Cuba is an amazing tourist destination because of its location in the Caribbean. However, although this is the biggest island in the Caribbean it is not as developed as some of the other islands like Aruba and the Bahamas. Nevertheless, Cuba can hold its own because of its old world charm and natural beauty. Many tourists planning a trip to Cuba are interested in their transportation options once they arrive. Most tourists choose to travel by bus, taxi, or a rental car. You should choose the option that will work best for you and your travel plans as well as your budget!
Buses
The major bus line in Cuba is the Viazul. As far as public transportation goes the Viazul is certainly one of the best options. The coaches are air-conditioned, which is a necessity in this hot country! The coaches also have televisions as well as bathrooms, so traveling is not such a hassle. Coaches run to all of the major tourist spots so making it to your destination won’t be difficult. The buses run on schedule, which is very nice and tourists can plan their trip around the bus departures. The Viazul website is a great resource for bus schedules. You may make advance reservations for the bus, but this is rarely necessary unless it is high season. If you try and make an online reservation on the Viazul website don’t be surprised if it doesn’t work. Showing up early to the bus station is really the best option. Also, be sure to carry some snacks because you may not care for the food at the highway restaurants. It is also a good idea to carry a blanket or a jacket because the air conditioning can be quite cold!
The Astro bus line is another option for tourists, but this one is a little more difficult to manage. That’s because the majority of seats on these buses are sold to Cubans and just a couple reserved for tourists. The rate is a little cheaper than Viazul, but not much, and there are no washrooms. If you plan on traveling on the Astro bus line it is very important to make reservations in advance.
Minibuses are a good option for tourists willing to spend a few extra dollars. These buses carry four or five people and are faster and more reliable. Not to mention, you can always ask the driver to stop to take photos, go to the restroom, or buy something to eat!
Taxi
Taxis are another option of travel and they are a really good option for traveling within cities or towns. However, plan on paying more for long distance travel in a taxi. If you are traveling with several people the fare may be split and offer substantial savings to each traveler while increasing their comfort level significantly.
You can find taxis pretty much anywhere, but if you are having a hard time look for one located in front of hotels or restaurants where they usually congregate.
Car Rentals
If you have a bigger budget for transportation once you arrive in Cuba then you may consider a car rental. The prices for a rental including insurance cost around CUC 65 a day. Deposits are required, although they are refundable. These cost around CUC 200. In general, you will find Cuban rental cars to be fairly new models and are usually Asian or European models. If you receive any traffic tickets while driving the rental these fees will be deducted from your deposit. Keep in mind that if an accident occurs and there is an injury or a death you will be detained in Cuba until things can be processed. This may take a few months. As a result, renting cars might not be the best option for foreigners simply because of the risk involved.
This entry was posted
on Saturday, January 19th, 2008 at 9:48 am and is filed under Travel Tips.
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