Page 308 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

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Getting Around Havana

In Havana, road traffic is on the increase but is still nowhere
near the levels of a normal European or American city. Getting
around using public transport can be a major undertaking,
unless you use the local tourist bus service, HabanaBusTour,
or collective taxis. On the other hand, there are plenty of
private taxis, which offer a safe and fast way of getting around HabanaBusTour, the best and cheapest way
town. In La Habana Vieja and Centro Habana, the most to explore Havana
pleasant way to explore is to hire a bicitaxi or to stay on foot.
plenty of time and patience to
each journey. The ability to
speak Spanish will help, and
be sure to make a note of the
number of the bus you have
to take as well as its route,
because there are no route maps
at the bus stops to indicate the
various stops. At any bus stop
you must generally ask who is
the last (último or última) in line
for the ruta (destination) you
want. There is a queue even
though you may not be aware
of it, which will re-form in an
organized way once the
bus arrives.
A bicitaxi near the Capitol building Passengers get on the front
of the bus, where the conductor
Walking in Havana Bus Services or driver should be paid the
Havana is an immense city Travelling by bus in the city fare in small change in national
and every district (municipio) can be something of an adven- pesos. The cost is usually 40
extends for miles. However, ture. However, it is made easier Cuban cents, though you can
if you are staying in the city by the hop-on/hop-off air- also pay 5 centavos convertibles
centre (the area described on conditioned tourist bus service, per journey. Buses are usually
pages 60–109) then it should HabanaBusTour, with two very crowded, so you are
be quite feasible to do most different routes around town. privileged if you find an empty
of your exploring on foot. Route 1 starts in Parque Central seat. The heat can often be
Besides, walking along the and travels west to Plaza de la suffocating. Allow plenty of time
Malecón seaside promenade, Revolución; Route 2 heads east to get out, because passengers
or through the tree-lined to Playas del Este. A daily ticket tend to block the exit door.
streets in the Vedado quarter, costs five convertible pesos for Hold wallets and bags close to
or the old colonial section of Route 1 and three convertible deter pickpockets.
town, is a very pleasant pesos for Route 2. The metrobus service has
experience. Visitors have the Take the local buses to visit the now replaced the old camellos.
chance to discover hidden areas not covered by the tourist The buses are more comfort-
corners and details of buildings buses, but be prepared to devote able and run more often.
that would not be noticed
from a car.
Should you begin to tire,
it’s easy enough to flag down
a taxi or bicitaxi (see opposite);
there are more of these on
the streets since the govern-
ment eased the rules limiting
self-employment. The best
places for hailing taxis are the
main arteries such as Calle 23
in Vedado. Should you get lost,
ask a local passer-by for help;
Cubans are usually very
courteous and helpful with
foreign tourists. The modern Metrobus has replaced the old camello

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