Answer
A direct bus from Montevideo to Punta del Este usually takes about two hours, but a bus with more stops can take longer. The price depends on the carrier, date, and fare, so it should be checked in the ticket booking system for the specific day. Converting it to dollars provides only a temporary reference point because exchange rates change.
Before buying a ticket, check the current schedule for the selected day and the exact departure point. During high season, weekends, and holidays, popular services can fill up faster, so it is wise to buy a ticket in advance. Check the final stop as well: arriving in Punta del Este does not guarantee that the bus will stop near your accommodation.
In addition to the journey time, allow for travel to the bus station, waiting to board, and the final leg from the terminal to the hotel or apartment. When planning connections, it is safer to allow more than two hours and not buy the next ticket too close to the expected arrival time.