Air Transportation

There are two main options for getting to Nicaragua by air:

Option 1: Fly into Managua International Airport (MGA). Managua, the capitol, has a very nice airport and great service through most major airlines.

General Trip Layout from Managua

*we currently offer travel packages for this option

• Flight to Managua International Airport (MGA)
• Shuttle from Managua to Port of San Jorge (2 to 3 hours)
• Ferry from San Jorge to Moyogalpa, Isla de Ometepe (1.5 hours)

Option 2: Fly into San Jose or Liberia, Costa Rica. Both places have international airports serviced by most major airlines, but require a border crossing at Peńas Blancas.

General Trip Layout from Costa Rica (San Jose or Liberia)

• Flight to San Jose (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) International Airports.
• Bus, Taxi, Car or Shuttle from San Jose Nica/Costa Rica border of Peńas Blancas (6.5 hours)
• Bus, Taxi, Car or Shuttle from Liberia to Nica/Costa Rica border of Peńas Blancas (1.5 hours)
• Bus, Taxi, Car or Shuttle from Nica/Costa Rica border of Peńas Blancas to Port of San Jorge (1.5 hours)
• Ferry to from San Jorge to Moyogalpa, Isla de Ometepe (1.5 hours)

Taxi/Shuttle Transportation

Reserve transport to/from Managua

• The shuttle service we provide is in roomy vehicles
• Reservations can be made for up to 10 passengers

*If you decide not to reserve transport with us and are taking a taxi from the airport, make sure it has red license plates, all other taxis are not authorized and can be pirate taxis.

Car Transportation

If you want to rent a vehicle, Alamo, Budget and Hertz have offices in the Managua airport. Vehicle, motorcycle and bicycle rentals are also available on the island (contact us for more information.

Driving directions:

• From Managua, take the Pan-American Highway south to the Rivas traffic circle/ crossroads, and then turn north toward the Port of San Jorge. .
• From Peńas Blancas (Nica/Costa Rica border), continue north on the highway to the same crossroads in Rivas.

To bring a vehicle to Ometepe (Port of San Jorge, large ferries only):

• Cost: C$365 (approx. USD$20)
• Make reservations in advance | Phone: 011-505-278-28190 or 011-505-278-28180 | Email: gerencia@transportelacustre.com.
• Once at the port notify the dispatcher of your intent to board a vehicle.

Bus Transportation

From Managua:

C$40 and C$50 (USD$3 to 4) | Departures every half hour from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

• Bus terminal to Rivas: Mercado Huembes in the eastern section (you will need a taxi to get there from the airport or hotel).
• Two levels of service: Regular and Express (express is recommended for time).
• Once in Rivas: Hire a taxi for less than USD$1 for the short trip to the Port of San Jorge.

From Peńas Blancas (Nica/Costa Rica border):

• On an international bus line, tell the driver to stop in the city of Rivas.
• Take Taxi to Port of San Jorge C$50 (USD$4)

*Most international bus lines that leave San Jose or Liberia in the morning (Ticabus & Transnica) arrive in time for connections with the ferries to Ometepe.

Ferry Transportation

Port of San Jorge to Moyogalpa, Isla de Ometepe (1.5 hours)

C$40.00 and C$60.00 (USD$2.50 and USD$3.50) per person (depending on the class of service selected). | 7 days a week, 8 times a day

Two types of ferries:

• Small: For passengers, cargo, motorcycles and ATVs (Reina del Sur and Karen Maria).
• Large: For passengers, cars and trucks; different services on three separate decks, air-conditioning, reclining seats and bathrooms (#1 and #2 and Estrella del Sur).

* There are two large parking areas with 24-hour security and surveillance to park a vehicle during a visit to the island.

City of Granada (Municipal pier) to Altagracia, Isla de Ometepe (4 hours):

C$50 (USD$3) per person, no vehicles | Mondays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. arriving at Altagracia at 6:00 p.m.

CLICK HERE FOR FERRY SCHEDULES

Managua Lodging

If you arrive in Managua at night, your best option is to stay near the airport. Reservations are highly recommended for hotels, but are normally not necessary at hostels.
*On a budget: take an airport taxi to Barrio Martha Quezada where there are several options on budget hostels and hotels like Hotel Los Felipe.