Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur: All Transport Options

Q: How can I get from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur?

You can travel from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur in two ways: taxi or bus. Taking a taxi is the most convenient method. It takes roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes in normal traffic and should cost around €65 (NIO 2,580). If you want to take public transport, you need to get to the Managua bus station first. A taxi from the airport to the bus station costs around €8.70 (NIO 350). Then you can catch a bus to San Juan del Sur which will cost €2.30 (NIO 90) per person.

Q: What’s the cost of a taxi from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur?

A taxi from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur costs around €65 (NIO 2,580), but this is just an estimate. Though many taxis have taximeters, it’s more common to negotiate a rate with your driver before the ride begins. If you want a fixed rate agreed in advance, why not book a professional private airport taxi at a reasonable price with Welcome Pickups?

San Juan del Sur is a serene, picturesque fishing village on the southwest coast of Nicaragua. If you want a beach escape with turquoise waters and excellent surfing conditions, this is the place to be.

If you want to travel from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur, the only direct option you have is to take a taxi or private transfer. A taxi will take around 2 hours and 40 minutes to do the 130-km journey.

That said, Managua Airport taxis are typically shared between multiple passengers. If you’d like a personalised, private ride, consider booking a transfer from a trusted company like Welcome Pickups.

If you’re on a budget, you can take a public bus from Managua bus station to San Juan del Sur. The journey takes over 3 hours and costs €1.80 (NIO 73) per person.

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	€155	160min	24/7	Book
Book
Taxi	€65	160min	24/7
Taxi + Bus	€22	180min	09:30–17:30

How to get from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur by taxi

Pre-booking a taxi is the quickest and safest option for travelling between Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur. The journey takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes in normal traffic conditions. Taxis are available 24/7 too so you can travel whenever you need to.

That said, you might find some difficulty finding a local Managua taxi to take you from the airport to San Juan del Sur on demand because of how far it is. Pre-booking a private airport taxi guarantees you’ll have transport waiting for you when you arrive.

Taxi fare from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur

You can expect to spend around €65 (NIO 2,580) for your taxi ride to San Juan del Sur. However, it depends on your driver. Managua taxi drivers don’t usually use a taximeter for long distances. Therefore, your final rate depends on your negotiation skills.

If you want to skip the haggling, booking a private transfer will ensure you have a reasonable fixed rate confirmed in advance.

Cost

€65 (NIO 2,580)

Trip Duration

2 Hr. 40 Min.

*Prices vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Taxis are available 24/7 from Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport (MGA).

Where do I get the taxi from?

There are several taxi ranks outside of the Arrivals Hall at Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport (MGA).

Convenience

Taking a taxi is the most convenient way of getting from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur. It’s the only direct route and it’s much faster than taking public transport.

Editor’s Note

Safety is often a concern with local taxis in Managua. This is because they are poorly regulated. For your safety, we recommend checking that your taxi driver is licenced with a clear rate card and ID. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer from a trusted company.

Useful Tips

Local taxis in Managua can be shared with other passengers to offset the cost. For a private ride, you can book in advance.

It’s best to carry cash because card machines are not widely used by tax drivers.

Tips are not expected in Nicaragua, however a 10% tip is greatly appreciated if you enjoyed your taxi journey.

How to get from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur by bus

Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct bus from the airport to San Juan del Sur. However, you can take a taxi to the bus station in central Managua and catch a public bus from there.

You have two bus services to choose from:

The regular bus departs five times per day between 09:30 and 17:30. This service takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach San Juan del Sur.
The express bus departs four times per day between 10:00 and 17:30. It takes around 3 hours to get to San Juan del Sur.

Bus fare from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur

The taxi fare from Managua Airport to the bus station costs around €8.70 (NIO 350).
The regular bus service to San Juan del Sur costs €2 (NIO 85) per person.
The express bus service costs €2.30 (NIO 90) per person.
Therefore, you can expect your journey to cost €11 (NIO 440).

Cost

€11 (NIO 440)

Trip Duration

3 Hr.

Buses depart from Managua bus station five times per day.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Buses are available from 09:30 to 17:30 every day.

Where do I get the bus from?

Buses are available from 09:30 every day at the Managua bus terminal. You can reach the bus station by getting a taxi at the airport. Taxis are available 24/7 from outside of the Arrivals Hall.

Convenience

The bus route is the least convenient method for getting from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur. Not only is the trip over 3 hours long, but it’s also not direct from the airport. Therefore, you have to transfer your luggage from a taxi to the bus. Buses can also be crowded and hot, making the journey uncomfortable.

Editor’s Note

If you’re on a budget and packing light, taking the bus is an economical option. However, be mindful that overcrowding and heat can make it unsuitable for large groups or small children.

Useful Tips

You can purchase tickets from the counter at the bus station.

Buses are only available until 17:30. If your plane lands too late, opt for a taxi instead.

There is limited storage space for luggage on public buses.

Welcome Pickups transfer

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

DAYTIME

€155.0

NIGHTTIME

€186.0

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 San Juan del Sur?

You can travel from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur in two ways: taxi or bus. Taking a taxi is the most convenient method. It takes roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes in normal traffic and should cost around €65 (NIO 2,580). If you want to take public transport, you need to get to the Managua bus station first. A taxi from the airport to the bus station costs around €8.70 (NIO 350). Then you can catch a bus to San Juan del Sur which will cost €2.30 (NIO 90) per person.

What is the distance from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur?

San Juan del Sur is 130 km away from Managua Airport. It takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes by taxi. The public bus will take over 3 hours.

What’s the cost of a taxi from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur?

A taxi from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur costs around €65 (NIO 2,580), but this is just an estimate. Though many taxis have taximeters, it’s more common to negotiate a rate with your driver before the ride begins. If you want a fixed rate agreed in advance, why not book a professional private airport taxi at a reasonable price with Welcome Pickups?

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How to get from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur by taxi

Taxi fare from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur

Cost

€65 (NIO 2,580)

Trip Duration

2 Hr. 40 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Taxis are available 24/7 from Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport (MGA).

Where do I get the taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur by bus

Bus fare from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur

Cost

€11 (NIO 440)

Trip Duration

3 Hr.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Buses are available from 09:30 to 17:30 every day.

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

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

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How can I get from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur?

What is the distance from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur?

What’s the cost of a taxi from Managua Airport to San Juan del Sur?

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