Reviewed Oct 29, 2026
You can take a direct international coach from Managua to San José (Tica Bus or TransNica, about 9 hours) or, cheaper, local buses to the Peñas Blancas border and Costa Rican buses onward.
Tica Bus and TransNica leave Managua in the morning and at noon, US$37–44, with the border formalities handled along the way (1–3 hours). Buy online in advance.
Express buses from Huembes straight to the border (3 h, C$120–140), or any bus to Rivas and from there a bus to Peñas Blancas every 30 minutes (45 min, C$30–40).
Pay the municipal fee and the Nicaraguan exit tax (dollars or córdobas), get your passport stamped and walk about 500 m to the Costa Rican post. Costa Rica may ask for proof of onward travel and insurance. Buses to Liberia and San José wait on the other side.
Approximate cost
Direct US$37–44. In legs: C$120–140 to the border + Costa Rican bus to Liberia or San José.
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