Colonia Express
Colonia Express
3.5
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: La Boca
A neighborhood defined by its immigrant roots, La Boca still maintains this past alive in its streets today. Due to its proximity to the river, the neighborhood became the preferred settling area for immigrants of a wide variety of origins, who ended up living together in the conventillos. Thus, these houses became a melting pot of different cultures and traditions that birthed creations like tango and lunfardo. Nowadays, this legacy can be seen and felt on Caminito Street, which welcomes visitors with colorful facades, cobblestones, and street artists showcasing their skills. Just like its neighbor San Telmo, La Boca is one of the prime destinations to experience the traditions and customs that originated from the city’s immigrant past and which have shaped its distinct identity.
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,861 within 3 miles
Attractions
866 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Elena PRomania4,854 contributionsgood experienceWe travelled form Colonia to Buenos Aires and our experience was good. We bought the ticket from their website, in advance, using the Uruguayan version (which was cheaper) and paying with the card. We had no problem travelling and of course, in Colonia they were a bit disorganised but nothing to be mentioned.Visited December 2019Written January 26, 2020
- Ben FBloomington, Indiana1,458 contributionsA Convenient, Low-Cost Way to Reach Colonia or MontevideoWhile I would’ve appreciated amenities like Wifi, I can’t complain too much. Colonia Express got me to my destination safely, quickly, and affordably. The duration to/from Buenos Aires and Colonia is around an hour, and customer service agents are helpful and friendly. Lines may be long for immigration and disembarking, but it is nice that customs is handled (for Uruguay) on the Argentine side fairly hassle-free. Be sure to have all the requirements for life’s never-ending COVID circumstances in hand as you enter the ferry stations. Thank you for the rides, Colonia Express!Visited March 2022Written April 10, 2022
- bargainhunter6012 contributionsLateWas told ferry would be 1/2 hour late. Later we were all waiting to board an announcement said we were ready to board,everyone stood up, but it was another 1/2 before we boarded. We left 3/4 hour late. I thought the ferry went all the way to Montevideo, but after 1 1/2 hours we boarded a bus. Actually the bus ride was good, as we saw the lovely countryside.Visited January 2020Written January 28, 2020
- Ayendri K2 contributionsNever again!We travelled to Uruguay from BA using buquebus, and the experience was so smooth and efficient. We were in Uruguay within 2 hours. It cost more but it was really worth the money. On our way back we thought we will use colonial express as it was much cheaper. But if we knew how bad it would be, we would have definitely paid more and used buquebus instead. With colonial, you have to first take a 2 hour bus. The lines were super long, and there was only one person in every counter. Bus was delayed by 45 minutes. When we finally got to the ferry port. We were advised that the ferry was delayed 2 hours. There was no signage anywhere. There were multiple counters to get through (again only one staff member working even though there was hundreds lining up) . The communication and service was extremely poor. Would not recommend colonial express at all. Specially if you have limited time in your travels , you will definitely be better of paying more for a better and efficient service .Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 26, 2020
- vivmikeHertford, United Kingdom29 contributionsDisappointedToday 4 March 2020 booked last week to travel on the 8.30 fast ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia. We were not made aware at the time of purchase that you must be at the terminal 90 minutes before departure, ticket states that checkin closes at 8.15. However we arrived at 7.55 am to find the ferry was long gone. No refund is offered, and no chance to have an alternative sailing. Very sad for us but hope we make it clearer for future travellers.Visited March 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten March 4, 2020
- Jen SLondon, United Kingdom371 contributionsFerry to Colonia del Sacramento and backThe day ran incredibly smoothly and both ferries were bang on time. Easy check in process. Please note you don't need to print your tickets - both ways we showed our email receipt and the person at the desk and that wasn't a problem. We turned up to the ports 60 mins before setting off which was just about fine but it would have been more comfortable to get there earlier - there were large queues both ways. However, boarding doesn't close 30 mins before - people still board up to 10 mins before departure. We had a great time!Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 14, 2020
