Border Fees, CA-4 Visa Rules, Buses, Taxis & Beach Shuttles
If you’re planning to travel overland between Costa Rica and San Juan del Sur, this guide breaks down exactly :
- Border crossing fees (Peñas Blancas)
- CA-4 visa rules for French citizens
- Bus routes and prices
- Taxi costs
- Beach shuttles from San Juan del Sur
All prices listed are recent and paid in cash.
If you’re still planning where to stay or what to see, check my guides : Best Beaches in San Juan del Sur (2026 Guide) & Backpacker’s Guide to San Juan del Sur (Budget to Luxury)
CA-4 Visa Rules (For French Travelers)
Nicaragua is part of the CA-4 agreement with:
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- El Salvador
- Nicaragua
As a French citizen, you receive 90 days total across these four countries combined : Not 90 days per country. 90 days total. To reset your stay, you must leave the CA-4 zone (for example to Costa Rica).
Costa Rica to Nicaragua Border Crossing (Peñas Blancas)
Main land border: Peñas Blancas
Exit Costa Rica
- $10 USD (cash payment to officials)
- $9 USD (self-service machine)
Enter Nicaragua
- $14 USD entry fee
- Cash required
Exit Nicaragua (toward Costa Rica)
- $4 USD
Bring small USD bills. Cards are not reliable at land borders.
San José to Peñas Blancas Bus
From San José, one budget option is : Deldu
- Departure: Grand Caribbean Terminal (San José)
- ~$12 USD
- ~6 hours
- Final stop: Peñas Blancas
Good low-cost option before crossing into Nicaragua.
Peñas Blancas to San Juan del Sur
After entering Nicaragua, you have two main options.
Cheapest Route (Local Bus Combo)
- Peñas Blancas → La Virgen: $2
- La Virgen → San Juan del Sur: $1
Total: $3 USD
This is the cheapest way to reach San Juan del Sur from the border.
Direct Taxi
- $20 USD
- 45–60 minutes
- Door-to-door
Best option if arriving late or traveling with heavy luggage.
San Juan del Sur to Rivas
Rivas is the main transport hub in southern Nicaragua, Shared Taxi SJDS to Rivas :
- 100 córdobas per person
- Fast and frequent
Often easier than waiting for a local bus.
San Juan del Sur to Managua
Taxi : $80 USD & take around 3 hours
Bus options are available via Rivas but take longer. (SJDS to Rivas to Managua, around 6 hours)
Nicaragua to San José Airport (Costa Rica)
If you’re flying out of Costa Rica, this is a very practical route.
TicaBus operates:
- Managua → Rivas → San José Airport
- Approx. $33 USD
- Comfortable long-distance bus
Useful for avoiding multiple transfers before a flight.
Beach Shuttles from San Juan del Sur (Casa de Oro)
Many beach shuttles depart daily from Casa de Oro Hostel in San Juan del Sur.
Typical shared shuttle prices:
- Playa Maderas: $5–10
- Playa Hermosa: $10–15
- Other nearby beaches: similar range
You can usually:
- Book directly at reception
- Pay cash
- Join same-day departures
This is one of the easiest ways to explore the beaches listed in my Best Beaches in San Juan del Sur (2026 Guide) without renting a scooter. If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, I break down transport costs in my Backpacker’s Guide to San Juan del Sur (Budget to Luxury).
Total Budget Example
San José → San Juan del Sur (Cheapest Route)
- Deldu Bus: $12
- Costa Rica Exit Tax: $9–10
- Nicaragua Entry: $14
- Bus Combo to SJDS: $3
Total: ~$38–39 USD
Quick Price Summary (2026)
- Costa Rica Exit Tax: $9–10
- Nicaragua Entry Fee: $14
- Nicaragua Exit Fee: $4
- Peñas Blancas → SJDS Taxi: $20
- SJDS → Rivas Shared Taxi: 100 córdobas
- SJDS → Managua Taxi: $80
- TicaBus to San José Airport: ~$33
✨ Tips from Shiny Expatrie Frenchie ✨
Transport between Costa Rica and San Juan del Sur is straightforward once you know:
- The CA-4 90-day rule
- The Peñas Blancas border fees
- The Rivas connection
- The Casa de Oro beach shuttle system
San Juan del Sur is accessible on any budget from $3 local buses to private transfers.
For planning your stay, beaches, and accommodation options, start here:
👉 Best Beaches in San Juan del Sur (2026 Guide)
👉 Backpacker’s Guide to San Juan del Sur (Budget to Luxury)
And if you have any questions & you think, I can help you, write to me!
BISOUS
