The beaches of Varadero have long been one of the main attractions of Cuba. Their visit is an important item on the list of travelers. Soft white sand and crystal clear water, despite the rapid construction of beach hotels, make this resort a place where you can enjoy beautiful nature and relax from the bustle of the city.
How to get from Havana to Varadero on your own? Varadero is not so far from Havana, only 134 kilometers. This distance can be traveled in a couple of hours, although several stops can be made along the road.
Sightseeing tour
Often travelers flying to Varadero for a few weeks want to visit Havana. If the trip is planned with an overnight stay, then it is better to take an excursion. The tour operator organizes overnight at the hotel and transfers to and from Havana. The tour will also include a sightseeing tour of the capital. Prices range from 120 CUC (7500 rubles) per person for a day trip to 2000 CUC (12 200 rubles) for an overnight trip. This trip can be booked in advance or booked at the hotel reception.
Traveling alone
How to get from Varadero to Havana on your own? If you plan an independent trip, you can use the services of a taxi, regular buses or rent a car. Such a trip will save a little money and time, because the tourist himself chooses what he wants to do in the capital: sightseeing, shopping or tasting local dishes and Cuban rum.
Bus
The easiest way to get from Varadero to Havana is via the Viazul bus. The cost of the trip is only 10 CUC (635 rubles). The bus station in Varadero is located on the corner of Calle 36. The station can be easily reached from any hotel, for example, by taxi - the cost is 3-5 CUC (150-200 rubles).
A bus is a great way to get to Havana quickly and safely. It is possible that it will be filled with other tourists who want to see the capital. It is better to reserve a seat in advance, at least one day in advance. Reservations can be made through Viazul's official reservation system. After confirming the payment, a receipt arrives at the tourist’s e-mail, which must be printed and exchanged at the bus station ticket office for bus tickets.
In Havana, the bus stops in Old Havana, and then in Vedado - the historical district of the city, the final stop - West Vedado.
Taxi
The option to take a taxi from Varadero to Havana is more comfortable, but costs significantly more. The standard cost of the trip is usually about 80 CUC (5000 rubles), but you can find a car and cheaper. Taxi drivers are waiting for passengers near the Viazul station, sometimes there are already one or two passengers in the car. You can try to join them and share the fare for the trip.
Getting to Havana by taxi will be much faster than by bus, because there will be no stops on the way, and the driver will bring tourists to the desired destination. You can and should bargain with taxi drivers about the price of the trip, because this is part of the Cuban adventure. In Cuba, traded everywhere, the initial price can be significantly reduced. Even if the traveler does not speak Spanish, many here also understand English.
From the capital to the resort
From Havana you can get to Varadero in the same ways: bus and taxi. You can still rent a car. Three major car rental companies - REX, Cubacar and Havanautos - offer decent cars. The price includes a daily fee for a car, an initial deposit, insurance and several additional fees (delay and damage to the vehicle). This option is only suitable for experienced drivers. After all, a trip along Cuban roads is still a pleasure and is often accompanied by increased stress.
Buses from Havana to Varadero depart from Viazul Main Station on 26th Avenue, directly opposite the old zoo. There are four flights a day: at 6.00, 8.00, 13.00 and 17.30. All buses are modern, air-conditioned and very comfortable. The journey lasts three hours. During this time, the bus makes stops where you can eat or take a photo shoot.
There are also buses from various car companies, for example, Havantur, which depart to Varadero, collecting passengers at various city hotels. This trip option is also safe and cheap.
Varadero Airport
From Havana airport to Varadero can be reached by public transport - buses "Viazul". Flights to the resort depart several times a day. The road takes about an hour, the cost is about 400-500 rubles per person. Cuban taxi drivers ask for about $ 40 (3000 rubles) for their services, but you can bargain half the price.
How to get from Varadero to Havana airport? The easiest way is a hotel transfer, its cost is often included in the ticket. If you go on your own, it is better to use a bus or taxi.