From Managua airport to anywhere by bus
Augusto C. Sandino airport sits on the Carretera Norte, 15–25 minutes by taxi from the bus terminals. There are no tourist buses from the airport itself: the trick is a short taxi to the right terminal and the bus from there.
Reviewed Oct 29, 2026
Step by step
Step 1: Pick the terminal for your destination
Granada, Masaya, León and Carazo: minibuses from UCA (the most comfortable). Rivas, San Juan del Sur, San Jorge (Ometepe ferry) and Costa Rica: Mercado Roberto Huembes. Estelí, Matagalpa, Jinotega, Juigalpa, El Rama: Mercado Mayoreo, which is also the closest terminal to the airport. Chinandega, Corinto, Pochomil: Mercado Israel Lewites.
Step 2: Take a taxi to the terminal
Official airport taxis (desk in arrivals) charge about US$20–25 to anywhere in Managua. If you walk out to the Carretera Norte, a street taxi costs C$300–450 (US$8–12) to UCA or Huembes; agree the price before getting in. Mayoreo is 10 minutes away.
Step 3: At the terminal, look for the sign with your destination
At UCA the minibuses leave when full, every 10–20 minutes. At Huembes and Mayoreo ask for the express (expreso): faster and only slightly more expensive than the local bus (ruteado).
Step 4: Alternative: tourist shuttle
Several companies and hostels run shared shuttles straight from the airport to Granada (US$15–20), León (US$20–25) or San Juan del Sur (US$25–35), and private transfers for US$40–120. Book a day ahead.
Approximate cost
Taxi to town US$8–25 + bus C$25–130 depending on destination. Shared shuttle US$15–35.
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Tips
- Change only what you need at the airport; ATMs at UCA, Metrocentro and in the cities give better rates.
- If you land at night, sleep in Managua and travel early: the last UCA minibuses leave around 9:00 PM and the last express to Rivas before 6:30 PM.
- Carry córdobas in small notes to pay on the bus; conductors do not take cards.
Times and fares in this guide are indicative: they come from public information and traveller reports. Confirm at the terminal before you travel. Travelled recently? Help us verify it.
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