SIXT

442036084142

The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Nicaragua

Renting a car in Nicaragua can be an exciting way to explore this diverse Central American country at your own pace. Whether you're planning to visit colonial cities, pristine beaches, or lush rainforests, having your own vehicle offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility. Here's your ultimate guide to renting a car in Nicaragua:

Choose the Right Vehicle

Nicaragua's road conditions can vary greatly, so selecting an appropriate vehicle is crucial. For city driving and well-maintained highways, a standard car will suffice. However, if you plan to venture into rural areas or tackle rough terrain, consider renting a 4x4 SUV for better handling and ground clearance.

Requirements and Documentation

To rent a car in Nicaragua, you'll need:

A valid driver's license from your home country
A major credit card for the deposit
Proof of insurance (often included in the rental package)
Passport

Some rental companies may require an International Driving Permit, so it's best to check in advance.

Navigating Nicaragua

While main roads between major cities are generally in good condition, rural roads can be challenging. Be prepared for:

Potholes and unpaved sections
Livestock and pedestrians on the road
Limited street lighting at night

Consider downloading offline maps or renting a GPS unit for easier navigation.

Safety Tips

Always lock your vehicle and avoid leaving valuables visible inside. It's advisable to park in secure, well-lit areas, especially in cities. When driving, be cautious of other drivers and stay alert for unexpected obstacles on the road.

Exploring Nicaragua's Highlights

With your rental car, you can easily access some of Nicaragua's most beautiful destinations. Don't miss the colonial charm of Granada, or the stunning volcanic landscapes of Ometepe Island. Remember to factor in extra time for your journeys, as distances can be deceiving and road conditions may slow you down.

By following these guidelines and booking your car rental through Bookingautos, you'll be well-prepared to embark on an unforgettable Nicaraguan adventure. Enjoy the freedom of the open road and discover the hidden gems this beautiful country has to offer!

A Video Guide for First-Time Visitors

Exploring Nicaragua by Car: Top Road Trip Routes

Nicaragua, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is an ideal destination for adventurous travelers. Exploring the country by a rented car offers unparalleled freedom to discover hidden gems and experience the local way of life. Here are some of the best road trip routes to consider when visiting Nicaragua:

1. The Colonial Cities Route

Start your journey in Managua and head to the charming colonial cities of Granada and León. This route allows you to immerse yourself in Nicaragua's history and architecture while enjoying scenic drives through the countryside.

Managua to Granada: 45 km
Granada to León: 130 km

2. The Pacific Coast Adventure

Drive along Nicaragua's stunning Pacific coastline, stopping at beautiful beaches and surf towns. This route is perfect for beach lovers and adventure seekers.

Managua to San Juan del Sur: 140 km
San Juan del Sur to Popoyo: 50 km

3. The Volcano Circuit

Nicaragua is known as the "Land of Lakes and Volcanoes," and this route takes you to some of the most impressive volcanic landscapes in the country.

Managua to Masaya Volcano National Park: 30 km
Masaya to Ometepe Island: 90 km (including ferry ride)

4. The Northern Highlands Expedition

Venture into the less-traveled northern region of Nicaragua, where you'll find cooler climates, coffee plantations, and stunning mountain scenery.

Managua to Matagalpa: 130 km
Matagalpa to Estelí: 95 km

When planning your road trip, ensure your rental car is suitable for the terrain you'll be covering. Some rural areas may require a 4x4 vehicle. Always carry a map or use a reliable GPS system, as road signs can be limited in certain areas.

Remember to drive cautiously and be prepared for unexpected road conditions. With proper planning and a sense of adventure, exploring Nicaragua by car will provide unforgettable experiences and allow you to discover the country's hidden treasures at your own pace.

Pro tip: Before setting out on your journey, familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and obtain proper insurance coverage for your rental car to ensure a safe and worry-free road trip through this beautiful Central American country.

