Transportation in Cuba

Traveling around Cuba

When going to Cuba with the intention of traveling the whole or a part of the Island on your own; prepare yourself with a good map, a good guidebook and visit good discussion boards on the Internet like the Lonely Planet Thorntree, where people can give you advice on how to plan your vacation.
Remember Cuba is a HUGE island of 1200 km (745 miles) long

Renting a car in Cuba

Bus

Reviews & Tips Viazul Bus

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Name: Rose
Country: Canada

Viazul
I have been on the buses in Cuba so many times and from many different cities. One time in particular I was supposed to land at Veradero where my friends were waiting to pick me up at the terminal. However, my travel agent failed to tell me that my flight had to be changed to the day before and consequently no flight to Veradero. I was lucky enough to catch a last minute flight to Havana instead. The bus driver on Viazul took me from Havana all the way to Veradero and actually detoured to take me to the airport where my friends were still waiting for me to arrive even if I was almost 6 hours late. Other times I have had to fly into Holguin and get a ride to the bus station there and a bus takes you to Santiago de Cuba. Have never had a problem getting off where ever I needed to get off. However, I usually just go to the bus station anyway. As mentioned in some of the other posts - take a blanket, sweater or jacket, food and water as there are some long stretches with no stops and it can be quite cool (even cold) with the air conditioning. The price is very reasonable and no one ever asked for a tip or extra money to handle your luggage. One or 2 CUC's is all I ever give if I ask for help. One thing I will advise anyone that is travelling on any type of public transport do not flash your wealth. By that I mean - don't wear fancy jewellery or carry a wad of money around with you. Keep it in a money belt around your waist and just keep a little in your pocket. That way you won't temp anyone to try to rob you or take advantage of you. The penalty for that if they are caught doing it is very severe so why tempt them. It is rare that anyone would even try but it is better to be safe than sorry. Just enjoy the ride.

Name: Giuseppe Fristachi
Country: Italy

Travel in Cuba
Unless you have your own (quite expensive)car, the most common way to travel in Cuba is by Viazul long distance (and long travel time!) buses.
Tips:
- usually freezing temperatures in the bus;
- buses stop usually every 1,5-2 hours (at main bus stations)with additional 45min stops at restaurants if travelling at lunch/dinner time; not essential to bring own food during travel
- strongly recommended to pre-organize bus station pick up by Casa particular, to avoid the assault by jineteros
- not easy or, in some stations not feasible at all, to prebook locally or to be sure of place, in particular if getting the bus at intermediate stations; if feasible, strongly recommended, particularly during busy holiday periods, to buy in advance the tickets via internet (better from home country; note that internet is not simply accessible in cuba)

Name: Rob
Country: Holanda

Via Azul Camaguey
The staff asked me: 1 CUC per luggage to pay. Do NOT PAY this!
You paid for the bus that includes baggage.
I have written to Via Azul, but you do NOT get any response.
So, be warned with this company!!

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