Buses from Managua
Schedules, fares and terminals for every bus leaving Managua, plus the ones arriving.
Managua department
The essentials
Where to catch the bus
- Terminal Mercado Mayoreo
The main terminal for the north, centre and Caribbean side of the country: Estelí, Matagalpa, Jinotega, Ocotal, Somoto, Jalapa, Boaco, Juigalpa, El Rama, San Carlos, Siuna and Bilwi.
Directions - Terminal Mercado Roberto Huembes
The terminal for the south: Masaya, Granada, Rivas, San Juan del Sur, San Jorge (ferry to Ometepe), Peñas Blancas (Costa Rica border) and Carazo.
Directions - Terminal Mercado Israel Lewites (Boer)
The terminal for the west and the Pacific beaches: León, Chinandega, Corinto, Somotillo, El Guasaule, Pochomil, Masachapa, Diriamba and Jinotepe.
Directions - Terminal de microbuses de la UCA (Casimiro Sotelo)
Express minibuses that leave when full: Masaya, Granada, León, Jinotepe and Diriamba. Since July 2026 they leave from this new spot, a few blocks from the old stop opposite the UCA university; the minibuses show "Casimiro Sotelo".
Directions - Mercado Oriental (paradas de buses)
Departure point for buses to Tipitapa and for many Managua city routes. Watch your belongings: it is the largest and busiest market in Central America.
Directions - Terminal Tica Bus Managua
Tica Bus terminal for international coaches to Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Panama. Tickets can be bought online at ticabus.com.
Directions - Terminal TransNica Managua
TransNica terminal for international coaches to San José, Costa Rica.
Directions
First and last bus
The first leaves at 2:00 AM (to San Salvador (El Salvador)) and the last at 11:00 PM (to Bluefields).
Getting around Managua
Search by route number, neighbourhood, market or stop to know which bus to take inside the capital.
See the routes
Things to do in Managua
Places worth seeing when you arrive.
- Viewpoint
Tiscapa Hill
A lookout over Tiscapa lagoon and the whole city, with a zip line over the water.
- Culture
Lakeside promenade
A walk along Lake Xolotlán with restaurants, rides and, on clear days, Momotombo volcano in the distance.
- Nature
Xiloá lagoon
A clear volcanic lagoon half an hour from downtown, perfect for a weekend swim.
- Culture
Acahualinca footprints
Prehistoric human footprints preserved in volcanic ash, in a small museum.
Do you run a restaurant, guesthouse or tour in Managua?
Show up here, right where travellers plan their arrival.
Express buses from Managua
Direct buses between major cities with few stops. Faster and slightly pricier.
Leaves from Mayoreo
Estelí
Express2 h 30 min13 departures, 5:45 AM–3:50 PM
C$120 – C$140 (≈ US$3.28–3.83)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Ocotal
Express3 h 30 min2 departures, 6:45 AM–5:15 PM
C$150 – C$170 (≈ US$4.10–4.64)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Somoto
Express3 h 45 min6 departures, 7:15 AM–4:45 PM
C$160 – C$180 (≈ US$4.37–4.92)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Jalapa
Express5 h5 departures, 6:10 AM–3:30 PM
C$200 – C$230 (≈ US$5.46–6.28)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Matagalpa
Express2 h 30 min11 departures, 5:30 AM–5:00 PM
C$105 (≈ US$2.87)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Jinotega
Express3 h7 departures, 5:00 AM–5:30 PM
C$140 – C$160 (≈ US$3.83–4.37)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Boaco
Express2 hEvery ~30 min, 4:30 AM–6:30 PM
