There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Paysandu into a quick city adventure. From PDU, the Taxi or 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.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Before heading into Paysandu, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Uruguay vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Paysandu is roughly 45 minutes from PDU via Taxi or Local Bus. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in UYU. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Things to Do During Your Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Paysandu:
Start with Plaza Constitución. Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Then, if time allows, make your way to BasÃlica Nuestra Señora del Rosario y San Benito. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
If you’d rather stay inside PDU — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Relax in the Terminal Waiting Area
- Aircraft Observation
Transport from Tydeo Larre Borges Airport to Downtown
From PDU, the Taxi or Local Bus gets you to Paysandu 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 or Local Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Grab a Meal
In Paysandu
If you make it into town, Viejo Museo is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try La Pasiva Paysandú.
Inside PDU
If you’re staying in the terminal, Aeropuerto Cafe & Snacks is your main option. Terminal Snack Counter works too if you want something quick.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Quick budget math for your Paysandu layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$8 |
| Meal | ~$15 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$33 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Paysandu, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at PDU, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Paysandu 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.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at PDU aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Paysandu itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at PDU include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Uruguay also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Paysandu genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.