Getting Around Matanzas
Matanzas is a compact city spread around the Bay of Matanzas and crossed by three rivers — the Yumurí, San Juan, and Canímar — which is why it's known as the "City of Bridges." The city is divided into four neighborhoods: Versalles, Matanzas, Playa, and Pueblo Nuevo. For a visitor, that geography matters: much of the historic center is walkable, but some points of interest and transport hubs sit in different neighborhoods, so you'll likely mix walking with short rides.
Walking
Walking is the most practical way to explore the historic core, where the bridges, plazas, and main sights cluster together. Because the city sits on all three sides of the bay and is cut by rivers, some routes between neighborhoods require crossing bridges rather than following a straight line, so plan your walks around the crossings. Distances between the central sights are manageable on foot, but if you're heading out to a different neighborhood or up toward the hills, expect a longer trek and consider a ride instead.
Rail
Matanzas has two railway stations. The main station sits on the main line from Havana to Santiago de Cuba, which makes it the one most visitors will use for longer journeys. There are trains to Havana, Santa Clara, and Camagüey, plus overnight service on alternate days to Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus, and Santiago de Cuba.
A second station, in the Versalles neighborhood, was the departure point for the electrified Hershey train, which ran to Havana by a different route. Note that the Hershey electric trains between Matanzas and Havana stopped running in the middle of 2017, so don't count on that service — confirm current options locally before planning around it.
Trams and Metro
Matanzas has no metro. It once had a tramway, but that era ended long ago: after earlier attempts, the system was converted to buses in the 1950s. Today there is no tram network to use, so ground transport means buses, taxis, and your own two feet.
Buses and Public Transport
Public transport in Matanzas has been severely restricted, and at one point authorities acknowledged the province had nearly lost all urban and intermunicipal routes because of fuel shortages, leaving only sporadic service. In practice, this means you should not rely on a frequent, predictable city bus to get around.
More recently, a private operator called LCD Viajes (a Mipyme) has trialed new urban bus routes connecting city neighborhoods to Faustino Pérez Hospital and the University of Matanzas. The trial routes reported include:
- Versalles route — departing Versalles in the morning and running via Viaducto, Terminal, and Peñas Altas to the University of Matanzas.
- Canímar route — departing Canímar in the morning, via Tirry and René Fraga, then Viaducto and Terminal, on to the university.
- Peñas Altas–Faustino Pérez Hospital route — a morning departure with a return from the hospital in the early afternoon.
These are trial services with morning-oriented schedules, and a return journey from the university is scheduled for the early afternoon. Fares have not been officially confirmed — public discussion has mentioned figures like 200 pesos, but the operator did not set or confirm that, and questions remain about fare levels, segment fares, and student discounts. Treat any fare you hear as unconfirmed and check with the operator. For context on costs, a tricycle ride to Peñas Altas has been reported at around 250 pesos, against an average daily wage for a Matanzas worker of roughly 236 pesos. LCD Viajes also runs a Matanzas–Havana route at 3,000 pesos per trip.
For longer-distance travel, Matanzas is served by Viazul and Astro buses. Viazul runs buses from Havana and Varadero three times a day, with the Havana fare around US$7. These intercity services are the reliable option for arriving from or leaving for other cities.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
With public transport limited, taxis and informal rides fill much of the gap. Tricycles (bici-taxis) are a common way to cover short hops between neighborhoods — a ride to Peñas Altas, for example, has been reported at around 250 pesos. Because official fares vary and many rides are negotiated, agree on the price before you set off. Given how restricted the bus network is, plan on taxis or tricycles for any trip that's too far to walk, and keep small change handy.
Getting In from the Airport
Matanzas is served by Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport, located east of the city. The airport sits between Matanzas and the Varadero resort area, so it's a convenient arrival point for either destination. The most straightforward way into Matanzas is by taxi or a pre-arranged transfer, since the airport is outside the city and the local bus network is unreliable. If you're coming by road, the Via Blanca highway connects Matanzas with both Havana to the west and Varadero to the east, and it's the route drivers and cyclists use to reach the city.
Practical Summary
- Walk the historic center and bridge-lined core; expect to cross bridges rather than take direct routes.
- Use Viazul or Astro for intercity travel — Viazul runs from Havana and Varadero three times daily.
- Take the train from the main station for Havana, Santa Clara, Camagüey, and (on alternate days) Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus, and Santiago de Cuba.
- Don't count on city buses — service is severely restricted, though LCD Viajes trial routes may help for specific neighborhood-to-hospital or university trips.
- Rely on taxis and tricycles for anything beyond walking distance, and confirm the price first.
- Arrive via Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport and take a taxi or transfer into the city, or come by road on the Via Blanca.