Getting around · Havana · Cuba
Getting around Havana
Public transport, passes, airport connections and when a car makes sense.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Андрей Бобровский, CC BY 3.0
Quick answer
Old Havana is best explored on foot, and the walk along the Malecón links it with Centro Habana and Vedado. For longer hops, visitors use official taxis, shared collective taxis (almendrones) on fixed routes, bici-taxis and cocotaxis. City buses are crowded and hard to navigate for newcomers. No.
Key facts
- Main way around
- Walking
- Airports
- HAV
- Need a car?
- No
Ways to get around
Walking
The plazas of Old Havana, the Prado, Parque Central and the Capitolio are all within 15 minutes of each other on foot; Vedado is about 45 minutes' walk along the Malecón.
Taxi
Official taxis and private classic-car taxis wait at hotels and Parque Central. Most do not use meters, so agree the price before getting in.
Ask your casa host what a fair fare is for your route before you head out.
Car
Shared taxis (almendrones), often old American cars, run fixed routes along main avenues and pick up anyone flagging them down, for a low flat fare.
Tuk-tuk
Yellow, egg-shaped cocotaxis are a fun way to cover short distances between Old Havana and Vedado.
Cycling
Pedal-powered bici-taxis work the narrow streets of Old Havana and Centro for short rides.
Ferry
Small passenger ferries cross the harbour from Old Havana to Casablanca and Regla, a short and inexpensive ride.
From the airport
José Martí International Airport (HAV) is about 15 km south of the centre; taxis take about 25–35 minutes to Old Havana or Vedado. There is no convenient public transport for visitors, so most arrange a taxi or a transfer through their casa or hotel.
Do you need a car?
No. Driving in Havana is hard work, and taxis and walking cover the city. For Viñales and other day trips, a private driver, shared taxi or tour is easier than a rental car.
Reaching the day trips
| Destination | Travel time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Viñales Valley | About 2 hours 30 minutes–3 hours by car | Tour, private taxi or shared taxi |
| Las Terrazas and Soroa | About 1 hour 15 minutes by car | Tour or private taxi |
| Varadero | About 2 hours by car | Tourist bus, tour or private taxi |
| Matanzas | About 1 hour 30 minutes by car | Private taxi or tour, often combined with Varadero |
| Playas del Este | About 30–40 minutes by car | Taxi or tourist bus in high season |
Questions travellers ask
+Do you need a car in Havana?
No. Driving in Havana is hard work, and taxis and walking cover the city. For Viñales and other day trips, a private driver, shared taxi or tour is easier than a rental car.
+How do you get from the airport to Havana?
José Martí International Airport (HAV) is about 15 km south of the centre; taxis take about 25–35 minutes to Old Havana or Vedado. There is no convenient public transport for visitors, so most arrange a taxi or a transfer through their casa or hotel.
+What is the best way to get around Havana?
Walking: The plazas of Old Havana, the Prado, Parque Central and the Capitolio are all within 15 minutes of each other on foot; Vedado is about 45 minutes' walk along the Malecón.