There is no direct bus: you change in Managua and San Carlos (Río San Juan). The whole trip takes about 12 h.
Type of trip
Journey time
Fare
Leaves from
First bus
Last bus
Matagalpa
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$555 (≈ US$13–15). 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 COTRAN Sur de Matagalpa (Tórrez Moreno).
The first leaves at 5:20 AM and the last at 5:20 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.