transportation in cuba for touriststransportation in cuba for tourists

As with any city or town that youd travel to, there are a variety of transport options when it comes to getting around towns and cities in Cuba. You can head out to the San Tomas Cave, drive somewhere for sunset, or venture off on the two-hour trip to Cayo Jutias, a beautiful nearby beach! Theres more further in this article on the state of Cubas road network. How to Get Around Cuba with Public Transportation The one thing I kept running into a wall with during my Cuban travel research was transportation. Public transportation services, including taxis, are often disrupted, leaving tourists with few options to travel. Updated: June 19, 2023 Cuba is open for travel Details & Exceptions Tests Not required Quarantine No need Public Transportation Operating Attractions Open Businesses Open Masks Required in some cases Restaurants Open Tripsguard on amazon alexa Ask "Can I travel to Cuba?" Report Inaccuracy Photo by Sam Bark on Unsplash Biden's new Cuba policy creates more options for U.S. travel - The Most tourists wont go further east than Cienfuegos or Trinidad. Your advice and information would be greatly appreciated. Bus Travel: An Affordable and Reliable Way to Explore Cuba 5 Best Regions to Stay in Cuba 1. Another transportation company for tourism in Cuba is Transtur, which has a large fleet of vehicles for the services offered by Cubacar, Havanautos and REX, for car rental. Getting There and Getting Around Cuba: A How-To Guide With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance. Its basically just a normal car or van that can fit about five people. Yellow cabs belong to state-own agencies or private drivers, but the rates are similar. All larger cities and vacation destinations are included into the network, so they reach most places directly. TRIPADVISOR . Theyll cost you the equivalent of USD$30-50 an hour. Add to this the lack of adequate street signage and you've got a confusing and potentially dangerous situation. Animals also travel in the same truck. Annika Hipple writes about several iconic and lesser-known cultural highlights to add to your trip. These taxis are primarily for tourists, so youll find them usually only in the places where lots of tourists are present look for them at the Presidente Hotel (or Hotel Nacional for instance). And no, we had no desire to attempt them. Important to note: ask your Transtur agent for any available automobiles with special gas station service included. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox, Full-time adventure traveler, blogger, and freelance writer, photographer, and videographer, Your Guide to Cuba: How to Plan Your Trip. With so many great options just a couple of hours away, Havana is the perfect base in Cuba for day trips filled with adventure. Getting Around Mexico City: Guide to Public Transportation, How to Travel From Taupo to Wellington by Plane, Bus, and Car, Getting Around Nashville: Guide to Public Transportation, The Kerala Backwaters and How to Best Visit Them, Getting Around Jamaica on Public Transport, Getting Around Frankfurt: Guide to Public Transportation, Getting Around Switzerland: Guide to Public Transportation, Travel Guide to Boracay, the Philippines' Party Island, How to Travel to Cuba If You Are an American, Getting Around Britain - A Guide to Transportation Options, Responsible Travel in Africa: The Complete Guide. The Best Cities in Cuba for Tourists; 8 Cheap Things You Should Do on a Day Trip to Havana; The Ultimate Guide to 48 Hours in Cuba; TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE 2019. So if you want, for instance, to get a taxi from Havana to Trinidad, then try and group a few people together and youll get the price per person to a sensible level. This includes security threats brought on by the nation's deteriorating infrastructure, such as tainted water and illnesses spread by mosquitoes. And things change. Youll find different types of taxis. After 75 minutes of waiting and no one else wanting to go to Havana, we paid US$15 each to be driven to Havana. The Best and Worst Methods of Transportation in Cuba Cuba is probably the only country in the world where hitchhiking is a part of the public transport network, and here there are certain vehicles that have to provide a ride for anyone who is looking for a journey. Hitchhiking is almost a form of public transport in Cuba: It is legal, free and safe. For example, flights from Havana to Santiago de Cuba can be affordable, ranging from US $135 one way or US $270 return. . Negotiate a price beforehand and youll likely all feel better about it. We prefer to pay a taxi or a private tour, although the initial idea is to spend 3 days in Vinales to get to know it thoroughly, we can adjust our itinerary. Frequently asked questions Can't find the answer you're looking for? We failed miserably to buy tickets for a train from Havana to Santiago de Cuba. Much cheaper than taking a random cab from the airport. A long distance bus is the most reliable of all the forms of Cuba transportation, but you might want to rethink your travel plans in order to break up the trip. However, driving in Cuba is an adventure of its own: road conditions can be bad, signage is poor or simply not there at all, and the road rules are ambiguous. So, you should be looking at an average cost of US $70 per day. Coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel: The situation around the world is changing dramatically. Hold your hand out when you see one. It revolves almost entirely around tourists around taxis. Transportation in Cuba buses, trains, taxis & colectivos, The Viazul Bus Network Cubas Tourist Bus Service, Private Prebooked Transfers / Pre-Arranged Car Service in Cuba, How to go from Havana Airport to Varadero. Simply stand on virtually any street corner and look like a visitor. Especially in Havana, youll find taxis everywhere. