Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Managua
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Managua
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Managua
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Managua
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Managua is a sprawling city with attractions spread across its diverse districts. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers unparalleled flexibility to explore at your own pace. Discover hidden gems and venture beyond the city limits with ease.
Freedom to Explore. A rental car allows you to visit landmarks such as the Old Cathedral, Tiscapa Lagoon, and the National Museum without being constrained by public transport schedules.
Convenience for Families. Travelling with family or a group is much easier with a car, providing ample space for luggage and ensuring a comfortable journey.
Access to Remote Areas. Many of Nicaragua's natural attractions are best accessed by car, allowing you to experience the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture at your leisure.
Before booking a rental car in Managua, it's crucial to understand the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
Approximately 267 square kilometres (103 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1.1 million residents
Time Zone
CST (Central Standard Time), UTC-6
Ideal for
Sightseeing and exploring nearby regions
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Managua is typically 21 years old. Some companies may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always necessary.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or theft protection. A security deposit is required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with the same fuel level as when it was picked up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, or optional add-ons like GPS or child seats.
Car rental prices in Managua can vary depending on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and time of year. Here's a general overview of estimated daily prices:
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €50 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Peak season (December to April): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher tourist activity.
Low season (May to November): Often come with discounts of up to 15-25% during the rainy season.
Car rental rates fluctuate based on the season. Be aware of the trends to get the best deals.
Booking a car in Managua involves a few key steps to ensure you get the best deal and a vehicle that suits your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the most competitive rates from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that fits your travel needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and terrain.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Ensure you have your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documents when picking up your rental.
Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Navigating the city by car requires understanding local traffic regulations and conditions.
Managua offers a mix of historical sites, modern attractions, and natural beauty. Renting a car is particularly useful for exploring areas outside the city centre and reaching remote destinations. However, driving in Managua requires awareness of traffic patterns, parking regulations, and fuel availability to ensure a smooth experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Old Cathedral of Managua
An iconic, earthquake-damaged landmark in the heart of the city.
Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve
A volcanic crater lake offering panoramic views of Managua.
National Museum of Nicaragua
Showcasing the country's history and cultural heritage.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several garages are available in the city centre for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, often with time restrictions and fees.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the city centre and using public transportation to avoid congestion.
Gas Stations in Managua
Main Fuel Chains
Look for petrol stations from major brands like Puma, Petronic, and Texaco.
Availability
Petrol stations are generally available throughout the city and on major highways.
Payment Options
Most petrol stations accept cash and credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Managua
Be Aware of Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, especially in the city centre.
Watch for Pedestrians
Pedestrians often cross roads outside designated areas; exercise caution.
Plan for Extra Time
Allow extra time for travel, especially during rush hour.
Use GPS Navigation
A GPS device or smartphone app can help navigate the city's streets.
Major Bus Stations
UCA Bus Terminal
One of the main bus terminals, connecting Managua with various destinations in Nicaragua.
Airport
Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA)
The primary airport serving Managua, located approximately 11 kilometres (7 miles) from the city centre.
Renting a car in Managua requires a few essential documents and meeting specific criteria.
A valid driver's license from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-Spanish speakers.
The minimum age to rent a car is typically 21 years old, with potential surcharges for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is necessary for the security deposit.
A passport or other government-issued ID is required for identification purposes.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Managua as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty relaxed vibe
Sarah Lee
Reviewed: 27.01.2025
Pretty laid-back, really.
Kevin Miller
Reviewed: 28.07.2025
Managua was fantastic! Getting around with a car was so convenient for my family's vacation. We saw so much.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 17.06.2025
Pretty decent, really.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 31.03.2025
Managua was surprisingly easy to navigate with a rental car. Having a car made exploring so much simpler, though the Mercado Central was a bit overwhelming.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 08.12.2024
Managua was great; renting a car made things so much easier. The food was a bit bland in some places, though.
David Wilson
Reviewed: 29.10.2024
Managua was wonderful! Returning after so long, having a car made exploring so much easier. I loved it!
Jessica Rodriguez
Reviewed: 20.07.2025
Pretty low-key, tbh
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 20.12.2024
Summer in Managua was amazing! Having a car made exploring so easy and convenient.
Ashley Martinez
Reviewed: 12.11.2024
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Pretty chill, actually.
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 10.04.2025