Welcome to Nicaragua: Complete Augusto Sandino Airport Arrival Guide (2026)
Everything you need to know for your arrival at Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA). Transportation, tips, and recommendations for a smooth arrival in Nicaragua.
Contents
Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA)
Augusto C. Sandino International Airport is Nicaragua's main international gateway, located 11 kilometers east of Managua's city center. Named after the revolutionary leader Augusto César Sandino, this airport serves as the primary entry point for travelers exploring Nicaragua's volcanoes, colonial cities, and pristine Pacific beaches.
While modest in size compared to other Central American hubs, the airport provides efficient service and convenient connections to Nicaragua's most popular destinations.
What to Expect Upon Arrival
Immigration Process
Nicaragua's immigration process is straightforward:
- Complete the immigration form (available on the plane)
- Immigration line - Present passport and completed form
- Baggage claim - Single carousel, efficient
- Customs - Declaration form, random inspections
Tip: Have your hotel address and itinerary information ready for immigration questions.
Visa Requirements
Nicaragua is part of the CA-4 agreement (with Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador), sharing a 90-day tourist allowance.
Citizens from the US, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, and many other countries receive 90 days upon arrival. Requirements:
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- Proof of onward travel
- Proof of funds ($50 USD per day recommended)
- Accommodation details
- Tourist card fee: $10 USD (paid at immigration)
CA-4 Note: Your 90 days is shared if traveling between CA-4 countries.
Transportation from the Airport
Private Transfer (Recommended)
The most comfortable and safest option, especially for first-time visitors.
- To Managua hotels: $20-30 USD
- To Granada: $40-60 USD
- To León: $50-70 USD
- To San Juan del Sur: $80-120 USD
Book in advance through your hotel or services like Nicatrip or GetYourGuide.
Official Airport Taxis
Authorized taxis with fixed rates operate from the designated stand inside the airport terminal.
- To Managua Centro: $15-25 USD
- To Metrocentro area: $15-20 USD
- To Granada: $35-50 USD
Important: Only use taxis from inside the terminal with fixed-rate tickets. Avoid solicitors outside.
Shuttle Services
Shared shuttles operate to popular destinations:
- Granada shuttles: $15-20 USD per person
- León shuttles: $20-25 USD per person
- Usually depart when full or at scheduled times
- Book through hotels or shuttle companies
Rental Cars
Several agencies operate at the airport:
- Budget, Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Dollar
- Local options: Lugo Rent A Car
- Useful for independent exploration
- Roads vary in quality - 4WD recommended for some areas
- GPS essential
Practical Tips for Your Arrival
Currency Exchange
- Local currency: Córdoba (NIO or C$)
- Exchange rate: approximately C$36.5 = $1 USD
- USD widely accepted at hotels and tourist businesses
- ATMs available at the airport (dispense Córdobas)
- Exchange bureaus inside terminal
- Keep small Córdoba bills for local purchases
SIM Cards and Connectivity
Stay connected in Nicaragua:
- Claro and Movistar have airport kiosks
- Tourist SIM: $10-15 USD for data package
- Coverage good in cities, spotty in rural areas
- Free airport WiFi available
- Most hotels offer WiFi
Safety Considerations
Nicaragua has become increasingly safe for tourists:
- Use only official airport taxis
- Avoid walking alone at night in Managua
- Tourist areas (Granada, León, San Juan del Sur) are very safe
- Keep valuables secure during transit
- Use hotel safes for passports
Weather Preparation
Nicaragua has a tropical climate:
- Dry season (November-April): 28-35°C (82-95°F), hot and sunny
- Rainy season (May-October): 26-32°C (79-90°F), afternoon storms
- Pacific coast: Hot year-round
- Highlands and volcanoes: Cooler
- Bring sunscreen and light, breathable clothing
Connecting to Popular Destinations
To Granada (45 min - 1 hour)
Nicaragua's most beautiful colonial city, sitting on the shores of Lake Nicaragua.
Best option: Private transfer or shared shuttle
Explore our Granada colonial hotels guide and discover the iconic Hotel Plaza Colón.
To León (1.5 - 2 hours)
Nicaragua's intellectual capital, known for colonial churches, revolutionary murals, and volcano boarding at Cerro Negro.
Best option: Private transfer or shuttle
To San Juan del Sur (2 - 2.5 hours)
Nicaragua's premier beach town, famous for surfing, nightlife, and the Sunday Funday pool crawl.
Best option: Private transfer or shuttle
Discover our San Juan del Sur surf lodges guide.
To Ometepe Island (3 hours + ferry)
A unique island formed by two volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua.
Best option: Transfer to Rivas + ferry to Moyogalpa
To Corn Islands (1 hour flight)
Caribbean paradise with pristine beaches and world-class diving.
Best option: Domestic flight from Managua (La Costeña Airlines)
Volcano Adventures
Nicaragua is the "Land of Lakes and Volcanoes" with incredible hiking opportunities:
- Cerro Negro: Volcano boarding (near León)
- Masaya Volcano: See the lava lake at night
- Mombacho Volcano: Cloud forest hike near Granada
- Concepción & Maderas: Twin volcanoes on Ometepe
Many tours depart from Granada or León - consider those cities as bases.
Managua: Gateway or Skip?
Most travelers use Managua only as a transit point. However, if staying:
- Worth seeing: Masaya Artisan Market (30 min from city)
- Loma de Tiscapa: City views and historical site
- Limited colonial architecture (destroyed in 1972 earthquake)
- Good restaurants and nightlife in Zona Hippos
Most visitors recommend heading directly to Granada or León.
Domestic Flights
La Costeña operates domestic flights from Managua:
Destinations:
- Corn Island (BEF) - 1 hour
- Bluefields - 45 minutes
- Puerto Cabezas - 1 hour
Useful for reaching the Caribbean coast quickly.
Departure Information
When leaving Nicaragua from MGA:
- Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights
- Departure tax: $42 USD (sometimes included in ticket)
- Small duty-free area available
- Limited food options after security
- Exchange remaining Córdobas before departure
Nicaragua Travel Tips
Getting Around
- Chicken buses: Cheap but crowded local transport
- Express buses: Better comfort between cities
- Shuttles: Tourist-oriented, door-to-door service
- Taxis: Negotiate rates in advance
Money Tips
- ATMs widely available in cities
- Carry cash for small towns
- US dollars accepted but change given in Córdobas
- Credit cards accepted at hotels and tourist restaurants
Conclusion
Arriving at Augusto Sandino International Airport opens the door to one of Central America's most authentic destinations. From the colonial splendor of Granada to world-class surfing in San Juan del Sur and unique volcano adventures, Nicaragua offers incredible value and unforgettable experiences.
Explore our complete Nicaragua hotels guide to plan your perfect stay in this beautiful country.
¡Bienvenidos a Nicaragua - Tierra de Lagos y Volcanes!
