Both the Tica Bus website and the Platinum website have all the schedules and prices listed so have a look there to find out more info on this part. Recently Tica Bus has made it possible for you to buy your ticket online!  An great new option that I have been waiting for a long time!

TICA BUS

San Salvador has two different Tica Bus stations. Both have hotels attached.  A lot of travellers have the question of which station they should come and go from. In my opinion they are two very different stations and I will explain why.

The San Benito station (with attached hotel Meson de Maria) is in a fairly nice area with several restaurants, bars and discos nearby. It is a modern, clean and attractive part of San Salvador and many will tell you it is even safe to walk around at night (this is not an endorsement to walk around at night, just what I was told). There is a bank just down the street as well as several fast food restaurants. The hotel is very clean and has a nice restaurant inside with an open balcony. The rooms are a bit more expensive than the other station, San Carlos, but you get what you pay for. If you don’t like the Meson de Maria hotel that is attached to the station there is a hostel across the street named La Zona with other hotel options not too far away. Have a look at some photos below of the area below.

The San Carlos station may be closer to the two major local bus stations, Occidental and Oriente, and the rooms are a bit cheaper, but that is about it. The area is not as nice and, although there is likely some good local food nearby, I personally wouldn’t feel good about wandering around at night in this area. The hotel management was very nice and although it is simple inside it is clean. Have a look at some photos below.

Have a look at the Tica Bus station in Managua or Tica Bus – San Jose

PLATINUM

There are two Platinum stations – but sorry, I only have information for one of them here. The San Benito Tica Bus station and one of the Platinum Stations are almost next door neighbours. If for some reason you need to switch from one to the other then this is a convenient set up for you. Same as the description of the San Benito Tica Bus station location, this is a nice area with a lot of amenities.