First Day Abroad

Getting from the airport to the city in Nicaragua

Part of the Nicaragua arrival guide.

This information may change. Always check the official source.Last verified: August 2026 by

Which airport are you landing at?1

Pick yours for the routes into town, what they cost, and the trap particular to that airport.

From Managua airport

The airport is close to the city, and the one firm rule is which taxi you get into.

Augusto C. Sandino, Managua
  • The airport is about 11 km from central Managua, which is unusually close, and the drive is short.
  • Most visitors do not stay in Managua. Granada is an hour away, Leon about 90 minutes, San Juan del Sur two and a half hours - and a great many arrivals head straight out.
Getting a car
  • Use only an official airport taxi from the desk inside, or a pre-booked transfer. The FCDO records express kidnapping involving unauthorised taxis, and the airport is exactly where that starts.
  • Agree the price before getting in. There are no meters.
  • Shuttles to Granada, Leon and San Juan del Sur are booked in advance through hostels and hotels and are the standard route.
  • Have the 10 dollars for the tourist card ready before you reach immigration, in cash, unfolded.
Onward
  • Do not travel by road at night. Poor vehicle condition, minimal street lighting on the highways, and the FCDO notes that a serious accident can mean detention while it is investigated.
  • Bus stations are named as a robbery risk, so arrive with your bag on you and not on the ground.
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Sources (2)

What this guide was checked against. Rules and prices change — follow the official link before you rely on a detail.