Cuban Transportation

Transportation

Aviation

International airports are: Havana, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba and Camagüey. Others domestic airports include Cayo Largo, Cienfuegos, Cayo Coco, Holguín and Santa Clara.

Car Travel

For those who enjoy driving, there's a wide network of car rental agencies featuring a good range of different automobile models. In some areas the absence of signs and road indicators makes driving a little frustrating, despite this, it is normal to ask any Cuban you see around for directions, there will always be someone willing to show you the way, especially in exchange for a lift.

Out of approximately 27,000 km of roads, only 15,000 are paved and in regular condition. The Autopista Nacional (Freeway), links Pinar del Río and Havana and extends itself eastward to the Sancti-Spíritus province. Here it joins the Carretera Central (Central Road), and continues through every major city and town from west to east.

Old American vintage cars from the 40s and 50s are easily spotted on Cuban streets and highways, some of them genuine jewels, while others rather rickety. Other prevelant models of cars were previously imported from the ex-socialist countries and the USSR. As a result of the price of fuel and the impossibility to acquire new cars, private transport is rather limited. Therefore, on the Autopista and roads, pedestrians, bikes, oxen yokes and horse carriages are a common sight. Hitch hiking or "coger botella" as Cubans have come to name it, is perfectly legal and has become the necessary daily means of transportation for the population.

Bus Travel

Viazul is the tourist bus line that links all major tourist centers, with daily schedules and highly comfortable vehicles. ASTRO is another public bus line that links most of the major Cuban towns also offering its services to foreigners, but with limited reservations.

Other transport modes can be contracted with travel agencies, where transport can be combined with visits to places of interest or a specialized tour guide service. Public transport has been seriously affected by the economic crisis, limited either by the lack of fuel or spare parts. In many instances, hybrids have been created consisting of a bus and a truck, largely for transport in rural and mountain areas. These do not follow a regular schedule.

Railway

The railroad network runs for 12,600 km, out of which 60% is used in the sugar industry. The remaining 4,680 km link the main cities. Trains in Cuba are generally old and not conducive to comfort. Nevertheless, as it remains one the fundamental means of transporting people and freight around the country, modernization of this sector has been promised in spite of the limitations.

Maritime

Maritime transport is greatly devoted to foreign trade, with 60% of the Merchant fleet based in the port of Havana. Most chief ports are located along the south coast. Only a few lines of maritime transport are available for passengers, the major one leaves from the port of Batabanó, south of Havana province, destine for the Isle of Youth.