Getting Around Cuba

If you are visiting one of the all-inclusive beachplan on being flexible as the schedules are less strict.
resorts in Cuba, you might not need to do anyTrain
traveling around the island. But if you plan onThe train makes for an alternative to the bus for
exploring more than one town or see thetravel across Cuba. There are regularly scheduled
countryside, you have several transportation options.routes through the island, and the main train service
Taxisis run by Tren Frances. The line goes between
Grabbing a taxi is usually the easiest and mostHavana and Santiago and stops frequently at other
convenient way to get around most Cuban cities andtowns along the way. The train is cheaper than the
towns, though smaller places are more walkable.bus, but you'll find the trip less comfortable and the
There are both licensed and unlicensed taxis, usuallyschedules aren't as reliable.
in the form of older "classic" American cars. TheFlights
unlicensed taxis are technically illegal but tourists doThe quickest way to travel within Cuba is by plane.
use them quite frequently. Though riding around inThere are several airports, especially near the main
the vintage cars can be fun, you should try to taketourist areas and beach resort islands. There are two
at least one ride in a yellow coco-taxi. They're kind ofairlines operating domestic flights in Cuba: Cubana de
like a big 3-wheeled moped with a round enclosureAviacion and Aero Caribbean.
over the two passenger seats.Hitchhiking
BusesYes, that's right. It's actually an accepted practice to
Buses are another option in Cuba, though more forhitchhike around Cuba. There are official rest-stops,
getting around between cities as you travel aroundand attendants who will flag down cars heading your
the island. Havana does have public bus service withinway. The system is called "El Amarillo" because of
the city. Viazul and Astro are the two main bus lines,the attendant's yellow uniform. Unlike traditional
with Viazul being more expensive and also quitehitchhiking, you do have to pay a small fee which
comfortable (even air conditioned). Routes will varygoes to the attendant rather than the person who
but you should be able to get a bus betweenpicks you up. It's an unusual way to travel, but it can
Havana, Varadero, Camaguey and down to Santiago.be a bit of an adventure (especially if you don't mind
If you are getting off the beaten track a bit more,getting a ride in the back of a pick up truck).