Getting around Cuba

Visitors coming to Cuba usually get a four week tourist card when they purchase their tickets to come here. However, if you are a US citizen, it is not easy to get to Cuba. To legally travel here, you are required to get written permission from the Treasury Department, so what most US citizens do is they travel to Cuba from a third country like Canada, Jamaica or Mexico.

Currently Cuba has 11 international airports and over 60 carriers flying in and out of the country. The main airport in Cuba is the Aeropuerto Internacional Jose Marti in Havana, but the Aeropuerto Juan Gualberto Gomez in Veradero and the Aeropuerto Antonio Maceo in Santiago de Cuba also have a number of international flights landing here. Cuba’s national airline, Cubana de Aviacion offers the most flights into Cuba, nevertheless, some major international carriers that also land here are; Air Canada, Copa Airlines, Air France, Iberia and Martinair.

One of the best ways to get around Cuba is to fly with 11 airports located in the country. Cubana de Aviacion offers a number of regional flights to various parts of Cuba on a regular basis. Another way to get from place to place in Cuba is to use the bus. Extremely affordable, these air conditioned coaches are punctual and travel all over the country.

If you prefer you can also rent a car or bike and travel around Cuba as well. Renting a care is easy and quick as all you have to show are your passport, your valid driver’s license and pay a deposit fee.  While the roads in Cuba are in pretty good condition, there are no real road rules, so watch out for cattle, pedestrians and other buses as you drive by.

In each city the best way to get around is by bicycle or bici-taxis. Cycling is a way of life in Cuba and most people out here ride bikes to get from one place to another. Bici-taxis are huge tricycles with a seat behind the rider. Negotiate a fare before you sit in.