You can get from San Jose to Managua by bus or flight!
The cheapest option to travel from San Jose to Managua is by bus, which costs between USD 26 and 28. The journey takes about 9 hours.
The fastest way to travel to Managua from San Jose is by flight, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
As someone who’s repeatedly traveled from San Jose to Managua, I’ve become well-versed in this cross-country journey.
In this guide, I’ll share my playbook for easily navigating this route, ensuring you can enjoy a travel experience as rich and vibrant as the landscapes you’ll pass through.
Check our guide for the best options to travel from San Jose, Costa Rica, to Managua, Nicaragua.
Transportation Options from San Jose to Managua
The following table outlines all transportation options from San Jose to Managua:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from San Jose to Managua | ~9 hrs | $26 to 28 |
| Flight from San Jose to Managua | ~1.5 hrs | – |
How far is San Jose from Managua?
The distance from San Jose, Costa Rica, to Managua, Nicaragua, is 261 miles or 420 kilometers.
Getting to Managua, Nicaragua from San Jose, Costa Rica
1. Bus from San Jose to Managua
Journey Duration: 8 hours 50 minutes
The most cost-effective and practical way to get from San Jose to Managua is by bus!
This route is operated by Nica Expreso and Transporte del Sol, which both offer excellent service and international routes!
Their buses are well equipped and air-conditioned, with tons of amenities on board so you can have an enjoyable and smooth journey.
Each company has one daily departure; you can travel during the day or on an overnight trip. It takes about 8-9 hours to get from San Jose to Managua, depending on how long the wait is at the border.
You can also choose between a ticket for a Tourist or a Business Bus, which come at different prices.
But no matter what option you choose, the price for a bus ticket from San Jose to Managua is very affordable, costing only USD 26-USD 28!
Book your bus tickets from San Jose to Managua online in advance to secure your trip!
San Jose to Managua Bus Schedule:
The table below displays the bus timetable for trips from San Jose to Managua, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01:00 am | 09:50 am | 8h 50m | $28 |  |
| 06:00 am | 01:45 pm | 7h 45m | $26 | |
2. Flight from San Jose to Managua
Journey Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
The fastest and most expensive way to get to Managua is by airplane. Direct and connecting flight options are available, so consider the direct ones only because it takes much longer to arrive in Managua.
Planes depart from the Juan SantamarÃa International Airport airport in San Jose and arrive at Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport in Managua.
If you book on time, you can get a return ticket for a reasonable price. However, if you book last minute, the cost can go up to USD 1000.
The aircraft is comfortable, the travel time is short, and the Managua airport is not far from the center. In addition, you can use the bus or taxi to leave the airport zone when you land.
There are flights almost daily; just ensure you catch them at a reasonable price!
Best day tours in Managua, Nicaragua
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Here, you can find some of the best tours in Managua, Nicaragua.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from San Jose, Costa Rica, to Managua, Nicaragua?
The cheapest way to get from San Jose, Costa Rica, to Managua, Nicaragua, is by bus, which costs only USD 26.
What is the fastest way to get from San Jose, Costa Rica, to Managua, Nicaragua?
The fastest way to get from San Jose, Costa Rica, to Managua, Nicaragua, is by plane. The quickest direct flight takes only 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Can you take a rental car from Costa Rica to Nicaragua?
Costa Rican rental cars are not permitted to cross land borders, so you can only drive your vehicle as far as the border.
What is the best time to visit Nicaragua?
From November through May, the dry season is the best time to visit Nicaragua.Â
Can visitors use US dollars in Nicaragua?Â
The Nicaraguan currency is the Córdoba (C), but most establishments accept payment in US dollars.Â
Which airlines fly direct from SJO to Managua Airport?
Sansa Airlines provides direct flights from San Jose to Managua.
What is the most popular mode of transportation from San Jose to Managua?
The Tourist bus by Nica Expreso is the most popular transportation choice for travelers from San Jose to Managua.
More Routes from San Jose, Costa Rica
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AnaMaria is a dedicated SEO specialist and content strategist with profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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Jean Nájera is the CEO of GuateGo, an online marketplace to buy transportation tickets in more than 200 cities. He has profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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