Costa Rica to Nicaragua Border Crossing: All You Need To Know

Crossing the border from Costa Rica to Nicaragua can feel a bit intimidating, but it’s not as complicated as it might seem. Having crossed the border myself—complete with the added challenge of holding a Pakistani passport—I found the process to be fairly straightforward.

Whether it’s the long lines, confusing fees, or figuring out the right documents, this guide will break down everything from transportation options to tips for dealing with the border itself.

Why Cross the Border by Land?

We initially looked into flying to Nicaragua, but the flight prices were ridiculous—three times more expensive than a land crossing, and they didn’t even save us much time. Think about it: you have to get to the airport at least three hours early. That’s three hours you could already be on the road, enjoying the Costa Rican countryside!

Honestly, we read a bunch of horror stories about the land crossing, but I found it smoother than entering the United States as a brown person. I think it’s mainly scary for those who haven’t had the pleasure of dealing with TSA abuse (trust me, I can joke about that—it’s a punch up).

Essential Information for Border Crossing

Peñas Blancas Border Crossing Overview

The Peñas Blancas crossing is the most popular choice between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. It’s open from 6 AM to 10 PM, giving you plenty of flexibility. However, crossing early in the morning is your best bet to avoid the midday heat and long lines. Weekdays are typically quieter, so plan accordingly. Always double-check hours in advance, especially around holidays, to prevent any delays due to closures or extended wait times.

Los Chiles Border Crossing (An Alternative Route)

For a quieter, more scenic option, consider the Los Chiles border crossing, especially if you’re around La Fortuna. The crossing used to involve a romantic boat ride down the Rio Frio, but it’s now a simple land border process. Few people use this route, so immigration on both sides is a breeze, and border officials tend to be more relaxed. The crossing itself is short, with buses dropping you right in front of immigration on the Costa Rica side, and minivans available on the Nicaragua side to take you to San Carlos.

How to Get to Nicaragua from Costa Rica

By Bus

Traveling by bus from Costa Rica to the Nicaragua border is both economical and straightforward, making it a go-to choice for budget-conscious travelers. Tica Bus and TransNica run daily services from San José, with travel times ranging from 8 to 10 hours. Tickets are reasonably priced at $25-$30, offering air conditioning and reclining seats. We took Tica Bus, and while the ride was comfortable, don’t count on the advertised Wi-Fi—it was nowhere to be found.

By Plane

Flying is the fastest way to get from Costa Rica to Nicaragua, with direct flights from San José (SJO) to Managua (MGA) taking just over an hour. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but not on budget, with tickets ranging from $200 to $350. Keep in mind, though, that you won’t save much time when you factor in airport waiting periods—basically, it’s speed with a price tag.

By Car

Unfortunately, you can’t cross the Nicaragua border with a rental car. However, you can rent a car from companies like Alamo or National and drop it off near the border in Costa Rica, then pick up another rental on the Nicaraguan side. It’s a bit of a hassle, and costs can add up—definitely not as smooth as I’d expected after years of hopping borders in Europe.

Independently by Public Transport

If you’re on a tight budget and love a good challenge, going independently is the cheapest option. You’ll need to take local buses to the border, cross on foot, and arrange transport on the Nicaraguan side. It requires more planning, but I know people who’ve done it and lived to tell the tale—just make sure you’re prepared for a little extra legwork.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crossing the Peñas Blancas Border

Step 1: Getting to the Border

To reach the Peñas Blancas border, direct buses run hourly from San José to Liberia bus station between 6 AM and 8 PM. The trip costs around $8 USD and takes about 4.5 hours. From Liberia, buses to Peñas Blancas leave every hour. Crossing early in the morning is recommended to avoid long lines and the midday heat, especially on weekends. This is assuming you are not taking Nicabus or Ticabus, if you choose for that, you can skip to step 2.

