Crossing The Border Between Brazil and Uruguay.

Quick answer: Crossing the border between Brazil and Uruguay is easiest at Chui (Brazil) / Chuy (Uruguay), where the two countries are separated by nothing more than a concrete median. I travelled overland from Florianopolis to Punta Del Diablo by bus via Porto Alegre and Chui; here is exactly how I did it, with times and costs for each leg.

1. Bus from Florianopolis to Porto Alegre

My last stop in Brazil was the serene island of Florianopolis, or Floripa, which is popular with surfers. Buses leave frequently from Terminal Rita Maria to Porto Alegre, and several companies operate between the two cities.

• Duration: 6 hours
• Cost: 85 BRL (USD 26)
• Tip: Overnight buses usually cost more as they use sleeper coaches.

2. Bus from Porto Alegre to Chui

My bus pulled into Porto Alegre bus station at 9:30 pm. Once there, you can spend a night or two exploring the city or continue straight on to Chui. I chose to spend the night on an overnight bus operated by Planalto.

• Duration: 8 hours
• Cost: 130 BRL (USD 40)

3. Arriving in Chui-Chuy and Brazilian Exit Formalities

Before entering town, the bus stopped next to the Brazilian immigration office, where foreigners had to get off to have their passports stamped out of Brazil.

The centre of town, which forms the border between the two countries, is called Avenida Internacional and is 2 km from the Brazilian side. The bus terminates close to the centre. Find out more about the town in my guide to Chuy/Chui here.

Once your passport is stamped out of Brazil (or Uruguay), you have 7 days to get it stamped by the other country.

4. From the Bus Stop to Uruguayan Immigration

From the bus stop it is barely a 15-minute walk to the Chuy bus station on the Uruguayan side. Ask the driver for directions.

5. From Chuy to Punta Del Diablo

Punta Del Diablo is 40 km from the Uruguayan border control. It is safe to hitch-hike once you have crossed the border, since all vehicles pass along Route 9, from where the main village is 3 km away.

For a more convenient ride, head to the little plaza where buses leave for Punta Del Diablo for 94 UYU. Make sure you tell the ticket vendor that you need to get an entry stamp at “inmigración”, as the immigration counter is about a kilometre from where the bus departs.

The ride takes roughly 45 minutes, and the bus drops you at a little wooden shack in the centre of town, near the two supermarkets.

Brazil to Uruguay Border Crossing: Route Overview

Leg	Duration	Cost
1. Bus from Florianopolis to Porto Alegre	6 hours	85 BRL (USD 26)
2. Bus from Porto Alegre to Chui	8 hours	130 BRL (USD 40)
3. Walk to the bus station on the Uruguayan side	15 minutes	Free
4. Bus from Chuy to Punta Del Diablo	45 minutes	94 UYU

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest border crossing between Brazil and Uruguay?

Chui/Chuy is the easiest and most widely used crossing; the two towns are divided only by a concrete median.

Do I need to get off the bus at the Brazilian border?

Yes. The bus stops at the Brazilian immigration office before town, and foreigners get off to have their passports stamped.

How long do I have to get the Uruguayan entry stamp?

After being stamped out of one country, you have 7 days to be stamped into the other.

How do I get from Chuy to Punta Del Diablo?

Take the bus from the little plaza (94 UYU, about 45 minutes) or hitch-hike along Route 9; either way, remember your entry stamp at immigration.

Conclusion

Crossing from Brazil to Uruguay overland is straightforward: two long bus rides, a quick immigration stop, a short walk and a final bus to the coast. Just don’t forget your exit and entry stamps, and you’ll be on the beach in Punta Del Diablo in no time.