Transportation & Infrastructure Guide in Cuba
Public transit, airports, and getting around
Public Transport
Road Infrastructure
Public Transport
2.5/10Cuba'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
3.8/10Cuba'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
2.1/10Cuba 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
5.2/10Cuba 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
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
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.
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