In a city where few people own cars, the residents of Havana are accustomed to getting around on public transportation. But what might be simple for locals isn’t always easy to understand for visitors. Poor signage and idiosyncratic rules can make navigating Havana’s transport system tricky for unversed tourists.
In contrast to other cities of its size, Havana has no metro train system. Instead, the urban area relies mostly on buses and taxis. If you’ve got the energy, the best way to get around is on foot, although there’s a reasonably-priced tourist bus, and taxis are a viable option if you’re heading out to the suburbs. Here’s the lowdown on Havana’s transport options.
Join the locals on a metro bus
Havana’s articulated metro buses, known locally as guas-guas (pronounced “wah-wahs”), run along 17 set routes connecting central Havana with the suburbs. They’re hot, crowded, and used mainly by locals, but curious budget-conscious tourists can give them a try. The hub for many of the routes is Parque de la Fraternidad in Centro Habana. Fares cost in the vicinity of 10 pesos (about US$0.40). Pay on entry and watch your bags.
Smaller minibuses (taxis ruteros) run along additional routes in central Havana, charging slightly higher fares.
Get a tour plus transport on the sightseeing bus
Like many big cities, Havana has its own hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus service called the Havana Bus Tour that runs on two main routes throughout the day. The open-topped T1 takes in most of the tourist sights in Centro Habana, Vedado, and Miramar. The single-story T3 runs to the beaches of Playas del Este via the city’s historic forts. Both have their main terminus in Parque Central opposite the Hotel Inglaterra and depart every 20 to 30 minutes. All-day tickets cost the equivalent of around US$10 and must be paid for by credit card (no cash) on entering the bus.
If you’re near the hotel zones, you can hop on the airport bus
State-run company Transtur Havana has introduced a shuttle bus to and from Havana’s José Martí International Airport. If you’re in a hurry or just want to be guaranteed an easy arrival to Havana, pre-book a private transfer online.
If you’d prefer to save cash, you can join a group heading to the hotel zone,…
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