There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Colonia into a quick city adventure. From CYR, the Taxi / Local Bus can get you into town in around 45 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Three things to verify before you walk out of CYR:
- Can you legally enter Uruguay? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 45-minute journey each way by Taxi / Local Bus, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the UYU. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From CYR, the Taxi / Local Bus gets you to Colonia in around 45 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 65 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi / Local Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Colonia might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$20 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$40 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Colonia, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
What’s Worth Seeing in Colonia
For a layover visit to Colonia, we’d suggest Colonia del Sacramento Historic Quarter and Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at CYR, check out Laguna de los Patos Duty-Free or Main Terminal Relaxation Area to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Eat
- In the city: El Buen Suspiro and Charco Bistro are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Colonia.
- At the airport: Aeropuerto Café y Bar and Snack & Vending Corner will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Storing Your Luggage at Laguna de Los Patos International Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at CYR may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Colonia’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at CYR, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Colonia itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Uruguay that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Sleep & Lounge Options at CYR
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, CYR has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Colonia doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 45 minutes from CYR, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.