Getting There & Away: Santiago De Cuba

Air Travel: Santiago's Gateway

Airports & Airlines

Antonio Maceo Airport (SCU) is the main international airport, located approximately 7 kilometers (4 miles) south of the city center.

Flight Options & Routes

From Europe: Connections often via Havana (HAV) with airlines like Condor, Air France, Iberia.
From Canada: Air Transat and Sunwing Airlines operate charter flights, often seasonally.
From Latin America/Caribbean: Copa Airlines (Panama City), InterCaribbean Airways (Kingston, Jamaica) provide regional connections.

Airport Services & Transfers

Antonio Maceo Airport is a smaller airport with basic facilities. Transfers to the city are straightforward.

On Arrival

Currency Exchange (CADECA): Available in arrivals hall, rates might not be most favorable.
Car Rental Desks: Available, but booking in advance is advisable.
Taxi: Most common and convenient. Official airport taxis outside terminal. Negotiate fare (15-25 USD to city center).

Flight Deals

Look for flight deals through services like Dollar Flight Club for price drops.

Compare Flights

Use aggregators like Skyscanner to compare routes and prices from various airlines.

Seasonal Pricing

Prices are generally higher during the high season (December-March) and major holidays. Charter flights may be seasonal.

Transfer Options from Airport

Pre-Arranged Pick-up

Many Casa particulares offer airport pick-up services for a fee.
This option provides convenience and peace of mind upon arrival.
Confirm details with your accommodation beforehand.
Public Transport: No direct public bus routes from the airport for tourists.

General Airport Info

Limited Wi-Fi at the airport; better to sort transport before arrival.
Cubana de Aviación, the state-owned airline, offers limited services, mainly domestic.
US travelers: No direct commercial flights from the US for general tourism. Fly via third country or Havana.
Plan for at least one layover if flying from outside the immediate region.

Land Transportation Options

Long-Distance Buses Viazul

Viazul is the most reliable intercity bus service for tourists. Air-conditioned buses connect Santiago to Havana, Trinidad, Camagüey, Baracoa, and other major cities. Book well in advance, especially during high season. The terminal is a few kilometers outside the city center, taxi needed.

Train Connections

Cuba has a national train network, but services are notoriously unreliable, slow, and often delayed or canceled. Not recommended if you have a tight schedule. Tickets are cheap but can be challenging for foreigners to acquire. Main station connects to major cities.

Self-Driving & Rentals

Requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) and national driver's license. Rental cars are expensive (70-120+ USD/day) and in high demand. Book well in advance via a reputable agency like DiscoverCars.com. Road conditions vary; major roads passable, rural roads poor. Fuel shortages can occur. Driving at night is hazardous.

Sea & River Arrivals

Cruise Ship Terminal

Santiago de Cuba has a cruise ship terminal, the Sierra Maestra Cruise Terminal. It is located in the city center, close to the historical district.

Cruise Port Information

Cruise ships occasionally dock in Santiago, bringing day-trippers.
Terminal location: Central, allowing easy access to the historical district.
Immigration procedures for cruise passengers are similar to airport procedures upon disembarkation.

Other Water Transport

Beyond cruise ships, formal water transportation options are limited for general tourists.

Limited Options

Ferry services: No regular passenger ferry services to or from Santiago de Cuba for public use.
River transportation: Not applicable for general tourism within Santiago de Cuba.
Small boats may offer rides across Santiago Bay, but they do not form a formal transport system.

Road Conditions & Safety

General road conditions and safety concerns for driving in Cuba.

Driving Information

Road Quality: Varies significantly. Main roads can be decent but often have potholes. Rural roads are often in poor condition.
Safety Concerns: Stay alert for cyclists, horse-drawn carriages, and pedestrians sharing the roads. Driving at night is hazardous due to poor lighting.
Fuel: Shortages can occur. Fuel sells in CUP at state stations, but finding it can be a challenge.

Laws & Parking

Important driving laws and parking advice for visitors.

Driving Regulations

Laws: Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are a requirement. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on highways.
Parking: Street parking is common. In cities, informal "parkers" may guide you to a spot for a small tip. Secure parking lots exist at some hotels.
Vehicle Type: Rental cars are often basic models, sometimes with manual transmission.

Departure Checklist

Exit fees or taxes: Most air tickets now include any applicable exit fees. No longer separate fees at the airport.
Departure procedures: Arrive at Antonio Maceo Airport (SCU) at least 2-3 hours before your international flight.
Documents: Ensure you have your passport, boarding pass, and the retained half of your Tourist Card. Immigration officers collect the Tourist Card upon departure.

Airport facilities: SCU Airport has limited shops, cafes, and a duty-free area located after security.
Bus terminal facilities: Viazul bus terminals offer basic waiting areas and sometimes small kiosks for snacks and drinks.
Confirm any specific departure requirements with your airline or local contacts before heading to the airport.

Emergency Services

Emergency Contacts

Know the essential numbers for immediate assistance in Santiago de Cuba.

Phone Numbers

Police: Dial 105 for immediate police assistance.
Fire Department: Dial 106 in case of fire or related emergencies.
Ambulance: Dial 104 for medical emergencies and ambulance services.

Additional Support

Other resources for travelers facing issues.

Extra Assistance

Tourist Police: Ask hotel staff or Casa owners for the local tourist police station number. They are generally more helpful to visitors.
Consulate/Embassy: Keep your country's embassy or consulate contact information readily available. Most are in Havana.
Medical Assistance: In case of medical emergency, refer to your travel insurance policy details.

Communication

English-speaking operators may not always be available on emergency lines.

Response Times

Emergency response times can vary across the city.

Stay Informed

Keep local emergency numbers saved in your phone and written down.

Passenger Rights

Flight Delays or Cancellations

If you experience significant flight disruptions, you might be eligible for compensation.

Claiming Compensation

AirHelp assists passengers in receiving compensation for delayed or canceled flights.
Potential compensation can be up to €600, depending on the flight circumstances.
Check eligibility criteria with AirHelp after your flight disruption.

Considerations

Important Notes

Flight disruptions apply mostly to flights arriving from or departing to Europe.
Always keep records of your flight details and any communications with the airline.
Passenger rights vary by airline and departure/arrival country regulations.

Other Travel Service Protections

Accommodation Issues

If pre-booked accommodation is unavailable or not as described, document the issue and contact your booking provider.

Tour Operator Disputes

For issues with pre-booked tours, contact the tour operator or your travel agent directly to resolve.

Rental Car Problems

Document any car rental issues immediately at pick-up or during the rental period with the rental company.

Advocacy for Travelers

Knowing your passenger rights for air travel can make a difference in unexpected situations. Organizations like AirHelp specialize in assisting travelers with compensation claims for disrupted flights, offering support and guidance throughout the process.

Getting There & Away