We backpackers are notoriously good at making our budgets go as far as possible, no matter the length of the trip, the countries or the exchange rate. We will make it work and have a good time doing so. Rather than flying, a great way to stretch the budget is the Panama to Nicaragua bus journey.
For me, travelling Central and South America, I decided to skip Costa Rica and my bank account was very grateful.
But why?
Costa Rica lies in the heart of Central America and is home to astounding wildlife, beautiful beaches and little surf towns. However popular it may be, it is also very expensive…
As I was lucky enough to be travelling all of Central America for 3 months, I made the decision to travel through the country from Panama to Nicaragua with only one night in San Jose. Although I would have loved to experience it, I’d been advised by many fellow travellers that much of what is available in Costa Rica, is available in the other Central American countries too but at a more affordable rate.
So how did I travel from Panama to Nicaragua? How did I get from Bocas del Toro to San Jose and then San Juan del Sur? Let’s go through it step by step:
The Panama to Nicaragua Bus Journey
Starting point: Bocas del Toro
Although I didn’t stay there, I was advised to go to Selena Hostel in Bocas del Toro as they organise transfers from Bocas to Puerto Viejo and San Jose.
At $40 per person, the journey which crosses the border, is all organised for you.
Included in the price is:
-
- The boat to Almirante on the mainland.
- A shuttle from Almirante to the border.
- A coach from the border to San Jose.
Travelling from Bocas del Toro to San Jose
07:30 – Get on the boat from Bocas del Toro to Almirante, a 30-minute journey. When you get off the boat there will be people expecting you and ready to take you to your shuttle.
08:00 – Escorted to the correct minibus. The journey to the border is then about 45 minutes. Have your passport at the ready as they check your ID during this section of the journey.
09:00 – Arrive at the Panama Exit where you get off the shuttle with all your belongings and receive your exit stamp at the migration desk.
Don’t forget to pay your entrance and exit fees. This is a container opposite your exit immigration desk (or opposite the Panama entry desk if you come the other way). Entrance and exit cost $4 each so $8 in total. You will need this in cash.
09:30/09:45 – Walk over the bridge to your second immigration desk, this time it is entry to Costa Rica. In my experience I was not asked for proof of onward travel or any other information, I got my entry stamp and was on my way.
Note: border crossing experiences tend to change from one person to the next so there is no guarantee that you won’t be asked for proof of onward travel, make sure to have everything prepared before the Panama to Nicaragua bus journey.
Remember that if you have come from Panama the clocks will go back another hour. We forgot… and that will also explain why I jump straight to 11 am:
11:00 – We had to wait an hour and then at 11 am we got on our coach. There is a stop 3 hours in for food and toilet. Do not throw your ticket, they checked ours so often on this journey so have it accessible.
16:30/17:00 – Arrival to San Jose.
If you are travelling through Costa Rica like myself, I would consider staying one night here to break up your journey. I did this and I’m so glad I did as it meant I had time to rest, get some food for the journey and figure out the next part of the route with my hostel staff.
Travelling from San Jose to San Juan del Sur
This part of the journey felt the most confusing, but don’t panic! It’s actually quite straightforward.
There are a variety of companies that make this bus journey from San Jose to San Juan del Sur, you will just need to evaluate which is the best for your schedule. It’s worth noting that the price of the tickets doesn’t vary much between companies which makes the decision easier.
These are the different bus companies that travel between San Jose and Nicaragua:
- https://nicabus.com.ni/en/
- https://ventas.transnica.com/
- https://www.ticabus.com/Reservation/index#close
I travelled with Ticabus and I have no complaints. It was a very comfortable and safe journey and they helped us with the Costa Rica – Nicaragua border crossing and all the paperwork that was needed.
My journey from San Jose to San Juan del Sur:
07:00 – Arrived at San Jose Ticabus Terminal. We paid our Costa Rican exit fee of $8 and filled in the immigration form provided by the bus company. They put your bags on the bus for you.
07:30 – Our bus left on time for the border.
13:00 – Time to complete the Costa Rican exit border control, they stamp your passport and you get back on the bus.
13:30 – Off the bus again for the Nicaraguan border control. This time you take all your bags with you off of the bus. Entrance to immigration was $1 and then you will pay a further $13 at the desk. They ask a few questions regarding your stay, you pay the tax and then your luggage goes through the scanner.
13:45 – Back on the bus.
14:30 – For San Juan del Sur, I got off at Rivas and then walked a little further up the road to a service station. Here I jumped in a chicken bus (big yellow school bus) all the way to San Juan del Sur. Alternatively, you can get a taxi. They will try and tell you no more buses are running but don’t listen, they just want your business!
Enjoy your stay in Nicaragua! And don’t miss Sunday Funday in San Juan del Sur…
We hope our Panama to Nicaragua bus journey breakdown has helped!!
Check out our other Central America articles HERE.
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