Getting round Havana – Lonely Planet

In a metropolis the place few folks personal automobiles, the residents of Havana are accustomed to getting round on public transportation. Nevertheless, it is a bit trickier for guests who’re new to the town – poor signage and idiosyncratic guidelines could make navigating Havana’s transport system troublesome for unversed vacationers.

Unusually for a metropolis of its dimension, Havana has no metro practice system. As a substitute, the city space depends totally on buses and taxis.

The easiest way to get round is on foot, though there’s a cheap vacationer bus, and taxis are a viable choice for those who’re heading out to the suburbs or have mobility points. Right here’s the lowdown on Havana’s transport choices.

Chat with locals on a metro bus

Havana’s articulated metro buses, recognized regionally as guas-guas (pronounced “wah-wahs”), run alongside 17 routes connecting central Havana with the suburbs. They’re sizzling, crowded, and used primarily by locals, however curious budget-conscious vacationers can provide them a strive.

The hub for most of the routes is Parque de la Fraternidad in Centro Habana. Fares price roughly the equal of US$0.40 – pay whenever you board and watch your baggage.

Smaller minibuses (taxis ruteros) run alongside further routes in central Havana, charging barely greater fares.

Get a tour as you journey on the sightseeing bus

Like many large cities, Havana has its personal hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus service referred to as the Havana Bus Tour that runs on two primary routes all through the day.

The open-topped T1 takes in a lot of the vacationer sights in Centro Habana, Vedado and Miramar. The only-story T3 runs to the seashores of Playas del Este through the town’s historic forts.

Each have their primary terminus in Parque Central reverse the Hotel Inglaterra and depart each 20 to half-hour. All-day tickets price the equal of round US$10 and should be paid for by a non-US-based bank card (no money) on getting into the bus.

If you happen to’re close to the lodge zones, you’ll be able to hop on the airport bus

State-run firm Transtur Havana has launched a shuttle bus to and from Havana’s José Martí Worldwide Airport. If you happen to’re in a rush or simply need to be assured a simple arrival to Havana, pre-book a non-public switch on-line.

If you happen to’d favor to avoid wasting money, you’ll be able to be a part of a bunch heading to the lodge zone, though you may want to attend (typically as much as an hour) for sufficient passengers. The journey between the airport and Parque Central through the lodge zones in Vedado and Playa prices the equal of US$10 and should be paid for with a non-US-based bank card onboard.

Personal taxis are cheaper however usually lack facilities

Personal taxis – invariably Russian Ladas – roam the streets seeking fares or wait at spots a bit away from the official taxi ranks.

They’re typically cheaper than state-operated taxis however are much less luxurious (overlook air con and pray that there’s a seatbelt). International foreign money (ideally euros) is the popular methodology of fee – these taxis are money solely. Agree on a fare earlier than you get in.

Cubataxis are fast and comfortable

The state-owned taxis operated beneath the Cubataxi umbrella are normally fashionable yellow automobiles with air con and meters which can be leased by the federal government to non-public drivers.

They decide up outdoors accommodations and at taxi ranks, they usually price greater than Lada taxis. The bonus? They’re sooner and extra comfy than personal taxis.

Sightsee from the vintage seats of a GranCar

GranCar is a state-run firm that gives personal metropolis excursions in meticulously restored classic American automobiles.

The attention-catching autos, which vary from vibrant pink Chevrolet Bel Air convertibles to Forties-era Fords, typically wait within the neighborhood of Parque Central and cost the equal of US$30 for an hour-long journey round Havana’s primary sights.

The drivers double up as guides, though their commentary expertise could be hit and miss. That mentioned, they’re massively standard with vacationers. Longer excursions and customized journeys could be negotiated with the motive force. Most automobiles match 4 passengers, and the fare could be shared among the many group.

Previous American almendrones take locals on set routes

Primarily utilized by locals, almendrones (typically referred to as máquinas) are shared taxis that motor alongside mounted routes.

They’re normally wheezing previous American automobiles with rattling suspension that squeeze in 5 or 6 passengers. Almendrones will cease anyplace alongside their route to choose up or drop off passengers if they’ve area.

Habaneros (Havana residents) use a sequence of sophisticated hand indicators to point to drivers the place they need to go. You’ll must crew up with a neighborhood if you wish to be taught the casual signal language.

Skip the yellow coco taxis

These hard-to-miss, three-wheeled taxis formed like coconuts and painted yellow had been initially designed for the vacationer market within the Nineteen Nineties. Extra lately, they’ve suffered criticism for his or her poor security file and worth gouging. You’re higher off strolling or hailing an actual taxi.

Attain the slim streets of Habana Vieja in a bici-taxi

Three-wheeled bicycle rickshaws ply quick inner-city routes too slim or congested for automobiles, primarily in Habana Vieja. They cost the equal of US$1 to $2 per trip. Agree on charges earlier than you get in, and count on a bumpy journey.

Head to Havana’s forts on a ship

Havana’s solely boat service shuttles passengers throughout the town’s harbor to Regla or Casablanca (a brief stroll from the forts), leaving each 15 or 20 minutes from the Emboque de Luz on the southeastern facet of Habana Vieja.

The fare prices the equal of round US$0.40. A fast bag search is performed earlier than you get in. It’s standing room solely onboard, however the journey takes lower than 10 minutes. Bicycles are allowed on the boats.

Journey by means of the capital by bicycle

A number of respected firms, together with RutaBikes, hire bikes which can be good for getting round city. If you happen to’re unsure of Havana’s geography or the marginally manic street guidelines, the corporate additionally gives a number of wonderful guided excursions.

In 2018, Havana inaugurated a pilot bike-sharing scheme referred to as Ha’Bici. Aimed primarily at locals, it at the moment solely operates in Habana Vieja with a restricted variety of bikes.

Stroll the ocean drive and stroll Havana’s historic core

Havana is an effective strolling metropolis. Strolling alongside the 7km-long (4.3-mile) Malecón sea drive is an compulsory metropolis diversion, and far of Habana Vieja’s historic core is pedestrian solely.

Centro Habana’s tight grid of streets can be greatest explored on foot. Watch out for rutted pavements, baskets being lowered from 4th-floor home windows and blistering warmth.

Don’t depend on driving a rental automotive in Havana

Renting a automotive in Havana is just not definitely worth the expense or trouble. State-run rental company Cubacar frequently runs out of autos in peak durations, and the paperwork concerned could be long-winded and onerous.

Regardless of low automotive possession, driving in Havana is just not a chunk of cake. Roads, significantly within the suburbs, are often potholed, and native drivers usually take a frenetic strategy to getting round.

Accessible transportation in Havana

Compared to the US or Europe, Havana is just not a simple metropolis for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers. That mentioned, loads of Cubans dwell with disabilities and mobility necessities, so getting round is just not unimaginable – simply tougher than you could be used to. 

As a result of most buses are perennially crowded, your greatest transport choice is to prepare a contemporary state-run taxi with a trunk giant sufficient to accommodate a wheelchair or walker. Minivans are uncommon in Cuba, nevertheless it’s price asking round.

Sidewalks are slim, particularly in Habana Vieja, plus they’re usually pockmarked and full of folks. Thankfully, current enhancements have made the pedestrianized part of the previous city a lot smoother.

Making up for the unreliable infrastructure, Habaneros are extraordinarily courteous and pleasant, and they’re going to bend over backward to make your keep as easy and gratifying as potential.

For extra suggestions and recommendation, obtain Lonely Planet’s free accessible travel guide.