There is no direct bus: you change in San Carlos (Río San Juan) and Managua. The whole trip takes about 12 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 Huembes. Take a taxi between terminals.
San Juan del Sur
Worked out from each leg's timetable plus time to change buses. Confirm at the terminal.
Places worth seeing when you arrive.
A walk up to the statue above the bay; sunset from the top is worth it.
A surf beach north of town with waves for every level.
A wide beach to the south, good for surfing or spending the day.
In season thousands of turtles come ashore to nest; visits are with rangers.
Do you run a restaurant, guesthouse or tour in San Juan del Sur?
Show up here, right where travellers plan their arrival.
The fare is C$435 – C$520 (≈ US$12–14). Cooperatives set the prices and they can change; check at the terminal.
About 12 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.