travel info for Cuba

In Cuba are 3 currencies in use. The Cuban Peso, which his only of some use for the Cubans, the US-dollar, mainly brought from abroad and the Peso Convertible, which is a dollar substitute, put with less value. Official sites are supposed to accept only this currency to foreigners. The value of one peso convertible is about 1.20 US-dollars.

Those how have pesos convertibles can use the service of the bus company "Viazul" to travel between the mayor cities and the main tourist attractions. They have modern, air conditioned buses, which usually are on time. There is no waiting list and it isn't any problem to get on the bus without reservations withexceptions on national and international holidays. In Havana Viazul has its own terminal at 26th Street and Av Zoologico in Nuevo Vedado, form where all the buses leave. These then go first to the Bus Station in the Avenue de los Presidentes and 19 Mayo, and then continue to there destinations.

The Astro Company has buses to all places including places, which aren't promoted for tourists. All Cuba is open to the tourist, but one should have in mind, that in non tourist places it is hard to find a place to stay or to eat. On Astro buses Cubans pay with Cuban Pesos, which causes long waiting list for travel. Waiting list up to a week or more are common. For tourists are normally two seats reserved, which are sold for Pesos Convertibles. You get the seats of someone on the waiting list, but do not think about it, the have of the passengers have managed a way to get on the bus without having to make the queue. All Astro buses leave in Havana form the omnibus terminal.

There is also the possibility to get nearly anywhere by train. Journeys are normally longer and service is suspended or interrupted without prior advice. Never the less it is a good way to get in contact with locals. See also horariodetren.com

For tourists usually exists a special counter on al terminals, where tickets are sold. For travels by train from Havana to tea east this counter at the "La Coubre" train station, next to the Central Train Station, from where the trains leave.

There is also the possibility to travel long distance on shared taxis. The price is supposed to be the same as on Viazul. But be prepared to bargain mostly on destinations where Viazul doesn't go to.