Unfortunately, driving to Cuba from the U.S. or any other neighboring country is impossible. Despite the island of Cuba being located just 90 miles south of the Florida Keys, there are no road connections or ferry services. Talks between the U.S. and Cuban governments have been ongoing over a bilateral agreement for several years, but final details are yet to be agreed upon. Until such an agreement is in place, American citizens cannot visit Cuba for tourist-related reasons. It’s hoped that ferry services between Florida and Cuba can commence once an agreement is reached. This would then allow you to potentially drive to Cuba with the aid of a vehicle ferry.
Cuba is located in the northern part of the Caribbean Sea. Lying just 90 miles south of Florida and just under 150 miles to the east of Mexico, it occupies an important strategic location in North America. As well as the U.S. and Mexico, Cuba shares a maritime border with The Bahamas, Haiti, Honduras, and Jamaica.
Despite Cuba’s proximity to the U.S., other Caribbean nations, and the countries of Central America, it has very limited transport links. Years of political isolation have meant that the transport infrastructure you would expect in normal circumstances doesn’t exist.
Below we take a look at what your options are for getting to Cuba.
Road – With no bridges, tunnels, or vehicle ferry connections, there’s no way to access Cuba by road. While a ferry connection from Florida has been mooted, this depends on a wide-reaching bilateral agreement between Cuba and the U.S. Don’t expect anything to be agreed anytime soon.
Boat – As well as no vehicle ferries to Cuba, there are no passenger ferries. Therefore, the only way to get to Cuba by boat is via private hire or cruise. Carnival, Marella, and Oceania are just some of the many cruise lines that sail to Cuba.
Air – The good news is that it is possible to reach Cuba by air. The country has 10 international airports, with Havana and Varadero the biggest and best connected. These airports receive direct flights from North America, South America, and Europe. The most common route is between Miami and Cuba, with 24 flights daily.
Much like any other country, hiring a car in Cuba and driving around is possible. While fewer operators exist than in many other countries, the core principles remain the same.
The key points for hiring a car in Cuba are:
In Cuba, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. The road rules are consistent with the U.S. and European countries, making navigating the island easy. Where you should exercise a little more caution is on some of the smaller roads. Road conditions can be mixed, and you must be mindful of potholes.
Cuba is an exciting destination that combines excellent beaches, national parks, and history. It’s a unique destination on account of its international isolation over the past 50 years, but things are changing fast. Here are some of the highlights on the island.
Old Havana – The historic streets of Old Havana are full of fine architecture, color, and cafes. The area is teeming with life, with prospective tour guides, street artists, and street hawkers filling the area. It’s a wonderful place to explore in a classic vehicle or on foot, with plenty of spacious squares and places to stop for refreshments. If you’re having a drink in Havana, it really should be a mojito.
Hemingway Museum – Located in Finca la Vigia, the museum is located in Hemingway’s former home. The impressive Spanish colonial-style building is where he wrote some of his finest works. Even if you’re just a casual Hemingway fan, it’s well worth a visit.
Trinidad – This colorful Spanish colonial-era town is full of historic buildings. Featuring the traditional Spanish-style cobblestone streets, it’s a great place for a day trip. It’s set in a spectacular location between the sea and the mountains. There are two good beaches near the town, Ancon Beach and Maria Aguilar.
Varadero Beach – Arguably the best beach on the island, Varadero Beach is home to white sands and crystal clear waters. Its sands stretch for an amazing 14 miles along Cuba’s northern coast. The beach is regularly included in the best beaches in the world lists, and it’s easy to see why.
Peninsula de Zapata National Park – This large national park covers many habitats. These include salt pans, marshes, and mangroves, all teeming with bird life. You can see flamingos, egrets, and many other species here. The historic Bay of Pigs is also within the region and worth visiting.
Undoubtedly, the best time to visit Cuba is during the dry season from November through April. During this time, you’ll enjoy warm, dry days with lower humidity than at other times of the year. This period is also peak season on the island, so expect less availability and higher prices. The wet season runs from May through to September and sometimes October. During this time, it can be hot and humid with torrential downpours. In the latter part of this period, there’s also the chance of hurricanes. We’d recommend avoiding the hurricane season at all costs, but the early wet season is a good way to see the island without the crowds.
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