Step 2: Exiting Costa Rica

Once at the Costa Rican border, you’ll need to pay a $10 exit tax before proceeding. Make sure to have proof of onward travel ready, whether it’s a bus ticket or a return flight, along with your passport. Once you’ve cleared immigration, you’ll get your exit stamp and be ready to move on to the Nicaraguan side of the border.

Step 3: Walking to the Nicaragua Entrance

After exiting Costa Rica, it’s about a 300-meter walk to the Nicaraguan immigration building. Along the way, you’ll find people offering to exchange your money—either USD or Costa Rican colones—for Nicaraguan córdobas. It’s handy if you need local currency, but always double-check the rates to avoid getting shortchanged.

H3: Step 4: Entering Nicaragua

At the Nicaraguan immigration office, be prepared to pay a $1 municipal fee and a $14 entry fee—make sure you have USD in cash. If you’re from a country with a weaker passport, like me, you may also need to pay an extra $50 for a tourist visa. I was let in on my US visa, but they charged me an extra $50, while my husband (with his Canadian passport) got through without any issues. Oddly enough, his passport was expiring in five months, but they were too fascinated with a Pakistani crossing the border to even check.

Step 5: Continuing Your Journey in Nicaragua

Once through immigration, you’ll find buses and taxis waiting to take you to nearby towns like Rivas or San Juan del Sur. If you’re heading to Managua or Granada, you may need to transfer in Rivas. Either way, transportation options are plentiful and easy to arrange right outside the immigration office.

Again, this step is only if you chose to cross independently. If you are with one of the bus services, they will drop you off in Rivas where you can get head on to Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua, San Juan Del Sur or Granada

Other Tips for Crossing the Border

Avoid Scams

It’s not uncommon to hear stories of travelers being asked to pay extra fees at the Nicaragua border. A fellow traveler once told us that even though his friend didn’t have a weak passport like mine, he was still charged $50. While I can’t vouch for the accuracy of the story, it’s important to know the legal fees and be prepared for any potential extortion. Carrying extra cash is always a good idea, just in case things go sideways.

Drones and Electronics

If you’re traveling with a drone, be aware that Nicaragua has strict regulations. Drones are only allowed if they’ve been registered, and customs can confiscate them upon arrival. They’ll return it when you leave the country, or you can try the “disassemble and scatter” trick that some travelers use to avoid detection. I’ve heard a few people have gotten away with this, but it’s definitely a risk, so weigh your options carefully.

Crossing the border from Costa Rica to Nicaragua might seem complicated, but it’s actually pretty straightforward if you know what to expect. With the right documents, a bit of extra cash, and a plan for onward travel, you’ll be across the border and ready to explore Nicaragua in no time.

Now that you’ve sorted out the border crossing, dive into my Nicaragua Itinerary for ideas on how to make the most of your time in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cross the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border?

It typically takes around two hours to cross the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border, assuming things go smoothly. However, this time can vary depending on traffic, the time of day, and any additional security checks. Crossing early in the morning or during weekdays may help you avoid longer wait times.

What documents are needed to cross the border?

To cross the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border, travelers need a valid passport, proof of exit tax payment from Costa Rica, and upon entering Nicaragua, a visa, which can be purchased at the border. Be sure your passport has at least six months’ validity to avoid any issues at immigration.

Can I drive my personal car from Costa Rica to Nicaragua?

Driving your personal car from Costa Rica to Nicaragua is allowed, but it requires paperwork like ownership proof and insurance that covers both countries. Make sure you have all necessary documents in order before attempting the border crossing, as this can be more complicated than using a rental car.

Can you do a day trip from Costa Rica to Nicaragua?

Yes, it’s possible to do a day trip from Costa Rica to Nicaragua, but keep in mind the time required for crossing the border and traveling to key destinations like San Juan del Sur or Rivas. Start early to make the most of your day, as border processing can take a couple of hours.

Is Costa Rica or Nicaragua cheaper?

Nicaragua is generally cheaper than Costa Rica in terms of accommodation, food, and activities. If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll find that your money goes further in Nicaragua, making it a great destination for those looking to save on travel expenses.