- SusievisaLas Terrenas, Dominican Republic39 contributionsCheap tricks to keep your moneyFerry cancelled due to COVID. I was told by Colonia that I could get a partial refund (they keep 30%) because I'm a foreigner. Then when it was time to move forward with requesting the 70% refund for our tickets, they said they would only refund me the money if I have a bank in Argentina. That doesn't add up...they're offering a partial refund since I'm a foreigner, yet they only send refunds to people with Argentine bank accounts.Visited June 2020Written April 21, 2021
- ticopicaSanta Ana, Costa Rica68 contributionsColonia Express or the meaning of zero costumer service. Avoid at all costs!Just as the prior reviewer stated, this has got to be one of the worst experiences traveling anywhere on anything (including a burro in Peru and several trains in India). Boarding in Buenos Aires was difficult with some of us getting our passports stamped while others (large party) did not. No explanation and, thankfully, there was no problem in entering Uruguay. Once we had reached the main terminal I tried to book a tour with the same company to see and learn about Colonia de Sacramento but was rudely advised by the agent at the company’s desk that we would be better served by the official tourism office guides. No effort in helping us and once we reached the tourism office outside the terminal, I saw the same agent (a lady) leading a small group, hinting that she has some hustle on the side. We managed to see Colonia on our own in less than a couple of hours and made our way back to catch the next to last ferry back to Buenos Aires. The lack of service on the Uruguayan side was only surpassed by the insolence and attitude displayed by two agents a young gentleman with beard and mustache and a young blond lady, who made our check-in experience an ordeal. Both were extremely rude to us and treated our questions with a level of disdain that bordered on contempt. An American couple who were behind us could not believe the attitude and the way we were being treated, anticipating similar conduct towards them. Boarding was chaotic as people queued from all sides of the hall without any intervention from anyone associated with the company or any guidance. The disregard for tourists who are not familiar with this mayhem was blatant from the check-in. Yet the worst would come once we reached Buenos Aires after a delay on departure of over 30 minutes. Once we reached the port, and it should be noted that the dock is exclusively used and operated by Colonia Express, we stood in disorganized queues for over an hour. Cattle get a more orderly treatment when reaching the slaughter house. This was, again, complete disarray even claustrophobic until finally we reached the Immigration officials and ultimately made our way out the door. Avoid at all costs, if you wish to get to Colonia organize a tour beforehand and avoid Colonia Express at all costs.Visited January 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 10, 2023
- CrisguzzPerth, Australia3 contributionsMay as well swim.How on earth people who’s job it is to run this show on time, keep their job. I’ll never know. This company is a complete and utter disorganised rabble. I could quite literally swim from Colonia to Buenos Aires whilst everyone else waits in the ‘never ending story’ of a disorganised, disjointed and ridiculous line. Seriously people, goggles and bathers. It’s quicker...Visited January 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten January 6, 2020
- Gina RAylesbury, United Kingdom44 contributionsA very long crossing to Montevideo...We took the ferry from BA to Montevideo which was a crossing followed by a 2 hour bus journey. The departure was delayed over an hour with no information at all. The waiting area was enclosed with no ventilation and several hundred people kept there for 2 hours. No staff around at all to ask what was going on. Big tip is take a picnic. The sandwiches and food on board are very expensive. The sandwiches look like flat sponges and very limited choice. The ferry itself was comfortable and clean. The connecting bus service from Colonia to Montevideo was very efficient and clean.Visited January 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 11, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
1,152 reviews
Excellent
470
Very good
247
Average
131
Poor
86
Terrible
218
Ayendri K
2 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We travelled to Uruguay from BA using buquebus, and the experience was so smooth and efficient. We were in Uruguay within 2 hours. It cost more but it was really worth the money. On our way back we thought we will use colonial express as it was much cheaper. But if we knew how bad it would be, we would have definitely paid more and used buquebus instead. With colonial, you have to first take a 2 hour bus. The lines were super long, and there was only one person in every counter. Bus was delayed by 45 minutes. When we finally got to the ferry port. We were advised that the ferry was delayed 2 hours. There was no signage anywhere. There were multiple counters to get through (again only one staff member working even though there was hundreds lining up) . The communication and service was extremely poor. Would not recommend colonial express at all. Specially if you have limited time in your travels , you will definitely be better of paying more for a better and efficient service .
