Nicaragua → Costa Rica by bus: direct coach or the Peñas Blancas border
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.
Reviewed Oct 29, 2026
Step by step
Step 1: Direct option: Managua → San José
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.
Step 2: Budget option: bus to Peñas Blancas
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).
Step 3: Crossing the border
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.
Advertising spacePut your brand here
Tips
- The border opens around 6:00 AM; avoid arriving close to the evening closing time.
- Change only what you need with the money changers; colones are also available at ATMs in Liberia.
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.
Share this guide
Send it to whoever is travelling with you.
More guides
How to get to Ometepe island by bus and ferry
Ometepe is reached by ferry or small boat from the port of San Jorge, 15 minutes from Rivas. From Managua the whole trip takes about 3 hours and costs under C$200 (US$5).
How to get to San Juan del Sur by bus
San Juan del Sur is 2 h 30 from Managua. There are direct express buses from Huembes mid-morning and in the afternoon; at any other time, go to Rivas and change buses.
How to get to Popoyo by bus
Popoyo, Tola's surf beach, has a single direct afternoon bus from Managua. At any other time, get to Rivas and take the Las Salinas bus, about 3 h 30 in total.
Advertising spacePut your brand here