How to Travel from Costa Rica to Nicaragua

Costa Rica to Nicaragua is a common route for travelers, especially since flights to Nicaragua are often more expensive and less frequent, both from the US and the rest of the world. That’s exactly what happened to us, so we chose to fly into Costa Rica and cross the border by land. While navigating border crossings can be nerve-wracking, particularly with the added challenge of a Pakistani passport, we found the process between these two countries to be relatively straightforward. This guide covers everything you need to know about making the journey, including essential tips, travel options, and what to expect at the border.

Good news, if you belong to one of the countries with weaker passports, you can visit both Nicaragua and Costa Rica on a multiple entry US or Canadian visit visa.

Overview of Travel Options

By Bus

Traveling by bus from Costa Rica to Nicaragua is both economical and straightforward, making it a popular option among budget-conscious travelers. Companies like Tica Bus and TransNica run daily services from the San José Terminal, heading directly to the Peñas Blancas border crossing. The journey typically takes 8-10 hours, depending on traffic and border processing times. Tickets are reasonably priced, ranging from $25 to $30 USD, offering comfort with amenities like air conditioning and reclining seats. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to cross the border, the bus is a reliable option that doesn’t require much planning. We chose to go with Tica Bus, and no complaints. Except that the claim of wifi on board is a complete lie. 

By Plane

Flying from Costa Rica to Nicaragua is the fastest way to make the journey, ideal for those short on time. Direct flights operate from San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua, with a flight duration of just over an hour. While the convenience is unmatched, it comes at a cost, with round-trip tickets ranging between $200 and $350 USD.

By Car

Driving from Costa Rica to Nicaragua can be a scenic and flexible option, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Most car rental companies in Costa Rica do not allow vehicles to cross the border into Nicaragua. As a workaround, you can rent a car in Costa Rica, drop it off near the Peñas Blancas border, and then rent another one once in Nicaragua. However, this can be both time-consuming and costly, as rental fees on both sides add up quickly. For those who love road trips and don’t mind the logistics, this could be an adventurous, albeit less straightforward, way to travel.

Independently

For travelers who enjoy flexibility and spontaneity, going independently offers a chance to explore the journey at your own pace. You can catch local buses or shared shuttles to the Peñas Blancas border, cross on foot, and then arrange onward transport within Nicaragua. This method requires careful planning, as the Nicaraguan border crossing can be a bit daunting without assistance. However, it also opens up opportunities to discover lesser-known spots along the way. Here’s how you can do it independently.

• Step 1: Getting to the Border

Your journey to the Peñas Blancas border crossing begins with getting to the border itself. It takes around 5-6 hours to reach the border. From Liberia, it’s a shorter trip of about 1.5 hours by bus. Make sure to start early in the morning to avoid the midday rush and ensure you have plenty of daylight left once you cross. The buses are frequent, but it’s always a good idea to check the latest schedules and plan your timing accordingly.

• Step 2: Exiting Costa Rica

Once at the Peñas Blancas border, your first step is to clear Costa Rican immigration. This is only true if you have not already cleared immigration when boarding your Nicaraguan bound bus. If you have a transit visa and are leaving within 12 hours of arrival, you can proceed directly to customs to get your exit stamp. If not, you’ll need to pay the $10 exit tax, which can be done at one of the small offices near the customs building. Keep your receipt, as you’ll need to present it to the immigration officer. After getting your passport stamped, you’ll be ready to walk towards the Nicaraguan side.

• Step 3: Walking to the Nicaragua Entrance

After clearing Costa Rican customs, you’ll walk approximately 300 meters to the first checkpoint, where Costa Rican officials will verify your exit stamp. From there, it’s another 200 meters to the Nicaraguan customs building. Keep your documents handy, as there are multiple checkpoints along the way where you may need to show them.

• Step 4: Entering Nicaragua

At the Nicaraguan immigration office, you’ll pay a $1 municipal fee followed by the $14 entry fee. After this, you’ll go through immigration, where your passport will be stamped and your entry into Nicaragua officially recorded. If you are travelling because your US visa allows you to do so, then you will have to give $50 at immigration for a Nicaraguan visa. Once your entry is processed, you’ll go through a brief luggage inspection before continuing your journey.

Step 5: Continuing Your Journey in Nicaragua

Once you’ve crossed the border, your next step is to arrange transport within Nicaragua. Buses to nearby destinations like Rivas or San Juan del Sur are readily available and depart regularly from just outside the immigration office. If you’re heading further afield, like to Managua or Granada, you may need to catch a connecting bus from Rivas. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or book a private transfer if you prefer a more direct route. Regardless of your destination, you’ll find plenty of options to continue your journey from the border.

Organized Shuttles

If convenience is your top priority, organized shuttles offer a hassle-free way to travel from Costa Rica to Nicaragua. Companies like Caribe Shuttle and Interbus provide door-to-door service from popular locations such as San José, Liberia, and Tamarindo to destinations in Nicaragua like San Juan del Sur and Granada. These shuttles typically cost between $50 and $80 USD per person and include assistance with the border crossing process, making them a great choice for travelers who prefer not to deal with the complexities of border logistics.