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vivmike
Hertford, UK29 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Today 4 March 2020 booked last week to travel on the 8.30 fast ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia. We were not made aware at the time of purchase that you must be at the terminal 90 minutes before departure, ticket states that checkin closes at 8.15. However we arrived at 7.55 am to find the ferry was long gone. No refund is offered, and no chance to have an alternative sailing. Very sad for us but hope we make it clearer for future travellers.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ColoniaExpress
Dear Passenger,
This information is explained in the booking confirmation that you received in provided email address. Please notice that the info is in Spanish and English too. Also, the day before of your trip, we sent an automatic message to your email reminding about your trip and again telling you to be 90 minutes before departure time. We are very sorry that you did not have a chance to read the info. If you have any further info to provide please let as know so we can send you proof of this. Thank you.
Written March 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jen S
London, UK371 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The day ran incredibly smoothly and both ferries were bang on time. Easy check in process.
Please note you don't need to print your tickets - both ways we showed our email receipt and the person at the desk and that wasn't a problem.
We turned up to the ports 60 mins before setting off which was just about fine but it would have been more comfortable to get there earlier - there were large queues both ways. However, boarding doesn't close 30 mins before - people still board up to 10 mins before departure.
We had a great time!
Please note you don't need to print your tickets - both ways we showed our email receipt and the person at the desk and that wasn't a problem.
We turned up to the ports 60 mins before setting off which was just about fine but it would have been more comfortable to get there earlier - there were large queues both ways. However, boarding doesn't close 30 mins before - people still board up to 10 mins before departure.
We had a great time!
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ColoniaExpress
Thank you so much for your review.
Written February 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susievisa
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic39 contributions
Jun 2020
Ferry cancelled due to COVID. I was told by Colonia that I could get a partial refund (they keep 30%) because I'm a foreigner. Then when it was time to move forward with requesting the 70% refund for our tickets, they said they would only refund me the money if I have a bank in Argentina. That doesn't add up...they're offering a partial refund since I'm a foreigner, yet they only send refunds to people with Argentine bank accounts.
Written April 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ticopica
Santa Ana, Costa Rica68 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Just as the prior reviewer stated, this has got to be one of the worst experiences traveling anywhere on anything (including a burro in Peru and several trains in India). Boarding in Buenos Aires was difficult with some of us getting our passports stamped while others (large party) did not. No explanation and, thankfully, there was no problem in entering Uruguay. Once we had reached the main terminal I tried to book a tour with the same company to see and learn about Colonia de Sacramento but was rudely advised by the agent at the company’s desk that we would be better served by the official tourism office guides. No effort in helping us and once we reached the tourism office outside the terminal, I saw the same agent (a lady) leading a small group, hinting that she has some hustle on the side. We managed to see Colonia on our own in less than a couple of hours and made our way back to catch the next to last ferry back to Buenos Aires. The lack of service on the Uruguayan side was only surpassed by the insolence and attitude displayed by two agents a young gentleman with beard and mustache and a young blond lady, who made our check-in experience an ordeal. Both were extremely rude to us and treated our questions with a level of disdain that bordered on contempt. An American couple who were behind us could not believe the attitude and the way we were being treated, anticipating similar conduct towards them. Boarding was chaotic as people queued from all sides of the hall without any intervention from anyone associated with the company or any guidance. The disregard for tourists who are not familiar with this mayhem was blatant from the check-in. Yet the worst would come once we reached Buenos Aires after a delay on departure of over 30 minutes. Once we reached the port, and it should be noted that the dock is exclusively used and operated by Colonia Express, we stood in disorganized queues for over an hour. Cattle get a more orderly treatment when reaching the slaughter house. This was, again, complete disarray even claustrophobic until finally we reached the Immigration officials and ultimately made our way out the door. Avoid at all costs, if you wish to get to Colonia organize a tour beforehand and avoid Colonia Express at all costs.
