Managua Transportation Tips by Stephen-KarenConn Top 5 Page for this destination

Taxis

I found Rolando and his taxi waiting outside a hotel about a block from the one in which I was staying. Because he was well groomed and seemed eager to please I decided to ask him to take me for a personal tour of Managua. First I wrote out a list of places I especially wanted to see, from my Lonely Planet guidebook. I presented this to Rolando and he gave me a reasonable price to take me to the sights and be my personal guide - although he knew no English and my Spanish is rather limited. Rolando was very proud to be an independent businessman who owned his own taxi, which is a significant accomplishment for a young man in Nicaragua.

It turned out to be a great deal for both of us. We spent a half day seeing the major sites of Managua, including a couple that I did not know to ask about. I was so pleased with Rolando's service that I gave him a generous tip, which meant both of us were happy.

Mode: AROUND

Type: Car/Motor Home

Tica Bus

Bus transportation is easy, efficient and inexpensive in Central America. I traveled from Guatamala City to Managua via Tica Bus, one of a handful of first class bus lines which connect the Central American countries.

The trip was in two legs. On the first day we left in the early afternoon for a four hour ride to San Salvador, El Salvador, where the bus and all the passengers stopped for the night. The next day was much longer, 12 hours, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., and included two border crossings as we traveled through El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. The bus stopped to clear immigration and customs at both borders - which was no real hassle. We made only one other 20 minute stop, for gas and food in Honduras. The bus was modern, comfortable, air conditioned and restroom equipped. They also showed about three movies along the way, but I preferred to keep my nose glued to the window and view the passing countryside. I also met several interesting people on the bus - local folks, businessmen and backpackers from various parts of the world. It was a very pleasant and memorable travel experience. the total cost, round trip, was only $90US, which is hundreds of dollars less than an airline ticket from Guatemala City to Managua.

The Tica Bus station in Managua was heavily guarded. In the last photo you will see the high gate which was opened just long enough to allow our bus to enter, and then shut and locked behind us. Armed guards were on duty around the clock.

Mode: TO

Phone: (505) 222-6094

Type: Bus

Website: http://www.ticabus.com