While in Cuba, there are not many transport options to choose from if you want to move around the island on a low-budget. Due to the fact that railways are pretty much inexistent (only some trains run from/to Havana-Santiago), colectivos & taxis can be pretty expensive, the other seemingly cheap option the connects major cities is buses.
Buses
Currently, there is a handful of companies that operate nation-wide buses throughout the country but unfortunately some of these companies do not allow tourists on-board. The cheap provincial buses e.g. transgaviota bus, can only be boarded by locals whereas tourists are left with the most expensive option: Viazul.
Apart from the relatively expensive fares, Viazul buses are an easy and reliable way to move from one side to the other of the country. The network of this company cover all of the main cities located on the Carretera Central (N-1) but also some of the most further away destinations such as Baracoa, Viñales or Varadero. Luckily, the fares and times are fixed and can be easily read on at viazul.com (or check below photos).
Usually, especially in low season, its difficult to find the buses full (only middle/high class cubans travel on these) and therefore the easiest way to get a ticket is just show up in front of the Viazul bus office in the morning. For those wanting to make sure to have a spot on the bus, Viazul also gives the possibility to reserve seats minimum two days ahead before the departure date. *Reminder: although you reserve the seat, you will still have to show up in the morning to “validate” your ticket !*
Safety on buses has never been a problem with us. We always felt safe and never thought our luggage could have stolen since they get tagged with your name & arrival city, at every bus terminal.
In Havana there’s also the possibility to take city buses onto which tourists are allowed to travel; these are very cheap (25CUP) and reliable way to travel around the city limit without having to pay a taxi. Just ask the locals for timings, they’ll know better than any schedule you’ll ever find!
Colectivos
The colectivos are another similar way to travel in-between major cities and/or to smaller places where the Viazul buses don’t usually reach. Pretty often, the fare for colectivos would be the same, if not higher, than the one for the Viazul buses with the only advantage that they would come and pick you up at your hotel/casa doorstep. Going through the hassle of small seat space, no AC and longer travel time for just a house-to-house pick-up? Definitely not worth!
Often colectivos “terminals” (if you can call them so) are located just behind the Viazul bus station, making it super easy to find. As previously mentioned, taking colectivos might be advantageous if you’re looking to go in more remote places where Viazul doesn’t operate, although fares are not fixed . Bargaining with the drivers of the colectivo might be the best bet for obtaining cheaper fares but then again this depends on the route and on the driver.
Taxis
In order to reach some places just off the beaten track e.g. Guardalavaca or Moa a taxi might be required. Now, in Cuba there are private taxis & official taxis (the latter being more expensive) and there also not registered private taxis. Any of these will work for covering short distances just outside cities but always be aware that bargaining the price at the beginning.
Sometimes sharing a taxi in-between three/four people can be really convenient as the fee could end up being the same (or less) of a Viazul bus. Don’t expect the taxi to be as comfy as the bus (although the old cars that operate as taxis are super cozy) but at least you get to choose your departure time and the breaks along the way. Here some examples fare we bargained:
FROM Holguin bus station TO Guardalavaca ——> 30CUC (total for 4 people)
FROM Holguin bus station TO Varadero (stop in Santa Clara) ——> 150CUC (total for 4 people)
FROM Baracoa TO Maguana Beach (return) ——> 25CUC (total for 4 people)
Rickshaws, Tuk-Tuks & horse-cart
Last but not least, there are several others means of transportation that can be found around the country such as the ones mentioned above. These are usually present only within cities and end up being a cheaper alternative for short rides rather than taking expensive taxis.
Fare usually vary from 1-5CUC depending how long/far the ride is and its often a good way to have small city tours while taking a break from walking.
PLANNING A TRIP TO CUBA? CHECK MORE GUIDES BELOW!
[pt_view id=”b4ab420t7e”]