Written January 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crisguzz
Perth, Australia3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
How on earth people who’s job it is to run this show on time, keep their job. I’ll never know. This company is a complete and utter disorganised rabble. I could quite literally swim from Colonia to Buenos Aires whilst everyone else waits in the ‘never ending story’ of a disorganised, disjointed and ridiculous line.
Seriously people, goggles and bathers. It’s quicker...
Seriously people, goggles and bathers. It’s quicker...
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ColoniaExpress
Dear passenger.
We believe you are refering to Migration process... Unfortunately we are experiences delays because is high season for us and migration is not a part of the company. We are really sorry to read about your experience. Of course it is almost never like that. Only for a few weeks. Thanks for your feedback.
Written January 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gina R
Aylesbury, UK44 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We took the ferry from BA to Montevideo which was a crossing followed by a 2 hour bus journey. The departure was delayed over an hour with no information at all. The waiting area was enclosed with no ventilation and several hundred people kept there for 2 hours. No staff around at all to ask what was going on.
Big tip is take a picnic. The sandwiches and food on board are very expensive. The sandwiches look like flat sponges and very limited choice.
The ferry itself was comfortable and clean.
The connecting bus service from Colonia to Montevideo was very efficient and clean.
Big tip is take a picnic. The sandwiches and food on board are very expensive. The sandwiches look like flat sponges and very limited choice.
The ferry itself was comfortable and clean.
The connecting bus service from Colonia to Montevideo was very efficient and clean.
Written January 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne R
Denver, CO1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Family
The staff in Buenos Aires will not give straight answers when asked about forms needed to check in. We ended up buying 3 sets of tickets and waiting around for 24 hours because of their lack of willingness to tell us what they required to board. They have a refund policy, but the staff refuse to follow it when asked. Awful experience. Coming back from Colonia was fine. Helpful staff on that side.
Written January 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher C
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Solo
Underwhelming experience with a significant delay.
No explanation given.
We left BA nearly 2 hours late. The terminal was crowded and I had to wait 30 mins to board. Then, it took us 2.5+ hours to cross the channel. It was supposed to take half that amount of time. Again, no explanation given. I guess we took a roundabout way through the channel.
That put our arrival time into Colonia more than 3 hours late.
While the ferry was nicer than expected (seemed like it had been upgraded recently), the food options were bland and overpriced. On the website it says check-in ends 90 mins prior to departure time. So I had to get there at 11:20 AM for 12:50pm departure time, meaning I did not arrive into Montevideo until nearly 8 o’clock.
By the time I caught the bus to Montevideo from Colonia, this made the entire experience (from the time I arrived at the terminal to the time I got to Montevideo) longer than just taking the bus all the way from BA.
Not worth it. A whole day wasted. I wish I had spent a little bit more money and taken an hour long flight to Montevideo from BA.
No explanation given.
We left BA nearly 2 hours late. The terminal was crowded and I had to wait 30 mins to board. Then, it took us 2.5+ hours to cross the channel. It was supposed to take half that amount of time. Again, no explanation given. I guess we took a roundabout way through the channel.
That put our arrival time into Colonia more than 3 hours late.
While the ferry was nicer than expected (seemed like it had been upgraded recently), the food options were bland and overpriced. On the website it says check-in ends 90 mins prior to departure time. So I had to get there at 11:20 AM for 12:50pm departure time, meaning I did not arrive into Montevideo until nearly 8 o’clock.
By the time I caught the bus to Montevideo from Colonia, this made the entire experience (from the time I arrived at the terminal to the time I got to Montevideo) longer than just taking the bus all the way from BA.
Not worth it. A whole day wasted. I wish I had spent a little bit more money and taken an hour long flight to Montevideo from BA.
Written February 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anick
Geneva, Switzerland3 contributions
Feb 2020
While in Buenos Aires, we decided to visit Colonia del Sacramento for a day trip on February 26. On the way there, we had a slight delay of about 1 hour, which was not that bad. The ferry was quite confortable. The check in and immigration process could be better organized but overall, we made it to Uruguay almost in time.
