Getting Around San Juan Del Sur. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation

Local "chicken buses" serve routes connecting San Juan del Sur with Rivas and other smaller towns. They are very inexpensive but often crowded and make frequent stops.

Colectivos (Shared Taxis) run on fixed routes, generally faster and more direct than buses. They gather multiple passengers heading in the same direction, making them a fine choice for small groups.

Details & Tips

San Juan del Sur's main bus stop acts as a central point for departures. Formal route maps may not appear.
Pay cash directly to the driver or conductor. Fares are low (US$1-US$3 for short distances).
Buses typically run from early morning (5-6 AM) until late afternoon (6-7 PM). Services get less frequent after dark.
Public buses lack wheelchair access and may include steep steps.

Prepare for Crowds

Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak hours. Travel light if possible.

Exact Change

Keep small bills (Córdobas or U.S. Dollars) or exact change ready for fares.

Ask Locals

Inquire with locals or your accommodation for the right bus to your destination.

Boarding Tips

Quick Boarding

Be ready to board fast, as buses do not always linger.
Avoid large luggage if possible for crowded rides.
Confirm destination before boarding to avoid wrong routes.

Commuter Etiquette

Offer seats to elderly passengers or those with children.
Keep noise levels low, especially on crowded buses.
Windows are often open; watch for your belongings near them.

Money-Saving Strategies

Eat Local

Dine at comedores for cheap, authentic meals.

Walk Often

San Juan del Sur town is walkable; save on taxis.

Use Filter Bottle

Avoid buying bottled water; use a filter.

Bargain Wisely

Respectfully bargain at markets.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis present a straightforward way to get around San Juan del Sur, especially for longer distances or when carrying luggage. Taxis are typically red or white sedans and ought to show a taxi sign.

Hailing & Fares

You can flag them on the street, find them at designated stands, or ask your hotel to get one for you.
Fares are commonly discussed before you begin the ride.
Within town, expect US$1-US$3. To nearby surf beaches, fares might range US$5-US$15.
Pay in cash (NIO or USD).

Ride-Sharing & Safety

Major international ride-sharing apps (Uber, Lyft) are commonly not present.
Some local drivers may use WhatsApp for bookings.
Always agree on the fare before entering the taxi.
Use care when taking any transport at night. Using trusted drivers suggested by your accommodation is always a wise idea.

Moto-Taxis

These are common for short distances within town.
Generally safe for daytime use.
An inexpensive option for quick trips.

Function similarly to shared taxis for short routes.
Confirm if a helmet is available and use it.
Best for solo travelers or small groups.

Airport/Station Taxi Arrangements

Availability

Taxis are readily available upon arrival at Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Costa Rica, and at bus stations in Rivas.

Fare Negotiation

Negotiate the fare to San Juan del Sur before beginning your journey to avoid any misunderstandings.

Pre-booking

For added comfort, especially for late arrivals or early departures, consider pre-booking a taxi through your accommodation.

Rental Options

Car rental choices are few directly in San Juan del Sur. It is preferable to rent from Managua airport or Liberia (Costa Rica).

Car Rentals

A valid driver's license from your home country is needed, and often an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Costs differ based on vehicle type and rental duration.
A 4x4 vehicle is often suggested for unpaved roads, especially in wet season.
Road conditions vary; main highways are paved, but roads to surf beaches get rough.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

These are favored choices for navigating the town and reaching nearby surf beaches.
Several rental shops function in San Juan del Sur.
Always wear a helmet, which the rental company ought to give.
Daily rental rates typically range from US$20-US$40.

Driving Laws & Parking

Driving Laws

Keep to the right side of the road. Seatbelts are required. Speed limits are shown, but local drivers might not always follow them.

Be aware of pedestrians, cyclists, and animals on the road.

Road Conditions

Roads within the town are typically paved. Roads leading to surf beaches can be rough, unpaved, dusty in dry season, and muddy/potholed in wet season.

Night driving is not suggested due to poor lighting and unmarked obstacles.

Parking Information

Street parking is frequent in San Juan del Sur. Park in well-lit areas and note security.

Do not leave valuables in plain sight inside your vehicle.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian Areas & Routes

San Juan del Sur's town center is very easy to walk; most amenities are reachable on foot.
The beachfront promenade is a nice area for leisurely strolls.
A walk up to the Jesus de la Misericordia statue is a favored, though strenuous, self-guided hike.

Cycling & Safety

Dedicated cycling setup is limited; cyclists use roads with vehicles.
Use care when cycling, especially on busier streets. Always note traffic and road conditions.
Do not walk or cycle alone on unlit beaches or quiet, isolated streets at night due to petty crime concerns.

Specialized Transportation & Tips

Dedicated hop-on-hop-off tour buses are infrequent.
"Pangas" (small open boats) travel for surf trips or scenic tours.
The moto-taxi (tuk-tuk) is a distinct local transport option for short distances.
Services specifically for travelers with mobility challenges are few. Public transportation lacks access.

Many tour operators present organized excursions with comfortable bus transportation.
Arrange boat trips directly with local operators at the pier.
For reaching surf beaches simply, think about a surf shuttle. They are handy and give direct routes to popular breaks.

Navigation Tip

Keep a local map (digital or physical) handy for navigating town and nearby areas.

For rural roads, asking locals for directions is often more reliable than GPS.

Getting Around San Juan Del Sur