transportation in cuba for tourists

The timetable for Astrobus Cuba is posted at each bus station. They have a channel for each airport. So when you see people standing on highways waving money, thats what theyre looking for a lift. Find out what else you can expect fromCasa Particulars in our ultimate guide here. Or you negotiate a price to go sooner and with fewer people. So, heres a map, showing the main towns, cities, and areas of Cuba that visitors travel to. Coco taxis are slower, noisier and smaller than regular taxis. Curb ramps are common in downtown Havana but rare in provincial capitals. Havana, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba, Cayo Coco and Guillermo, and Cayo Santa Mara use double-decker open-topped buses to drive visitors around. It might be a classic car. According to . You can also hire a driver for the day, or for an hour or so, to take you around in one of Cubas famous classic cars. Tickets for these buses also can only be booked at either hotels or travel agencies in Cuba. We took a colectivo from Matanzas to Havana read about it here. Additionally, food and drink are not typically served so plan accordingly. If youre reading this and youre already in Cuba, youll have realised that this is very much a cash society. From classic cars to coco taxis, its always an experience getting around. Theoretically, cars are required to pick up hitchhikers in Cuba. Viazul The Cuban state operates the most important bus company for tourists under the Viazul brand. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. If you can't confer with a local, insist that the meter be used to remove any doubt. These can be arranged at Infotur offices, and at your casa. So if you want to head to the beaches of Playa del Este or simply use it as an alternative to taxis and transfers, then heres your option. Find out how to avoid these scams before you go. If youre not staying at a hotel or homestay with a garage, it's worth asking your accommodations for a parqueador (car keeper). During peak season (July and August, plus November to March), its best to make reservations days in advance, especially for popular routes such as Havana to Viales, Havana to Varadero and Santiago de Cuba to Baracoa. Some travelers have reported saying that when they turn up to the local bus depot, locals pretend the buses aren't running, forcing travelers to catch the more expensive option. For the most reliable car rental, you can visit the official Transtur website or any of their offices around the country to set aside a vehicle for your arrival. 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! But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Transportation in Cuba Here are examples of transportation modes and the Cuba transportation facts you need to help you navigate the streets of Cuba . Transportation in Havana, Cuba is easy. The best source of information on internal flights, and flights in general in Cuba is ECASA the Cuban Government-owned company that owns and operates 22 airports in Cuba, its the best place for figuring out the flight schedules. These will usually be cars that will run between two towns, and will then take you to a particular place such as a hotel or hostel in your destination. If youve flown into Havana Airport and want to go to Varadero straight away, then our guide from Jose Marti Airport to Varadero is here. AIRPORT ARRIVAL TRANSFER For almost all of the Cuba tours we run, we include an airport transfer on arrival - for your peace of mind and comfort. How to Visit Cuba: Visas When it comes to planning a trip to Cuba, the most important thing is getting the correct visa. Youll have the most choice in the types of taxi in Havana. Train travel in Cuba is slow and runs late if they run at all. We have researched on the Internet and we already have an idea of how much we are going to spend and the truth is that it does not seem so expensive, in terms of accommodation and food, but what does seem expensive is transportation We have found out and the bus from Havana to Vinales costs only $ 10 USD but the tour lasts about 4 hours which is a long time, on the other hand, collective taxis mmmhhh we have seen videos on youtube and they really seem very uncomfortable. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. Thats just over 37,000 miles. They will, however, stop at most hotels (not casa particulars) en route). Depending on your negotiation skills. Payments are accepted only using non-US-based cards tourists cannot pay in cash. Privately owned cars are not. The Viazul network goes to most of the places that budget travelers will want to go to. Viazul bus - the easy but costly option for tourists Viazul is a state-owned tourist bus company that has modern, comfortable, fast and air-conditioned buses all around Cuba. There are also some airlines that serve domestic routes, but don't expect the kind of comforts you would get on long-distance or international routes. Bridge over the Yumuri Valley between Havana and Matanzas. The Train. 