Transportation

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Airplanes

There are two national companies flying within the country, La Costeña and Atlantic Airlines. They both have their base at Managua International Airport and offer daily, public flights to Puerto Cabezas, Waspam and Siuna in the northeast, Bluefields and Corn Islands in the east and San Carlos in the south.

Buses

Even the smallest villages usually have one regular and one express service to the capital and nearby major cities as well as buses to the closest rural communities. The buses are both safe and cheap but sometimes uncomfortable because of being hot and crowded. "Expresos" are direct buses that take a little less time than "ordinarios" that will stop to pick up passengers in every corner. To board a minibus is usually a good alternative since they are faster and more comfortable than ordinary buses although they cost a little more.

Sometimes you are supposed to buy your ticket at the bus station but normally you are charged when you are on the bus and already have taken a seat. Be carefully with pickpockets on the urban buses in Managua.

Boats

Boats are used as public transport in the areas of Solentiname, Rio San Juan, Rio Coco and on the Atlantic coast.

Taxis

In all cities, except from Managua, there are fixed rates for the different zones. In the capital you should always negotiate about the price before getting in the taxi.

Car Rental

Hiring a car could be a good alternative if you want to discover the country without having to rely on public transport. Avis, Budget, Hertz, Econo and Hyundai are found at Managua International Airport, in many hotels and various agencies around the country.

Bare in mind though that even if the prices are the same as in the rest of the world, so is not the case with the way of driving. Be extra careful driving on motorways or outside the cities in general since the roads are, narrow, poorly lit and there might be obstacles such as abandoned cars or animals walking the street. Within the cities it is a good advice to avoid the rush hours.

Petrol station might be sparse on the countryside so to avoid running out of fuel, fill up as soon as you see one. Never leave the car unattended outside a parking lot and don't leave anything in the car.

Ask what is included in the hirer's insurance when renting the car and consider buying extra insurance if this is available. If you are paying with credit card, insurance is sometimes included. Beware not being charged for damages that the car already had when you took over and make sure someone signs a document confirming that you have returned vehicle.

The police are known to be less corrupt in Nicaragua than in the rest of Central America but still like to stop vehicles, especially those driven by foreigners, without any particular reason. It is up to you if you want to try to get away with a few dollars going to the policeman's personal pocket or if you want to play fair and accept a fine.

In case of an accident you are prohibited to move the vehicle until told by a police officer. If you do, you might be hold liable for the accident even though this can't be proved.

Any driver involved in an accident where someone is being injured is taken into custody, which is maintained until a judicial decision is reached. This can take weeks and sometimes it might be worth to plead guilty and pay the fine.