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
Neighbourhood: La Boca
A neighbourhood defined by its immigrant roots, La Boca still maintains this past alive in its streets today. Due to its proximity to the river, the neighbourhood 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 colourful 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.
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1,820 within 5 kms
Attractions
943 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- frasercameronLondon, United Kingdom237 contributionsNice day trip spoiled by waiting for immigration on returnOk going BA to Uruguay. Went through both sets of immigration controls in 5 mins. Crossing completed in 90 mins. Attractive old town where all restaurants take USD, pesos, real as well as credit cards. But problem was Argentina immigration on return with queues lasting 45 mins plus. They should sort this out eg doing both controls on Colonial side.Thanks so much for your comments. Fortunately migration is now being done in Uruguay for both countries. So you do not have to do it again when you arrive to Argentina.Written 18 January 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 December 2023
- DaiRodSydney, Australia122 contributionsAn excellent day trip and countryThis was an awesome day trip across the river from BA to Uruguay. Easy As to do and enjoy the day. Got to visit a lovely city and tick off another country. Boat are modern and comfortable. The check-in and immigration process is os simple and straight forward. Stress free for South America. Colonia is cute and pretty. Rent a gold cart for 2 hours (no more is needed) and wander the old town. The day is easy to fill in and enjoy.Dear passenger, we are pleased to read your experience regarding our service. We work every day to provide our passengers with a quality experience. We hope to have you on board again, Sincerely, Colonia Express.Written 19 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten 1 February 2024
- Whistledown943 contributionsNice ferry ride to ColoniaI can only review the boat ride from Buenos Aires to Colonia and back. Relatively easy booking on line. Nice big ferry on way to Colonia and smaller ferry on return - both ferries had comfortable seating, outside space for photo ops and duty free shop. Both were on time departures and arrivals.Thank you for your feedback.Written 9 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 March 2024
- WildbynameBristol, United Kingdom65 contributionsExcellent ferry serviceExcellent ferry service. I arrived about 75mins before, straight through check in and customs within 15 minutes. Boat on time, comfortable. Same on way back, no problem at all. Colombia is pretty, but tbh there’s not so much to do there (especially in a thunderstorm!). Struggled to fill the day, but a pleasant experience nonetheless.Thank you so much for your feedback. Hope to have you back on board soon!Written 20 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 13 March 2024
- Kevin SPontypridd, United Kingdom7,058 contributionsOne way, BA to Montevideo, all fineTickets were bought a month in advance online with the company without any issues. On the day of travel it was an extremely wet day so maybe some daytrippers to just Colonia decided against a visit. That meant check in took just three minutes wait at 09.20. Onwards to immigration stamp out of Argentina and stamped into Uruguay at the next desk. Into the waiting room by 09.30, all very efficient. A downstairs seated area and the same upstairs where the departure gate was. Free seating when you board, none allocated, comfortable enough and clean. We arrived at Colonia on time, immediately outside arrivals were buses for the different tickets, daytours to Colonia or onward to Montevideo for us, again a comfortable seat on a clean bus. The bus arrived at Tres Cruces a shopping centre and bus terminal in Montevideo at 14.40 on time. A no frills but no issues good service. Note that that Tres Cruces is 4 or 5 km from Old Town and just a bit shorter to Pocitos and Palermo but an onward taxi to anywhere will be needed.Dear passenger, Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Hope to have you back on board soon!Written 2 June 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 May 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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3.5
1,283 reviews
Excellent
524
Very good
264
Average
141
Poor
93
Terrible
261
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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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 26 February 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, UK27 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 4 March 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.
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 9 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jen S
London, UK410 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 14 February 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.
Thank you so much for your review.
Written 27 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susievisa
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic41 contributions
June 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 21 April 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 Rica62 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 10 January 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 6 January 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.
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 7 January 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 11 January 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.
bargainhunter60
Driffield12 contributions
Jan 2020
Was 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.
Written 28 January 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.
Dear passenger,
Thank you so much for your feedback. We will send your comments right through Operation area.
Nice to have you on board.
Written 29 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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 29 January 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.
Alice Morabito
Araraquara, SP21 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
I took the transport from Buenos Aires to the sacrament colony. I liked it, I found it all OK. But I bought a class “better” that gave the option of the site and arrived on time and did not have “this class”, each sat where he wanted rsrs was not worth anything I had gotten more.
Automatically translated
Written 3 December 2024
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.
Caro Passageiro,
Muito obrigado por compartilhar sua experiência conosco.
Ficamos felizes em saber que você gostou de nossos serviços e esperamos recebê-lo a bordo novamente no futuro.
Atenciosamente,
Colonia Express
Written 6 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Boa tarde, gostaria de saber se é necessário despacho de malas 23kg ou podemos viajar com elas a bordo?
Written 12 December 2024
Me podrán informar que valor tiene la estadía del estacionamiento en Bs As ?
Written 15 November 2024
Eu comprei a passagem pelo Colônia Express e mandei e-mail e WhatsApp para empresa para alterar o horário da volta e eu estou ciente que preciso pagar uma taxa, porém eu não consigo pagar porque me gerar um link do mercado pago do Uruguai e eu não consigo concluir o cadastro porque precisa de um número de lá. Pedi para gerarem um link para pagar ou fazer uma transferência e pedem para eu ligar para o Call Center. Na hora de vender é fácil e aceitaram o meu cartão, depois não acham “meio” de eu pagar para alterar minha hora.
Written 10 November 2024
Cual es el costo, por día, del estacionamiento de Colonia Express en Buenos Aires
Written 27 September 2024
Me dijeron que la estadia esta 30mil pesos
Written 3 October 2024
Hola, cual es el costo, por día, del estacionamiento de Colonia Express en Buenos Aires.
Written 27 September 2024
brendaaileen
Sao Paulo, SP
Comprei um ticket online e gostaria de saber se há a necessidade de check in ou basta levar o comprovante de compra recebido por e-mail?
Written 9 September 2024
hola, buenas! consulta, tienen algún lugar de "guardería de equipaje"? para dejar el equipaje las horas que tenemos que esperar el ferry y poder pasear por Buenos Aires. graciass
Written 17 June 2024
Olá. Fiz a compra de ida e volta para Colônia p mim e minha namorada. O nome dela por ser grande, não coube todo. Com isso, coloquei apenas o último sobrenome no campo “sobrenome”. Isso dará problema?
Além disso, não temos passaporte, e não tinha a opção “rg brasileiro”. Marquei passaporte e coloquei o RG, pois é o documento q entraremos no país. Sabe me dizer se está tudo certo?
Written 28 November 2023
Paola G
Montevideo, Uruguay
Hola yo quería consultar que tan extractos son con el tema de peso o "cantidad de equipaje" viajo en Noviembre por primera vez a Bs.As y con lo que estimo voy a comprar estaría pasada un par de kilos de los 30 "permitidos". Pienso repartirlos entre 2 valijas voy por 4 días. Muchas gracias.
Written 20 October 2023
Não procuram ver o peso mas se diz que são 30 kilos por pessoa, que vai junto com a pessoa
Written 31 October 2023
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