Understanding Cerro
Cerro is Spanish for "hill" or "mountain," and the name is shared by many places across Latin America. This guide focuses on getting around Cerro, Cuba, as a visitor. Practical transport information for the area is limited, so the guidance below draws on what is known about Cuban transport generally, with notes where details specific to Cerro are not available.
How Tourists Move Around
In Cuba, visitors typically rely on a mix of official tourist transport, taxis, and walking. The main intercity coach operator for tourists is Viazul, which runs air-conditioned modern coaches and can be booked online at viazul.wetransp.com. Viazul covers destinations island-wide and also offers airport transfers from Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, and Varadero.
For foreign visitors, Transtur and Connectando provide visitor-only transfers, mainly between Varadero and Havana hotels. Tickets for these services are available through travel agencies or hotels.
Rail, Metro and Trams
There is no underground metro in Havana, and no trams are operating in Cuba — the last Havana tram ran in 1952, though tourist tram tours do exist. Visitors should not expect a metro or tram network to rely on for getting around Cerro.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Havana's public urban bus network, MetroBus (MB), is the city's primary mass transit. It operates main lines labelled with a "P" plus a number, and its fleet includes articulated buses from Yutong (China), LiAZ (Russia), and MAZ (Belarus).
- Fares: Urban rides cost approximately 1 CUP per ride, paid in cash on boarding.
- Payment: There is no contactless or electronic payment, and no passes or integrated ticketing.
- Planning: The free Habana Trans app provides Havana urban bus schedules and route maps. There is no national journey planner.
For intercity travel, AstroBus (Ómnibus Nacional) serves Cuban nationals, is priced in CUP, and uses Chinese Yutong buses, connecting Havana to the provincial capitals. Access is highly restricted for foreigners — only a few seats per departure are available and many are turned away. AstroBus has no public website, and timetables are posted at stations.
In rural and eastern provinces, informal truck-based transport known as camiones is used almost entirely by local Cubans. These are very cheap but offer benches or no seating at all.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
The source material does not describe taxis or ride-hailing services specifically for Cerro. Visitors should be aware that official tourist transfers (Transtur and Connectando) are the documented visitor-oriented option, bookable via travel agencies or hotels.
Walkability
The source material does not provide specific information about walkability in Cerro. As a general practice, visitors should plan to combine walking with the available bus and taxi options, and confirm local conditions on arrival.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Viazul offers airport transfers from Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, and Varadero. A Havana Airport to central Havana transfer is priced at approximately €10. Viazul fares generally range from about €10 to €60 depending on the route; children under 4 travel free on a lap, and ages 5–11 are half price with their own seat.
- Booking: Book online by credit card, ideally at least two weeks ahead for popular routes. Online reservations must be exchanged for a physical ticket at the station at least one hour before departure, or the seat may be reassigned.
- Cancellations: Refunds go to the original card with a fee of about US$3, and must be requested at least one week before travel.
- In person: Tickets can also be purchased at terminals.
Note that Viazul's timetable was last updated in July 2025 and includes some service reductions. Peak season runs from November to April, so book early during those months.