Cuba flagTransportation & Infrastructure Guide · Cuba

Transportation & Infrastructure Guide in Cuba

Public transit, airports, and getting around

Cuba's transportation system reflects a nation navigating significant infrastructure challenges amid economic constraints. While the island maintains an extensive network of 60,858 km of roadways and 8,285 km of railways, the system faces critical deterioration with passenger bus transport down 51% and rail transport down 60% over the past 11 years. Public transportation relies on aging state-operated fleets, though Viazul provides tourist-oriented services. The system is characterized by fuel shortages, limited maintenance resources, and aging vehicle fleets, creating substantial mobility challenges for both residents and visitors. Despite these obstacles, Cuba maintains 155 airports and continues developing alternative transportation modes including cycling infrastructure and classic car services.
Public Transport
Below Average
Road Infrastructure
Below Average
Public Transport
2.5/10

Cuba's public transport system is in severe crisis. State-operated ASTRO Bus provides unreliable service with aging vehicles; Viazul offers better-quality tourist coaches. Rail network (8,285 km) sees minimal passenger use with only 150 km electrified. Passenger transport declined 51% since 2015. No metro systems exist. Integration between modes is minimal, and service frequency is unpredictable due to fuel shortages and maintenance constraints.

Road Infrastructure
3.8/10

Cuba's 60,858 km road network includes 29,820 km paved roads and 915 km expressways, but maintenance is severely inadequate. Bumpy, potholed roads and nearly nonexistent signage characterize most routes. The Ocho Vías superhighway project attempted modernization but remains incomplete. Urban roads in Havana are better maintained than provincial areas. Road safety features are limited, and traffic management systems are minimal. Conditions have deteriorated significantly due to lack of investment and fuel constraints.

Internet Speed
2.1/10

Cuba has extremely limited internet infrastructure with very slow speeds and minimal fiber deployment. Broadband access is restricted and expensive, with average speeds estimated below 10 Mbps in most areas. Rural connectivity is virtually nonexistent. Government controls internet access, limiting civilian infrastructure investment. Mobile data speeds are similarly poor. Fiber networks are almost entirely absent outside Havana.

Avg: 8.5+ Mbps • Virtually nonexistent; limited to government facilities and select Havana locations

Airport Connectivity
5.2/10

Cuba operates 155 airports total with 64 having paved runways. Major international airports include Havana (José Martí International), Varadero, Santiago de Cuba, and Holguín. Cubana de Aviación is the primary carrier with limited international routes. International connectivity is restricted due to political factors and limited airline partnerships. Domestic network covers major cities but with infrequent service. Airport infrastructure is aging with limited modernization investment.

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass
Not applicable (no metro system)
Bus Trip
₱0.40-1.00 CUP (state buses); variable pricing for Viazul tourist services
Taxi
₱25-50 CUP start + negotiated rates; tourist taxis €15-20 USD per trip
High-speed Train
Not available (no high-speed rail; limited intercity rail service at ₱5-15 CUP)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Not deployed; no 5G infrastructure available
4G Coverage: Limited 4G coverage in Havana and major cities only; extensive rural areas lack cellular service

Cuba's mobile network is severely limited with poor reliability and slow speeds. ETECSA (state monopoly) provides the only cellular service with 4G available only in Havana and select urban centers. Rural coverage is minimal. Network speeds are slow, and service is expensive by regional standards. International roaming is restricted and costly. Mobile internet quality is poor compared to regional standards.

Driving License

IDP required

Foreign driving licenses are valid in Cuba for up to 30 days as a tourist. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended alongside your national license. No license conversion is required for short-term visits. Vehicle rental companies typically require IDP, valid passport, and credit card. Driving is on the right side of the road. Cuban traffic laws differ significantly from most countries; familiarization is essential.