Onwards from Managua airport

Hi everyone,

I'm flying into Managua in a couple of weeks. I've travelled extensively in the past but this is my first time solo, so I'd appreciate any guidance!

I'm arriving into Managua airport after 8pm at night, and am not planning to explore Managua and would ideally like to head straight for Leon. Would it be better to get a place to stay in Managua for the first night and make my way up to Leon in daylight, or is it possible (and safe) to get a bus or taxi to Leon from the airport?

Any suggestions/tips would be appreciated!
Mel

There is a hotel right across the street from the airport, you can walk to it. I don't like driving at night anywhere in CA even if it's with a local.

If you have traveled extensively, and it has included Central America, then rule #1 is, dont travel distances at night. Driving at night is not a good idea.

I always stay at the Las Mercedes Best Western across the street. Not cheap but it is right there and safe to walk to. They also have a shuttle that meets the planes and will take you back, if that's what you want to do. I find I usually get a better price on line.

Thanks, everyone, for the advice! @MrTim, Central America is new to me and that's good to know. @hermosajoe and @dollyd, I will look in to that hotel- sounds like it might be a good bet. I appreciate your input! :-)

ill private drive you to Leon that night in my car if you wanna get out of Managua right away! im an american who lives here now not far from the airport

In my experience riving at night is not nearly as scary as most people say. It is definitely much slower going though, and occasionally unnerving, but you get used to it.

Buses dont run after 8 with a couple of rare exceptions. Any taxi you get from the airport will cost you $$$. A taxi from the airport into town can cost 10 bucks, whereas a normal taxi in town will charge you 1-2 dollars for the same distance. If you are planning on getting a taxi to Leon, your best bet is to leave the airport area, and go up the road maybe 1km and get a normal cab on the road. Their rates are going to be much cheaper.

If you book at Las Mercedes Best Western, make sure you book online. When you go to their website, look at the promotions. It should be $85 a night, but if you call they will charge you $105 a night. Leon isn't that far from Managua....less than an hour's drive. You may want to take #5 up on his offer to private drive you. That's a nice offer.

the going rate for an airport taxi is $20, the ones out in the street charge less. i just did this last month.