Managua Augusto C. Sandino Layover Guide (MGA)

What are you looking for in MGA?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Managua Airport (MGA) is an international airport located in Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua. It’s situated about 11 km (6.8 miles) from downtown Managua. The airport officially opened in 1968. Managua is the largest city in Nicaragua and serves as the country’s political, cultural, and economic hub. It’s known for its warm climate, vibrant local markets, and proximity to lakes and volcanoes, offering visitors unique natural and cultural experiences.

Can you leave Managua Airport (MGA) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
On a layover at Managua (MGA), you may leave the airport if you satisfy entry rules. Nationals of 90+ exempt countries buy a US$10 tourist card on arrival for stays up to 90 days. Other travelers may transit visa-free within 24 h with an onward ticket. Check official eligibility before travel. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• National Palace of Culture Historic government building housing art exhibitions and cultural heritage displays. Explore murals, learn about revolutionary art movements, browse gift shops selling local handicrafts. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 minutes.)
• Old Cathedral Ruins Photogenic pink ruins of the 1938 cathedral destroyed by earthquakes. Stroll around the haunting interior, take dramatic photos, and learn about Managua’s seismic history. Stop at informative plaques detailing past tremors, enjoy street food vendors offering traditional snacks. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 minutes.)
• Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve Serene volcanic lagoon perched atop Tiscapa crater rim with panoramic city views. Walk trails shaded by mango trees, spot local wildlife, and snap sunset photos over tranquil waters. Enjoy informative guide signage. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~10 minutes.)
• Rubén Darío National Theatre Elegant 1969-designed venue honoring Nicaragua’s famed poet. Inside, admire frescoes, catch a ballet rehearsal, or tour backstage corridors lined with portraits celebrating Darío’s literary legacy. Attend guided tours highlighting architectural significance. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 minutes.)
• Puerto Salvador Allende Modern waterfront promenade along Lake Managua featuring restaurants, cafés, and artisan stalls. Rent a paddleboat for lake exploration, sample fresh ceviche, and enjoy lively local music in evenings. Take photos of colorful gondolas. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 minutes.)
• Plaza de la Revolución Spacious civic square commemorating Nicaraguan independence with monuments and fountains. Sit by the iconic lion sculptures, observe local gatherings, and photograph grand views of government buildings. Visit at sunset for dramatic lighting. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi ~10 minutes.)
• Mercado Roberto Huembes Bustling market selling fresh produce, spices, and handcrafted souvenirs. Navigate crowded aisles to taste tropical fruits, haggle for leather goods, and experience authentic Managua daily life in vibrant stalls. Chat with friendly vendors. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 minutes.)
• Masaya Volcano National Park Active volcano offering night-time lava lake views and crater hikes. Explore illuminated sulfur trails, observe glowing magma, and learn about volcanic geology at on-site visitor center. Guided tours available from dusk. (Time required: 4 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~45 minutes.)

Things to Do in Managua Airport (MGA)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The sole airside Sala VIP on the second floor offers pay-per-use access (US $30 + VAT). It features natural light, tropical décor, comfortable seating, TVs and free Wi-Fi. Ideal for business or leisure travellers seeking a quiet, well-staffed environment to unwind, work or entertain guests before departure. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels cluster around MGA, most offering free or low-cost airport shuttles. Best Western Las Mercedes sits opposite the terminal with pool, restaurant, gym and 24-hour reception. Runway Hostel and Airport X Managua also provide shuttle service, free Wi-Fi and private rooms, ensuring convenient, comfortable stays for all budgets. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are no dedicated rest zones, cots or sleeping pods airside or landside. Seating is limited to benches; floors are hard and cold, and noise persists overnight. Travellers report airport staff tolerate overnight stays, but bring a travel blanket or sleeping bag for comfort and earplugs to reduce disturbance.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: MGA offers free passenger Wi-Fi via SSID “MGA free Wi-Fi” with 240-minute sessions. To connect, select the network, register through the captive portal and submit basic details. Wi-Fi is available landside and airside, covering departure lounges, gate areas and common spaces without charge or data cap within session limits.

SIM/eSIM Card: Landside kiosks operated by Claro and Tigo sell prepaid SIM cards starting around US $5 with local voice and data plans. eSIM profiles for major Nicaraguan operators can be purchased online before travel. Mobile coverage throughout Nicaragua is generally good; top-ups and data bundles are available at airport shops. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Managua Airport (MGA) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official “taxis de confianza” queue outside arrivals offering fixed-rate trips: roughly US $8–10 to downtown or US $20 within Metro Managua. Meters are uncommon and fares may vary by time or passengers. Pre-booked taxis and meet-and-greet services through providers like Welcome Pickups ensure set rates and English-speaking drivers.

Train: There is no passenger train service in Nicaragua, and no rail connections to or from MGA. Rail transport in Nicaragua is defunct, so travellers must rely on road-based options for all ground transfers. more info.

Bus: Landside bus stops along the Carretera Norte serve local routes 169 and 266 to Managua’s center, plus interregional buses to Tipitapa, Boaco, Matagalpa and Jinotega. Fares are minimal (≈C 10), board directly at marked bays. Buses run from dawn until late evening. (more info)

Shuttle: Shared and private shuttle vans operate from arrivals, with fixed fares around US $20–30. Companies like JACS Shuttle and Nica Roads offer hotel transfers and door-to-door service; bookings can be made online or by WhatsApp prior to arrival. Drivers meet you in the arrivals hall.

Car rentals: Major international agencies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise) have counters landside at the terminal front door. Rental requires a credit card, driver aged ≥ 21, and local insurance. Hours typically run 05:00–22:00; returns are on-site with after-hours drop-off options. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: The EAAI-operated lot in front of the terminal offers short-term rates of C 20 per hour or fraction, plus C 10 per additional half-hour for light vehicles; overnight stays cost C 150. Motorcycle and heavy-vehicle rates vary. A 24-hour guard monitors the lot.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

MGA provides no baggage storage or locker facilities landside or airside due to security regulations. Travellers must either carry luggage through the terminal or arrange storage at nearby hotels or third-party services in Managua. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Managua Airport (MGA) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks