Cuba - Background Information

Traveling around the country

The Cuban airline Aero Caribbean offers regular domestic flights between major cities like Havana and Santiago and holiday centers like Varadero and Cayo Largo. It is advisable to book inland flights early in advance. Buses are ideal for short distance traveling. However, the cheap Astro buses are recommendable for remote destinations only because breakdowns and long waits are daily occurrences. Therefore it is advisable to take the modern, air-conditioned Viazul buses, which go to all destinations relevant for tourists daily (often even several times). Tickets can be reserved at http://www.viazul.com and paid by credit card. Although one should drive carefully on the poor roads and prices are relatively high, traveling with rental cars is quite popular. Trains run in Cuba as well; however, it is quite an adventure and takes a lot of time and patience. Tickets are available at every station, but they should be bought one or several days in advance.