C$80 – C$100 (≈ US$2.19–2.73)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Camoapa
Express2 h 30 min6 departures, 6:00 AM–4:00 PM
C$100 – C$120 (≈ US$2.73–3.28)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Juigalpa
Express2 h 30 minEvery ~30 min, 4:00 AM–6:00 PM
C$110 – C$130 (≈ US$3.01–3.55)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Santo Tomás
Express3 h6 departures, 6:00 AM–4:00 PM
C$130 – C$150 (≈ US$3.55–4.10)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
El Rama
Express6 h7 departures, 5:00 AM–10:00 PM
C$250 – C$300 (≈ US$6.83–8.20)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Bluefields
Express7 h6 departures, 6:00 AM–11:00 PM
C$380 (≈ US$10)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Nueva Guinea
Express5 h6 departures, 5:00 AM–3:00 PM
C$220 – C$260 (≈ US$6.01–7.10)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
San Carlos (Río San Juan)
Express6 h9 departures, 5:00 AM–6:30 PM
C$250 – C$300 (≈ US$6.83–8.20)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Río Blanco
Express4 h 30 min6 departures, 5:00 AM–3:00 PM
C$180 – C$220 (≈ US$4.92–6.01)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Siuna
Express9 h4 departures, 4:00 AM–8:00 PM
C$350 – C$400 (≈ US$9.56–11)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Bilwi (Puerto Cabezas)
Express18 h2 departures, 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
C$650 – C$750 (≈ US$18–20)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Waslala
Express7 h3 departures, 5:00 AM–10:00 AM
C$250 – C$300 (≈ US$6.83–8.20)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
San Rafael del Norte
Express3 h 30 minDeparture 3:00 PM
C$160 – C$180 (≈ US$4.37–4.92)
See timesLeaves from Huembes
Rivas
Express1 h 45 minEvery ~40 min, 4:30 AM–6:30 PM
C$90 – C$100 (≈ US$2.46–2.73)
See timesLeaves from Huembes
San Juan del Sur
Express2 h 30 min7 departures, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
C$110 – C$130 (≈ US$3.01–3.55)
See timesLeaves from Huembes
Popoyo (surf beach)
Express3 h 30 minDeparture 3:00 PM
C$120 – C$140 (≈ US$3.28–3.83)
See timesLeaves from Huembes
Peñas Blancas (Costa Rica border)
Express3 h8 departures, 4:00 AM–3:00 PM
C$120 – C$140 (≈ US$3.28–3.83)
See timesLeaves from Huembes
San Jorge (Ometepe ferry)
Express2 h6 departures, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
C$90 – C$100 (≈ US$2.46–2.73)
See timesLeaves from Israel Lewites
Chinandega
Express2 h 30 minEvery ~30 min, 5:00 AM–6:30 PM
C$100 – C$120 (≈ US$2.73–3.28)
See timesLeaves from Israel Lewites
Corinto
Express3 h7 departures, 5:30 AM–5:00 PM
C$110 – C$130 (≈ US$3.01–3.55)
See timesLeaves from Israel Lewites
Somotillo
Express3 h 30 min6 departures, 5:00 AM–3:00 PM
C$120 – C$140 (≈ US$3.28–3.83)
See timesLeaves from Israel Lewites
El Guasaule (Honduras border)
Express4 h5 departures, 5:00 AM–2:00 PM
C$130 – C$150 (≈ US$3.55–4.10)
See times
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Local buses from Managua
The famous “chicken buses”: they stop in every town along the way. Cheapest and slowest.
Leaves from Mayoreo
Estelí
Local bus3 h 30 min27 departures, 4:00 AM–7:20 PM
C$90 – C$100 (≈ US$2.46–2.73)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Matagalpa
Local bus3 h 15 min30 departures, 3:45 AM–6:50 PM
C$82 – C$83 (≈ US$2.24–2.27)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Sébaco
Local bus2 hEvery ~20 min, 4:00 AM–6:00 PM
C$60 – C$70 (≈ US$1.64–1.91)
See timesLeaves from Mayoreo
Juigalpa
