How to Get Around Havana

How transport works in Havana

Habana Vieja + Centro Habana + Vedado walkable within each district; between districts use taxis or cocotaxis. Almendrones (shared 1950s classic-car taxis) run set routes CUP 20–50 (US$0.10–0.20) — locals-only pricing but tourists can join. Tourist taxis (yellow) US$5–15 in centre; agree fare (no meter). Uber does NOT operate. Hop-on-off tourist bus T3 US$10/day covers Vedado + Miramar + Playa. No functioning metro; buses (guaguas) chaotic. José Martí airport (HAV) 20 km — taxi US$25–35 (agree fare in advance).

Your options compared

• Walking

  Habana Vieja + Centro Habana + Vedado walkable within each district.

• Almendrón (shared classic-car taxi)

  1950s American cars running set routes CUP 20–50 (US$0.10–0.20) — locals-only pricing but tourists can join.

• Tourist yellow taxi

  US$5–15 in centre; agree fare in advance (no meter, no Uber, no Cabify).

• Cocotaxi

  Yellow scooter-taxis — US$5–10 in centre; touristy but fun.

• T3 hop-on-off tourist bus

  US$10/day — covers Vedado + Miramar + Playa route.

Passes and tickets

No integrated transit pass — buses (guaguas) are chaotic; taxis + almendrones are the practical option.

Local transport tips

Buy an Etecsa Wi-Fi scratch card or ETECSA data eSIM — Wi-Fi widely available in hotels + parks + squares.

Arriving from the airport

• José Martí (HAV)

  30–45 min taxi US$25–35 (agree fare in advance — no Uber, drivers accept USD/EUR cash); complimentary hotel + casa pickup common on request.

Do you need a rental car?

Inside Havana a car is usually a liability — parking and traffic cost more than transit. A rental earns its keep for day trips and regional drives, so compare rates only for the days you actually leave the city.