Cuba (CU)
Cuba is a unique socialist island nation of 11 million people in the Caribbean — a country of vintage American cars, world-famous cigars, Havana salsa, colonial architecture, and extraordinary natural beauty.
Getting Around
Transport options for living in Cuba.
Public Transport Overview
Cuba's public transport system is limited and unreliable by international standards but is gradually improving in urban areas. Havana has a limited bus network (Metrobus/Camello articulated buses), shared taxis (almendrones — vintage American cars), and bicitaxis (cycle rickshaws). Major cities have guaguas (city buses). Inter-provincial travel relies on VIAZUL tourist buses, shared taxis (taxis colectivos), and the state Ferrocarriles de Cuba rail network. Tourists generally use VIAZUL or private taxis for city-to-city travel. The ordinary Cuban bus system (Rutas) is extremely crowded and not practically accessible for most tourists.
🎫 Transit Passes
Air-conditioned tourist buses connecting major cities. Havana, Varadero, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Viñales and more.
Fixed-route shared taxis between cities and towns, using private cars. Faster than buses but less predictable.
Fixed-route shared classic American cars in Havana. Follow set routes, pick up multiple passengers.
Taxi & Rideshare
Official tourist taxis are operated by Transtur (yellow taxis, TAXI-OK meters). Metered rate: approximately 0.50–1.00 USD/km. Havana airport to city centre: approximately $25–30 USD. Private taxi drivers (particulares) are cheaper but negotiate price upfront. Avoid unlicensed operators at airports. Apps: Cuba no tiene Uber — all booking is in person or through your casa particular/hotel.
Rideshare (Long-distance)
No ride-hailing apps (Uber, Lyft, Bolt) operate in Cuba as of 2026. All taxis are booked in person. Your casa particular host or hotel can arrange reliable taxis. WhatsApp numbers of trusted local taxi drivers are invaluable — ask expats and locals for recommendations.
Cycling
Cycling is common in Cuban towns and some cities but infrastructure is minimal. No dedicated bike lanes. Bicitaxis (cycle rickshaws) operate in city centres for short trips (10–30 CUP). Bike rental available in some tourist areas (Trinidad, Viñales) — approximately $5–10 USD per day. Road quality varies significantly — potholes are common.
Intercity Trains
Ferrocarriles de Cuba operates rail services connecting Havana to Santiago de Cuba and intermediate cities, but services are slow, infrequent, and often subject to long delays or cancellations. The Havana–Santiago route takes 15–18+ hours. Foreigners pay in USD/CUC equivalent. Rail is not a reliable option for travel planning. VIAZUL buses are far more dependable.
Driving
Drive on the right. Speed limits: 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on national highways, 100 km/h on autopistas (highways). Seatbelts mandatory. Drink-driving law is strict (0.00 blood alcohol for drivers). Roads outside Havana can be poorly maintained with potholes, animals on roads, and limited lighting at night. Petrol stations (CUPET and CIMEX) are located on main routes but fuel shortages occur — fill up whenever possible. Rental cars (CUBACAR, Rex) require you to use their designated fuel stations. Car hire: approximately $50–120 USD/day. International Driving Permit recommended.
Airports
Main international airports: José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana — the primary hub for international arrivals. Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA) in Varadero — main resort airport. Frank País Airport (HOG) in Holguín — serves tourist resorts in the east. Abel Santamaría Airport (SNU) in Santa Clara. Havana airport: located 18km from the city centre. Official taxis: $25–30 USD. No public bus service between airport and city — tourist shuttle or taxi only.