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Read the Varadero to Trinidad guide. Getting Around Havana, Cuba If youre not staying at a hotel or homestay with a garage, it's worth asking your accommodations for a parqueador (car keeper). Its also very crowded. Perhaps one of the easiest and least expensive ways to get around Cuba is hitchhiking, for which the government has actually created a standardized system called "El Amarillo", after the color of the uniforms the administrators wear. (note that classic doesnt necessarily mean in good condition, it just means old). Under an order issued Wednesday by the U.S. Transportation Department, airlines will again be allowed to fly to Cuban destinations beyond Havana, an avenue that was cut off in late 2019. Bus travel in Cuba is generally safe, reliable (considering Cuban standards for punctuality!) There are *some* Cuban internal flights. Transportation in Cuba It's fairly easy to get around on the tourist buses, and you can also book fairly cheap domestic flights. Think of them as shared taxis that travel along fixed routes within big cities (mainly in Havana and Santiago de Cuba). Transportation Transportation in Cuba usually takes the form of buses, taxis, and rental cars. Things may not run like theyre supposed to, so keep a relaxed attitude and enjoy the ride. It might be a larger vehicle. Protecting tourists is the police's number one priority in touristed areas. This option for Cuban transport is only available to prebook in Havana. . My wife and I are considering going to Cuba for two weeks and visiting Vinales and Trinidad is a must Our taxi colectivo Cuba fromMatanzas to Havanawas originally priced at US$10 each. You will see lots of people lining the streets and highway trying to catch a ride - join them by sticking your thumb out. Taxis get cheaper and more negotiable further away from the door. If you have tried to get aViazul Busand there are no seats available, then there will be taxis outside the bus station, trying to get enough people together to go to your destination. Door to door service! Your email address will not be published. This way you will know beforehand how much the driver should be charging you and can avoid be scammed out of an exorbitant fee by a dishonest driver. But if you have no previous arrangements, you can always head to the Ministry of Tourism offices on-site, and they'll assist you with finding a suitable taxi - and if you're traveling in a group - they might also have entire buses for rent. Do you have any recommendations you can offer us? And year on year, the visitor numbers speak for themselves. Old cars are used as taxis in Cuba, whether its for an intercity trip, or a local journey, you can find yourself in a car thats much older than you are. May 9, 2023 If you're traveling to Cuba in 2023 and are wondering about the prices, below you find all the information you need to plan your travel budget. Check out pre-booking and get some awesome cars to travel in here. Travel advice and advisories for Cuba Lets start with transport within Cities and Towns. The drawback is that the fleet of Chinese made buses isn't as reliable as that run by Viazul, and there are no bathrooms onboard. Travelers from the rest of the world can purchase a "Tourist Card" at the airport before checking into their flight. The standard cost is the equivalent of about 50 US cents, but confirm the price before you get in, If you want dropping off or to get picked up at a main tourist spot or hotel, then youll likely be treated as a tourist and charged as such. To reserve a seat, the best option is to purchase your ticket online with anticipation, as official ticket booths frequently tend to sell out fast. In Havana, you can jump on this bus at Parque Central and take a tour around the city. Look out for poncheras (puncture repair stalls) if you need to fix a flat or air up your tires. Public transport from airports is not organized well, and there are no bus services that run from the airport in Havana (or other cities) to the city centre. Theyll find you. With bench seats in the front, fitting six of us in the car was easy. Our guide on. People waiting in line for a public bus, Havana. Internal flights are expensive and unless you book PRIOR to your arrival, then youll need to go to a travel agency to book a flight. Local busses are always very full,but are very cheap (US $0.04), paid for using CUP. Beware of inflated prices many coco taxi drivers try to charge travelers a large fee for a short ride. https://www.aeropuertoscuba.com.cu/. This can be hazardous because if you're not expecting to come upon one, you may find yourself stopped dangerously in the middle of the crossing. With odd incidents of crime and con artists to look out for, here are a few tips to make your trip to Cuba a safe one. We suggest getting on at Parque Central and hopping off at Playas del Este beach, which is 20min outside of the city! We used and recommend Civitatis you can check prices and book Cuban transportation here. Theyre glorious. Cuba COVID travel advisory, Coronavirus regulations | Tripsguard It's easy to lose control with all of the slippery puddles from the uneven road. Transport in Cuba Transportation in Cuba; The Thrill of Traveling by Real-Time Traveller on April 12, 2020 Colectivos (Shared Taxis) The most popular, inexpensive and fun way to move around in Cuba are the famous colectivos. This is due to poor conditions on many secondary roads, which can be narrow, winding and riddled with potholes. A cheaper option is to rent a motorbike for US $25 a day. The other thing to bear in mind when renting a car in Cuba is that when you pay for fuel you are paying the regular pump rate. We cover buses, transfers, classic cars and even discuss the train. You wait until its full and then you go. For the latter reason, try to avoid traveling at night. