Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Managua Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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A nap is impossible due to the noise…it seemed like people hang out at the airport for the sake of hanging out, regardless of whether or not they had a flight. – snowshoecat
MGA Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Managua Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport.
What to Expect
The single terminal at Managua Airport (code: MGA) is divided into international and domestic departure areas. There are a few eateries and shops, but everything closes by 9:00 PM, so plan if you’re spending the night. The free WiFi helps pass the time. For added comfort while you wait, economy class passengers can pay to enter an airport lounge.
Sleeping in Managua Airport
Airport staff seem to have no issue with overnight campers. Your rest options are limited to hard, uncomfortable benches and the floor, so bring a sleeping bag or travel blanket for comfort. Common complaints include general noise and cold temperatures. For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer free shuttle service. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Managua Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Managua Airport:
- Best Western Las Mercedes Managua – Free airport shuttle service is available upon request. » Check Rates
- Runway Hostel – Free airport shuttle is available during the day. Add $5 for night transfers.
- Airport X Managua – Airport shuttle is available for a fee. » Check Rates
- Airport Inn Managua – Airport shuttle is available for a fee. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Managua Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge you can enter by paying at the door.
Sala VIP – Location: Airside, Second Floor. Lounge Access: Reservation required – Adults: US$ 30 + VAT – Children under 12: US$10.
Drinking Water
Information is unavailable. Does the airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.
Food & Drinks
Food concessions (serving local and international cuisine) operate in the food court from 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
At the time of this update, we had no information about mobile charging availability. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Showers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
WiFi/Internet
A reader tells us that free WiFi is no longer available at Managua Airport. (February 2020)
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Machines are operated by Bancentro, BAC, and Banpro. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: landside.
Banking Services – Banpro and BAC offer full-service banking at the airport.
Currency Exchange – Global Exchange – Location: Landside, International Arrivals / Airside, International Arrivals – Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available starting at 5:00 AM in both International Departures and Arrivals areas. In addition, a souvenir shop is available landside in the public hall.
SIM Cards – A reader tells us, “There is a Claro desk post baggage and customs landside (exit baggage x-ray through internal doors – not external doors). They sell phones, accessories and SIM cards. A 30 day 15 GB SIM card costs $20.00USD with free calls to other Claro phones. [You] can pay with card or cash (accepts USD).” (July 2023)
Car Rentals
The following car rental companies are available: Dollar • Thrifty • Toyota Rent a Car. Look for the rental counters in the terminal’s Arrivals area.
Hotel Shuttles
See also Airport Hotels above.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.