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Country Guide > Caribbean > Cuba | |
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Travel - Internal Air Cubana operates scheduled services between most main towns but advance booking is essential as flights are limited. It is advised that, where possible, internal flights are undertaken with internationally recognised tour operators. Rail The principal rail route is from Havana to Santiago de Cuba, with two daily trains. Some trains on this route have air conditioning and refreshments. There are also through trains from Havana to other towns. Previously, the rail network connected the vast majority of the country but has been badly affected by natural disasters and now only certain parts of the country are accessible by rail. Road Sightseeing can be pre-arranged, although internal travel arrangements may be made through any of the several ground handlers. Roads are signposted and adequate, although often poorly lit. Traffic drives on the right. Bus: Most tours will include travel by air-conditioned buses. Cuba’s national bus service Astro (Asociaciones de Transportes por Omnibus) connects all the main towns and suburbs at least once or twice a day; fares are low and services are reliable, but the buses can be very crowded, especially during the rush hour. Four seats are saved for tourists or foreign visitors on each bus. Increasingly popular, however, are the state-operated, air-conditioned Viazul ‘tourist buses’ (website: www.viazul.cu), which connect most major cities and tourist destinations daily. These top-range coaches have air conditioning, toilets, and must be paid for in US dollars (larger offices should accept payment by credit/debit card). Taxi: Taxis and chauffeur-driven cars can work out to be as cheap as the bus or train. An influx of comfortable, modern cars makes this a viable form of transport. It is usual to order them through the hotel. All official taxis have meters but, in private taxis, fares should be pre-arranged. Especially in and around the airports, and old Havana, many bogus tour agents/taxi companies operate, so visitors should ensure any taxis used are officially recognised. Car hire: There are several good and inexpensive car hire companies with representatives at most hotels, and due to Cuba’s well-maintained road system, this is often regarded as one of the best forms of getting around the island. Bicycles can be hired. Documentation: Valid national driving licence required. Drivers must be aged 21 or over. Urban Buses, minibuses and plentiful shared taxis operate in Havana at low flat fares. Buses are frequent but often very crowded, and foreigners may have difficulty paying the fare in pesos. Travel Times The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Havana to other major towns in Cuba.
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