Local bus3 h 30 minEvery ~45 min, 4:00 AM–5:00 PM
C$80 – C$90 (≈ US$2.19–2.46)
See timesLeaves from Mercado Oriental
Tipitapa
Local bus30 minEvery ~10 min, 4:30 AM–9:00 PM
C$15 (≈ US$0.41)
See timesLeaves from Huembes
Masaya
Local bus1 hEvery ~15 min, 4:30 AM–8:00 PM
C$20 – C$25 (≈ US$0.55–0.68)
See timesLeaves from Huembes
Granada
Local bus1 h 30 minEvery ~20 min, 4:30 AM–7:30 PM
C$28 (≈ US$0.77)
See timesLeaves from Huembes
Rivas
Local bus2 h 30 minEvery ~30 min, 4:00 AM–6:00 PM
C$65 – C$75 (≈ US$1.78–2.05)
See timesLeaves from Huembes
Jinotepe
Local bus1 h 15 minEvery ~20 min, 4:30 AM–7:00 PM
C$35 – C$40 (≈ US$0.96–1.09)
See timesLeaves from Huembes
Nandaime
Local bus1 h 15 minEvery ~30 min, 5:00 AM–6:00 PM
C$45 – C$55 (≈ US$1.23–1.50)
See timesLeaves from Huembes
Catarina (Pueblos Blancos)
Local bus1 hEvery ~30 min, 5:00 AM–6:30 PM
C$25 – C$30 (≈ US$0.68–0.82)
See timesLeaves from Israel Lewites
León
Local bus2 h 15 minEvery ~20 min, 4:30 AM–7:00 PM
C$55 – C$65 (≈ US$1.50–1.78)
See timesLeaves from Israel Lewites
Chinandega
Local bus3 h 30 minEvery ~30 min, 4:00 AM–6:00 PM
C$75 – C$85 (≈ US$2.05–2.32)
See timesLeaves from Israel Lewites
El Viejo
Local bus3 h 20 min4 departures, 6:00 AM–3:00 PM
C$85 – C$95 (≈ US$2.32–2.60)
See timesLeaves from Israel Lewites
Pochomil – Masachapa
Local bus1 h 30 minEvery ~40 min, 5:00 AM–6:00 PM
C$40 – C$50 (≈ US$1.09–1.37)
See timesLeaves from Israel Lewites
Diriamba
Local bus1 h 10 minEvery ~20 min, 4:30 AM–7:00 PM
C$35 – C$40 (≈ US$0.96–1.09)
See timesLeaves from Israel Lewites
Jinotepe
Local bus1 h 20 minEvery ~20 min, 4:30 AM–7:00 PM
C$35 – C$40 (≈ US$0.96–1.09)
See timesLeaves from Israel Lewites
San Marcos
Local bus1 h 10 minEvery ~30 min, 5:00 AM–6:30 PM
C$30 – C$35 (≈ US$0.82–0.96)
See timesLeaves from Israel Lewites
La Boquita – Casares (beaches)
Local bus2 h5 departures, 6:00 AM–2:00 PM
C$50 – C$60 (≈ US$1.37–1.64)
See timesLeaves from Israel Lewites
El Sauce
Local bus3 h4 departures, 6:30 AM–2:30 PM
C$80 – C$90 (≈ US$2.19–2.46)
See times
Minibuses (interlocal) from Managua
Express minibuses for 15 to 20 passengers that leave when full, like the ones from UCA in Managua.
Leaves from UCA
Masaya
Minibus1 h 15 minEvery ~10 min, 6:00 AM–8:30 PM
C$25 – C$30 (≈ US$0.68–0.82)
See timesLeaves from UCA
Granada
Minibus1 h 30 minEvery ~15 min, 5:00 AM–8:30 PM
C$45 – C$50 (≈ US$1.23–1.37)
See timesLeaves from UCA
León
Minibus2 hEvery ~20 min, 4:30 AM–8:00 PM
C$70 – C$80 (≈ US$1.91–2.19)
See timesLeaves from UCA
Jinotepe
Minibus1 hEvery ~15 min, 5:00 AM–8:00 PM
C$44 – C$45 (≈ US$1.20–1.23)
See timesLeaves from UCA
Diriamba
Minibus55 minEvery ~15 min, 5:00 AM–8:00 PM
C$35 (≈ US$0.96)
See times
International coaches from Managua
Coaches to Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Panama with Tica Bus and TransNica.
Leaves from Tica Bus
San José (Costa Rica)
International12 h4 departures, 5:30 AM–12:00 PM
US$33 – US$42
See timesLeaves from TransNica
San José (Costa Rica)
International9 h 30 minDeparture 9:00 AM
US$37 – US$44
See timesLeaves from Tica Bus
Tegucigalpa (Honduras)
International11 hDeparture 5:00 AM
US$36
See timesLeaves from Tica Bus
San Salvador (El Salvador)
International15 hDeparture 2:00 AM
US$55 – US$63
See timesLeaves from Tica Bus
Guatemala City
International33 h 30 minDeparture 2:00 AM
US$75 – US$90
See timesLeaves from Tica Bus
Panama City
International30 h3 departures, 6:00 AM–12:00 PM
US$91
See times
Buses arriving in Managua
Handy for planning the way back.
