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.
Reviewed Oct 29, 2026
Step by step
Step 1: Direct option: Managua → Las Salinas
Travellers report an express leaving Huembes at 3:00 PM and reaching Las Salinas around dusk (C$120–140). The return passes Las Salinas between 5:00 and 5:30 AM.
Step 2: With a change: Managua → Rivas
Express buses from Huembes every 40 minutes, 1 h 45, C$90–100.
Step 3: Rivas → Las Salinas (Popoyo)
The Las Salinas bus leaves the Rivas terminal at 5:30, 9:10 and 11:00 AM and at 2:30, 4:00 and 4:50 PM (sometimes also at 12:50). It goes via Tola, takes 1 h 30 and costs C$40–50. Get off in Las Salinas or at the Playa Guasacate turn-off and continue 2–4 km on foot or by mototaxi.
Step 4: Alternatives
Taxi from Rivas US$25–35, about 45 minutes. Popoyo hostels arrange shared shuttles from San Juan del Sur or Granada for US$15–30.
Approximate cost
Direct C$120–140. With a change: Managua–Rivas C$90–100 + Las Salinas bus C$40–50. Taxi from Rivas US$25–35.
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Tips
- Popoyo has few ATMs and weak signal: bring cash.
- Surfboards pay extra on the bus, about US$2.
- Peak surf season is April to October; hostels announce parties and surf contests.
What travellers report about this trip
Las Salinas to Granada
They caught the 5:30 AM bus on the Las Salinas road towards Managua: C$120 per person plus C$150 for two backpacks. They changed in Masaya, paid C$20 for another bus and were in Granada by 8:30.
Bjarne, Aug 4, 2026. Read on Centro Coasting
Managua to Popoyo
They left Managua on the 1:30 PM bus towards Rivas (C$100) and got off at Ochomogo, planning to take a taxi. A bus to El Astillero (C$100) came by right there and ended its run at the junction next to Popoyo Surf Lodge.
Ciara, Mar 5, 2026. Read on Centro Coasting
Las Salinas to Granada via Rivas
In Las Salinas they were told the direct bus leaves around 5:30 AM and 4:30 PM. They took the 10:20 to Rivas, about two hours, and changed there to the Granada bus, another hour and a half; a tuk-tuk covered the last stretch into the centre.
Mika, Aug 21, 2025. Read on Centro Coasting
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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