Taxis are plentiful in Varadero. A trip from one end of the peninsula to the other costs from CUC$15-CUC$17, and most trips to other places in the area cost CUC$2 to CUC$10. If by some chance you can't flag one down, or there's none hanging around your hotel, you can call Cubataxi (tel. 45/61- 4444 or 45/61-1616). Watch for rogue taxistas who refuse to use the taximetro. Víazul now offers a transfer from the station to any hotel in Varadero for CUC$2 after the long-distance buses pull in. As in Havana, open-air Coco Taxis are also available for CUC$25 per hour. In theory, they should charge CUC$.50 a kilometer, but they often cost more than a metered taxi. A horse-and-carriage ride costs CUC$10 for a city tour.
Sol Melía operates a free open-air tourist train between various points of the peninsula. The VaraderoBeachTour buses (tel. 45/66 -8992) that ply a loop from one end of Varadero to the other operate a day pass, with unlimited use of the route; it costs CUC$5 per day.
One of the best ways to get around Varadero is on a scooter. Rental agencies abound. Most rent modern, easy-to-use Vespa-style scooters for CUC$12 for two hours, and CUC$24 per day.
There are a host of car-rental agencies at the airport and around town. Virtually every hotel either has a car-rental desk, or can easily facilitate renting a car. Contact Cubacar (tel. 45/61-1875 or 45/66-7359; www.transturvaradero.com) or Transtur (tel. 45/61- 1435) for more information.
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.
