The railroad of Cuba
Cuba is a fantastic place. Cubans are very pleasant and the capital of Cuba (Havana) is one of the most dynamic cities in the world. It is a safe place to visit, unless you fall on one of the many potholes in the street. Cuba has the railway network which goes throughout the island, linking all major cities. Cuban trains are a great way to travel, especially if you want to travel like the Cubans, and not in a tourist bus. Do not expect to hygienic standards of Western countries.
Take a train in Cuba is an experience in itself that should not be missed if you want to know the Cuban people. In particular, the new Tren Francès "from Havana to Santiago is safe, comfortable and (contrary to popular opinion) reliable enough to make the trip from one end to another of Cuba. It is much much more pleasant than taking the bus long distance 'Viazul "
Total distance of the train in Cuba: 11,968 km (4,226 km + 7,742 km)
standard gauge: 4226 km 1435 mm (4 ft 8 ½ in) gauge (140 km electrified)
7742 kilometers of track is used by sugar plantations and approximately 65% of this track is standard gauge, the rest being narrow-gauge (2003)
Cuba has built the first rail system in the Spanish Empire. While the rail infrastructure dates from the colonial and early republican years, the rail service along the "Havana to Santiago" are becoming more reliable and popular with tourists who can get Cuban pesos convertible. Like most public transportation in Cuba, the vehicles are second hand, and the flagship Tren Francés ( "French train) between Havana and Santiago de Cuba is operated by the wagons originally used in Europe between Paris and Amsterdam on the ex-TEE.
With the commissioning of 12 new Chinese locomotives, built specially for the railways Cuban services have improved reliability. The beneficiaries are the most long-distance freight services with the French train Havana-Santiago was the only passenger train using one of the new Chinese locomotives regularly. Various controls are in place for 100 locomotives from China and various freight wagons and cars.
Camellos (Camels) - Buses of Cuba
The Camellos are typical of Cuba as it is a genuine invention very special people of the Cuban island. The funny look Camellos buses but the difference is that inside there can enter up to 300 passengers. During your trip to Cuba you will probably have the chance to enter one of these Camellos bus at a cost of 20 cents. He must enter through the door of the center, but before, you will need to queue, depending on where you go, the M (1/2/3/4/5/6/7) . In recent cases, there are two queues, one for people who wish to remain seated and another for passengers who can make the trip standing. By way of conduct, you have to fill in the file, to see who are the latest people who have come before you. In this way, Cubans will be very happy to see you respect the laws and customs of their country.
Guaguas buses
The guaguas normal buses are available at a cost of 40 cents. It enters through the front door of the aircraft and it is necessary to file the same way as in Camellos.
Collectives taxis of Cuba
The taxis colectivos which are usually always take a fixed route. In Havana, these taxis normally cost 10 pesos for a trip. In the Parque de la Fraternidad and opposite the Capitolio you can expect to see several colectivos awaiting customers. They stop very often to bus stops, called guaguas. For foreigners, it is more difficult to mount the same as a citizen, because of the laws of the country, and if we managed to board, the driver must increase the fare.
Particulares Taxis (Private)
Most private taxis are not allowed and are not licensed to carry tourists. For now, many drivers offer to travelers, although laws prohibit this way to earn money without the knowledge of the state. Private taxis charge more often than companies like taxi or Taxi Estatal Panataxi. During your trip to Cuba, do not hesitate to negotiate the price before getting into one of these cars. It's not recommended to use the services of private taxis for a major trip, for example to go to the airport.
VIA AZUL.
This bus company offers its services only to those who pay in dollars. VIA AZUL is usually punctual and buses are modern and fast. Cool bus is slightly exaggerated, so it is advisable to dress before entering. In view of the service offered VIA AZUL offers better conditions than ASTRO, but in 99% of cases, that there are tourists. Viazul travel on all major roads in the island of Cuba.
Camiones (trucks)
Where there is no bus pass, it yl'option lorries (trucks). Sometimes it takes too long to watch a truck, some waiting up to six hours before they can get to the desired location. Among the most important cities, like Havana and Varadero there are also trucks that are more accessible and spend more frequently on the roads. Normally, these are trucks roof open, or sit it is impossible given the high number of passengers. When there's rain, a truck is not the best option for travel! Moreover, it often leaves the tourists pay the national currency, in contrast to many places and shops in the country. The trip by truck costs between 5 and 20 pesos, depending on the distance. During your trip to Cuba, it is essential to get into one of these trucks to live the Cuban experience to the end. This means of transport, so that the typical Camellos, is part of the unique customs of the Cuban people.
Rail Train of Pinar del Rio, which comes in Havana
Cuba is the only island in the Caribbean where there are trains for passengers. Trains are not very punctual, but they offer an adventure travel exceptionally unusual. As foreigners buy the ticket in U.S. dollars in railway stations and there are offices where you can buy your ticket too. As a tourist, you pay 20 times more than a Cuban citizen, but you do not have to wait a week or two to get your ticket, you can usually travel on the same day or the day after your purchase. Normally, it offers the possibility to buy food and soft drinks on trains (purchased with the national currency), but there is not much variety. It is advisable to bring at least some crackers and plenty of water. To go to the bathroom (if necessary) pick up a flashlight, as the night, cars have no internal lights. We must take good care of luggage, a lock is essential in order to sleep on your two ears. The special train between Havana and Santiago de Cuba (train # 1 and # 2) are not comfortable because of the lack of heating. Nevertheless, between the province of Pinar del Rio and Havana, the journey is much better now, and you can buy your ticket in dollars, but you must buy at least one day before the trip. A journey in the train for all tourists to adventure in Cuba, a must!
