Reviewed Oct 29, 2026
Popoyo, Tola's surf beach, has a single direct afternoon bus from Managua. At any other time, get to Rivas and take the Las Salinas bus, about 3 h 30 in total.
Travellers report an express leaving Huembes at 3:00 PM and reaching Las Salinas around dusk (C$120–140). The return passes Las Salinas between 5:00 and 5:30 AM.
Express buses from Huembes every 40 minutes, 1 h 45, C$90–100.
The Las Salinas bus leaves the Rivas terminal at 5:30, 9:10 and 11:00 AM and at 2:30, 4:00 and 4:50 PM (sometimes also at 12:50). It goes via Tola, takes 1 h 30 and costs C$40–50. Get off in Las Salinas or at the Playa Guasacate turn-off and continue 2–4 km on foot or by mototaxi.
Taxi from Rivas US$25–35, about 45 minutes. Popoyo hostels arrange shared shuttles from San Juan del Sur or Granada for US$15–30.
Approximate cost
Direct C$120–140. With a change: Managua–Rivas C$90–100 + Las Salinas bus C$40–50. Taxi from Rivas US$25–35.
Send it to whoever is travelling with you.
How to get to Ometepe island by bus and ferry
Ometepe is reached by ferry or small boat from the port of San Jorge, 15 minutes from Rivas. From Managua the whole trip takes about 3 hours and costs under C$200 (US$5).
Read guide →
How to get to San Juan del Sur by bus
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.
Read guide →
Nicaragua → Costa Rica by bus: direct coach or the Peñas Blancas border
You can take a direct international coach from Managua to San José (Tica Bus or TransNica, about 9 hours) or, cheaper, local buses to the Peñas Blancas border and Costa Rican buses onward.
Read guide →