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