Managua has a new international airport. Continental, American and Taca fly there from the US. However it is usually cheaper to fly to Costa Rica. Three buslines, TicaBus, Transnica Bus and Center Line run daily from San Jose to Managua stopping in Granada en route. These are comfortable air conditioned buses that cost only $10.00 one way. It is necessary to buy your bus ticket in person at the bus stations in San Jose. (Each busline leaves from a different terminal.) The bus trip takes a full day because you cross 2 borders. The crossings are not difficult but can be lengthy.

Nature Air www.natureair.com flies from San Jose to Granada. Several other airlines (Taca) fly from San Jose to Managua.

You cannot drive a rental car across the border from San Jose to Nicaragua. Budget Rental has an office on the Nicaraguan side of the border.

A passport is needed but a visa is not required. Once you enter Nicaragua US citizens can stay for 90 days.