There is no direct bus: you change in Managua and San Carlos (Río San Juan). The whole trip takes about 11 h 40 min.
Type of trip
Journey time
Fare
Leaves from
First bus
Last bus
Estelí
Managua
Change in Managua: the next bus leaves from the same terminal, Mayoreo.
San Carlos (Río San Juan)
Change in San Carlos (Río San Juan): you arrive at Terminal and the next bus leaves from Muelle. Take a taxi between terminals.
El Castillo (Río San Juan)
Worked out from each leg's timetable plus time to change buses. Confirm at the terminal.
Places worth seeing when you arrive.
A 17th-century Spanish fort above the river, with a museum and views of the rapids.
Tropical rainforest to explore with a guide, by boat and on foot.
Do you run a restaurant, guesthouse or tour in El Castillo (Río San Juan)?
Show up here, right where travellers plan their arrival.
The fare is C$490 – C$560 (≈ US$13–15). Cooperatives set the prices and they can change; check at the terminal.
About 11 h 40 min, depending on the type of bus and traffic.
It leaves from Terminal de Buses de Ocotal.
The first leaves at 4:00 AM and the last at 4:00 PM.
No. Take the bus to Managua and San Carlos (Río San Juan) and change there. Each leg and its times are on this page.