Carrasco International Airport

Carrasco International Airport. Source: Kupi.com AI

Carrasco International Airport (MVD) is not merely the main aerial gateway to Uruguay, but a true architectural masterpiece that welcomes travellers. Designed by the world-renowned Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, the new terminal, opened in 2009, has become a symbol of modern Uruguayan identity. Its elegant design with a massive curved roof creates a sense of space and light, turning the wait for a flight into an aesthetic pleasure. The airport has been repeatedly recognised as one of the most beautiful and convenient in Latin America, offering passengers a high level of comfort and efficiency.

Beyond its impressive appearance, Carrasco Airport is thoughtfully designed for traveller convenience. The terminal space is logically divided into arrival and departure levels, helping passengers orient themselves easily and avoid bustle. One of the main highlights is the large observation terrace on the upper level, offering a panoramic view of the runways—an ideal place to watch aircraft. The airport is equipped with modern self-service systems, numerous shops, and restaurants, making your stay here as comfortable as possible before a flight or after arriving in hospitable Uruguay.

• Official Website: aeropuertodecarrasco.com.uy
• Information Service Phone: (+598) 2604 0329
• Address: Ruta 101 Km. 19.950, 14000 Ciudad de la Costa, Departamento de Canelones, Uruguay
• Email: For general enquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on the official pages on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost Luggage Information: If your belongings were lost within the terminal building, contact the "Lost and Found" service at (+598) 2604 0329 (extension 1457) or via email: objetosolvidados@aainc.com.uy. For issues regarding lost checked baggage, please contact your airline's representative directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance and answers to questions, you may use the main information service telephone number.

Getting to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) from the centre of Montevideo is straightforward, with several convenient methods available, varying in cost and comfort level. The distance from the city centre to the airport is approximately 20 kilometres, and depending on the chosen transport and traffic conditions, the journey will take between 30 to 60 minutes.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. Several urban and suburban bus routes connect the capital of Uruguay with the airport. Buses depart regularly, including from the main Tres Cruces bus terminal. Although this is the cheapest method, the journey may take longer, around an hour or even more, especially during peak hours. The ticket cost is minimal compared to other options. Look for buses from companies like Copsa, COT, or Cutcsa, with "Aeropuerto" displayed on their route signs.

Taxis, Ridesharing, and Transfers. For greater comfort and speed, you can use taxi services. Official taxis are easily recognisable by their distinctive livery; they can be found at designated stands in the city or ordered by phone. Popular car-hailing apps such as Uber and Cabify also operate in Montevideo, often offering competitive prices. A taxi ride will take about 30-40 minutes. Another convenient option is to book a private transfer in advance. This guarantees a fixed price and a meeting with the driver at a designated location, which is particularly convenient when travelling with heavy luggage.

Car Rental and Parking. If you are travelling by rental car, reaching the airport is very simple via Avenida de las Américas. Most major rental companies have counters directly in the terminal, allowing you to return the car immediately before departure. For those arriving in their own vehicle, Carrasco Airport provides convenient parking, offering both short-term and long-term parking options.

When planning your route, it is worth noting that there are other airports in the region. For example, for trips to the famous resort of Punta del Este, the Capitán de Corbeta Carlos A. Curbelo International Airport is convenient. And if your itinerary includes Argentina, flights from Buenos Aires, located on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, depart from airports such as Jorge Newbery Airfield or the main international Ezeiza Airport.

Carrasco International Airport (MVD), Uruguay's main aviation hub, is distinguished by a modern and intuitive structure. All passenger flights—both domestic and international—are serviced in one spacious and ultra-modern terminal, opened in 2009. Its futuristic design, resembling a smooth white dune, is not only visually impressive but also ensures high functionality.

Because all operations are concentrated in a single building, navigating the airport is extremely simple. You do not need to worry about transfers between terminals or complex movement schemes. The terminal structure is organised by levels:

• Ground Floor (Planta Baja): Arrivals Zone. This is where you enter after landing. Located here are baggage claim belts, customs control, car rental counters, currency exchange and tourist information points, as well as exits to taxis and buses.
• First Floor (Primer Nivel): Check-in and Departures Zone. This is the main hall of the terminal where passengers arrive for departure. Airline check-in counters and self-check-in kiosks are located here.
• Second Floor (Segundo Nivel): Security and Boarding Gates. After checking in on the first floor, passengers proceed to the second level for security and passport control. Immediately beyond these is a large Duty-Free area, as well as cafes, restaurants, and boarding gates.
• Upper Level: Observation Deck. One of the airport's highlights is the large panoramic terrace, open to the public. It offers a magnificent view of the runway and the airfield.

Check-in and security procedures at Carrasco Airport generally proceed quite quickly due to efficient organisation. However, during peak hours or before the departure of several large international flights, queues may form. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight. Signs in the terminal are in Spanish and English, making navigation easy even for first-time visitors. If you have any questions, you can always approach the information desk located in the central part of the departures hall.

The history of Carrasco International Airport began in 1953 when it was officially opened and became the main hub for civil aviation in Uruguay. For decades, it served a growing flow of passengers, gradually modernising, but its most significant transformation was yet to come. The airport is inextricably linked to one of the most dramatic events in aviation history: it was from here on 13 October 1972 that Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 departed, eventually crashing in the Andes. The survival story of this flight's passengers became known to the world as the "Miracle of the Andes".

