habana bus tour tickets

Habana Bus Tour: Transtur City Sightseeing Double-Decker

Get to know the hop-on, hop-off double-decker Habana Bus touring Havana City. View the timetable , route map , where it leaves from and stops , along with what you’ll see along the way.

The Habana Bus tour is not a dedicated city tour of Havana. It does, however, have a guide on board offering a commentary on the sights along the way. But the street noise and limited audio make it hard to hear what they are saying.

The Havana Bus Tour is a cheap way to take in the sights of Havana city which you just couldn’t walk to in one day. The tour drives through many interesting and different areas of Havana. You can get off at any of the designated stops, explore the area on foot, then catch the bus again to move on and visit another area.

The upper deck offers a great vantage point for panoramic views as you go through Havana and take pictures, just be aware of the sun and apply plenty of sunscreen.

Starting Point

We’d seen these open-top, double-decker buses around Havana, they look really cool so we decided to give it a go. Although you can start at any of the many stops we got on at the beginning from Parque Central.

The bus is really easy to find, it’s usually sitting there waiting to go, if it’s not, just look for the blue sign with the map and timetable. The bus stop at Parque Central is opposite the Hotel Inglaterra and Hotel Central Park.

If you haven’t yet arrived in Havana to go on the Habana Bus Tour, take a little time to read our Airport Transfers Guide to get you to your hotel safely.

There are two different tours called Habana Bus Tour that leave from Parque Central. One is this one T1 , which is the open-top, double-decker. The other one is the T3 , which boards just a few meters ahead of the T1, in a regular size bus that goes out to the beaches of Playas del Este .

The T2 Tour no longer exists.

You’ll see all the stops marked on the map above which include both the T1 and T3 routes – Havana City for this route. One point worth noting is that for obvious reasons tour buses cannot enter the Old Havana part of town, because of traffic restrictions, which will still need to be discovered by foot.

The bus tour continually circulates past most of the popular attractions in and around Havana , it’s super convenient and surprisingly good value. This first tour used to be two separate tours T1 and T2, but has since been combined into one called T1.

Tour Timetables

The hop-on, hop-off Habana Buses run every 30-35 minutes starting at 9:00 am every day with the last bus leaving at 6:10 pm.

This route runs a western loop through Havana Centro and allows you to visit all the top tourist attractions in the city center.

From 9:00 am to 12:00 pm the Habana Tour Bus runs from Parque Central on the hour (i.e 9:00 am) and on the half-hour (9:30 am). In the afternoon there is a 10-minute gap where they then depart at 10 minutes after (12:10) and 40-minutes after (12:40) up until 6:10 pm (18:10).

During high-season, they can also extend the last departure to 9:20 pm (21:20) with the last stop at P-15 at 10:36 pm (22:36).

• P-01 stop : Departs on the hour (09:00) and 30 minutes after (09:30) until the afternoon where it arrives at 40 minutes after (12:40) and 17 minutes after (13:10) until 18:10
• P-02 stop : 09:07 and 09:37 until 12:07 | then 12:47 and 13:17 until 18:17
• P-03 stop : 09:12 and 09:42 until 12:12 | then 12:52 and 13:22 until 18:22
• P-04 stop : 09:17 and 09:47 until 12:17 | then 12:57 and 13:27 until 18:27
• P-05 stop : 09:29 and 09:59 until 12:29 | then 13:09 and 13:39 until 18:39
• P-06 stop : 09:36 and 10:06 until 12:36 | then 13:16 and 13:46 until 18:46
• P-07 stop : 09:42 and 10:12 until 12:42 | then 13:22 and 13:52 until 18:52
• P-08 stop : 09:44 and 10:14 until 12:44 | then 13:24 and 13:54 until 18:54
• P-09 stop : 09:48 and 10:18 until 12:48 | then 13:28 and 13:46 until 18:58
• P-10 stop : 09:53 and 10:23 until 12:53 | then 13:33 and 14:03 until 19:03
• P-11 stop : 09:56 and 10:26 until 12:56 | then 13:36 and 14:06 until 19:06
• P-12 stop : 10:01 and 10:31 until 13:01 | then 13:41 and 14:11 until 19:11
• P-13 stop : 10:09 and 10:39 until 13:09 | then 13:49 and 14:19 until 19:19
• P-14 stop : 10:12 and 10:43 until 13:12 | then 13:52 and 14:22 until 19:22
• P-15 stop : 10:16 and 10:46 until 13:16 | then 13:56 and 14:26 until 19:26

The T3 route runs an eastern loop toward the popular beaches of Playas del Este . It’s generally known as the hotel route or the beach run, as it ends at the famous Santa Maria del Mar .

