Using public transportation can be our biggest fear when in a country like Nicaragua. We don’t know what to expect, we ask ourselves-will it be safe? How will I know where to get off? Will I get on the right bus? The public transportation experience can be riddled with anxiety. Here’s some information about your options and some tips to make the whole thing easier.
• Buses. You’ll see different kinds of buses on the road. Nice, comfortable coach buses are usually only for travel from one border to another or from Managua to either border. These buses only make predetermined stops so they cannot be used for short distance travel. Most regular buses in Nicaragua are old retired school buses that have been painted in bright colors. These are very cheap and crowded. These buses make lots of stops so if you board one you should be prepared to spend a lot of time on the bus. Expreso buses are more expensive, ($0.25-0.50 USD extra) but they make less stops and are slightly less crowded. On any bus just tell the bus driver where you’re going and he’ll tell you where to get off.
• Minibuses. These cover the same distances as the regular buses for a higher price and added comfort. Get on, tell them where you need to stop along the established route, give them the money and sit down. These are usually much faster than buses but they can get crowded. It’s not rare to see a 20 person van filled with 30 passengers, some even standing.
• Taxis. Official taxis in Nicaragua have red license plates. Most are collective taxis which means you won’t be their only passenger. Agree on the price before getting on the taxi and if you’re boarding an empty taxi try to find others going in the same direction to fill the taxi right away. This will lower your fee. Ask locals about prices before you agree on a price with the cab driver.
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Caponera (mototaxis). These usually gather at different spots in a town and will pick up other passengers along the way. They usually only fit 4-5 people, although sometimes you can see extra passengers hanging off the sides. Caponeras are very affordable and perfect for short distance travel.
• Bicycle Taxis. These are very common in some smaller towns and a cheap option for short distance travel. The driver will pedal you to any destination within the town. These are not usually collective and they fit up to 3 people. A very cheap and fun way to travel.
• Horse drawn carriages. Some older colonial towns like Rivas, Granada and others also have many horse drawn carriages. For a small price they will give you a ride around town, take you to all the places to see and finally drop you off at your destination. This is a fun activity and a good way to travel short distances if you have the time.
For more information on the public transportation system click here.
Public transportation doesn’t have to be scary. Now what your options are and ask the locals. It won’t be long before you know how to get around in Nicaragua.
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Hello, I am traveling to Managua in December. From what I have been told is that public city buses are very dangerous and it would be best to avoid them. Would you recommend public buses? Or would be renting a a better safer option?
Buses themselves aren’t very dangerous. You do have to be careful with your things, don’t carry lots of money or your passport. The problem is where you get on and off. One common scam is for people to tell you that you can get where you’re going faster if you get off where they’re getting off, then they mug you. Other than that, not very dangerous.