Getting Around, Trinidad Travel, Transport and Car Rental
(Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus, Cuba)
Public transport options in
Cuba are not yet up to the major demand by mass tourism. Local airports are few, with most hosting either general aviation or charter flights from Havana. The rail network across Cuba is in chaos, leaving buses and car hire as the only long-distance travel options.
Most major Cuban towns are on the coast, but there is no efficient ferry network linking destinations. Public transport in Trinidad comprises mostly open trucks which serve as buses, as well as taxis and coco taxis - semi-circular white objects seating two persons. Horse and cart journeys are available in Trinidad, but reports state that the horses may have health problems, as they are often not well looked after.
Alberto Delgado Airport (TND) / Arriving by Air
Address: Trinidad, Cuba, CU
Tel: +53 041 99 6393
The Alberto Delgado domestic airport is located just 3 km / 2 miles to the south-west of Trinidad. It has a single runway and terminal, and serves AeroCaribbean light aircraft charter flights from
Cienfuegos,
Varadera and
Havana. Taxi transport and car rental is available for onward travel.
If you are planning to arrive in Cuba by air, Havana's Jose Marti International Airport is the only real choice, with regular Viazul air-conditioned bus services (twice daily) connecting Trinidad in approximately five hours. Alternatively, a taxi journey from here is a little quicker and lasts three and a half hours.
Car Rental
Car rental is easily arranged in Trinidad, although if you are travelling in the high tourist season it is best to book online well in advance, as the supply of cars doesn't satisfy the demand. Main roads in Cuba are good, but once off the beaten track they range from reasonable to appalling, as does the ability of local Cuban drivers. Driving at night is not recommended.
The Cubacar outlet on the corner of the Calle Antonio Maceo and the Zerquera is especially popular and rents cars on a daily basis. Car parks with security are available within the Casco Historico area, and this is often best arranged through your hotel. Alternatively, consider hiring a moped if you need to travel short distances quickly.
Buses and Coaches
Comfortable, modern Viazul buses run twice daily from Havana and once daily from
Santiago de Cuba. Viazul also have an unlisted daily service to and from Varadero. Direct Viazul and Cubanaca buses connect Trinidad with
Vinales daily as well as providing services to Holguin. Trinidad's long-distance bus station is located on Gustavo Izquierdo. Local 'buses' come in two forms, open truck or horse and cart.
If you are planning a day of sightseeing, then consider taking a tourist minibus, since these offer convenient hop-on hop-off tickets, allowing you to make the most of your time. These minibuses depart from the Calle Antonio Maceo, the Playa La Boca and also the Bar Las Caletas, amongst other stops.
Trains
Tel: +53 041 99 4223
Railway transport in Trinidad de Cuba is not good, with the town no longer being connected to the main train line, following serious hurricane damage in the early part of the 1990s. The only trains travel through the Valle de Ingenios, connecting nearby destinations such as Iznaga (30 minutes) and Meyer (just over one hour). Tourists often favour the steam train, which travels at a slower pace and gives you more time to take in the sweeping vistas.
Taxis
Taxi travel in Trinidad is convenient and reasonably cheap, but be sure to use a licensed cab and agree the fare before getting in. Unlicensed cabs are even cheaper but, if stopped by the police, the driver is arrested and the passenger is ejected. If it is late at night and miles from anywhere, you will have a problem! Three-wheeler coco-taxis are a good option for getting around the town.
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