Good to know

The most popular cars in Nicaragua

Fiat 500

€13 / Day

Citroen C1

€14 / Day

Ford Fiesta

€18 / Day

Ford Focus

€23 / Day

Opel Astra Estate

€28 / Day

Audi A4

€32 / Day

BMW X1

€33 / Day

Ford Foxus Estate

€33 / Day

Mercedes C Class

€43 / Day

BMW 5 series

€45 / Day

Ford Tourneo

€55 / Day

BMW 4 Cabrio

€65 / Day

Audi A6

€70 / Day

Audi A5 Cabrio

€75 / Day

Mercedes Vito

€80 / Day

Popular tourist locations in Nicaragua

Managua Airport

Costa Esmeralda Airport

Managua

List of required documents

Driving license

Credit card

Voucher

Passport

A valid international driver's license is required!

10 Smart Tips to Make the Most of Your Car Rental

Download Google maps for offline access

Download the map in the Google Maps mobile app in advance. Select the desired area, type "OK MAPS" in the search box and start the search. Then wait for the map to save. Ready! Navigation will work even without an internet connection - thanks to the GPS function. It is present in all modern smartphones. You can not only find the desired address, but also build a route. And all this is free.

Nicaragua 1

Book in advance

Nicaragua is a popular tourist destination, so car rental is consistently in demand. The earlier you book a car, the more options there will be and the lower the prices will be. Choose transport online at least 6 weeks before your visit. Better yet, do it as soon as you start planning your vacation. If plans change, you can cancel your booking without penalty up to 48 hours before it starts.

Which car to choose

The compact model is relevant for city trips in Nicaragua. It can be Audi A1 or Ford Focus. Mountain routes require a more powerful four-wheel drive vehicle - Renault Megane Estate or similar model. You can order an SUV for just €34 per day;

What you need to pay attention to when receiving a car

Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.

The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.

Insurance advice

Rental companies in Nicaragua may offer different insurance options. They differ in price and set of options. Here are the basic types:

Third Party Liability (TPL)/Third Liability Protection (TLP). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Insurance (TI)/Theft Protection (TP)/Theft Waiver (TW). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)/Theft Protection+Collision Damage Waiver (TP+CDW). Full protection against theft and damage, even if you are the culprit of the accident.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.

If you want to save money and choose the cheapest insurance, carefully inspect the car upon receipt. Make sure the machine is not damaged. Nicaragua 2

Fuel Policy

When you pick up your car, you may be asked to pay for a full tank of fuel right away. This condition will suit you if you plan to travel long distances. For a couple of trips around the city, you don’t need so much fuel, and therefore it doesn’t make sense to overpay. Pay attention to the fuel policy when booking a car. If necessary, use the special filter to select the most convenient option for you.

Nicaragua 3

Rent without mileage limit

The rental company may set a daily mileage limit. You will have to pay extra for exceeding the limit. Please check this condition before booking. It is possible that a more expensive rental option will turn out to be more profitable in the end: it will not require any additional expenses. To filter cars with unlimited mileage - use the "Mileage" filter in the search results.

Nicaragua 4

Compare conditions of different rental companies

When choosing a rental car in Nicaragua, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.

Which rental company to choose

Pay attention to the car park. Large and reliable companies regularly buy new cars.

Our clients name the top companies in Nicaragua - SIXT with an average rating 9 points and BUDGET with 8.9 points.

We show all the rental conditions of different companies. Read the rules carefully before booking a car.

Car pick-up procedure

Getting a rented car in Nicaragua is as follows: You show the manager a voucher, as well as the necessary documents - a passport and an international driver's license. The manager draws up a lease agreement, after which the agreed amount of the security deposit will be blocked on your bank card. Before receiving the car, it is necessary to inspect it, fix the existing damage and inform the manager about them.

Our advantages

24/7 support in all popular languages

Change or cancel within 48 hours for free!

No additional fees

Based on 8255 reviews

Rate 4,8/5

Based on 8255 reviews

Tony

4,8

Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!

Michael

4,7

Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!

Luna

4,5

The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.

Jody

4,9

Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.

Download the BookingAutos mobile app

Download our mobile app and get access to special offers and discounts in Nicaragua.