Augusto C. Sandino International Airport connects to central Managua in just 20-30 minutes, covering the 12 km distance by taxi through Nicaragua's sprawling, low-rise capital city.

About Managua City Center

Managua is one of Central America's most unusual capital cities — largely rebuilt after the devastating 1972 earthquake, it lacks a traditional center and instead sprawls across a wide, flat area along the southern shore of Lake Managua (Lake Xolotlán). The old downtown, never fully rebuilt, now features scattered monuments including the ruins of the Old Cathedral, the National Palace of Culture (now a museum), and the Plaza de la Revolución.

The lakefront Malecón has been developed into a recreational promenade with restaurants, the Salvador Allende Port, and evening entertainment, though the lake itself remains too polluted for swimming. The modern commercial life has shifted to other areas: Metrocentro and Galerías Santo Domingo malls serve as the city's de facto social centers, while Carretera Masaya, the road heading southeast, is lined with restaurants, bars, and shopping.

Managua serves primarily as a transit point for travelers heading to Nicaragua's more tourist-oriented destinations: Granada (a beautifully preserved colonial city, 45 minutes away), León (the cultural and university capital, 90 minutes), Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua, and the Pacific coast surf beaches of San Juan del Sur.

Nearby Landmarks

Old Cathedral Ruins National Palace Malecón lakefront Metrocentro Mall

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost Varies by traffic
Time 20-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. At the airport, proceed to the taxi area outside arrivals
2. Negotiate a taxi fare to your destination (typically $15-20 to central Managua)
3. Radio taxis (called in advance) are safer than street taxis — ask your hotel to arrange
4. The drive takes 20-30 minutes through the city
5. For Granada: shared minibuses depart from UCA terminal (C$40, 60 min) — take a taxi there
6. Uber is available in Managua but coverage is inconsistent

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi Varies by traffic 20-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Airport taxis operate 24 hours with negotiated fares. Uber has limited but growing coverage in Managua. Regular taxis are abundant but should be pre-arranged or called by phone (radio taxis) rather than hailed on the street, especially at night. Taxi fare from the airport to central Managua is approximately $15-20 (C$500-700). The Zona Hippos and Carretera Masaya restaurant areas have active nightlife until midnight or later on weekends.

Luggage Tips

Managua taxis can handle standard luggage. The city is entirely car-dependent with no practical public transit for tourists with bags. Hotels range from international chains (Hilton Princess, Intercontinental) to budget options, all with drive-up access. If continuing to Granada or León, intercity buses depart from the UCA terminal or Mercado Roberto Huembes, both accessible by taxi. Express minibuses to Granada leave from UCA.

Accessibility

Managua has very limited accessibility infrastructure. Sidewalks are often missing, broken, or obstructed. The airport itself is small but manageable. Hotels of international standard (Hilton, Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza) have accessible rooms. The city's lack of pedestrian infrastructure means wheelchair users are essentially dependent on private vehicles. Intercity tourist shuttles to Granada are not wheelchair accessible.