Transportation

1. Air

Due to a widespread domestic air network, flights within the country are inexpensive. Small, propeller aircrafts are used for domestic air travel and cost 25% less if booked along with your international ticket. All the tourist destinations and major cities are connected via air with Havana. The services of air taxis are also available almost all over the country.

2. Bus

Getting a bus ticket can be difficult in Cuba. You have to purchase the ticket in person at a counter, as well as reconfirm availability two hours prior to departure. Taking the train makes much more sense although there are some important routes that are serviced only by bus. You can also opt for camions, which in fact are large trucks converted to public transport vehicles by some locals. These offer trips along the popular bus routes.

An efficient mode of intercity transportation in Cuba is the Viazul bus system. Schedules and prices are available on their websites. Reservations can also be made via the website. However, not many Cubans travel by Viazul owing chiefly to the cost, which has to be paid in cash.

Be informed well in advance that Cuba has some great intercity distances. For instance, the trip from Havana to Santiago de Cuba can take nearly 15 hours by bus. In such situations, it is advisable to travel by air.

3. Car

Cuba has the most extensive system of roads in all of Latin America, and renting a car is definitely the easiest, but not my any means the cheapest way to see the country. It is common for Cubans to hitchhike in order to get around. The activity is known as ‘hacer botella' (literally 'to make a bottle' with the hand). Government vehicles are legally required to pick up hitchhikers provided they have the room. Major crossroads and town exits often have yellow-clad Amarillo officials who are required to organize the Cubans waiting for a ride.

Several companies rent cars to tourists for prices starting from $ 30 per day, excluding fuel charges (a liter of gasoline costs $1 and a liter of diesel, $0.80). Most rent-a-car companies have agencies near all the major tourist destinations, airports and hotels of the country. All places of tourist interest have road access except for some like Long Key of the South, the Queen's Gardens and Cayo Levisa. Traveling by road gives you an excellent chance of getting to know the island and its people. The roads are in decent condition and connect all the main cities, towns and tourist destinations to each other and with the capital. On the rural highways, however, it is necessary to look out for the cyclists who ply the roads even at night and many times without lights. It is also advisable to be extremely cautious about with domestic animals (mainly bovine livestock and horses) that possibly are loose in the surroundings of highways and roads.

4. Ferry

Boat and ferry services run from the mainland to several offshore keys. There are several marinas in the central provinces that provide mooring space, electricity, water, diesel, and other services. The biggest one in operation is Marina Puerto Sol (Phone: 432/45-1241 in Cienfuegos; 419/6205 in Playa Ancón; 33/30-1737 on Cayo Guillermo). Another good spot to keep in mind is Marina Marlin (Phone: 33/30-1322 on Cayo Coco; 32/36404 in Playa Santa Lucía).

5. Ship

There are no scheduled passenger ships owing to the US blockades. Only a few cruise ships call at Cuba. It is possible to call in on a private yacht after first contacting the authorities prior to arrival.

Persons aged 18 years and over are allowed to take the following goods into Cuba without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; three bottles of alcoholic beverages; gifts up to a value of US $50 (articles up to US $200 will be subject to customs duty payments); 10kg of medicines.

6. Taxi

For about $25, private (gypsy) cabs with yellow plates can be used for a day of driving around town. Many of these are vintage cars - such as the 1958 Chevy Bel-Airs and 1959 Cadillacs, hence vintage car enthusiasts will definitely enjoy the experience much more.

Modern tourist cabs are also available. These taxis charge in dollars and stand in front of hotels, transportation hubs, and major sights. Rates are affordable by North American and European standards. Metered cabs charge about $2 for every 10 km (6 mi) traveled; verify the rate with the driver before setting off to avoid any misunderstandings.