By Taxi
Cubataxi (tel. 22/64-1965) and Gran Car (tel 22/62-4328) congregate near the cathedral on Parque Céspedes and at the major tourist hotels. Be sure to ask prices before hiring one, as tourist gouging is a favorite local pastime (from the Meliá Santiago to Parque Céspedes, the fare should be CUC$3; from downtown to El Morro the fare is CUC$12-CUC$15). Gran Car charges CUC$0.80 a kilometer. Cheaper taxis, both registered and unregistered, can be found parked around Plaza Marte. With the latter, negotiate a price, but understand that the driver may be uncomfortable taking you directly to the door of your hotel if he's not officially licensed to carry foreigners.
There are also bicitaxis (bicycle taxis), which are convenient and inexpensive (usually CUC$1-CUC$3), but occasionally hair-raising for many passengers.
By Car
Cubacar (tel. 22/68-6107; www.transtur.cu) has offices at the airport, opposite the Cupet gas station on Carretera Central; Hotel Casa Granda; Hotel Las Américas; Meliá Santiago; and Hotel Villa San Juan. Vía Rent a Car (tel. 22/62-4646) is inside the Cubatur office, Lacret 701, corner of Heredia. Rates are CUC$60 to CUC$80 per day for a standard four-door compact car.
By Foot
The area of greatest activity and cultural interest to many visitors in the historic center -- the few streets around Parque Céspedes -- is easy to get around on foot, though some areas, such as the Tivolí district, are extremely hilly. However, many hotels are at least a couple of kilometers from the city center, and a good number of the city's foremost attractions, such as El Morro, are beyond the city and require transportation.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