Leaves from Estelí, COTRAN Norte
Managua
Express2 h 25 min9 departures, 4:45 AM–3:45 PM
C$110 (≈ US$3.01)
See timesLeaves from Estelí, COTRAN Sur
Managua
Express2 h 30 min10 departures, 4:45 AM–3:15 PM
C$110 (≈ US$3.01)
See timesLeaves from Estelí, COTRAN Sur
Managua
Local bus3 h 30 min29 departures, 3:30 AM–6:00 PM
C$90 (≈ US$2.46)
See timesLeaves from Ocotal, Terminal
Managua
Express3 h 30 minEvery ~60 min, 4:00 AM–4:00 PM
C$150 – C$170 (≈ US$4.10–4.64)
See timesLeaves from Somoto, Terminal
Managua
Express3 h 45 min7 departures, 4:00 AM–2:30 PM
C$160 – C$180 (≈ US$4.37–4.92)
See timesLeaves from Jalapa, Terminal
Managua
Express5 h5 departures, 3:30 AM–12:00 PM
C$200 – C$230 (≈ US$5.46–6.28)
See timesLeaves from Jinotega, COTRAN
Managua
Express3 h11 departures, 4:00 AM–5:00 PM
C$140 – C$160 (≈ US$3.83–4.37)
See timesLeaves from Matagalpa, COTRAN Sur
Managua
Express2 h 30 min13 departures, 5:20 AM–5:20 PM
C$105 (≈ US$2.87)
See timesLeaves from Matagalpa, COTRAN Sur
Managua
Local bus3 h 15 min29 departures, 3:05 AM–6:05 PM
C$90 (≈ US$2.46)
See timesLeaves from Río Blanco, Terminal
Managua
Express4 h 30 min6 departures, 4:00 AM–2:00 PM
C$180 – C$220 (≈ US$4.92–6.01)
See timesLeaves from León, La Terminal
Managua
Minibus2 hEvery ~20 min, 4:30 AM–7:00 PM
C$78 – C$100 (≈ US$2.13–2.73)
See timesLeaves from León, La Terminal
Managua
Local bus2 h 15 minEvery ~20 min, 4:00 AM–6:30 PM
C$55 – C$65 (≈ US$1.50–1.78)
See timesLeaves from Chinandega, Mercado Bisne
Managua
Minibus2 h 30 minEvery ~30 min, 4:30 AM–6:00 PM
C$100 – C$120 (≈ US$2.73–3.28)
See timesLeaves from Chinandega, Mercado Bisne
Managua
Local bus3 h 30 minEvery ~30 min, 4:00 AM–5:30 PM
C$75 – C$85 (≈ US$2.05–2.32)
See timesLeaves from Masaya, Parque San Miguel
Managua
Minibus40 minEvery ~10 min, 4:30 AM–9:00 PM
C$25 – C$30 (≈ US$0.68–0.82)
See timesLeaves from Masaya, Mercado
Managua
Local bus1 hEvery ~15 min, 4:00 AM–8:00 PM
C$20 – C$25 (≈ US$0.55–0.68)
See timesLeaves from Granada, Shell Palmira
Managua
Minibus1 hEvery ~15 min, 4:30 AM–8:00 PM
C$37 (≈ US$1.01)
See timesLeaves from Granada, Mercado
Managua
Local bus1 h 30 minEvery ~20 min, 4:00 AM–7:00 PM
C$35 – C$40 (≈ US$0.96–1.09)
See timesLeaves from Jinotepe, Terminal
Managua
Minibus1 hEvery ~15 min, 4:30 AM–8:00 PM
C$35 – C$40 (≈ US$0.96–1.09)
See timesLeaves from Jinotepe, Terminal
Managua
Local bus1 h 20 minEvery ~20 min, 4:00 AM–7:00 PM
C$30 – C$35 (≈ US$0.82–0.96)
See timesLeaves from Diriamba, Terminal
Managua
Minibus55 minEvery ~15 min, 4:30 AM–8:00 PM
C$35 (≈ US$0.96)
See timesLeaves from Rivas, Terminal
Managua
Express1 h 45 minEvery ~40 min, 4:00 AM–6:00 PM
C$90 – C$100 (≈ US$2.46–2.73)
See timesLeaves from Rivas, Terminal
Managua
Local bus2 h 30 minEvery ~30 min, 3:30 AM–5:00 PM