There are 20 stops in total, with many of them stopping in front of the top hotels in Playas del Este . If you’re not wanting to hit the beach or go to your lodging, it’s best to take the T1 Route .

From 9:00 am to 12:00 pm the T3 route runs from Parque Central on the hour (i.e 9:00 am) and then every 35 minutes (09:35, 10:10, 10:45, etc.). This 35-minute gap can wreak havoc with the schedule as it cycles through pretty much every different 5-minute segment throughout the course of the day.

• P-01 stop : Departs on the hour (09:00) and then every 35 minutes after (09:35 | 10:10 | 10:45) until 18:20 (or 20:40 in peak season)
• P-02 stop : 09:10 | 9:45 | 10:20, etc. until 18:30 | 20:50
• P-03 stop : 09:15 | 9:50 | 10:25, etc. until 18:35 | 20:55
• P-04 stop : 09:18 | 9:48 | 10:28, etc. until 18:38 | 20:58
• P-05 stop : 09:25 | 10:00 | 10:35, etc. until 18:45 | 21:05
• P-06 stop : 09:30 | 10:05 | 10:40, etc. until 18:50 | 21:10
• P-07 stop : 09:35 | 10:10 | 10:45, etc. until 18:55 | 21:15
• P-08 stop : 09:38 | 10:13 | 10:48, etc. until 18:58 | 21:18
• P-09 stop : 09:41 | 10:16 | 10:51, etc. until 19:01 | 21:21
• P-10 stop : 09:43 | 10:18 | 10:53, etc. until 19:03 | 21:23
• P-11 stop : 09:48 | 10:23 | 10:58, etc. until 19:08 | 21:28
• P-12 stop : 09:53 | 10:28 | 11:03, etc. until 19:13 | 21:33
• P-13 stop : 09:55 | 10:30 | 11:05, etc. until 19:15 | 21:35
• P-14 stop : 09:57 | 10:32 | 11:07, etc. until 19:17 | 21:37
• P-15 stop : 10:01 | 10:36 | 11:11, etc. until 19:21 | 21:41
• P-16 stop : 10:06 | 10:41 | 11:16, etc. until 19:26 | 21:46
• P-17 stop : 10:11 | 10:46 | 11:21, etc. until 19:31 | 21:51
• P-18 stop : 10:18 | 10:53 | 11:28, etc. until 19:38 | 21:58
• P-19 stop : 10:22 | 10:57 | 11:32, etc. until 19:42 | 22:02
• P-20 stop : 10:27 | 11:02 | 11:37, etc. until 19:47 | 22:07
• Parque Central – the starting point for the tour
• Malecon – travels along the Malecon, get off at the Hotel National, and explore
• Hotel Melia Cohiba – great stop to explore the area
• Hotel Presidente – no need to get off here, only good if you’re staying at this hotel
• Plaza de la Revolution – Take the lift to the top of the tower, great stop
• Colon Cemetery – Spend time walking around to view the impressive headstones
• Parque Almendares – no need to get off here, nice views going over the bridge
• Hotel Kohly – no need to get off here, only good if you’re staying at this hotel
• Hotel Copacabana – no need to get off here, only good if you’re staying at this hotel
• Hotel Panorama – no need to get off here, only good if you’re staying at this hotel
• Neptuno Hotel – no need to get off here, only good if you’re staying at this hotel
• La Cecilla – no need to get off here, only good if you’re staying at this hotel
• Miramar Trade Center – no need to get off here, not much to see
• Hotel Deauville – a lovely old hotel that’s definitely worth looking inside
• Prado 56 – stunning drove down the promenade
• Capitol and Gran Teatro de La Habana – pay the $2CUC for a tour of the Grand Theatre & Palace. The Capitol is still closed but worth a walk around.
• Floridita Bar – enjoy a Daiquiri cocktail at Hemingway’s watering hole
• Castillo de la Real Fuerza – visit the Plaza, the Armas, Cathedral square and the Plaza Vieja in Old Havana here.
• Alameda de Paula – this stop is at the Cruise Terminal, and it’s also the stop for the Handicraft Markets
• Castillo Real Fuerza – pick up again from here
• Hotel Sevilla – another excellent old hotel to stop and take a look at
• Parque Central

While the Habana Bus Tour stops at some prolific hotels, try reviewing our Lodging Guide for more affordable options.

