| When you travel abroad in most countries, the | | | | catch a ride in a classic yank tank - cars |
| question of the best way to get around isn't | | | | from before the revolution kept in tip-top |
| really addressed before you leave... but it | | | | condition due to the trade embargo preventing |
| should be when travelling to Cuba. A hire | | | | newer models flowing in. As these are |
| car, or a well worked public transport system | | | | privately owned, this is usually negotiated |
| would usually make transportation concerns an | | | | with the owner, but its not unusual to |
| afterthought for when you get there, but with | | | | negotiate a private ride in a classic |
| its less well developed road network, | | | | American car. Those who are tempted in by car |
| travelling in Cuba can be a real experience - | | | | travel on the island should be aware that car |
| and a crucial part of any tailor made | | | | hire in Cuba is (comparatively) expensive, |
| holiday! Cuba's transport is a real adventure | | | | the roads are not well sign posted, and |
| - here's a guide to some of the ways you can | | | | confusing one-way systems can make driving a |
| get around: The City Hopper - Cuba travel by | | | | real challenge for visitors. That said, most |
| Train In theory there are trains between a | | | | car enthusiasts will probably see this as |
| handful of the island's major destinations, | | | | part of the fun, and anyone with an interest |
| including Havana, Santiago de Cuba, | | | | in cars owes it to themselves to hire one for |
| Cienfuegos, Pinar del Rio and Santa Clara, | | | | at least a day and enjoy road transport in an |
| negating the need for one of Cuba's car | | | | entirely different environment on their |
| rental services. The truth is that the | | | | tailor made Cuba holiday. Just don't forget |
| majority of the trains are unreliable, and | | | | that your Cuban car must be driven on the |
| many locals actually find hitch-hiking in a | | | | right! The Athlete - Cuba travel by Bike If |
| Cuban car a more reliable option! That said, | | | | you're feeling fit, and like seeing the real |
| those that are not easily frustrated and want | | | | beauty of the island, you'll find travelling |
| to explore Cuba's rail network, unperturbed | | | | in Cuba by bike pretty hard to beat. The calm |
| by unexpected breakdowns can find approximate | | | | roads and stunning scenery make Cuba a |
| schedules under different city descriptions | | | | perfect and safe place for cycling - outside |
| at the stations. The one exception to the | | | | of Havana, you'll hardly see any Cuban cars! |
| unreliable rule is the Tren Francés | | | | The only problem is that you may be best off |
| service between Havana and Santiago de Cuba. | | | | bringing your own bike into the country, as |
| This is considerably more reliable than the | | | | the bicycles readily available on the island |
| other services, due to being donated by | | | | aren't really suitable for off-road trekking. |
| France just a few years ago. The service runs | | | | And of course, the same goes for spare parts |
| on alternate days and is a good bet to get | | | | - you don't want to break down in the middle |
| you between two of the island's biggest | | | | of nowhere, with nowhere stocking the spare |
| cities for those not wanting to chance Cuban | | | | parts you need to get moving again! Cyclists |
| car rental. The Adventurer - Government | | | | are often treated as a curiosity by locals, |
| Hitch-Hiking Service The Cuban government has | | | | so don't be surprised to be approached by |
| initiated a novel state run system of | | | | some enthusiastic Cubans intrigued at your |
| allowing visitors to travel the island by | | | | mode of transportation! The Sailor - Cuba |
| road without using a hire car in Cuba. "El | | | | travel by Boat Finally, if you're looking to |
| Amarillo" ("the yellow guy" - a reference to | | | | explore some of the islands off the southern |
| their uniforms) administrators run stretches | | | | shore of Cuba, you have little choice but to |
| of road where certain vehicles are required | | | | set sail from one of the two main bases - |
| to stop and pick up hitchhikers. During the | | | | Cienfuegos or Trinidad. Cuba's waters are |
| day, this will set you back around 20 pesos | | | | calm and tranquil, and this is a delightfully |
| from one city to the next, making it by far | | | | relaxed way of getting to your destination - |
| the cheapest way of getting around Cuba. As | | | | very much in the spirit of the Caribbean |
| well as being cheap, this is an exciting | | | | lifestyle! However you choose to travel in |
| system. As most of the hitchable rides will | | | | Cuba, you're guaranteed a unique holiday |
| be on the back of large trucks, basking in | | | | experience. The best option to get a good |
| the sunshine may sound like the most romantic | | | | feel for the island is to mix up a few, and |
| way to see the Cuban countryside. Some may | | | | blend in with the unique cultures and |
| think it sounds a little dangerous, but | | | | atmosphere the Cuban public transport system |
| thrill seekers will delight in the experience | | | | promotes. A tailor made Cuba holiday wouldn't |
| - especially as the roads are almost | | | | be bespoke if you didn't explore all the |
| completely deserted by Western standards! The | | | | peculiarities of the island's transportation! |
| Car Buff - Catch a ride in a Yank Tank Cuba's | | | | |
| car rental services offer a day's usage from | | | | Emma Lelliott is the general manager of |
| CUC 65 (£35.80) including insurance, plus | | | | Captivating Cuba, an independent Cuba holiday |
| the cost of a full tank of petrol. Most of | | | | specialist. With offices in Havana and the |
| the available cars for hire in Cuba are | | | | UK, Captivating Cuba can offer advice on |
| modern European and Asian models, but in | | | | every aspect of your tailor made Cuba holiday |
| certain quarters, car buffs will be able to | | | | from accommodation to the best diving sites. |