International bus company Transnica announced that it is restarting daily service between San José, Costa Rica and Managua today following a temporary court ruling that allows the company to operate while a dispute over its transportation permit is resolved. The return of the service restores an important overland transportation option for travelers moving between the two Central American countries, including tourists, foreign residents and Nicaraguans living and working in Costa Rica.
According to Transnica, buses will depart daily from San José at 1 a.m., while departures from Managua are scheduled for 9 a.m. The company announced the reopening after Costa Rica’s Administrative Transportation Tribunal temporarily suspended a decision by the Public Transportation Council (CTP) to deny renewal of its operating permit.
The dispute began on September 3, when the CTP decided not to renew Transnica’s authorization to operate the international route. Transportation officials argued that the company did not have enough registered buses to meet the requirements established for the service. According to the CTP, Transnica had only seven buses registered, compared with the 19 vehicles designated as the optimal fleet for the route.
The decision forced the company to suspend operations, creating uncertainty for passengers who had already purchased tickets and others who regularly depend on the connection between the two capitals. Transnica challenged the decision, arguing that passenger demand had declined since the COVID-19 pandemic and that it had previously requested permission to reduce its fleet and adjust its operating schedule.
The company maintained that transportation authorities had not adequately considered those requests before denying the permit renewal. On October 2, the Administrative Transportation Tribunal temporarily suspended the CTP’s decision while the company’s appeal is reviewed.
The ruling allows Transnica to continue operating under its existing legal conditions but does not guarantee that its permit will ultimately be renewed. The tribunal also instructed transportation authorities to notify Costa Rica’s Traffic Police so the company’s buses could circulate normally.
Transnica must continue meeting all applicable vehicle inspection, insurance and passenger safety requirements. For anyone looking to go to Nicaragua, the immediate benefit is the return of another option for reaching Nicaragua without flying. International bus transportation remains an important alternative for people traveling between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, particularly those making family visits, business trips or extended stays.
Those traveling north from San José can board at Transnica’s terminal on Paseo Colón, approximately 150 meters west of the National Children’s Hospital. In Managua, the company’s terminal is located about 300 meters toward the lake from the Metrocentro traffic circle, next to the tax authority’s offices.
Riders are advised to arrive at the terminal at least one hour before departure to complete ticket and document checks. Passengers must also meet the immigration and entry requirements of both countries, which can vary depending on nationality and residency status.
The reopening does not resolve the underlying disagreement between Transnica and the CTP. The transportation tribunal must still decide whether the original refusal to renew the company’s permit was justified. Until that decision is issued, Transnica’s authorization to continue operating remains provisional.
The company has maintained its online ticketing and customer service channels throughout the dispute. Those looking to book a ticket can check schedules and reservations through its official website. For now, the announced return of daily buses restores a familiar transportation connection between San José and Managua, although its long-term operating status remains subject to the pending appeal.
