There is no direct bus: you change in San Carlos (Río San Juan) and Managua. The whole trip takes about 11 h.
Type of trip
Journey time
Fare
Leaves from
First bus
Last bus
El Castillo (Río San Juan)
San Carlos (Río San Juan)
Change in San Carlos (Río San Juan): you arrive at Muelle and the next bus leaves from Terminal. Take a taxi between terminals.
Managua
Change in Managua: you arrive at Mayoreo and the next bus leaves from Israel Lewites. Take a taxi between terminals.
León
Worked out from each leg's timetable plus time to change buses. Confirm at the terminal.
Places worth seeing when you arrive.
Walk barefoot among the white domes of the UNESCO-listed cathedral, with a view of the volcano chain.
A young volcano where you slide down the black sand slope on a board; tours leave from León.
One of Central America's best art collections, in colonial mansions.
In Nagarote and La Paz Centro, roadside stalls sell fresh quesillos, tortillas with soft cheese and cream.
Do you run a restaurant, guesthouse or tour in León?
Show up here, right where travellers plan their arrival.
The fare is C$380 – C$470 (≈ US$10–13). Cooperatives set the prices and they can change; check at the terminal.
About 11 h, depending on the type of bus and traffic.
It leaves from Muelle de El Castillo.
The first leaves at 5:00 AM and the last at 2:00 PM.
No. Take the bus to San Carlos (Río San Juan) and Managua and change there. Each leg and its times are on this page.