Havana Bus Tour route T1 goes around Old Havana , with stops along the Avenida del Puerto. You can get off at the Castillo de la Fuerza . On the west side of Old Havana, the T1 route goes to Parque Central and the Capitolio, great if you are staying in any of the many hotels in the area.

El Morro Castle

Then along the Malecon taking in excellent views of both El Morro and La Cabana Forts .

La Cabana Forts

Revolution Square

The Havana Bus Tour route T1 then goes to Vedado and onto Revolution Square .

Colon Cemetery

After Revolution Square, you can get off at the Cohiba Hotel, the Colon Cemetery .

It then crosses over the Almendares river to Miramar, with stops at the City Scale Model (Maqueta de la Habana), the Aquarium, restaurants, and shops, to the final stop at Marina Hemingway. You can get off and walk around for as long as you want at any of these stops before getting on again.

At only CUC $10 per person, it’s a great tour. You pay the guide who stands just inside the bus, in cash only.

Once you have bought your ticket this allows you a full day pass to get on and off at any of the bus stops along the way, these are usually located at popular locations so you can spend time exploring.

The tour takes around 1 hour 45mins and although the circuit does not appear to be the exact same every time, it’s still a great trip.

Our tour was cut short and we had to change buses at Parque Central to continue with the tour. We’re heard the bus can stop at other points not on the map if the driver needs to do a bit of shopping or meets someone for a chat. It’s very casual in Cuba!

The Habana Bus Tour is a cheap and affordable alternative to private taxis with a day-long ticket costing the same as a single fare.

With unlimited riding it has proved very popular with visitors, allowing you to spend as much or as little time exploring by foot as you’re comfortable with, while still taking in all the major attractions .

• Buses run every 30 minutes starting at 9 am every day
• The circuit can change without notice, just relax and go with the flow
• Sit on the top for the best views, but be careful of the heat though
• Use sunscreen with a high SPF rating when riding on the open-top, double-decker

Our Opinion

For only $10 CUC it’s great value. This is the cheapest way to see Havana and all the main sights if you’re limited with time.

More Photos

Below you’ll find a few more photos taken from the upper deck of the Habana Bus. Views include the Jose Miguel Gomez monument, El Malecon, and Avenida de Los Presidentes.

Havana City Tours

Updated: Apr 17, 2022

Home » Travel Guide » Havana

Sightseeing tours in Havana

To get an overview of the Cuban capital, you can choose between two variants of sightseeing tours.

• A Cuban specialty are city tours in classic American street cruisers from the pre-Revolution era. To explore the city in a stylish way, such a tour in a vintage car, which typically last at least one hour. In this comparatively short time, one get a quite extensive impression of the most important sights and neighborhoods of the city.
• Like in many other tourist destinations, one can also take one of the hop-on hop-off buses . If you have a little more time, you can comfortably and inexpensively reach the most important sights outside the city center by taking a sightseeing tour with the tourist buses. Being able to get on and off the bus gives you enough flexibility to visit the various sights that can be seen throughout the Cuban capital.

Classic car sightseeing tours

Drivers at the Hotel Nacional

A local specialty are classic car city tours, which give you a nice overview over Havana. A tour lasts either one or several hours and is priced at 30 USD per hour. Therefore, if you take a tour with multiple people, it will be cheaper per person.

Most drivers wait at the Parque Centra l in the historical downtown area and at the new center in  front of the Hotel Nacional. Often one find drivers also in front of most other larger hotels.

City Tour in Havana

Since most vehicles are convertibles, one should think of a wearing wind-proof sun protection, at least around noon. However, especially during the summer, sightseeing tours are generally recommended in the early morning or late afternoon. Sensitive people should expect more or less exhaust fumes, depending on the weather and the traffic. Certainly, western air quality standards do not apply in Havana.

­Discover Destinations

Cayo santa maria, las terrazas & soroa, varadero: the tropical getaway for sun, sand, and relaxation.

Anyone who wants to visit plenty of attractions in one day can make a round trip with the Hop-On Hop-Off buses. The buses run between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. at 30-minute intervals and serve three different routes (T1, T2, T3). A day pass for the double-decker buses has a price of 10 USD per passenger and entitles the holder to use all three routes. Children under 6 years of age ride free of charge. The buses usually have guides indicating the sights.

