Section 5 · On the ground
Getting around Cuba
Public transportation in Cuba is limited, ride-share apps don't exist, and rental cars are scarce and expensive. Almost every visitor relies on pre-booked transfers, casa-arranged taxis, or the long-distance Viazul bus. Here's how each option actually works in 2026.
Major airports
6
Long-distance bus
Viazul
Ride-share apps
None
Rental availability
Very limited
Drive defensively — and only in daylight when possible
Cuban roads mix cars, horse carts, bicycles, pedestrians and unmarked livestock. Streetlights are rare outside city centers and many vehicles drive without functioning lights. Plan inter-city drives for daylight hours.
Explore this topic
Havana airport transfer (HAV)
Terminals 2 and 3, fixed taxi rates, and pre-booked transfers vs. arrival-counter taxis.
Varadero airport transfer (VRA)
Hotel-zone transfers and the realistic cost of going to Havana.
Holguín airport transfer (HOG)
Transfers to Guardalavaca and the hotels of Playa Pesquero.
Santiago de Cuba (SCU) transfers
Getting from Antonio Maceo airport into the city or to the hotels of Sierra Mar.
Camagüey (CMW) transfers
Reaching Santa Lucía beach and the city of Camagüey.
Santa Clara (SNU) transfers
Onward connections to Cayo Santa María and Trinidad.
Renting a car in Cuba
Why rentals are scarce, who actually has inventory, and what to verify before paying.
Driving in Cuba
Road conditions, fuel realities, police checkpoints, and night driving.
Frequently asked questions
Is Uber available in Cuba?
No. There are no functioning ride-share apps in Cuba. You arrange taxis through your accommodation, at official airport taxi counters, or by pre-booking transfers.
Is it safe to drive in Cuba?
Yes, but with caveats. Daytime driving on main roads is manageable. Night driving is genuinely dangerous due to unlit roads, livestock, and unmarked obstacles.
Stay informed
Cuban and U.S. regulations change frequently. Browse our other sections to keep your trip, your shipment, or your family support on solid ground.
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