C$65 – C$75 (≈ US$1.78–2.05)
See timesLeaves from Popoyo (surf beach), Parada
Managua
Express3 h 30 minDeparture 5:30 AM
C$120 (≈ US$3.28)
See timesLeaves from San Juan del Sur, Mercado
Managua
Express2 h 30 min5 departures, 5:00 AM–3:30 PM
C$110 – C$130 (≈ US$3.01–3.55)
See timesLeaves from San Jorge (Ometepe ferry), Muelle
Managua
Express2 hDeparture 9:30 AM
C$110 (≈ US$3.01)
See timesLeaves from Tipitapa, Terminal
Managua
Local bus30 minEvery ~10 min, 4:00 AM–9:00 PM
C$15 (≈ US$0.41)
See timesLeaves from Nandaime, Terminal
Managua
Minibus1 h 15 minEvery ~30 min, 5:00 AM–6:30 PM
C$45 – C$50 (≈ US$1.23–1.37)
See timesLeaves from Boaco, Terminal
Managua
Express2 hEvery ~30 min, 4:00 AM–5:30 PM
C$80 – C$100 (≈ US$2.19–2.73)
See timesLeaves from Camoapa, Terminal
Managua
Express2 h 30 min6 departures, 4:30 AM–4:00 PM
C$100 – C$120 (≈ US$2.73–3.28)
See timesLeaves from Juigalpa, COTRAN
Managua
Express2 h 30 minEvery ~30 min, 3:30 AM–5:30 PM
C$110 – C$130 (≈ US$3.01–3.55)
See timesLeaves from Juigalpa, COTRAN
Managua
Local bus3 h 30 minEvery ~45 min, 4:00 AM–4:30 PM
C$80 – C$90 (≈ US$2.19–2.46)
See timesLeaves from Santo Tomás, Terminal
Managua
Express3 h6 departures, 4:00 AM–3:00 PM
C$130 – C$150 (≈ US$3.55–4.10)
See timesLeaves from El Rama, Muelle
Managua
Express6 h8 departures, 4:00 AM–10:00 PM
C$250 – C$300 (≈ US$6.83–8.20)
See timesLeaves from Bluefields, Terminal
Managua
Express7 h5 departures, 5:30 AM–11:00 PM
C$320 – C$380 (≈ US$8.74–10)
See timesLeaves from Nueva Guinea, Terminal
Managua
Express5 h7 departures, 3:00 AM–3:00 PM
C$220 – C$260 (≈ US$6.01–7.10)
See timesLeaves from San Carlos (Río San Juan), Terminal
Managua
Express6 h6 departures, 4:00 AM–2:00 PM
C$250 – C$300 (≈ US$6.83–8.20)
See timesLeaves from Siuna, Terminal
Managua
Express9 h4 departures, 4:00 AM–7:00 PM
C$350 – C$400 (≈ US$9.56–11)
See timesLeaves from Bilwi (Puerto Cabezas), Terminal
Managua
Express18 h2 departures, 7:00 AM–1:00 PM
C$650 – C$750 (≈ US$18–20)
See times
Guides for Managua
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.
Moving to Managua to study from another department
Which terminal is closest to home, how to get from the terminal to the UCA area, and how to plan Friday and Sunday trips without missing the last bus.
How to get to Masaya volcano by bus
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.
Events in Managua
Photo: MarioFernandoAburto, CC BY-SA 4.0 August 1 and 10
Santo Domingo festival in Managua
The saint is carried down from Las Sierritas on August 1 and back up on the 10th, with devotees, floats, a horse parade and thousands of people in the streets of Managua.
Missing a route from Managua?
Tell us where it goes and when it leaves, and we will add it.
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