Getting around in Cuba

Viazul Bus – For long distances

Viazul is the intercity bus network most used by tourists. It serves all the major cities (Havana, Viñales, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santiago …).

Comfort: air conditioning, numbered seats, regular breaks.

Ticket: to be purchased online or directly at the bus stations.

Frequency: 1 to 2 buses per day depending on the destination.

Average price :

Havana → Viñales : 15-18 €

Havana → Trinidad : 25-30 €

Trinidad → Cienfuegos : 6-10 €

Advantage: reliable, good quality/price ratio
Disadvantage: limited places, reservation recommended 48 hours in advance

Private taxis – Comfort but high cost

These are modern air-conditioned taxis, available in the city, at the airport or by reservation via accommodation.

Long-distance or urban trips

Average price :

Airport → center of Havana: 25-30 €

Havana → Viñales : 80-100 € (depending on the negotiation)

Counter often ignored, price to be negotiated in advance

Advantage: direct, fast, air-conditioned
Disadvantage: the price can double for tourists

Collective taxis (Almendrones– – Authentic and economical

These old American shared cars make fixed trips in the city or between nearby cities.

Shared with other Cubans or tourists

No fixed times, they leave when they are full

Average price :

Urban trip (Havana): 0.50-1 € (10-25 CUP)

Interville (Havana → Matanzas) : 10-15 €

Advantage: local immersion, unbeatable prices
Disadvantage: little comfort, no air conditioning, no schedules

Car rental – Freedom but expensive

Accessible via the national companies (CubaCar, Rex, Havanautos). The demand is high, you have to book very early.

Conditions: national license, high security deposit

Gasoline to be expected and sometimes difficult to find in rural areas

Average price :

Rental : 75-100 €/day

Compulsory insurance: 15-25 €/day

Petrol: approx. € 1.30/liter

Advantage: total autonomy to visit the island
Disadvantage: high price, queue to pick up the vehicle, roads sometimes in poor condition

Cycling – For athletes and short routes

An eco-responsible option to explore the surroundings (in particular Viñales, Trinidad, Cienfuegos).

Daily rental in casas or agencies

Flat but sometimes bumpy roads

Average price: 5-10 €/day

Advantage: ecological, economical, close to the premises
Disadvantage: heat, lack of cycling infrastructure

Coco-taxis and bicitaxis – Picturesque urban transport

Coco-taxi: kind of motorized yellow tuk-tuk for tourists

Bicitaxi: pedal scooter for short trips in the city center

Average price :

Bicitaxi : 2-5 € per race

Coco-taxi: 5-8 € depending on the distance

Advantage: fun, typical for short trips
Disadvantage: more expensive than a collective taxi, little security

Train – Very limited option

The train is rarely used by tourists due to frequent delays and an outdated network.

Some connections Havana → Santiago or Santa Clara

Very low price but rudimentary comfort

Often reserved for Cubans

Advantage: for nostalgic adventurers
Disadvantage: delay, slowness, rarity

Ferry – Special cases

Ferries between Havana and Regla/Casablanca (€0.20)

Short coastal trips (for example to Cayo Levisa from Palma Rubia)

Often used to reach the cayos