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Transportation in Cuba is not really a problem; you just need to be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the different means of transportation in Cuba and the best way to get to your destination.
Traveling from Havana to any other place in Cuba is simple. You have lots of options available.
Yutong Astro bus
You can always fly from Havana to your destination if you want to save time, but if you prefer to enjoy the view on the way, you can get a bus ticket. There are two main bus agencies that sell tickets to many destinations in the country: Astro and Via Azul .
Astro is the agency most Cubans get tickets from when they travel to other provinces. They have renovated their buses and they have very comfortable Chinese Yutong buses now.
Via Azul is the agency most tourists travel with. They go to most tourist destinations and their buses are very
comfortable. 50,000 km of highways and paved roads link the most important cities in Cuba so transportation in Cuba shouldn’t be a problem.
Another way to get the most out of your trip is renting a car. Then you will be able to get everywhere you want and you will not be attached to any schedule, check Rex.
You can also rent a car from a person. Some people who own a car rent it, but usually with the driver. Depending on your plans it could sometimes be not very comfortable. However, it could be cheaper. Just make sure the car is in good conditions. You don’t want to end up in the middle of the road asking for a ride.
I think the best way to illustrate transportation in Cuba within the city is including here some pictures and making some comments. You will have a better picture then.
Old Cars in Cuba are very common
Every body knows that Cuba streets are a real car museum. You can find cars in Havana that not even car companies which produced them would believe they can still be useful.
Old Cars in Cuba are beautiful too
Some cars are still in very good shape; sometimes even better than when they were new. Some others are falling apart.
Others no so much
Some of these old cars are also taxis. They are no supposed to carry tourists, but most of them do and they are a lot cheaper. A ride within the city ranges from 10 to 20 Cuban pesos, which is equivalent to less than 1 CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso).
Tour bus, usually for excursions and transfers from the airport
Taxis, not necessarily yellow. In these type of taxis you pay with CUC (Cuba Convertible pesos)
Cuban Taxi
These are other types of taxis you find mainly in Havana, Gran Car old American Cars; usually rented by tourists for rides around the city and to tourist destinations not far from Havana: Pinar del Rio, Varadero, etc.
Taxis Gran Car
If you are lucky enough, you can even get to drive one of them.
My friend Devon driving a cuban car
If you are in Havana and want to take a tour around the city on your own, this could be a great choice. Pay 5 or 3 CUC, depending on the route and you can go around all the day long. Get off, take a look around and get on the next one to the next stop. Just be aware that they run on a route and follow a schedule.
Havana Bus Tour
These carts might be a nicer way to take a tour around the city. I have seen them in other cities around the world. They take you back to old colonial times when there were no engine cars. Of course, paved roads make it easier now. You don’t get muddy when it rains.
Cart and Horse
These are also taxis. People call them Coco Taxis because the first ones built were always yellow and resembled taxis. Today they are varied, but they are still called coco taxis. Some of them are paid in CUC and others in Cuban pesos.
Cuban Coco Taxi
These so called bicitaxis are very popular in Cuba. They are a good choice when you get tired and don’t feel like walking anymore.
Cuban "Bicitaxi"
Even this street dog decided to get a ride on this bicitaxi to soothe the heat away.
Most Cubans usually travel by bus; they are called guaguas in Cuba. Though there have been some improvements public buses are generally crowded and don’t run as often as people might need.
Cuban "Guagua"
A year or two ago, these were buses in Havana. They were called Camellos (camels). Now, they run in other provinces.
Cuban "Camello"
A typical Cuba wedding tailback.
This is jus a sample of transportation in Cuba. I hope it helps you when you next travel to Cuba. If you have any questions, contact me. My friends and I will be happy to help you.