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. Read more here. Knowing the dangers of actually getting behind the wheel in Cuba, it's not surprising that many tourists choose to use taxisto get around instead. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Don't forget the cheapest transport out there: walking. Otherwise, transportation is scarce and poorly managed. But getting around Cuba isn't easy. One thing to keep in mind when selecting buses as a mode of transportation is that they can be quite crowded and therefore can be haven for pickpockets. Note: In larger cities, you will also see some beautiful Classic cars in Cuba that double as taxis, typically serving Cubans. The Caribbean island of Cuba is one that has long had an air of mystery because of its Communist history, and the positively frosty relationship it had with the United States from the late 1950s onwards. The best way to make the most of your time in Cuba is to prearrange as much of your transport as possible. Agree on a price before you get in. With bench seats in the front, fitting six of us in the car was easy. These are basically just glorified motorcycles that have been modified to carry passengers. The Email address or Password is incorrect, World Nomads Contributor - Wed, 8 May 2019. read about lockdowns and border restrictions. It's fairly easy to get around on the tourist buses, and you can also book fairly cheap domestic flights. Keep in mind that although you are buying your ticket online, you will still have to check in at the official booth to exchange your digital ticket for a physical one. Bici-taxis (tricycles with a double seat behind the driver) are a popular means of transportation for getting around the downtown areas in Havana, Cienfuegos, Camagey, Holgun and other cities. We can send you the timetable (for free) as a PDF which is infinitely easier than navigating the Viazul website. Here's everything you need to know before you go. What I need to know is how can I do an in country flight from Santiago de Cuba to Varadero? day trip to Vinales in a beautiful classic car, Check out your options for Classic Car Tours here, Casa Particulars in our ultimate guide here. With so many great options just a couple of hours away, Havana is the perfect base in Cuba for day trips filled with adventure. Similarly between Havana and Trinidad with all stops along the way. Cubans are helpful by nature and likely to assist visitors, but accessible transportation in Cuba is still in its infancy. Public buses ( guaguas) are crowded and operate on unreliable schedules. Cayo Coco is popular as a beach resort, but those traveling there tend to travel to spend time there and head right back to the airport in Havana. We failed miserably to buy tickets for a train from Havana to Santiago de Cuba. Of course, the Viazul bus in Cuba isnt your only Cuban Transport Option. Vazul is the go-to bus company for travelers, with air-conditioned buses and extensive coverage of the islands most popular spots. Additionally, it's not uncommon to come around a bend and find pedestrians, bicyclists or even livestock in the road, so drivers should exercise caution. Top 6 Scams to Look Out for When Traveling in Cambodia, Is The Philippines Safe? Theyre glorious. Beware of inflated prices many coco taxi drivers try to charge travelers a large fee for a short ride. https://www.havana60.com/havana-to-vinales-taxi/ Since leaving the corporate world in 2014 Sarah has gone with the flow - and that works really well in Cuba. The Cuba bus system that is usually used for Cubans is called Astro. Here's what you need to know before you come to Cuba's colorful capital. 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. Centro Havana - Where to Stay in Cuba for Nightlife 4. The tourist card allows you to stay in Cuba for up to 90 days. When it comes to tourism, the Cuban government sees it as one of their main ways of getting money. See all Alerts and Messages Emergency Assistance U.S. Citizens with emergencies, please call +53 7 839 4100 Outside of Office Hours, contact: +53 7 839 4100, dial 1 for English, then 0 to speak to an operator Pay attention to where you need to stop or you'll be an accident waiting to happen. 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. Annika Hipple writes about several iconic and lesser-known cultural highlights to add to your trip. Trinidad - Coolest Place to Stay in Cuba 5. Although the 2017 restrictions still allowed cruise ships and authorized tour groups to arrange hotels, transportation, meals, and an itinerary that complies with federal regulations, the 2019 edict prohibited these from arranging travel for tourists seeking to visit Cuba as tourists. Unfortunately, in Cuba it costs quite a bit to rent a car - around US $80 per day, and because rentals are government-run, they are the same price all around the country. Domestic airplane at Santiago de Cuba airport. VACCINATIONS: None. But getting around Cuba isnt easy. With several