The old terminal, having served the country for over half a century, eventually ceased to meet modern requirements. This prompted the creation of one of the most ambitious architectural projects in the history of Uruguay. In 2009, the grand opening of the new passenger terminal took place, designed by the world-renowned Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly. This event marked a new era for the airport and the entire country.

The new terminal is not just a functional building, but a true symbol of modern Uruguay. Its main feature is a massive curved roof over 365 metres long, creating a sense of light and space. The project has received numerous international architectural awards and is frequently included in lists of the most beautiful airports in the world. Thanks to this reconstruction, the airport's capacity increased to 4.5 million passengers per year, and the level of comfort and service reached a completely new standard.

Today, Carrasco Airport is not only an important transport hub in South America but a landmark in itself. It serves as an example of how an infrastructure facility can become a work of art and a subject of national pride, while preserving the memory of its long and at times dramatic history.

Carrasco International Airport offers passengers modern and comfortable service, thought out to the smallest detail. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything necessary here to make waiting for your flight easy and pleasant.

Within the terminal, you will find various dining options: from cafes offering light snacks and aromatic coffee to restaurants where you can have a full meal. For shopping enthusiasts, stores are available, including a Duty Free zone with a wide selection of perfumes, cosmetics, international products, and souvenirs, where you can purchase memorable gifts from Uruguay.

For those who prefer to await their flight in a quieter atmosphere, the airport features a VIP Lounge with comfortable seating, snacks, and beverages. Staying connected is effortless—free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for electronic devices are provided.

Practical matters are easily resolved at the airport. Banking branches, currency exchange points, and ATMs are at your service. For first aid or medical consultation, a 24-hour medical centre is available on the premises.

Special attention is paid to the comfort of passengers with special needs. The airport is fully equipped for travellers with reduced mobility, and assistance services are provided. Families with small children can use the mother and child rooms for care and feeding.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, a modern hotel is located directly opposite the terminal building. For business travellers who need to work while waiting for a flight, the VIP zone provides facilities for meetings and workspaces.

At Carrasco International Airport, passengers will find a decent selection of establishments to grab a snack or have a full lunch while waiting for a flight. Dining points are conveniently located both in the public area before security and in the secure departures zone.

In the public area (landside), accessible to all visitors, you will mainly find chain coffee shops such as McCafé and Starbucks. This is an ideal place to have a cup of coffee with fresh pastries while greeting or seeing off loved ones. Here you can relax in a calmer atmosphere before checking in for your flight.

The majority of restaurants and cafes are located after passport control (airside). For those wanting a quick bite, international chain outlets like Subway are available. For a more substantial meal, the Patria restaurant is an excellent choice, specialising in local cuisine. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the gastronomy of Uruguay before flying.

Be sure to try some Uruguayan specialities. For instance, the famous chivito sandwich is a hearty dish featuring tender beef, mozzarella, and various toppings. For breakfast, you can have traditional medialunas (croissants) with coffee. These dishes are best sought out at the Patria restaurant or other cafes with local flair.

For passengers with specific dietary preferences, such as vegetarians, finding suitable options like salads or vegetable sandwiches will not be difficult. However, regarding gluten-free, vegan, or halal dishes, the choice may be limited, so it is recommended to clarify the ingredients directly with the staff at the establishment.

The operating hours of most establishments in the departure zone are aligned with the flight schedule: they open early in the morning and serve passengers until the last departure. Prices at the airport are higher than in the city, which is typical for major transport hubs. A quick snack will cost an average amount, while a full lunch at a restaurant will require higher expenditure.

Thus, if you are short on time, the best choice would be chain cafes and the food court. If time permits, do not miss the chance to enjoy a final Uruguayan steak or another national dish at one of the restaurants in the departure zone.

To ensure your journey through Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible, make use of our proven tips. This modern and well-organised airport does everything possible for passenger convenience, but a little preparation never hurts.

Arrival Time at the Airport. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours. This time will be sufficient to calmly go through all procedures, even during peak hours. Carrasco Airport is known for its efficiency, but it is better to have a time buffer in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Check-in and Security Control. To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if travelling light, directly to security. The security control procedure here is standard: be prepared to present your boarding pass and place electronic devices, metal items, and liquids in a separate tray.

Hand Luggage Rules. Standard international rules apply here: liquids are permitted in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp and cutting objects are prohibited. Please note that Uruguay is very strict regarding the import of agricultural products (fruits, vegetables, meat, seeds). Declare all such goods to avoid fines. Traditional souvenirs, such as a mate gourd and bombilla, usually do not raise questions, but it is better to transport them in checked luggage.

Tips for Transit Passengers. Carrasco Airport is quite compact, and navigation within it is intuitive, making transfers quick and convenient. Keep a close watch on the departure boards for information about your next flight. The transit zone features cosy cafes, shops, and free Wi-Fi to spend your waiting time in comfort.

Customs Control upon Arrival. After passing passport control, you will undergo customs inspection. You must fill out a customs declaration, indicating all goods subject to declaration. If you are unsure whether an item falls into this category, it is better to declare it honestly and consult with a customs officer.

Saving Time and Money. To save on transfer to the city, consider booking a taxi or shuttle via online apps in advance—this is often cheaper than taking a car on the spot. There are several cafes in the airport itself, but prices may be higher than in the city. If you have time, have a snack before arriving at the airport or bring light snacks with you.

If Your Flight is Delayed. In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for the latest information and instructions. Carrasco Airport offers comfortable conditions for waiting: you can relax in a cafe, stroll through the shops, or use the free internet access.