How do you get around in Cuba?

Getting around in Cuba is more challenging than in other countries due to restrictions on tourists using local transportation services reserved for Cuban citizens. However, with a little information, it’s not that hard to figure out. Here, we explain all the types of transportation in Cuba to help you understand how to travel safely throughout the country.

Flights in Cuba There are international airports in several destinations across Cuba, including Havana, Varadero, Holguín, Camagüey, Santiago, Santa Clara, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Manzanillo, and Cienfuegos. Many other destinations also have smaller domestic airports. If you plan to visit the southern part of the island, a domestic flight from Havana to Santiago de Cuba will cut down on the time of a long overland trip, but it will cost you much more than traveling in Cuba by bus or train.

Taxis in Cuba Cuban taxi with a blue flag It is highly likely that your first experience with transportation in Cuba will be in a taxi. Public transportation from the airports is not well organized, and there are no bus services connecting Havana Airport (or other cities) to the city center. This means your only real option for getting from the airport to downtown Havana will be a taxi. Many cars will be waiting outside to take you to your hotel in Havana. You’ll pay around 25 CUC, and the ride should take about 30 to 40 minutes. Taxis are often old classic cars, but not always—it’s just a matter of luck!

Instead of taxi cars, you’ll often find in Cuba—especially outside of downtown Havana—bicycle taxis, horse-drawn carriages, and even motorcycles and sidecars as taxi options. Make sure you’re happy with the price before getting in, and don’t hesitate to haggle.

Renting a Car in Cuba Renting a car is a good option for families, friends, or couples who want the freedom and flexibility to travel across Cuba whenever and wherever they wish. The main car rental companies are Transtur, its sub-brands Rex and Cubacar, and Havanautos. Most of the available cars are modern European or Asian models.

It seems quite difficult to book a rental car online in advance. Ask your hotel or casa to help you with this process. In many cases, renting a car with a driver turns out to be cheaper than renting a car to get from one destination to another. There’s no doubt that driving around Cuba in a vintage car is a really cool experience. In Havana’s main squares, you’ll see rows of beautiful cars lined up waiting for tourists. Ask a few of them how much they charge for an hour or two and see if you can haggle to get a fair price.

Colectivos Colectivos are shared taxis that transport people between cities, and their prices are often similar to those of Viazul buses. This is a good option for getting around Cuba if you’re traveling with a group, or if you meet other people to share the colectivo and the cost of the trip. Prices aren’t fixed, so be sure to haggle. These are often classic cars, but generally not in very good condition—which is undoubtedly a more authentic Cuban experience!

Traveling by Bus in Cuba Viazul buses are designed to help tourists travel between different destinations in Cuba. The buses are relatively comfortable and air-conditioned, and can be booked in advance online (at least 14 days before the trip) or at any Viazul bus station in Cuba.

Inside a Viazul Bus in Cuba In Havana, the Viazul bus terminal is located outside the city center, so you’ll need to take a taxi to get there. During peak season, it’s best to book tickets in advance if possible, as buses sometimes sell out. Check bus schedules online when planning a trip to Cuba to get an idea of how long it takes to reach each destination and the bus departure times. Be sure to allow plenty of time for your trip, as buses often arrive later than scheduled! Remember that Cuba is not a place to rush through.

Traveling in Cuba by Train It’s possible to reach most cities in Cuba by train, but trains are unreliable, usually late, very slow, and uncomfortable. It’s an inexpensive way to get around Cuba, but if you have a tight schedule, I don’t recommend it.

Transportation in Cuba: Just for Cubans Cubans have their own way of traveling in Cuba, which is much cheaper than tourist transportation. In some cases, you can take some of these local modes of transport, but drivers may refuse to let you board if they see that you’re a tourist. Trucks, vans, and gua-guas are commonly used by Cubans. But with unreliable brakes and basic benches for seats, I don’t recommend using them for long trips. However, they can be an excellent way to experience the real life of Cubans in Cuba.