Tourist bus at Parque Central

You have to expect that the 30-minute intervals are not always kept and that the buses do not run until 9 p.m.. The course of the three routes can be seen in the following overview.

T1: Alameda de Paula <> Plaza de la Revolucion

This route is perfect for getting an overview of downtown Havana. It runs through the neighborhoods of Habana Vieja , Centro Habana and Vedado . The T1 bus starts its trip on the waterfront of the bay of the old town and heads to the Plaza de la Revolution.

From there, it makes a detour back to the Old City, where the trip ends at the boat dock at the port. The route runs along the Malecon. Transfer stops to line 2 and 3 are at Parque Centra l (T3) and Revolution Square (T2).

T2: Marine Hemingway <> Plaza de la Revolucion

A round trip on one of the T2 buses is ideal to get an overview of the modern part of Havana, as the route passes through the important neighborhoods of Playa ( Miramar ) and Vedado .

The tour starts at the western end of the Playa district, at the Hemingway Marina . The route first passes by the large hotels in the Playa district. It continues to the bridge over the Almendares River, from where you have a beautiful view over the lush city forest (El Bosque). Later you will pass the most important cemetery in Cuba, the Cementerio Cristóbal Colón , until you reach the Plaza de la Revolucion . On the way back, the route takes you through the boulevard Avenida de los Presidentes , along other parts of Vedado and the Miramar embassy district, before returning to the marina.

T3: Parque Central > La Cabaña > Playas Santa Maria > Parque Central

The T3 line is suitable for visiting the fortresses located on the eastern side of the bay and also the eastern city beaches of Havana (Playas del Este).

If you want to get from the beach to the city in the afternoon, you have to be careful to get a seat. Experience shows that in the late afternoon many people want to return from the beach at the same time, so the buses are regularly overcrowded and have to leave passengers behind. Details on transportation to and from the beach can be found in the Playas del Este article.

Playas del Este

Where to stay in Havana

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Havana Bus Tour

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HAVANA BUS TOUR - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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no noticias de usted

Hola… he hecho una reservación ayer por el dia 25 y no recibe nada…. Todo es correcto? Y no tiene su dirección o un correo para escribir os. Gracias

Casa familia Habana

Hola queria saber si tienen 3 cuartos disponibles desde el 15 hasta el 28 de julio. Soy amigo de Nely de Alemania. Gracias

excelente trato

Casa particular limpia y centrica , estuve con mi sposa y mi beba de 5 anos , cerca de todo , personal amable y disponible , voy a regresar sin duda

Buenas tardes , ustedes tieneis un dormitario para la fecha 14 y 15 mayo ? cuando se cobra , espero su respuesta.

Excelente casa particular

Soy el Pastor Alexis Romero Orduñez de la Iglesia Renacer. En mi opinión es una Bendición esa renta, junto al trato amable, respetuoso de su colectivo. En especial su dueño: Diego . Todos poseen professionalismo.El local en su mismo es más que hermoso porque su diseño y decoración es una mezcla modernistas de estilos clásicos y neoclásicos. El ambiente es sumamente acogedor, la paz y el amor que se respira es un inigualable. Posee todas las condiciones humanas y tecnológicas para sentirse mejor que en casa. Más que como clientes ellos brindan amistad sincera y ello nos hizo sentir como familia. Todas, absolutamente todas las condiciones poseen. Si necesitas guía, orientación , sin costo alguno las 24 horas allí tendrás. No existe problemas que no se preocupen por resolver y para ellos el que los clientes se sientan bien es lo primero. Sobre los valores inmensos de tan único lugar se hablará con más detalles en una campaña publicitaria gratuita que pronto saldrá. Saludos a todos y felicitaciones .A Diego, Yamila, Fidel, y el jefe de seguridad del local: Caetano, el cual permanece sus 24 horas de guardia sin dormir, firme como una roca, cuidando la seguridad de todos. Gracias y Dios les Bendiga.. Saludos a Marcos también y a Odalis por tan deliciosos almuerzos

casa particular top

estuve aqui en agosto , casa top

Hermoso lugar , casa particular muy limpia

Yo visite el lugar y es sin lugar a duda un lugar expectacular donde sus anfitriones te hacen sentir en un ambiente familiar, el lugar esta lleno de confort y disfrutas de la natureleza al maximo, esquisitos en la limpieza. El sason de Liliana algo inigualable..rico sason cubano. Les aconsejo visiten el Hostal La Coloneal Soroa, Es un lugar para recordar y volver a visitar.

