Augusto C. Sandino International Airport serves Managua, capital of Nicaragua, approximately 11 km from the city center.
It is the country's primary access point, gateway to the colonial cities of Granada and León and Nicaragua's volcanoes.
How to get to Augusto C. Sandino (Managua) International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to MGA
Parking near Augusto C. Sandino (Managua) International Airport
The official parking is located right in front of the terminal.
Overall, rates are quite reasonable.
How to get to Managua from MGA
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Augusto C. Sandino (Managua) International Airport
The main international car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, useful for reaching Granada, León and the volcanoes.
Required documents are a driver's license, passport and credit card.
Hotels near Augusto C. Sandino (Managua) International Airport
At the airport, Las Mercedes
The Best Western is about 100 metres from the terminal, crossable on foot; it also offers a free shuttle on request.
Best for: Dawn departures and short layovers, for those who want to stay a step from check-in.
- You reach check-in on foot in a few minutes, with no taxis or scheduled shuttles
- Two outdoor pools for those with a long layover between two flights
- Only the airport area around: for dinner you stay in the hotel
- For an evening in Managua you still need 15-20 minutes by taxi
Recommended hotels
Centre and Metrocentro
About 15-20 minutes by taxi from the airport (11-13 km); there is no direct fast connection.
Best for: Business trips and those who want Metrocentro Mall and downtown within a short taxi ride.
- The fastest connection to the airport among the city's hotel areas
- Metrocentro Mall and Rubén Darío square a few steps from the InterContinental
- Few venues open late outside the hotels themselves
- Heavy traffic on the Carretera a Masaya at peak hours
Recommended hotels
- InterContinental Managua at Metrocentro Mall by IHG Across from Metrocentro Mall, on Rubén Darío square in the city centre; four in-house restaurants and a business centre open around the clock. View availability
- Crowne Plaza Managua by IHG A stepped tower recalling a Maya pyramid, on a hill in the city centre; close to the offices of Pricesmart, Banco Ficohsa and Coca-Cola. View availability
Carretera a Masaya and Zona Hippos
About 15-30 minutes by taxi from the airport, depending on the exact point of the corridor (km 4.5-8.2 of the Carretera a Masaya).
Best for: Nightlife and shopping in the city's newest commercial corridor, further from the historic centre.
- Zona Hippos within walking distance of the Hilton Princess, with the highest concentration of evening venues
- Galerías Santo Domingo next to the Hyatt Place, handy for shopping
- A corridor designed for cars: few sidewalks between one shopping centre and the next
- Further from the historic centre and the Palacio Nacional than Metrocentro
Recommended hotels
- Hilton Princess Managua At km 4.5 of the Carretera a Masaya, within walking distance of the Zona Hippos, with the city's highest concentration of restaurants and evening venues. View availability
- Hyatt Place Managua At km 8.2 of the Carretera a Masaya, next to the Galerías Santo Domingo shopping centre; free breakfast included and a lounge area open around the clock. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is of adequate size for its role as the country's main hub.
Those flying with international flights would do well to allow 2.5-3 hours in advance.
Map of Augusto C. Sandino (Managua) International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is it worth using the official taxi desk at the airport?
Yes, it's generally safer and more transparent, with a fixed prepaid fare (20-30 USD), although unofficial taxis can be cheaper if you negotiate.
Q. Is it better to stay in Managua or Granada?
Granada, about 45 minutes from the airport, offers a colorful colonial old town on Lake Nicaragua and is most visitors' preferred choice over the capital.
Q. Does Nicaragua have active volcanoes you can visit?
Yes, several volcanoes such as Masaya (with an active crater you can visit) and Concepción on Ometepe Island are popular hiking destinations.
Q. Is it a good idea to bring US dollars to Nicaragua?
Yes, they are widely accepted in almost all tourist situations, with change often given in córdobas, the official currency; credit cards are nonetheless common at major establishments in Managua.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