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The buses are air-conditioned and there is beverage service. And also unlit at night, which normally isnt a problem but once you get outside the cities and towns, theres the chance of free-roaming animals, so its likely a good thing that the roads arent better, as youre less likely to be traveling at speed and hit them. Make sure to read more about the pros and cons of each form of transportation. Even though there have been improvements to fuel supply and the rail fleet, the trains are still often unreliable and not the most comfortable, so most travelers opt for planes, buses, cars, and taxis. Note: In larger cities, you will also see some beautiful Classic cars in Cuba that double as taxis, typically serving Cubans. There are some great services that can pre-arrange a car. Camiones are old trucks. Cuba will charge 65 dollars, or its equivalent in any other freely convertible currency, per PCR for tourists who wish to extend their stay on the island, reported the Gaviota website.. Cuba Transportation: A Guide to Bus Travel on the Island Even so, learning how public transport works is crucial because you never know when you might need it, and the cost is just cents to the dollar. 2. I am trying to do some pre-planning for this next fall season to go to Santiago de Cuba. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The Train. See CDC for recommendations. The Havana public transport system for instance lets you get to any part of the city for the equivalent of US$0.05. The taxi might be a normal car. Buses or Local Guaguas Learn more about how do local guaguas or buses work in Cuba. Getting around Cuba is not always straightforward, but these top tips will help you experience the best of the island Eloi_Omella / Getty Images, How to get around in Cuba: classic cars, coaches and carriages. New Chinese-built cars entered service in 2019, but the schedule is still unreliable, most trains are slow, and facilities are appallingly lacking in comfort. By telling us your country of residence we are able to provide you with the most relevant travel insurance information. The Cuban nation relies a great deal on shared rides. For example, a restaurant might keep aside a menu for tourists with prices 20% higher. You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. For all its tropical charms, Havana isnt the worlds most straightforward city. Bumpy, potholed roads and nearly nonexistent signage are the norm. When it comes to transport between cities in Cuba, you have several options. And while riding in the open air can be an amazing way to experience the Cuban landscape, it also means you'll be exposed to whatever weather that particular day or night may bring. Travel to Cuba for tourist activities remains prohibited by statute. The nicer looking the car the more the fare is likely to be. So when you see people standing on highways waving money, thats what theyre looking for a lift. Read more here. Theyre called Coco-Taxis because they have a hard plastic shell that covers the back seat that makes it look a little like a coconut. We used and recommend Civitatis you can check prices and book Cuban transportation here. As with any other country, there are private transport options in Cuba and public transport in Cuba style. This is because the national bus network, even in the populous city of Havana, isn't enough to provide transport for all citizens. Tour rides in a shiny car are about an hour and cost US $15 or so. ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR EXPLORING CUBA INDEPENDENTLYThese are the resources and booking sites that we use when traveling to Cuba.Travel and Health Insurance are mandatory for entry to Cuba. Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. Youll also spot fancy horse-drawn carts in the colonial cities of Havana, Cienfuegos, Bayamo and elsewhere. Tickets for these buses also can only be booked at either hotels or travel agencies in Cuba. Another thing to look out for is traffic lights, which are often placed to the far corner of intersections. With several currencies, multiple street names, and cheap cigars, Cuba confuses even hardened travelers. We used it so much that we wrote aViazul Bus Ultimate Guide. There are only a few seats allocated for foreigners on each bus. Finding flights that fly directly from whereever you are in the world toCuba without the help of an expert can be tricky, but it's not impossible. Payments are accepted only using non-US-based cards tourists cannot pay in cash. although there is usually information on their telegram channel here. Get a Cuba Travel and Medical Insurance Quote from Visitors Coverage here Alternatively, Civitatis Insurance is a great option for the required insurance for Cuba.You will need a Cuba Tourist Card to enter Cuba some airlines include these, if yours doesnt, buy one from EasyTouristCard now valid for 90 days.Book your Viazul Bus tickets herePre-book and prepay shared & private shuttles hereBook the best FREE Walking Tours in CubaReserve attractions, day trips, and activities in Cuba hereDownload and install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Cuba > discount coupon hereBook Accommodation in Cubas Casa Particular herePack these Items youre unlikely to find them in CubaA filter water bottleHand SanitiserSunscreenMosquito RepellentTravel / Power AdapterFirst Aid Kit.