Getting There & Getting About

International Airports

• Havana (HAV): 18 km from the city.
• Full list of airports in Cuba with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

There are a number of internal flights available in Cuba, linking Havana and Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, Cayo Coco and Cayo Largo. Advance booking is essential. Some other routes are also covered, and private charters may also be booked.

The national rail company Ferrocarriles de Cuba (often known simply as Ferrocuba), used to run services connecting the vast majority of the country; however, the rail network has been badly affected by natural disasters and now only certain parts of the country are accessible by rail. The principal rail route is from Havana to Santiago de Cuba, and some other towns may also be reached from Havana. Although trains are slow and often late, journeys are relaxing and scenic.

As Cubans are not allowed to own cars, there is little traffic (other than goods traffic) outside the major cities. As a result, signposting is scarce, and visiting drivers are advised to bring a good map with them. All car hire companies are state-owned and badly organised; drivers must be aged 21 or over. Speed limits are 40 kph (25 mph) near schools, 50 kph (31 mph) on urban roads, 60 kph (37 mph) on rural roads, 90 kph (56 mph) on primary roads and 100 kph (62 mph) on the motorway. Motorcycle traffic police and stationary check points are common, and are usually very strict.

It is best to avoid the overcrowded public bus service provided by Astro to travel between towns; visitors are advised to use Viazul, which has daily well-appointed coaches connecting most major cities.

There are many shared taxis, buses and minibuses operating in Havana, although these are usually overcrowded. All official taxis have meters, although visitors should keep an eye out for taxis with 'broken' meters, especially at airports, and in Old Havana. Private taxis (usually old Ladas with blacked-out windows) are also available; these are un-metered and fares should be agreed before departure. Although private taxis are officially illegal, they are tolerated and in general safe. However, travellers should avoid mopeds or the three-wheel coco-taxis that are seen around tourist areas, as they have been a number of recent serious accidents.