Bus from Rivas to Managua
Local Pullmans + microbuses · ~2 hours via Pan-American Highway · US$3-25 · Multiple daily + Costa Rica border + MGA airport connection
Why choose Spring Bus?
Spring Bus is the best way to find bus tickets from Rivas to Managua
Plan your perfect trip
Find and book your bus tickets in just a few clicks.
Best prices
We partner with top bus companies to provide you with the best prices available.
Flexible Booking
Change your travel plans as needed with our flexible booking options.
The Rivas → Managua return route is the standard transit for travelers arriving from Ometepe / San Juan del Sur / Costa Rica border heading to Managua + onward to MGA airport or other Nicaragua destinations.
Spring Bus connects you to operators on this route — local Pullmans + microbuses + cross-border Tica Bus / Transnica, same as inverse direction.
Route details: Rivas to Managua
Travel time
2 h
Distance
115 km
Typical fare
$3 – $25 USD per person
Frequency
Multiple daily Pullmans + microbuses every 30-60 min
First departure
Approx. 5:00 AM
Last departure
Approx. 6:30 PM
Operators on this route
Local Pullmans · Microbuses · Tica Bus / Transnica / Pullmantur cross-border
Pickup at Rivas
Rivas central bus terminal
Drop-off at Managua
Mercado Roberto Huembes terminal + MGA airport for flights
About the journey
The Rivas → Managua return is the standard transit for travelers arriving from Ometepe (via San Jorge ferry), San Juan del Sur, or Costa Rica (Peñas Blancas) heading north to Managua + onward to MGA airport.
Travel tips for Rivas → Managua
- Costa Rica arrivals via Peñas Blancas: Tica Bus / Transnica direct to Managua, or local bus + walk-across border then Rivas microbus.
- From Ometepe: ferry to San Jorge (~1 h) + taxi to Rivas (~5 km, $2-5 USD) + Pullman to Managua.
- Onward to MGA airport — taxi from Mercado Roberto Huembes (~$15-25 USD).
- Onward to Granada — microbus from Managua (~1 h, $1-25 USD).
- Onward to León — Pullman from Managua (~2 h, $3-7 USD).
- Don't linger at Managua terminals after dark — taxi to hotel or airport.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bus from Rivas to Managua?
**About 2 hours** — same as inverse direction.
How much is the bus from Rivas to Managua?
**US$3-7 per person** on local Pullman. **US$15-25 per person** on Tica Bus / Transnica cross-border Pullman from Costa Rica.
Can I make a same-day MGA international flight?
**Yes for most international flights.** Early Rivas Pullman (~5-6 AM) arrives Managua ~7-8 AM, taxi to MGA airport. Most international flights depart 6 AM - 10 PM.
I just crossed from Costa Rica at Peñas Blancas — what now?
**Take a local bus from the border to Rivas** (~30 min, $3-8 USD), then onward Pullman or microbus to Managua (~2 h, $3-7 USD). Or stay on the Tica Bus / Transnica that brought you across — it continues direct to Managua.
What time do buses leave Rivas for Managua?
**Multiple daily — every 30-60 minutes** from 5 AM to 6:30 PM.
Going the other direction?