Getting There and Away
The primary transport hub for Ometepe Island is the port of San Jorge, located near the city of Rivas on the mainland. Most travelers will connect through Managua or Granada before reaching San Jorge.
Bus:
A direct bus from Managua to San Jorge takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and costs about $3. Buses also go to Rivas, from where a local bus or taxi can be taken to San Jorge.
Shuttle:
Shared minivan shuttles are available, taking around 2 to 2.5 hours and costing $35 to $150.
Taxi:
A taxi from Managua to San Jorge takes about 1 hour 39 minutes and costs between $110-$140. A private taxi from Managua Airport to San Jorge Port costs approximately $180 for up to 4 people.
From Granada to San Jorge (and then to Ometepe):
Bus + Ferry:
Take a bus from Granada to Rivas (approximately 1.5 hours, 100 Cordobas). From Rivas, take a local bus (15 minutes, 10-20 Cordobas) or a shared taxi ($1.50-$3 per person) to San Jorge. The total journey can take around 6 hours 43 minutes and cost approximately $4-$5.
Shuttle + Ferry:
A shuttle from Granada to Rivas takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and costs around $129. The total journey including the ferry can take about 4 hours 56 minutes.
Direct Ferry from Granada:
A ferry service runs once a week from Granada to Altagracia on Ometepe Island, departing Granada on Mondays at 5:00 PM. This service restarted in October 2021.
From San Jorge to Ometepe Island (Moyogalpa or San José del Sur):
Ferry:
Ferries are the only way to reach Ometepe Island. They depart hourly from San Jorge to Moyogalpa and San José del Sur on Ometepe. The journey takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The cost is 50 Cordobas (around $1.50) per person, plus a $1 port entry fee for non-residents. Vehicles, such as cars and scooters, can be transported on the ferries, but reservations are recommended for cars, especially during peak seasons (November to April).
