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
