Getting Around Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba is Cuba's second-largest city, set at the foot of a bay on the Caribbean in the island's southeast. Its streets climb and descend steep hills, and the historic core is compact enough that most of what a visitor wants to see is within easy walking distance. For anything beyond the center, you'll rely on taxis, buses, and — for longer journeys — trains and long-distance coaches.
Walking the Historic Center
On foot is the practical way to cover the historical center, and for tourists it is effectively the only reasonable option. The city's colonial buildings, with their large windows and balconies, line steep streets that open onto views of the wooded hills and the bay, so walking is also the most rewarding way to experience the city. Plan on comfortable shoes, since the terrain is uneven and hilly.
Buses and Public Transport
Santiago has no metro or tram network, so public transport means buses. The main local bus station, Astrobus, sits relatively far from the city center, which means you will need a taxi to reach it or to get from it into town. If you arrive there with time to spare, a fairly pleasant plaza next to the station can serve as a place to wait.
For intercity travel, Viazul coaches depart from the train station. Services connect Santiago with Havana, Baracoa, Trinidad, and Varadero, with several daily departures on the Havana route. As with all transport in Cuba, confirm schedules in advance, since they change frequently.
Trains
Overnight trains run along the main line from Havana via Matanzas, Santa Clara, and Camagüey, though not every day. The Tren Francés, using refurbished coaches from the old Paris–Amsterdam service, is considered Cuba's premier train and its most reliable — which is not to say it is reliable. A second, simpler express covers a few more stops. There are also daytime services to Camagüey and Santa Clara on certain days of the week, returning on others. Local service to Holguín has been suspended because of poor track conditions.
Tickets are sold by class, and the higher class on the Tren Francés is generally considered well worth the extra cost. Students studying in Cuba pay in pesos rather than in convertible currency. Be prepared for delays: even the best train can arrive many hours late, so check schedules before you commit to train travel.
Santiago's train station lies on the relative outskirts of town, so you will want a taxi or bici-taxi to reach your accommodation from there.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are the flexible option for getting around the city and beyond. Drivers will happily take you for a full day of sightseeing for a negotiated price. A reliable place to find them is the stretch between Plaza de Marte and Parque Céspedes, where plenty stand waiting. Bici-taxis — pedicabs — are also available and useful for short hops, such as between the train station and your lodging.
Arriving by Air
Santiago is served by Antonio Maceo Airport, where Cubana de Aviación connects the city with Havana, Port-au-Prince, and Santo Domingo, and other airlines also operate. Cubana flies in from Havana several times daily, and Sunrise Airlines serves Port-au-Prince a few times a week.
Some travelers arrive instead through Holguín Airport, which is served by shared rides to Santiago at a per-person rate. Whichever airport you use, arrange your transfer into the city in advance or expect to negotiate with a taxi on arrival.
Practical Tips
- Base yourself in or near the historic center so you can walk to the main sights.
- Use taxis or bici-taxis for the train station, the Astrobus station, and other outlying points.
- Book long-distance buses and trains ahead, and always re-confirm schedules — they are in constant flux.
- Allow generous time for train journeys; significant delays are normal.
- Negotiate a day rate with a taxi driver if you plan to visit sights outside the center.