By Bus
Nicaragua has an extensive and cheap bus network. The workhorse of local transport is the "chicken bus" — retired US school buses that travel between cities and towns. Fares are very low (rarely more than a few dollars for cross-country trips) and buses run frequently on main routes. In Managua, buses depart from several terminals depending on direction: Mercado Mayoreo for northern and Caribbean coast routes, Mercado Israel Lewites (also called Mercado Boer) for the south and Masaya/Granada, and the UCA terminal for Granada, Rivas, and the Costa Rica border.
For longer intercity journeys (Granada–León, Managua–Matagalpa), minibuses operate alongside the chicken buses and are faster, though marginally more expensive.
International bus companies Ticabus and Transnica run comfortable coaches between Managua and other Central American capitals.
By Shuttle
Tourist shuttle services connect the main traveler destinations — Granada, León, San Juan del Sur, Ometepe, the Corn Islands (via connections) — and are more comfortable than chicken buses. They cost significantly more, but the convenience is real if you're carrying luggage or traveling between towns that require awkward connections.
By Ferry
To reach Isla Ometepe, take a bus or taxi to San Jorge (near Rivas) and board the ferry to Moyogalpa on the island. The crossing takes about an hour. Ferries run throughout the day from roughly 5:30am to 6:30pm, carry vehicles as well as passengers, and are regular enough that you rarely need to book ahead. On the island, rent a motorbike or hire a driver — buses exist but are infrequent.
The Corn Islands are reached by a La Costeña flight from Managua (about an hour) or by a long combination of bus and boat via El Rama and Bluefields — a journey of 12+ hours that some find adventurous and others exhausting.
By Taxi
Taxis are available in all cities. In Managua, use radio-dispatched taxis arranged through your hotel, or taxi apps where available, rather than flagging unknown cabs — "express kidnapping" from unofficial taxis has been reported in the capital. In other cities, taxis are shared (colectivos) and very cheap; you negotiate the fare before getting in.
By Car
Rental cars are available in Managua from international companies. Driving yourself gives access to destinations hard to reach by bus, particularly along the Pacific coast. Roads are paved between major cities; secondary roads can be rough. Drive defensively — road conditions and lighting can be poor, and animals on roads are a hazard in rural areas. An international driving permit is useful alongside your home license.
Domestic Flights
La Costeña operates small-plane flights between Managua and Bluefields, Puerto Cabezas, the Corn Islands, and a few other destinations. These are the only practical option for reaching the Corn Islands without a two-day overland slog.