Page 305 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

TR A VEL INFORM A TION  303

are by no means modern and
clean. Refreshments may not be
available, so take supplies.
There is at least one train per
day on each of the main lines,
but do not count on it arriving
on time.
The trains known as “especiales”,
which cover long-distance
routes such as Havana-Santiago,
have air condi tioning (though it
may not always function as it
should), reclinable seats and
a refreshment service.
Information on timetables Façade of the railway station in Morón
and tickets (tourists have to pay
in convertible pesos) can be the stretch between Havana DIRECTORY
obtained at the Agencia de and Santiago, the frequent
Reservacion La Coubre agency, intermediate stops in all the Cubana de Aviación
which sells tickets to foreigners. provincial capitals make for
It is open for business from 8am rather a long journey. The seats Baracoa
to 3pm Monday to Friday. can be reclined, and there are Calle José Martí 181.
The advantage in travelling toilets for passengers (but be Tel (21) 645 374.
by train is that it is almost sure to bring some toilet paper
always possible to find a seat with you). The air conditioning Camagüey
without booking in advance, is always turned on full, so that Calle República 400.
even in high season. If you if you do decide to use this Tel (32) 291 338.
have time, patience and are means of transport, always carry
on a tight budget, railway on board a sweater or jacket. Holguín
travel can be an inter- Now that Cubans Calle Libertad esq. Martí.
esting and sociable use this service, Tel (24) 468 149.
way of travelling demand, especially
around Cuba. in high season, is Santiago de Cuba
great. Always book Calle Enramada, esq. San Pedro.
in advance during Tel (22) 651 578.
Coach Services
these times. In July
The modern coaches in Santiago, up to Varadero
operated by the a week’s advance Ave 1ra e/ 54 y 55.
Víazul company A minibus for tourists booking is required. Tel (45) 611 823–5.
provide transport to Cubanacán also
the main cities and towns runs Conectando Cuba, which Agencia de
and tourist resorts in Cuba. is a similar service to that offered Reservacion La Coubre
They connect Havana with by Víazul with the addition of a
Santiago (passing through hotel door to hotel door service, Havana
Santa Clara, Ciego de Ávila, although destinations are limited.
Camagüey, Las Tunas, Holguín Ask about booking this at your Estación La Coubre, Ave. del
and Bayamo), Varadero, Trinidad hotel tour desk. Puerto esq. Egido, La Habana
and Viñales. There is also a Travel agencies also supply Vieja. Map 4 E4. Tel 7860 3165.
direct service between Varadero hotels with minibus shuttle
and Trinidad, and a daily link services to take guests to Víazul
between Santiago and Baracoa. nearby tourist resorts.
On the positive side, Viazul Tickets can either be booked Havana Main Office
coaches are very comfortable in advance from a travel agency Ave 26 y Zoológico, Nuevo
and arrive on time – the dis- or bought on the day from a Vedado. Tel 7881 1413 or
advantage is that, at least on bus station. 7881 5652. ∑ viazul.com
Santiago de Cuba
Ave de los Libertadores, esq.
Yarayó. Tel (22) 628 484.
Varadero
Calle 36 y Autopista.
Tel (45) 614 886.
A Víazul line coach

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