Casa excelente

Excelente casa colonial en el centro de la ciudad de Santiago de Cuba. Las habitaciones son amplias, limpias, frescas y seguras. Los desayunos y las cenas son excelentes. La recomiendo a todos los turistas.

Se la recomiendo a todos

La casa es bonita y centrica . recomendada

Recomiendo esta casa particular

ES UNA BUENA CASA, ASI COMO LA FAMILIA, BUENAS HABITACIONES LIMPIAS, BUENA COMIDA, FELICITACIONES A LAS COCINERAS YA QUE LA COMIDA TIENE SABOR CASERO, TRANQUILIDAD PARA DORMIR YA QUE APENAS HAY RUIDOS, Y CUANDO VOY A TRINIDAD SIEMPRE VOY A ESTA CASA YA QUE HE ESTADO EN VARIAS EN TRINIDAD Y ESTA ES LA QUE ME HACE REPETIR, SALUDOS A TODOS

Excelente Hostal

la casa se encuentra cerca del Centro de la Ciudad, pasamos dias muy lindo

magnifica casa e splendidi i proprietari

Consiglio sicuramente questa casa, in assoluto la miglore casa dove siamo stati a Cuba, i proprietari sono serissimi e le colazioni abbondanti , la consiglio

casa particular impia, comidas abundantes y ubicación central

La casa fue una revelación, limpia, comidas abundantes y ubicación central. recomendada

alojamiento especial en la ciudad de Cienfuegos, Cuba

estuve muy bien en esta casa, el dueno es un medico muy amable. gracias

Inolvidables dias en Varadero

Varadero es segun mi experiencia personal una de las playas mas hermosas del Caribe. En mi estancia alli, estuve hospedado en este apartamento y el servicio fue explendido.

• Before Going to Cuba - what is necesary ?
• how to book / Paying the houses in Cuba - Guide
• General Informatins for your trip to Cuba
• AREAS WHERE rent a house in Havana
• Tourist Card- How do you get the Visa?
• Informations Regarding to Cuban Custome Office
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• Varadero - The most beautiful beach
• in Airport - From the moment that the plane lands
• busco alquiler barato en la habana

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• Hospedaje en casa familia en la habana
• transport in Cuba
• Cuban Currency - check the daily exchange rate
• Havana busTour - the ideal transport to have a panoramic view
• Pinar Del Rio - The Cradle Of Tobacco
• Cienfuegos - the Pearl of the South
• informations Traditional Cuban food
• Trinidad - beautifull Colonial City
• Asked questions Frequently - Faq
• Legal Informations
• renta casas en cuba por mes
• casas particulares en la habana recomendadas
• Hostales en la Habana Baratos

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Guided tour with OLD CAR IN HAVANA

The best way to learn about Havana in depth is to take a guided tour with an old machine

On this page you can make the desired path, we will give you a name of some famous Cuban shots in order to have a difference

Carlos's House with pool Guanabo Beach

old Havana Mansion Colonial San Nicolas

Casa Nery Guanabo beach

Casa Particular Beny Varadero

Particular House V&V - Old Havana

Nelson's casa particular old Havana

Casa Mansion Colonial Centro Havana

Casa particular Liberty Varadero

Bb terrace In Vedado

Casa particular Yuli Havana Center

casa-particular-habana-vieja-top

Villa Sonia Playa La boca

Loren' house in rent Vedado Havana

Villa Sole Miramar Havana

Vedado bnb Mayi havana rent

Trinidad Alayn's house

Trinidad regla's house in rent

Old Havana casa particular Israel

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City Tour Habana

Description:

Conceived to discover the capital of Cuba through its most emblematic places.

Find out why the “ 7 Wonders” Foundation named Havana one of the 7 Wonder Cities of the World.

Pick-up at the hotels by bus according to the schedule established for the excursion.

Panoramic tour of places of interest in the city, including the Historical Center, declared World Heritage by UNESCO. Panoramic visit of modern Havana.

Sites of interest: Presidencial Palace, Central Park, Capitol, Floridita bar-restaurant, La Bodeguita del Medio bar-restaurant, Cathedral Square, Arms Square , Malecón promenade, University of Havana and Square of the Revolution.

