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 the 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 away. This distance can be covered in a couple of hours, although there are several stops along the way.
Sightseeing tour
Often travelers arriving in Varadero for a few weeks want to visit Havana. If the trip is planned with an overnight stay, then it is better to take a tour. The tour operator will arrange overnight stay at the hotel and transfer 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 one daya trip up to 2000 CUC (12,200 rubles) for a tour with an overnight stay. This trip can be booked in advance or booked at the hotel reception.
Self-guided travel
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 some money and time, because the tourist 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 by taking 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).
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 book your seat in advance, at least a day in advance. Reservations can be made through the official Viazul booking system. After confirming the payment, a receipt is sent to the tourist’s e-mail, which must be printed out and exchanged at the bus station ticket office for bus tickets.
In Havana, the bus stops in Old Havana, and then in Vedado - the historic district of the city, the final stop is WestVedado.
Taxi
The option to take a taxi from Varadero to Havana is more comfortable, but much more expensive. The standard cost of a trip is usually around 80 CUC (5000 rubles), but you can find a cheaper car. 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.
To get to Havana by taxi will be much faster than by bus, because there will be no stops along the way, and the driver will bring tourists to the desired destination. You can and should bargain with taxi drivers about the price of a trip, because this is part of the Cuban adventure. Traded everywhere in Cuba, the original price can be significantly reduced. Even if the traveler does not speak Spanish, English is also understood by many here.
From the capital to the resort
From Havana you can get to Varadero in the same ways: bus and taxi. You can also rent a car. Three major car rental companies - REX, Cubacar and Havanautos - offer decent cars. The price includes a daily car fee, an initial deposit, insurance and a few additional fees (delay and damage to the vehicle). This option is only suitable for experienced drivers. After all, driving on Cuban roads is still a pleasure and often accompanied by increased stress.
Buses from Havana to Varadero depart from Viazul main stationon 26th Avenue, right across from the old zoo. In total, there are four flights per 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 have a bite to eat or take a photo session.
There are also buses of different auto companies, for example, "Havantour", which go to Varadero, collecting passengers from various city hotels. This travel option is also safe and cheap.
Varadero Airport
From Havana Airport to Varadero can be reached by public transport - Viazul buses. 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 (3,000 rubles) for their services, but you can bargain for half that.
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 take a bus or a taxi.
