Havana Cuba Travel Guide
Havana''s mass transit system mainly serves locals. Tourists often find other options more convenient due to complexity and crowding. Buses (Guaguas) are large, often crowded, and sometimes older. They are the main form of mass transit for locals and are extremely cheap (a few CUP).
Havana does not have a metro or subway system. Trams are no longer operational. Official route maps are generally not available or easily accessible for tourists. Local people usually rely on word-of-mouth knowledge.
Official route maps are not easily accessible for tourists. Locals rely on word-of-mouth information for bus routes.
Fares are paid in CUP directly to the driver or conductor. Typically, a flat, very low rate for a one ride.
Major intersections plus the central area squares serve as informal bus hubs where many local routes converge.
Yellow license plates (T for Turismo, P for Particular).
Signal for a taxi on the street or find at designated stands.
Negotiate Before the ride. Meters are rare.
Cash (USD or EUR often preferred, or CUP at informal rate).
Official ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are not available. Local apps exist but are mainly for locals and face internet/payment limitations.
Distinctive yellow, three-wheeled scooter-taxis shaped like coconuts. Tourist-oriented for short, fun rides. Negotiate fare.
Bicycle taxis common in Old Havana. Good for short distances. Negotiate fare before riding.
Habana Bus Tour (double-decker buses) covers major attractions, convenient for city overview.
Hop-on-Hop-off services (like Habana Bus Tour) offer an a look at the city, covering major tourist attractions.
A small ferry crosses Havana harbor to Casablanca (Christ statue location). No extensive boat taxis for getting around the city.
Havana is generally not very accessible for travelers with mobility challenges due to uneven pavements and lack of ramps.
For optimal city exploration, blend strolling in Old Havana with taxis or Colectivos for longer distances. Renting a car is best reserved for outings outside the city.