Stop for taking pictures.

Visit to the Morro-Cabaña Historical Park (outdoor areas).

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Information about this tour is valid until Apr 30, 2024. After this date it could be changed.

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The Hop On - Hop Off Bus Tour of Havana - Havana Bus Tour

• Caribbean    
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• Ciudad de la Habana Province    
• Havana    
• Havana - Attractions    
• Havana Bus Tour

Hop on bus was a good, cheap way $10 per person, to get a flavor of Havanna. We stayed on the bus... read more

A good way to spend a couple of hours seeing some of the main city sites. We didn't get off as we... read more

The Hop On - Hop Off Bus Tour of Havana

After touring the Old City on the Panoramic Night Tour, the next day we covered the rest of the city on the Habana Bus Tour. This is the double decker hop on/hop off bus. The cost is only $10 @ person. There are open air and roofed buses to choose from. The loop is quite long, well over an hour and covers everything from the cruise terminal to the La Cecilia, the end of the loop. Along the way many sights are covered. The guide on our bus explained what we were seeing in Spanish and then English. The PA system onboard made it easy to hear and understand the narration. There were several stops on this loop where one can get off to explore areas in more detail with another bus coming in fifteen minutes. You are given a green receipt good from 9 AM until 7 PM that day and a small map of the loop. When you want to re-enter the bus, you merely show that receipt to the guide and off you go at no additional cost. They were actually shocked and confused when I gave them a $5 tip. Tipping is not customary in Cuba. Here are some of the points of interest: The Malecon, Plaza de Revolution, Cemetery Colon, Copacabana, National Hotel, National Aquarium, Park Central, Capitol, Cuban Missile Crisis Memorial, US Embassy, Sloppy Joe's, just to name a few. The pick up locations are clearly marked with signage. One is right at the cruise terminal. Of course you'll see hundreds of vintage cars and lots of smiling, waving and sometimes dancing people welcoming you to Havana. This is a very reasonable option to see the whole picture of a large swath of Havana. It is convenient with no hassles at all. We loved it.

Do NOT do this bus tour. It is ridiculous and should be shut down. Where else another such bus tour would have truly shown you the real sights of Havana this horrible bus tour shows you hotels, some neighborhoods and dirty beaches. Only one stop was a real sight, Place of the Revolution. Absolute rip off boring and more so appalling. Do NOT take this expensive joke of a bus tour!

I had read bad reviews about the Tour but it was our first time and I thought it would be a good way to see the city and, indeed it was. It was difficult to understand the English translation. I speak Spanish, but not Cuban Spanish, and the operator was talking very fast - i missed half of it.

We did the T1 route. Good overview of the northern extents and key memorials of Havana. Stops are not always clear and favour hotels. We rode the whole circuit with only one break to walk between ‘23 y L’ and ‘Hotel Deauville’ through the Afro-Cuban nexus. $10CUC pp/day

This bus tour is a good way to get to know Havana if you are here for the first time. The bus passes interesting sites of the city and the ticket is valid for the whole day (10 CUC). The downsides are that you hardly can hear the narration from the guide and some stops (especially the hotel stops) are not clearly marked. Also, watch out for the tree branches AND the power lines if you sit on the upper level! Dangerous!

wake up early in the morning make your bus tour last several hours as you will buy a ticket that allows you to stop and take another bus when you want,. look at the plan and decide stops that have best sites to see on foot and take photos. the tour will start at the central park via Malecon to plaza de la revolution and back. watch out for the tree branches, so dangerous mainly if you are with children. the trip is worth 10 cucs.

Havana Bus Tour

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Havana Bus Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Top 6 day trips from heavenly Havana

Jan 9, 2024 • 7 min read

Experience more of Cuba on a day trip from Havana © FG Trade Latin / Getty Images

With its grandiose architecture and vibrant culture, Havana  continues to be the number one place to visit for travelers to Cuba . But taking a break from the city buzz will recharge your batteries and give you a broader scope of Cuba’s authentic experiences.

Let the sea breeze pamper your senses in Playas del Este or indulge your ecological side in Las Terrazas and Soroa. With so many great options less than an hour away, Havana is the perfect base for a day trip filled with adventure.

Your travel options from the capital will vary depending on whether they're private or state-run. For the Havana Bus Tour (to Playas del Este) and Viazul buses (to Viñales, Matanzas and Varadero), you’ll have to pay using a non-US-based credit card.

