Reviewed Oct 29, 2026
León is 1 h 30 by minibus from UCA. The beaches of Poneloya and Las Peñitas are 30 minutes further on a bus that leaves from the Subtiava market.
Express minibuses from UCA every 20 minutes (C$70–80, 1 h 30), or local buses from Israel Lewites (C$55–65, 2 h 15). Both arrive at La Terminal, north-east of León's centre.
The bus leaves from the Subtiava market, west of the centre (taxi C$20–30 per person or a 25-minute walk from the cathedral). It leaves when full, roughly hourly, from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM, C$12–20. It passes Poneloya first and ends in Las Peñitas.
The last bus back from Las Peñitas leaves around 6:00 PM; after that only taxis (C$150–250, agree the price). Several León hostels run shuttles to the beaches and to Cerro Negro volcano for sandboarding.
Approximate cost
Managua–León C$70–80 + beach bus C$12–20.
Send it to whoever is travelling with you.