You can get from San Jose to Managua by bus or flight!
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.
Quick facts:
The cheapest way to get from San Jose to Managua is by bus (USD 26–28, around 9 hours).
The fastest way is by flight (about 1 hour and 15 minutes).
The most popular option is the tourist bus by Nica Expreso, offering comfort and affordability.
With personal insights and expert verification from GuateGo CEO Jean Nájera.
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | ~9 hrs | $26 to 28 |
| Flight | ~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.
1. Bus
Journey Duration: 8 hours 50 minutes
The most cost-effective and practical way 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 overnight. Depending on the wait at the border, it takes about 8-9 hours to get from San Jose to Managua.
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!
Bus Schedule:
The table below displays the bus timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01:00 am | 09:50 am | 8h 50m | $28 |  |
| 06:00 am | 01:45 pm | 7h 45m | $26 | |
2. Flight
Journey Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
The fastest and most expensive way to Managua is by airplane. Direct and connecting flight options are available, but consider the direct ones only because they take much longer to arrive.
Planes depart from the Juan Santamaría 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!
My Tip:
If you’re on a budget and want to enjoy the scenic ride, take the tourist bus with Nica Expreso. It’s comfortable, affordable, and lets you relax while crossing the border. But if you’re short on time or don’t want to spend an entire day traveling, keep an eye out for deals on direct flights.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take a rental car?
Costa Rican rental cars are not permitted to cross land borders, so you can only drive your vehicle as far as the border.
Which airlines fly directly to Managua Airport?
Sansa Airlines provides direct flights.
What is the most popular mode of transportation?
The Tourist bus by Nica Expreso is the most popular transportation choice for travelers.
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