currencies, multiple street names, and cheap cigars, Cuba confuses even hardened travelers. Travelers from the rest of the world can purchase a "Tourist Card" at the airport before checking into their flight. First and foremost, avoid taking rides with unlicensed taxis. Ready to dive in? Check out your options for Classic Car Tours here. This is a useful map of the standardalmendrone routes in Havana. Likewise, private transfers will try to charge 30 to 40% above the normal rate for a local. And it makes a great option for getting around the city, but we would remind you to ensure that you LOCK the bike up carefully or never leave it unattended. Look out for poncheras (puncture repair stalls) if you need to fix a flat or air up your tires. (which might differ depending on how long you have in Cuba). Buses or Local Guaguas Learn more about how do local guaguas or buses work in Cuba. Still, there are a few dependable train lines that run between Havana and Santiago de Cuba. And Ill go through them in the order in which people like you and me tend to use them. Today, steps to thaw that frosty relationship have been moving forward, but visitors from the United States will still need relatives living in Cuba to be permitted to travel there. Comments (6) Public transportation is good in the city hub provinces of Havana and Santiago de Cuba. Which means long waiting times and crammed buses. It was in superb condition, had a DVD player retrofitted, and also great air conditioning! 5 Best Regions to Stay in Cuba 1. If you pick up the rental car at the airport, theres an additional fee of US$25. The Cuban nation relies a great deal on shared rides. They dont cover the entire country, but they do cover the main routes. Make sure to read more about the pros and cons of each form of transportation. CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY: U.S. credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba. , prebooking your transfers is a great way of using cards and saving that precious cash. Download an offline map before arriving in Cuba to help you navigate the streets. 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. Viazul is the only bus line offering regular service throughout the island, and it's strictly for visitors. We used and recommend Civitatis you can check prices and book Cuban transportation here. For the latest travel warnings and alerts around the world, read about lockdowns and border restrictions. 2. In November 2021 theyve made some fabulous updates, including adding airport transfers!! At first glance, Cuba has a transportation network to make traveling around the country an easy ride, including an extensive train system and 900km (560 miles) of highways that link up towns throughout the island. TRIPADVISOR . 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. When I first thought about visiting Cuba, the first question I had to ask myself was How much does it cost to go to Cuba? Travel & Tourism in the U.S. Visit the U.S.! Prices for these taxis start at US$2 or about US$20 for an hour-long city tour. You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. Download Lonely Planet's free Accessible Travel guide. You most likely wont get to where you want to go in the timeframe that you want, but hey, this is Cuba. But youll travel mostly in comfort. The main railway line in Cuba runs from Havana on the north-west coast of the island down to Santiago de Cuba on the south-east coast and is the most reliable route in the country, operated using former French railway rolling stock. One of the fascinating ways to travel in Cuba on a local level is by hiring a trusted private taxi. It's important to know firsthand that transportation costs in Cuba may change from one day to the next because of the constant fluctuation of the USD and EUR in Cuba's market - resulting in a very low percentage of Cubans that actually use the government's exchange system. With a history of gas shortages and a low number of cars per capita, Cuba has been a bike-friendly destination for decades. Transportation costs in Cuba. Ironically enough, the same car rental agencies can put you in contact with a private driver with no problem. Bus travel in Cuba is generally safe, reliable (considering Cuban standards for punctuality!) Check out pre-booking and get some awesome cars to travel in here. Crime Rate and Most Common Crimes in Cuba Coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel: The situation around the world is changing dramatically. And no, we had no desire to attempt them. And the timetables are, shall we say, a little fluid. A Locally Sourced Cuba Tours representative will be waiting outside of the Terminal doors, with a sign with your name on it. Click Here to Get Your Copy. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Cuba has two types of taxis: yellow taxis (which come in a number of vehicle makes and sizes) and the classic convertibles that every tourist takes a selfie with.
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