โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
80
minutes
International โ Domestic
80
minutes
International โ International
95
minutes
Interline Connections
125
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Carrasco International Airport (MVD) is the primary international gateway to Uruguay, serving the capital city of Montevideo. The terminal is an architectural masterpiece, designed by Rafael Viรฑoly, and is widely considered one of the most beautiful and efficient airports in the world. It features a stunning, sweeping roofline and a spacious, light-filled interior that provides a seamless travel experience for both domestic and international passengers.
Inside the terminal, travelers have access to a wide array of high-end amenities, including luxury duty-free shops, diverse dining options ranging from local Uruguayan specialties to international cuisine, and several premium VIP lounges. The airport is equipped with state-of-the-art security, immigration, and baggage handling systems, ensuring efficient processing for all travelers. It serves as a major regional hub, connecting Uruguay with key cities across South America, Europe, and North America.
Ground transportation to Montevideo and the coastal resort of Punta del Este is excellent, with numerous taxi, bus, and car rental options available directly outside the terminal. The airport's commitment to sustainability and passenger comfort has earned it numerous international awards. It stands as a symbol of Uruguay's modernity and openness to the world, providing a world-class welcome to all who visit the country. Whether arriving or departing, passengers can enjoy the elegant design and functional efficiency of this unique facility.
๐ Connection Tips
Carrasco is a genuinely well-functioning international airport, so the main connection question is choosing the right ground option for Montevideo or the coast. Buses are perfectly viable for light travelers, but anyone with a lot of bags or a late arrival may prefer taxi, remise, or app-based pickup instead of adding a bus transfer to the day. If you are connecting onward by bus elsewhere in Uruguay, remember that the airport and Tres Cruces are separate transport nodes, so leave time between them rather than stacking the schedule too tightly.
Current airport guidance confirms official taxi, bus, remise, rideshare, and rental-car options from the terminal, which means you do not need to improvise after landing. For departures and flight connections, treat Carrasco like a serious international airport rather than a quick regional hop. MVD is easy to use because it offers multiple solid options; the smooth trip comes from matching the airport transport choice to the actual Uruguay itinerary instead of defaulting to whatever is cheapest in the moment.
What you do need is a clear decision about whether you are heading into Montevideo proper, Tres Cruces, Ciudad Vieja, or eastward toward Punta del Este and the coast, because the correct transport mode changes with that destination and with how much luggage you have. The terminal is efficient, but long-haul and regional international travel still merit real margin for check-in, security, and any VAT or baggage issues.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Santa Bernardina International Airport (SUDU) serves Durazno, capital of Uruguay's Durazno Department, operating as a combined military and general aviation facility shared with the Tte. 2ยฐ Mario W. Parallada Air Base of the Uruguayan Air Force, featuring modern terminal infrastructure built to international operational safety and service quality standards. The airport underwent comprehensive modernization as part of Uruguay's National System of International Airports, incorporating cutting-edge technology and high-quality equipment designed to meet the most stringent international aviation standards for both civilian and military operations.
The passenger terminal building offers modern amenities including duty-free shops featuring local Uruguayan products, comfortable lounges for passenger relaxation, essential services encompassing passenger processing, cargo handling facilities, and aircraft maintenance services supported by friendly staff trained to assist travelers and provide smooth transitions for various aviation activities. Operating Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM local time and Saturday-Sunday 24 hours, the facility accommodates both scheduled and charter operations while maintaining its dual-use military capabilities.
As an integral component of Uruguay's aviation infrastructure, the airport provides essential connectivity for the central Durazno region, supporting tourism, business travel, cargo operations, and military training activities through its professional-grade facilities and services. The strategic location enables efficient access to Uruguay's interior regions while maintaining operational coordination between civilian aviation authorities and the Uruguayan Air Force, representing the successful integration of military and civilian aviation operations at a modern international-standard facility serving Uruguay's developing aviation sector.
๐ Connection Tips
Santa Bernardina International Airport (DZO) is a newly modernized aviation facility in central Uruguay, having undergone a major renovation in 2024 as part of the National System of International Airports. For travelers connecting through DZO, the most important tip is to understand its dual role as a civilian transport node and a major air base for the Uruguayan Air Force. The airport serves as the primary alternate for Montevideo's Carrasco International Airport (MVD) during severe weather events, meaning your 'connection' may sometimes be an unscheduled diversion. Ground transportation to the Durazno city center, located just 8 kilometers away, is handled by local taxis and regional buses; a ride typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and is very affordable.
The airport operates from a modern terminal designed to international safety standards, featuring efficient passenger processing and essential amenities like a small waiting lounge and duty-free shops offering local Uruguayan products. Arriving at least 90 minutes before your domestic or regional charter flight is recommended to navigate the coordinated security checks. Within the terminal, amenities are functional and sleek, but for a wider range of dining and financial services, heading into the city center is advised.
Because the airport is a major hub for military training and international cargo, pilots and passengers should be mindful of mixed-traffic operations and strictly follow all site-specific protocols. Lastly, carry sufficient Uruguayan Pesos in cash for local transport, as while the terminal is modern, international card acceptance at small local vendors can be limited. For those visiting the Durazno department for business or its vibrant festivals, DZO offers a professional and highly efficient entry point.
โ Back to Carrasco International Airport