In the Havana and Western Cuba region, travel is organised by context. In Havana, the centre is walked (Habana Vieja, Centro Habana). Shared taxis (almendrones) — old American classics shared — are the most authentic and cheapest option (€0.50-1 per shared trip in town). Tourist taxis (€5-10 per trip) are more comfortable. The Bolt app works well in Havana and competes favourably with the yellow ETECSA official taxis (more expensive). Bicitaxis (€2-3 short ride) are practical for short distances.
Between Havana and Viñales, three options. The Viazul bus (€12, 3h30, departures 9am and 2pm) is the economy choice — booking mandatory at viazul.com. A private car with driver (€80-120 for 4 passengers, 2h30) is the most comfortable and flexible. Car hire (€50-70/day, often 3-day minimum) offers maximum independence — beware of roads and Cuban signage, occasional fuel rationing.
In Viñales, the village is walked (very compact centre). Outdoor excursions (horseback, bike, hiking) cover the essentials of the valley. For more distant caves (Cueva del Indio 5 km, Gran Caverna 17 km), take a bicitaxi or local taxi (€5-15).
For excursions from Havana (Playas del Este, Soroa, Pinar del Río, Cayo Levisa): tourist taxis with driver (€60-150/day) or organised excursions via your casa particular (€40-100/person).
Read also
- Havana, the frozen capital — UNESCO Old Havana, the Malecón, American classic cars, nightly salsa: the Cuban heart.
- Viñales and the tobacco valley — Karst mogotes, tobacco fincas, horseback rides: authentic rural Cuba.
- Cuba — Complete country guide: visa, currency, regions, best time to visit.
- Central Cuba — UNESCO Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara: the colonial and revolutionary heart.