Private taxis usually prefer foreign cash (euros are best) and it's best to agree on the currency and price before you start your journey.

Start planning your next Cuban vacation now with six of our favorite day trips from Havana.

1. Explore the beautiful landscapes of Viñales

Travel time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Viñales Valley , peppered with rare pin-cushion hills, is spectacular enough to warrant a longer stay if you have the time.

The town is quaint in that ceramic-roof, cane-rocker-on-the-porch kind of way, and the hospitality of Cuban guajiros (countryfolk) is unsurpassed. Accept any invite to go horseback riding or hiking amid the oddly bulbous limestone mogotes (hills).

Viñales becomes a haven for rock climbers from December through April. The A-frame structures covered in shaggy fronds you will see are drying houses for the world’s finest cigar tobacco, grown throughout this part of Pinar del Río Province.

Los Jazmines is the perfect lookout point for some world-prize-worthy panoramic photos over Viñales Valley, but choose  Balcón del Valle restaurant if you fancy having lunch while overlooking the mogotes. For a friendly ambiance and freshly made cocktails, don’t miss  Tres Jotas  on Salvador Cisneros St, Viñales’ main road.

How to get to Viñales from Havana: Viñales is connected with Havana by daily Viazul buses. You can also book day trips at Havana’s hotels, most of which include lunch and added excursions, for the equivalent of around US$70 round trip. For more flexibility, rent a car or hire a taxi with a driver for the day.

2. Unwind at Playas del Este

Travel time: 30 minutes

Not far from the hustle and grit of Havana’s city center is the palm-fringed coast known as Playas del Este (eastern beaches). Half a dozen beaches are out this way, but Santa María del Mar – with appreciable shade and the softest, cleanest sand – is the best.

Head to the beach town of Guanabo to hang with locals. The stretch near Boca Ciega is a traditional LGBTIQ+ hangout. Most Cubans will not go near the beach in the “cold” winter months between January and April, but during the peak summer season , these beaches get incredibly crowded.

Guanabo has an assortment of paladares (Cuban private diners) ranging from Italian-inspired pizzerias to kid-friendly chicken restaurants.

How to get to Playas del Este from Havana: Hop on the T3 Habana Bus Tour , which runs from Centro Habana to Playas del Este (via Parque Histórico Militar Morro-Cabaña ). The main stop is in Parque Central opposite the Hotel Inglaterra . All-day tickets for T3 cost the equivalent of US$10 and services run from 9am to 7pm. A regular private cab costs the equivalent of around US$25 one way.

3. Embrace nature at Las Terrazas and Soroa

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes

A drive into the heart of the undulating and verdant Sierra del Rosario range, Cuba’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a sure tonic for fatigue and worry. Las Terrazas, just over an hour west of Havana, is a former artist colony turned ecotourism experiment with open studios, canopy, hiking, birdwatching and swimming in river cascades.

Nearby Soroa is famed for its  Orquideario ,  an orchid garden and research station with more than 700 species that bloom between December and March.

Off-the-radar Lago El Palmar hosts a  ranchón  (rustic, opened-sided restaurant) offering drinks and snacks, plus an option for renting boats. Less than 2km (1 mile) away is  Cafetal Buenavista , a well-preserved remnant of Cuba’s oldest coffee plantation.

How to get to Las Terrazas and Soroa from Havana: Book a day tour to Las Terrazas and Soroa at a Cubatur desk in any hotel lobby or take a colectivo (shared taxi mainly used by tourists) at the Viazul station and hop off at Rancho Curujey , near Las Terrazas. Make sure to confirm your stop with the driver. 

4. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Varadero

Travel time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Cuba’s finest beach destination , a 20km-long (12.4-mile) peninsula with powdery sand, bathtub-temperature sea and all-inclusive resorts,  Varadero has all the amenities required to enjoy a fun-filled day trip. Take an early ride 140km (87 miles) east of Havana center and you’ll be sitting under a palm leaf umbrella before 10am.

Take a dip in the Caribbean or sip cocktails in the shade before heading out for a late lunch at any of Varadero’s notable restaurants. With impeccable service and seafood,  Varadero 60 is highly recommended. For an after-lunch spirit, opt for the mahogany-wood Casa Blanca Panoramic Bar atop Mansión Xanadú. The view over the sunbathed peninsula is simply unparalleled.

