Cuba flagTransportation & Infrastructure Guide

Public transit, airports, and getting around in Cuba

Cuba's transportation system reflects a nation in transition, inheriting Latin America's most developed infrastructure in 1959 but facing decades of deterioration due to the U.S. embargo, loss of Soviet support, and limited investment. The island operates a nationalized public transport network centered on buses and aging rail systems, with 60,858 km of highways and 155 airports serving a population of 11.3 million. While public transportation remains affordable and accessible, infrastructure challenges create significant mobility constraints for residents and visitors, though recent Chinese-built train deliveries (2019) and international investment initiatives signal modernization efforts.
Public Transport
Below Average
Road Infrastructure
Below Average
Public Transport
3.2/10

Cuba's public transport system faces a prolonged crisis with deteriorating infrastructure and insufficient capacity. Havana operates 17 main bus routes and 104 secondary corridors through the Provincial Transportation Company, supplemented by Viazul intercity service. The railway system (8,193 km) is described as the cheapest, slowest, and least reliable mode of travel. Recent Chinese-built trains with air conditioning began service in July 2019, but overall system reliability remains poor due to fuel shortages, spare parts scarcity, and aging equipment. No metro systems exist.

Road Infrastructure
3.5/10

Cuba's road network totals 60,858 km with 29,820 km paved (including 915 km expressways) and 31,038 km unpaved. The Autopista Nacional (A1) connects Havana to Santa Clara and Sancti Spiritus, while the Autopista Este-Oeste (A4) serves Havana to Pinar del Río. However, road quality is significantly deteriorated with poor maintenance, limited traffic management systems, and inadequate safety infrastructure. The historic Carretera Central remains important but aging. Road conditions vary substantially between main highways and secondary routes.

Internet Speed
2.1/10

Cuba has extremely limited internet infrastructure with very slow speeds and minimal fiber deployment. The country faces severe connectivity constraints due to the U.S. embargo restricting technology imports and limited domestic investment in digital infrastructure. Internet access remains restricted and expensive for most Cubans, with speeds typically under 10 Mbps in urban areas and even slower in rural regions. Fiber networks are virtually non-existent outside government facilities.

Avg: 5.2+ Mbps • Minimal fiber deployment, primarily government use only

Airport Connectivity
5.8/10

Cuba operates 155 airports with 25 major facilities providing domestic and limited international connectivity. José Martí International Airport in Havana serves as the primary hub for international flights, connecting to North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. The airport network supports tourism and domestic travel but faces capacity and maintenance limitations. International routes are restricted compared to pre-embargo levels, though recent diplomatic developments have expanded some connections. Domestic service connects major cities and tourist destinations.

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass
Not applicable (no metro system)
Bus Trip
Approximately 40 Cuban pesos (CUP) for local buses; Viazul intercity service €12 USD equivalent (Havana-Viñales)
Taxi
Informal rates; state taxis approximately 1-2 CUP per km; private taxis negotiate rates
High-speed Train
Not available (conventional trains only; Chinese-built trains €15-30 USD equivalent for major routes)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: No 5G deployment; not available
4G Coverage: Limited 4G/LTE coverage in major cities (Havana, Santiago de Cuba); extensive rural areas lack coverage

Cuba's mobile network is severely limited by embargo restrictions and lack of infrastructure investment. ETECSA (state monopoly) provides the only cellular service with poor reliability, high costs, and limited coverage outside urban centers. Network speeds are slow and data access is restricted. Mobile penetration remains low compared to regional standards.

Driving License

IDP required

Foreign driving licenses are accepted in Cuba for temporary visits (typically up to 30 days) with an International Driving Permit (IDP) strongly recommended. Visitors should carry their original license, IDP, and passport. No license conversion is required for short-term tourism. Cubans drive on the right side of the road. Rental car companies typically require driver's license, IDP, and credit card.