Reviewed Oct 29, 2026
The entrance to Masaya Volcano National Park is at km 23 of the Managua–Masaya highway: any bus between the two cities drops you there. Inside the park you go up by vehicle.
From Managua, the UCA minibuses or the Huembes buses to Masaya pass the entrance (ask to get off at “Volcán Masaya”, about 30 minutes). From Masaya it is 10 minutes on any bus towards Managua.
Buy your ticket at the entrance (about US$4 by day and US$10 at night; check the current fee). Walking the 5 km up to the crater is no longer allowed: local drivers at the gate take you up and wait for about US$5 per person, or hire a taxi with waiting time.
The lava glow is visible after dark, in slots of about 45 minutes. For the night visit the practical option is a tour from Granada or Managua or a hired taxi that waits, because no convenient buses pass when you come out.
Approximate cost
Bus C$20–30 + entrance US$4–10 + ride inside the park US$5.
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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.
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Managua → Granada: UCA minibus or Huembes bus
Granada is one hour from Managua. The UCA minibus is the fastest and most comfortable way; the Huembes bus is cheaper and stops in Masaya.
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How to get to Laguna de Apoyo
No bus goes down to the lake shore. Any bus between Granada and Masaya or Managua drops you at the entrance, and from there you go down by taxi, mototaxi or on foot.
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