How to Get Around Cuba

Cuba is a challenging country in many respects, and transport is one difficulty visitors face.

If you are on an organized tour, transport will be provided on one of the large blue tourist buses. For those traveling independently, there are a number of options.

Perhaps the most comfortable and convenient is to get around using private taxis. If you are in a group of three–four people, the cost isn’t prohibitive but you will have to learn to haggle.

Those who are traveling along or in a couple may find taxi fares add up to the point they become unaffordable, and buses are the next best option. Look out for Viazul tourist services, which can be pre-booked at bus stations in major cities. These buses are largely comfortable and air-conditioned.

You may also notice Astro buses around the country, but these are officially restricted to Cuban passengers only. Foreigners aren’t normally allowed to buy tickets. If you find Viazul is fully booked, your best bet is to wait on the major roads out of a city where the camiones pass. These converted trucks have old car seats welded into them, and are a far cheaper and more flexible way of getting around the country. Be prepared for a hair-raising ride as the drivers are known for gunning their vehicles to within an inch of their lives.