How to get to Varadero from Havana: Book an air-conditioned Viazul bus at Terminal de Ómnibus (approximately US$9; three to four hours). When Viazul buses are in high demand, colectivos  (shared taxis) are also an option and are quicker.

You can book one directly at any hotel desk, at your casa particular  (private homestay) or just by hanging around at the bus station. A regular taxi from Havana costs the equivalent of around US$100–150 one way.

5. Explore Cojímar, Hemingway’s favorite fishing village

Travel time: 20 minutes

Just east of Havana’s old quarter is the charming fishing village of Cojímar, famous for hosting Ernest Hemingway’s maritime adventures back in the 1940s and ‘50s. Tourist buses usually stop at  Restaurante La Terraza for a daiquiri on the terrace, but more hearty meals and fantastic mojitos are offered at  Ajiaco Café .

This little town is a slow-paced community, where it's possible to meet locals in a 100% Cuban environment. Walk around the malecón,  a smaller version of Havana’s iconic promenade, for a glimpse of the natural allure that enchanted Papa all those years ago.

For the best pictures of the seaside town, head to the  Torreón de Cojímar , a wrecked Spanish fort from the 17th century that was the first to be taken by the British when Havana was attacked in 1762.

How to get to Cojímar from Havana: Yellow cabs from Parque Central or any other part of Old Havana cost the equivalent of around US$10 to Cojímar. Old American classic cars may be more expensive, but the scenic ride is worth it. Agree with the driver on a one-way fare if you'll spend more than a couple of hours in Cojímar, but ask for a round-trip offer if you only want a glimpse of the landmarks.

6. Check out music and culture in revitalized Matanzas

Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Ignored for decades in favor of Varadero, Matanzas , a once-prosperous cultural hub 100km (62 miles) east of Havana, is making a comeback.

A government-sponsored renovation campaign initiated in 2018 to celebrate the city’s 325th anniversary sparked the renaissance. The staging of the Biennial – Cuba’s biggest art festival – in the city the following year raised its profile further.

The improvements are most marked in the rejuvenated art and architecture of Calle Narváez. Once part of a grubby warehouse district beside the San Juan River, this attractive waterside promenade has become the city’s beating heart, dotted with free-to-enter galleries, public sculptures and a lively ensemble of bars and restaurants, including the cafe-art-collective, Artys.

Elsewhere, look out for matinee performances at the restored Teatro Sauto, and check out the pots and potions at the longstanding pharmaceutical museum. If you arrive on a Friday afternoon, you might get lucky with some live street rumba (Afro-Cuban music and dance) in the historic confines of Plaza de la Vigía.   How to get to Matanzas from Havana:  The city is accessible on daily Viazul buses (approximately US$7; two hours). A taxi will get you there in around one hour and 45 minutes but is more expensive. Bank on the equivalent of US$80 and up.

This article was first published May 2018 and updated January 2024

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Havana Bus Tour

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HAVANA BUS TOUR: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Havana bus tour? red double/decker - map? price? stops? - Havana Forum

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Havana bus tour? red double/decker - map? price? stops?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veUSaThleK0

Does anyone have a link to an "easy-to-read" map of the Havana double-decker bus route? Does the map show where the stops are?

Can you get on and get off and get back on again with one ticket?

Do you know the ticket cost and do you just pay the driver?

If we are staying at the Aston (Near Melia Cohiba ) do you know the closest stop in that area where we can board? This would be more convenient than getting it at Parque Central.

I saw the bus drove by a shopping center "Galeria de Paseos" - that had great-looking architecture from the outside but...the google reviews are 2 stars. Just wanted to check if this is a good place to visit or not and if there is something comparable that is worth a stop for shopping.

The bus goes down a street that had beautiful mansions (around the 7 minute mark) that goes to the Monumento a Jose Miguel Gomez. Does anyone know the name of that street? It looks nice for walking.

Muchas Gracias!!

96 replies to this topic

Galeria de Paseos is not what it used to be, IMO. I was there a year ago and they had some groceries and appliances. They had chicken and apples that day and there were about 400 people lined up to get some. I wouldn't waste my time.

Definitely get off at the Colon cemetery , and look around.

This post has been removed at the author's request.

$10... Pay by card officially

You keep your ticket and show it every time you get on. Ride all day !

what kind of card, credit card?

Where can you buy a MLC card? Thank you.

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