Answer
The exact price depends on the current fare and ticket type. The STM card usually offers more convenient terms for time-limited tickets and transfers than a single cash payment. Because fares are revised, check the current price of one-hour and two-hour tickets on Montevideo’s official transport portal immediately before travelling.
The main difference is not only the price. A ticket is valid for a set time and lets you transfer between eligible bus lines without buying a separate ticket for every leg. The STM card is therefore usually more convenient for someone who travels around the city regularly or plans routes with transfers.
Before the first trip, choose the ticket type, check the card balance, and confirm the ticket’s validity period. If paying in cash, prepare the appropriate amount. For a monthly budget, multiply the current fare by the actual number of trips made by each family member, and account separately for days requiring several transfers.