Getting Around Cuba
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use classic car taxis and guaguas for Havana and cities. Rural: Rent a car for countryside exploration. Beaches: Viazul buses and colectivos. For convenience, book airport transfers from Havana to your destination.
Train Travel
FerroCuba National Rail
Limited but scenic train network connecting major cities with infrequent services.
Cost: Havana to Santiago 100-200 CUP (~$4-8 USD), journeys 10-12 hours across the island.
Tickets: Buy at stations or through Infotur offices, cash only, book 1-2 days in advance.
Peak Times: Services run 1-2 times weekly, avoid holidays for availability.
Rail Routes
Main lines include Havana to Pinar del Río and Havana to Camagüey, with air-conditioned cars available.
Best For: Budget long-distance travel, cultural experience despite delays.
Where to Buy: Major stations like Havana's Central Station, or via tour agencies for reliability.
Special Trains
Hershey Electric Train connects Havana to Matanzas, a historic option for short trips.
Booking: Tickets at stations, limited seats, combine with bus for island-wide travel.
Main Stations: Havana Central for departures, with connections to eastern routes.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for flexible rural and beach exploration. Compare rental prices from $50-100/day at Havana Airport and resorts.
Requirements: International license, passport, credit card, minimum age 21-25 with deposit.
Insurance: Mandatory full coverage (~$20/day), check for 24/7 roadside assistance.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80-100 km/h rural, 100 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal on main roads like the Autopista Nacional, pay in cash at booths.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and cyclists, horse-drawn carts common in rural areas.
Parking: Free in many areas, paid lots $1-2/hour in cities, watch for attendants.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations sporadic at $1-2/liter for gasoline, carry cash as cards unreliable.
Apps: Use Maps.me or offline Google Maps, GPS rentals available at $10/day.
Traffic: Light outside Havana, but potholes and animals on roads require caution.
Urban Transport
Guaguas & Buses
Local buses (guaguas) in cities like Havana, single ride 10-20 CUP (~$0.40-0.80), crowded but cheap.
Validation: Pay conductor upon boarding, no tickets needed, hold tight during stops.
Apps: Limited, ask locals or use Revolico for informal routes and schedules.
Bike & Cocotaxi
Bicycle taxis and rentals in Havana, $5-10/hour with dedicated lanes in some areas.
Routes: Flat terrain ideal for cycling, especially along Malecón and parks.
Tours: Guided bike tours in Viñales and Havana, including historical sites.
Classic Taxis & Colectivos
Iconic 1950s cars as taxis, $10-20 for short rides, shared colectivos for longer trips.
Tickets: Negotiate fares upfront, fixed rates at hotels for reliability.
Routes: Extensive in Havana, connect to Viazul for intercity travel.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stations in cities for easy access, Habana Vieja or Vedado for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for winter (Dec-Apr) and festivals like Carnival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible options due to potential shortages and weather disruptions.
- Amenities: Confirm AC, hot water, and meal inclusion, especially in casas particulares.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for power reliability and host responsiveness.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in cities and resorts, spotty in rural Cuba with 3G fallback.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before arrival, activate on landing, covers major tourist areas.
Local SIM Cards
ETECSA provides prepaid SIMs from $10-25 with tourist data packages.
Where to Buy: Airports, ETECSA offices, or hotels with passport for registration.
Data Plans: 3GB for $15, 10GB for $30, top-up via app or vouchers.
WiFi & Internet
Public WiFi at ETECSA parks and hotels, buy $1/hour cards from vendors.
Public Hotspots: Plazas in Havana and tourist spots, VPN recommended for speed.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps typically, sufficient for messaging but slow for streaming.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Cuba Standard Time (CST), UTC-5, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Havana Airport 25km from city center, taxi $20-30 (30 min), or book private transfer for $25-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports ($2-5/day) and Viazul stations in major cities.
- Accessibility: Buses and taxis limited, many sites have steps but improving in resorts.
- Pet Travel: Restrictions on public transport, check casa particular policies for accommodations.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on buses for $5, rentals common but secure them well.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Cuba
Havana Airport (HAV) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
José Martí International (HAV): Primary gateway, 25km from Havana with taxi connections.
Juan Gualberto Gómez (VRA): Varadero hub 10km from resorts, bus to Havana $10 (2 hours).
Frank País (HOG): Holguín airport for eastern Cuba, serves regional flights.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for winter travel (Dec-Apr) to save 30-50% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly via Mexico City or Canada for potential savings on direct U.S. flights.
Budget Airlines
Copa, Air Canada, and Eurowings serve Havana with connections from Latin America and Europe.
Important: Include visa fees and baggage in totals, U.S. travelers need OFAC compliance.
Check-in: Online 24 hours prior, arrive early for customs processing.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Limited and often out of cash, fees $3-5, use CAD/€ cards to avoid USD restrictions.
- Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard accepted in resorts, but unreliable outside, carry cash backup.
- Contactless Payment: Rare, mostly cash-based economy with growing card use in tourist areas.
- Cash: Essential for everything, exchange €/CAD at banks, keep $100-200 in small bills.
- Tipping: Expected 10% in restaurants, $1-2 for taxis and services.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid street changers for safety.