Reviewed Oct 29, 2026
San Juan del Sur is 2 h 30 from Managua. There are direct express buses from Huembes mid-morning and in the afternoon; at any other time, go to Rivas and change buses.
They leave Mercado Roberto Huembes around 9, 10 and 11 in the morning and 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the afternoon. Fare C$110–130.
Express buses to Rivas every 40 minutes from 4:30 AM. At the Rivas terminal, the San Juan del Sur bus leaves every 30–45 minutes (45 minutes, C$25–30). This combination works almost any time of day.
From Granada take the market bus to Rivas (1 h 30) and change. From Ometepe, ferry to San Jorge, bus or taxi to Rivas and the bus to San Juan del Sur.
There is no public bus to the beaches. Hostels and surf camps run shuttles for US$5–10 each way; taxis and pick-up trucks also leave from the San Juan del Sur market.
Approximate cost
Direct express C$110–130 (about US$3.50). Via Rivas: C$90–100 + C$25–30.
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