Batlle y Ordóñez, the facility combines a modern shopping center with Uruguay's most active bus hub. More than 70 percent of visitors traveling from the capital to the Atlantic coast begin their journey here.
Quick answer
The Tres Cruces terminal operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with buses to Punta del Este departing approximately every 30 to 60 minutes during peak season and every two hours in low season. The journey takes between 2 hours and 2 hours 30 minutes depending on the service type and number of stops. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to purchase tickets, locate your platform, and board without stress. Free entry to the terminal and shopping areas.
Nearly every traveler heading from Montevideo to Punta del Este passes through Tres Cruces, yet the terminal remains one of Uruguay's most misunderstood transit points. The building houses 82 active boarding platforms, three levels of retail and dining concessions, a 24-hour pharmacy, and two airline ticketing counters—making it as much a commercial hub as a transportation nexus. Built in 1994 and expanded in 2003, Tres Cruces replaced the aging Baltasar Brum terminal and now processes more than 13 million passengers annually. The montevideo punta del este tres cruces route is serviced by multiple carriers, including COT, COPSA, and Rutas del Sol, each operating from assigned platform zones. Platforms 50 through 65 handle eastbound coastal departures. Electronic departure boards near the central atrium display real-time platform assignments, which often shift with as little as 10 minutes' notice during weekends and holidays. Printed schedules posted at carrier kiosks are updated weekly, but digital boards are the authoritative source. Ticket counters open between 5:00 AM and midnight for most carriers, though a limited number of kiosks remain staffed overnight. Fares vary by service class—standard, semi-cama, and full-cama seating—and range from 400 to 900 Uruguayan pesos depending on season and carrier. Peak pricing applies during Carnival, Easter week, and the December-to-February summer period. Advance booking is recommended for Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings when demand spikes. Walk-up tickets are generally available mid-week outside of holidays. The shopping center spans three floors and includes a Tienda Inglesa supermarket, currency exchange kiosks, and seating areas with free WiFi. Restrooms are located on the ground floor near platforms 30 and 70, and luggage storage operates from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM at the south entrance. The terminal sits 4 kilometers east of Ciudad Vieja and is accessible by local bus lines D4, 180, 187, and 405. Taxis and ride-hailing services queue at the main entrance on Bulevar General Artigas. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for transit from the Old City during off-peak hours and up to 40 minutes during morning rush.
“More than 13 million passengers pass through Tres Cruces annually, making it the busiest ground transport hub in Uruguay.”
Tres Cruces serves as the central transportation hub in Montevideo for travelers heading to Punta del Este. Located at Bulevar General Artigas 1825, the terminal integrates a major bus station with a shopping center, providing direct intercity coach services to the coast.
Intercity coach from Terminal Tres Cruces
Direct service to Bulevar General Artigas 1825
Route IB and Route 9
The terminal is open 24/7; arrival should be timed according to your scheduled bus departure. Use the main entrance on Bulevar General Artigas to access the ticketing and boarding platforms easily.
Tres Cruces terminal remains accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This continuous operation ensures the facility stays open to accommodate all scheduled bus departures throughout the day and night.
Navigating the Tres Cruces terminal efficiently ensures a smooth start to your journey toward Punta del Este.
Bus platforms are announced shortly before boarding, so remain within the main terminal area to hear gate updates.
Ensure your bags are clearly tagged before boarding, as intercity buses to Punta del Este have specific luggage compartments managed by terminal staff.
The terminal houses various amenities, including ATMs and food options, which are practical for grabbing supplies before your departure.
While the terminal is always accessible, positioning yourself near the designated platform 15 minutes before your departure time is standard practice.
As in any busy transport hub, maintain awareness of your personal belongings while moving through the terminal corridors and waiting areas.
The area surrounding the Tres Cruces terminal offers several cultural and historical points of interest. These locations pair well with your journey, allowing for brief exploration before or after your departure to Punta del Este.
5 min walk
This iconic monument stands in a prominent plaza near the terminal and marks an important point in Uruguayan history.
15 min walk
This expansive public park features lush greenery and sporting venues, offering a quiet space for a walk before your bus trip.
20 min walk
Located within Parque Batlle, this historic stadium is a significant landmark for football fans and architectural enthusiasts.
Everything you need to know about montevideo punta del este tres cruces
Yes, the terminal is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring service for all scheduled bus departures. You can access the facility at any time, from 00:00 to 23:59.
There is no entrance fee to access the premises, as it functions as a public bus terminal and shopping center. You may enter the building at 0 UYU cost for all public areas.
The station is located at Bulevar General Artigas 1825, 11800 Montevideo, Uruguay. This central location serves as the primary transit point for regional bus travel.
While this site provides informational logistics, you can coordinate your travel to coastal landmarks through the official terminal services. Consult the official site at https://www.trescruces.com.uy to review departure schedules and transit options.
Beyond transit services, the location serves as a major commercial center with various shops and food outlets. It is designed to accommodate passengers waiting for intercity connections to popular Uruguayan destinations.
The terminal is open 24/7, so your arrival should be timed specifically according to your scheduled bus departure. There is no restricted window, allowing for flexible arrival between 00:00 and 23:59 daily.