The main problem occurred on the way back. We arrived 90 min before, as indicated, but our ferry was delayed. There, impossible to have proper information. We had two queue 3 times and received contradictory information from the staff. The announced 2 hours delay turned up in 3 hours without notice and we had the feeling that we were just all put in the last ferry that was leaving at 20:30 (ours was supposed to leave at 17:30) as it occurred previously to other travelers. Being our last day before taking our flight out of Buenos Aires, we didn't feel confident that we would make it back in the same evening and that we would be able to catch our flight with the lack of communication and information from Colonia Express.
Client services offered us new tickets for another trip, but when we told them that we were leaving South America and not planning on coming back in the next 6 months, they told us that it's all they could offer and that our request was closed. This is just a dishonest and unreliable company and if I ever go back to Colonia del Sacramento one day, I'll make sure to avoid them and use another company even if I have to pay more. Avoid at all cost!
The main problem occurred on the way back. We arrived 90 min before, as indicated, but our ferry was delayed. There, impossible to have proper information. We had two queue 3 times and received contradictory information from the staff. The announced 2 hours delay turned up in 3 hours without notice and we had the feeling that we were just all put in the last ferry that was leaving at 20:30 (ours was supposed to leave at 17:30) as it occurred previously to other travelers. Being our last day before taking our flight out of Buenos Aires, we didn't feel confident that we would make it back in the same evening and that we would be able to catch our flight with the lack of communication and information from Colonia Express.
Client services offered us new tickets for another trip, but when we told them that we were leaving South America and not planning on coming back in the next 6 months, they told us that it's all they could offer and that our request was closed. This is just a dishonest and unreliable company and if I ever go back to Colonia del Sacramento one day, I'll make sure to avoid them and use another company even if I have to pay more. Avoid at all cost!
Written March 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ColoniaExpress
Unfortunately high season is a difficult time for traveling. We are very sorry that you have to experience that delay. Thanks for sharing you review.
Written April 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hola. Tienen guarda equipaje en la terminal de puerto madero
Haroldo M
Montevideo, Uruguay92 contributions
Es muy elemental el lugar de embarque de Colonia Express y el personal es de terror, para encontrar alguien que sea responsable es una odisea. No vi boxes o un servicio de consigna de equipaje
Saben si en Colonia Express hay donde dejar el equipaje hasta la hora de embarcar?
Saben si en Colonia Express hay donde dejar el equipaje hasta la hora de embarcar?
Hola querÃa saber cuanto tiempo antes del horario del buque hay que estar presentes?
Hola, saben si Colonia express BsAs tiene para guardar equipaje?
jalbertomv91
Mexico17 contributions
Si hay unos estantes donde puedes dejar tus maletas sin problema
Renata
3 contributions
Meu marido não tem passaporte, pode embarcar com a identidade brasileira?
Buenas! hay restriccion de objetos o de tamañanos de liquidos en el equipaje
Haroldo M
Montevideo, Uruguay92 contributions
No hay restricciones como en vuelos. El equipaje apenas se revisa y como no se despacha y podés llevarlo contigo no hay problema de roturas o manejo descuidado
Queria saber si cuando llegamos a Colonia hay micros para Piriapolis
Mar
4 contributions
Buenas tardes, no lo sé exactamente .
Quizás tenga que venir hasta Montevideo
Y cuando llegas a Terminal Tres Cruces en la misma terminal sacar el pasaje para Piriápolis.
Espero te sirva mi respuesta .
Algo que voy averiguar para saber contestar con certeza .
Cordiales saludos atte Mar
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Claim your listingColonia Express (Buenos Aires) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Colonia Express
- Colonia Express is open:
- Sun - Sat 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Hotels near Colonia Express:
- (0.60 mi) Hotel Madero
- (0.61 mi) Ribera Sur Hotel
- (0.80 mi) Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton
- (0.85 mi) Faena Hotel Buenos Aires
- (0.75 mi) Mundo Bolivar
- Restaurants near Colonia Express:
- (0.08 mi) Parrilla La Curva
- (0.30 mi) El Obrero
- (0.54 mi) Cucina D'Onore
- (0.24 mi) Pleno - Sabores del mundo
- (0.22 mi) Parrilla 29
Colonia Express Information
| Excellent Reviews | 290 |
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| Very Good Reviews | 200 |
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