Carrasco General Cesáreo L. Berisso International Airport

Overview

Carrasco International Airport (IATA: MVD, ICAO: SUMU) is Uruguay’s busiest and largest airport, serving the capital city of Montevideo and the surrounding metropolitan area. It is the primary international gateway for travelers entering Uruguay by air, handling a mix of commercial flights to destinations across South America, North America, and Europe, as well as seasonal charter and cargo services. The airport is named after the nearby Carrasco neighborhood, a coastal suburb of Montevideo known for its beaches and residential areas.

Despite its name, the airport is physically located in the city of Ciudad de la Costa, in the department of Canelones, approximately 20 kilometers east of downtown Montevideo. It operates as a hub for the Uruguayan flag carrier (now defunct) and currently supports airlines such as LATAM, American Airlines, Iberia, Air Europa, Copa Airlines, and several low‑cost carriers. The airport also handles a significant volume of general aviation and private jets, given Uruguay’s popularity as a business and leisure destination.

Location & Access

Carrasco Airport lies along the Ruta 101 (Avenida de las Américas) in Ciudad de la Costa, a fast‑growing coastal city that forms part of the Montevideo metropolitan region. Its location offers convenient access to both the capital and the eastern beaches that draw thousands of tourists each summer. From the airport, travelers can reach Montevideo’s old city (Ciudad Vieja) in roughly 25 to 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

By car: The airport is connected to the city via Avenida de las Américas, which links directly to the Montevideo coastal road (Rambla). Paid parking is available on‑site, with both short‑term and long‑term lots. The parking facility is wheelchair‑accessible, and the airport’s car park is clearly signposted.

By bus: Several local bus lines (such as COPSA, Cutcsa, and UCOT) serve the airport from downtown Montevideo and other parts of the metropolitan area. The bus stop is a short walk from the terminal. A dedicated airport bus service, the "Carrasco Airport Shuttle" (operated by COPSA), runs regularly between the airport and Montevideo’s Tres Cruces bus terminal, with stops at key hotels and locations along the way.

By taxi or ride‑share: Taxis are available outside the arrivals area, with fixed fares to Montevideo and other destinations. Ride‑share apps like Uber also operate in Uruguay and are a popular option, though pickup is typically from the parking lot.

For passengers with reduced mobility: The airport provides a wheelchair‑accessible car park, entrance, and toilets. Assistance can be requested through the airline or the airport’s customer service desk.

Facilities

Carrasco Airport offers a range of amenities designed to make travel comfortable and convenient. Below are the facilities confirmed at the terminal:

Accessibility: The airport is fully wheelchair‑accessible, with dedicated parking spaces, automatic doors at the entrance, and accessible toilets equipped with grab bars and sufficient space. There are changing tables in the restrooms, making the airport family‑friendly.

Baggage storage: A left‑luggage service is available for passengers who wish to explore the city without their luggage. The storage is located in the arrivals hall and is open daily during flight hours.

Restrooms: Clean, well‑maintained toilets are available throughout the terminal, including in the departure and arrival areas. Baby changing facilities are provided in both men’s and women’s restrooms.

Parking: The airport operates a paid parking lot with both hourly and daily rates. The lot is monitored and within walking distance of the terminal.

Other services: While not exhaustive, the terminal includes a small selection of shops, cafes, and a duty‑free store. Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the building. ATMs and currency exchange services are located in the arrivals hall.

Note that peak hours at the airport are typically around 9:00 am and 10:00 am, when multiple international flights depart. Passengers are advised to arrive at least two hours before departure for international flights and one hour for domestic flights to allow sufficient time for check‑in and security.

About the Region

Uruguay is a small South American nation known for its stable democracy, high quality of life, and stunning natural landscapes. The airport serves as the primary entry point for visitors heading to Montevideo, the country’s capital and largest city, which boasts a historic old town with colonial architecture, vibrant cultural venues, and a thriving food scene.

Ciudad de la Costa, where the airport is located, is a residential and commercial hub that has grown rapidly over the past few decades. It lies along the Río de la Plata coast, offering beaches, parks, and a relaxed atmosphere. The area is popular with both locals and tourists for its waterfront promenades and seafood restaurants.

The broader region of Canelones is renowned for its wine production, particularly Tannat, a full‑bodied red grape that has become Uruguay’s signature varietal. Wine tourism is a growing industry, with many bodegas (wineries) offering tastings and tours within a short drive from the airport.

Seasonal tourism peaks during the southern hemisphere summer (December to March), when travelers flock to the Atlantic coastline beaches such as Punta del Este, Piriapolis, and La Paloma. Carrasco International Airport serves as the main gateway for beach‑goers, with many charter and seasonal flights operating during this period.

Practical Information

The airport is open daily, though some facilities may have limited hours outside flight schedules. It is recommended to check with your airline for specific check‑in times and flight status.

• Website: www.aeropuertodecarrasco.com.uy
• Phone: +598 2604 0329

The terminal operates under the management of Corporación América Airports. For lost and found, inquiries about parking, or other services, the website provides a contact form and details.

Passengers should note that Uruguay is in the UTC‑3 time zone and observes daylight saving time (UTC‑2) from October to March. The currency is the Uruguayan peso (UYU), but US dollars are widely accepted at the airport’s shops and services. Credit cards are also commonly used.

For up‑to‑date information on security procedures and restricted items, travelers should consult the official airport website or their airline’s guidelines.