Independent travel guide
Getting around Cuba, explained.
Private taxis, classic cars, independent drivers and private transfers — learn how each one really works before you land, then book with a trusted private operator.
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We don't sell tickets
Cuba Transit is an educational guide focused only on private, independently owned transportation. We explain your options and point you to partner sites where booking actually happens.
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Transportation
Every private way to move around the island: private taxis, classic cars, independent drivers and privately arranged long-distance rides — with the trade-offs of each.
Read the guideTransfers
What a transfer is, when it's worth booking one, and how airport, inter-city and hotel-to-hotel transfers work in practice.
Read the guideBlog
In-house articles on trusted operators, realistic travel times, prices to expect and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Read the guideHow this guide works
Three steps, no accounts and nothing to buy from us.
- 1
Learn your options
Read plain-language explanations of private taxis, classic cars and independent drivers — what each costs and when it makes sense.
- 2
Plan the route
Check realistic travel times and decide which legs are worth pre-booking instead of arranging on the street.
- 3
Book with a partner
When you're ready, our partner sites handle the booking with private, independently owned operators.
Popular private routes
Typical door-to-door times with a private driver. Prices vary by season and vehicle.
| Route | Distance | Private driver |
|---|---|---|
| Havana airport (HAV) → Old Havana | ~20 km | ~30–40 min |
| Havana → Varadero | ~140 km | ~2 hours |
| Havana → Viñales | ~180 km | ~2.5–3 hours |
| Havana → Trinidad | ~320 km | ~5 hours |
| Trinidad → Cienfuegos | ~80 km | ~1.5 hours |
What travelers ask most
The practical details that catch first-time visitors out — worth reading before you book anything.
Cash still rules
Card payments are unreliable inside Cuba. Pre-booking a transfer online means one less thing to pay for in cash on arrival.
Distances are slow
Havana to Varadero is roughly 2 hours; Havana to Trinidad can take 5 or more. Plan arrival days generously.
Airport queues are real
Taxi lines at José Martí (HAV) can be long after a wave of arrivals. A pre-arranged pickup skips the wait.
Fuel supply is uneven
Stations can run dry for days at a time. Private drivers plan their own refuelling, which is one reason a booked transfer is steadier than finding a car on the day.
Wi-Fi and data are patchy
Don't count on messaging a driver once you land. Confirm pickup time, place and vehicle in writing before you leave home.
Prices are per vehicle
Private transfers are quoted for the car, not per seat, so groups of three or four usually pay less each than travelling separately.
Luggage limits are real
Classic cars have small trunks. If you're travelling with large suitcases or a group, ask for a modern sedan or minivan when you book.
Book night arrivals ahead
Late flights arrive to thinner taxi availability and unlit roads. A confirmed private driver waiting inside the terminal removes the guesswork.
Addresses can be vague
Many casas particulares list a street and cross-street rather than a number. Send your host's phone number and a landmark to your driver in advance.
Traveling from the United States?
Every option covered on this site is private and independently owned, which is what most US travelers need to stay within their own compliance requirements. We never list state-run services.
Latest from the blog
See all articles9 min
Havana to Trinidad: the complete transfer guide
It's the most popular long drive on the island. Here is how long it takes, which route drivers use and where to break the journey.
Read the guide8 min
Travelling with luggage in Cuba: what fits and what doesn't
Cuban cars are smaller than most travellers expect, and trunk space is never guaranteed. Here is how to match your bags to the right vehicle before you book.
Read the guide9 min
Havana to Viñales: the complete transfer guide
It's only 180 km, but the last stretch is slower than it looks. Here is how long the trip really takes, what the road is like and where to stop on the way.
Read the guideWhy We Recommend Cuba Travel Services
This site is an independent guide — when you're ready to book, we point you to a team we trust.
Trusted & Licensed
As an official licensed E-Visa provider and trusted partner of major U.S. airlines, they're government authorized and hold a BBB A+ rating.
Proven Track Record
They've processed over 50,000 visas with a 99.8% approval rate, making them one of the most reliable visa services in the industry.
Deep Experience
Since 1999, they've helped U.S. travelers plan memorable Cuba trips by combining hands-on destination knowledge with a hospitality-first approach.
Compliant & Personal
Every itinerary is built around OFAC-compliant travel categories and required documentation, with planning that feels personal rather than generic.
Ready to book? Talk to a Cuba travel specialist.
Visit Cuba Travel ServicesReady to lock in your ride?
Compare options and book through our partners — airport pickups, private drivers and inter-city routes.