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How to get from Managua Airport to Popoyo

Popoyo, the laid-back surfing town on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua is a paradise for all surfers, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a pro. In addition to surfing, the area’s natural beauty invites visitors to explore the coast, whether in the nearby Chacocente Wildlife Reserve or on horseback along the beach, offering a fun alternative for witnessing a magical sunset.

The three main transfer options between Managua Airport and Popoyo are taxi, private transfer and the bus. Airport taxis and private transfers are by far the quickest and most straightforward way to reach your destination, taking around 2 hours under normal traffic conditions. A much cheaper alternative is to take the bus, however, this requires taking two buses and a taxi for part of the way, with a journey time of 4 hours 20 minutes, not including multiple wait times.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Managua at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €145 120min 24/7 Book
Book
Taxi €130 120min 24/7
Bus + Taxi €27.60 260min 05:30–16:50

How to get from Managua Airport to Popoyo by taxi

A Managua taxi ride is the quickest and most comfortable way to travel from Managua Airport to Popoyo. Taxis can seat up to 4 passengers with a standard suitcase each and the journey takes about 2 hours during normal traffic.

Taxi fare from Managua Airport to Popoyo?

Managua taxis should all have a taximeter installed to calculate the ride fare, although some drivers or companies may offer a flat rate fee instead. In either case, always confirm which method will be used before starting your trip, and agree on a price if necessary. Nevertheless, the average cost of a taxi from Managua Airport to Popoyo typically comes to around €130 (NIO 5,150) for a sedan vehicle holding up to 4 passengers.

Cost

€130

Trip Duration

120 Min.

*Fares will vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis depart Managua International Airport 24/7.

Where do I take a taxi from?

As soon as you exit the airport from the Arrivals Hall, you’ll spot the taxi rank where you can pick up a driver. There’s only one exit from the airport, so it is very easy to find.

Convenience

Roads in Nicaragua are often in pretty bad shape due to torrential rain and poor upkeep which makes travelling by bus a very bumpy ride! Travelling by taxi or private transfer provides a much smoother trip and when you pre-book your private airport taxi you can relax knowing there’ll be someone to meet you as you land so you can be on your way as soon as possible. When you pre-book with Welcome Pickups, you’ll also be offered a complimentary mini-tour of the city and gain access to local recommended hidden gems.

Editor’s Note

After 13:30, a taxi or private transfer is your best transport option since public buses stop running in the late afternoon.

Useful Tips

Payments will need to be made in cash in local córdobas unless booked in advance and paid securely online.
Only use official taxis with red and white number plates. Don't accept a ride from someone approaching you inside the airport.
Have the address written down in Spanish or marked on a map to assist your driver.

How to get from Managua Airport to Popoyo by bus

While there isn’t a direct bus service between Managua Airport and Popoyo, it is still the cheapest option if you’re willing to make a couple of transfers. First, you’ll need to make your way by taxi from the airport to the Terminal de Autobuses Mercado Roberto Huembes which should take 20 minutes in light traffic. 

From the station, board a bus to Rivas for around 2 hours 30 minutes. For the third leg of the trip, once in Rivas, take a ‘chicken’ bus toward Las Salinas/Tola – the stopping off point for Popoyo – for another 1 hour 30 minutes, bringing the total journey time by bus to 4 hours 20 minutes, excluding wait times.

How much does the bus cost?

To get from Managua Airport to the Terminal de Autobuses Mercado Roberto Huembes in Managua City Centre by taxi or private transfer you’ll pay about €8.70 (NIO 350). Both the bus from Managua to Rivas and onwards to Las Salinas should cost around €2.50 (NIO 100) each, bringing the total cost of the journey to €13.80 (NIO 550) per person. Bus tickets can be bought on board directly from the driver in the local currency of córdobas.

Cost

€13.80

Trip Duration

260 Min.

Buses from Terminal de Autobuses Mercado Roberto Huembes depart every 20 to 30 minutes. Wait times for buses from Rivas range between 1 hour 40 minutes and 3 hours 40 minutes.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Buses to Rivas depart between 05:00 and 18:30. Buses to Las Salinas depart between 05:30 and 16:50.

Where can I take the bus from?

Buses towards Rivas depart from the Terminal de Autobuses Mercado Roberto Huembes; look for a sign in the window of the bus indicating the destination. From Rivas, take one of the colourful ‘chicken’ buses to Las Salinas.

*Show the driver on a map where it is you need to go in Popoyo so that they can let you off at the nearest stop.

Convenience

If you’re not travelling under any time constraints then the bus is a great budget choice and the only public transport option. However, since it requires two transfers, takes more than twice as long as a taxi and buses aren’t very frequent, especially on Sundays, it isn’t a very convenient way to travel.

A much more reliable alternative that is available at any time of day and can transfer you directly to your destination is a pre-booked private airport taxi.

Editor’s Note

If you're travelling on a Sunday, an airport taxi may be a more reliable option since services are limited or don't run at all.

Useful Tips

If you're travelling with a large bag or suitcase you will need to pay a small additional fee on the bus.
Bus timetables can change regularly and are generally only posted at the bus station, rather than online, so it is important to allow extra time to meet your connection. You can ask your accommodation for the current bus schedule.
Rivas is the main transit town for destinations along Nicaragua's Pacific Coast.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Managua. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more

Prices

DAYTIME
€145.0
NIGHTTIME
€174.0
Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How can I get from Managua Airport to Popoyo?

The best way to travel from Managua Airport to Popoyo is to take a local or private airport taxi which takes 2 hours in light traffic. Alternatively, you can choose to travel by bus which requires a taxi and two bus transfers and takes 4 hours 20 minutes, not including wait times.

What is the distance from Managua Airport to Popoyo?

When travelling by airport taxi or private transfer, you can cover the distance of 105 km between Managua Airport and Popoyo in around 2 hours, under normal traffic conditions.

What’s the cost of a taxi from Managua Airport to Popoyo?

Whether you’re using a taximeter or have been offered a flat rate fare, the cost of a taxi from Managua Airport to Popoyo should be about €130 (NIO 5,150) for up to 4 people.

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