Travel around Cuba by Car
Driving a rental car is an excellent way to travel around Cuba. The roads are generally in pretty good condition, and there's very little traffic -- although you'll have to keep a sharp eye out for horse-drawn carriages, slow-moving tractors, scores of bicyclists, and pedestrians taking over major roadways. There are some car-rental companies with limited fleet of rental cars to choose from. Prices are higher than in north America and selection are rather standard with an abundance of small, economy Japanese and Korean cars to choose from.
A rental car should cost you between CUC$60 and CUC$90 per day, including insurance and unlimited mileage. Some agencies start you off with a full tank of gas that they charge you for -- above the rental fee -- then give no credit for any gas left in the tank upon returning the car. Discounts are available for multiday rentals. It's always a good idea to have a reservation in advance, especially during peak periods, when cars can get a little scarce. All car rental companies have desks at the airport, and at a host of major hotels around Havana and the rest of the country.
All car-rental agencies in Cuba offer insurance coverage for between CUC$10 and CUC$20 per day. Coverage is obligatory and most carry a CUC$200 to CUC$750 deductible. Be very thorough when checking out your car, and make sure that all accouterments (like a spare tire, jack, and radio) are present and accounted for. Moreover, be sure to have the agent note every little nick and scratch, or you risk being charged for them upon your car's return.
Gasoline costs around CUC$1 per liter. Gone are the gas shortages of several years ago. Service stations are plentiful and conveniently located on the major highways and in most major towns and cities.
Travel around Cuba by Plane
Cubana and AeroCaribbean are the main carriers within Cuba and Aerogaviota and Aerotaxi also do domestic charter flights. Among the four of them, there's a full schedule of commuter flights connecting Havana with some of the main destinations like Nueva Gerona (Isla de la Juventud), Cayo Largo, Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria, Holguín and Santiago de Cuba.
Fares average around CUC$80 to CUC$120 one-way. If you know you'll need an internal flight, try to have your travel agent or tour operator book it in advance. If not, you can easily book flights from the tour desks at almost any hotel in Cuba.
Travel around Cuba by Bus
For all intents and purposes, the only buses a tourist will ride in Cuba are those run by Víazul that has a modern and comfortable fleet. Since the tickets must be paid in hard currency, which precludes most Cubans from using them, there is less demand and greater availability. While it is possible for tourists to travel on standard Cuban buses, it is often complex, impractical and problematic and you will be charged in CUC, at rates just slightly cheaper than Víazul.
Víazul travels to most major tourist destinations in Cuba. The main Víazul station is located in Nuevo Vedado, Havana, across from the metropolitan zoo. However, some of their routes, including the popular Viñales and Pinar del Río route, can be booked and boarded at the main bus terminal near the Plaza de la Revolución
Travel around Cuba by Train
Havana is connected to Pinar del Río in the west, and Santiago de Cuba in the east by regular rail traffic. There are usually one or two trains a day heading west, and a half-dozen or so heading east. Intermediate cities with regular service include Matanzas, Santa Clara, Ciego de Avila, Camagüey, Las Tunas, and Holguín. The principal train station, or Estación Central, is located in Old Havana.
Most trains are in rather bad shape, with uncomfortable seats and limited amenities. Be sure to bring along some food and something to drink. Even if there's a cafeteria car onboard, which isn't always the case, you might not find any of their offerings particularly appealing, and they might just run out somewhere along the line. Moreover, train travel in Cuba is notoriously erratic, with frequent schedule changes and delays. It is always best to check current schedules and conditions before buying a ticket and undertaking a train journey.