Getting from Havana to Trinidad is a fairly short trip but worth every second of the effort. Getting around Cuba isn’t hard, although the island can take a little longer to cross than you think.

Looking to get from Havana to Trinidad by bus (and car) and all the other possible ways one can get between these two Cuban cities? You’re in the right place!

Cuba is a unique country – no doubt about it. So creating the best Cuba itinerary for 2 weeks is a challenge! There is so much to see and do. But to visit these two unforgettable cities in Cuba, you need to be able to get from one to the other.

For this article, I’ve detailed the cheapest and fastest ways to cover the 316km journey from Havana to Trinidad.

 

Where is Havana

Havana, the capital of Cuba, is located on the north coast, in the western half of the tropical island. Most international flights will arrive at either Havana or Varadero.

From the center of the city, Havana is around 250km from the coast of Florida in the USA.

From Havana, Varadero is 150km to the west, and Vinales 180km to the east.

 

Where is Trinidad

Trinidad is a city on Cuba’s southern coastline, roughly in the center of the island. The Carribean Sea is the giant body of water you can see from many places in Trinidad.

Trinidad (the city in Cuba) is 80 kilometers east of Cienfuegos, and 100 kilometers directly south of Santa Clara in the Center of Cuba.

 

How to get from Havana to Trinidad

Getting from Havana to Trinidad in Cuba isn’t hard, but as I mentioned above, it may take a little longer than you would expect by looking at a map.

There are a few different options, depending on your budget and time frame to travel from Havana to Trinidad.

 

Havana to Trinidad by car

While you can hire a car in Cuba, mainly from Havana or Varadero, it is a little more expensive than other countries. You’re looking anywhere from $70 to $100 USD a day, depending what model you’re after.

If you’re traveling with others, this can be a cheap and flexible way to travel.

The journey from Havana to Trinidad in Cuba is about 4 hours by car, and 315 kilometers, and does offer a lot more freedom than our other options below – you can pull over the car pretty much anywhere you would like to explore.

 

Havana to Trinidad by bus

Catching a bus from Havana to Trinidad is usually the cheapest way to make the trip. Bus companies, such as Viazul, make the trip from the two Cuban cities multiple times per day.

Currently, there are no direct buses from Havana to Trinidad. Depending on the route you take, you are looking anywhere from 6 hours to 10 hours long.

The shortest bus route from Havana to Trinidad is through Cienfuegos, Playa Giron, and Playa Larga. These are three common tourist stops, so people will change at each of these stops. Other routes include a stopover in Varadero and Santa Clara, taking 7hr 45min and 10hr 20min respectively.

The Viazul buses are quite comfortable and make regular pit stops during the longer routes. It is suggested that you book your bus ticket a day in advance, not just for Havana to Trinidad, but it’s a good rule of thumb in general. You may be asked to come back on your day of departure, but it is worth a short to secure your seat early.

For the bus to Trinidad from Havana, you’re looking 20-25 CUC (1 CUC = 1 USD)

 

Havana to Trinidad by collectivo taxi

Catching a taxi to Trinidad, also known as a “collectivo taxi”, has to be the easiest and simplest way to make the trip.

While I caught a few buses in Cuba, collectivo taxis were by far my favorite way to get around the island.

Collectivo taxis are commonly booked through your Casa Particular or hotel – just ask your host/staff where and when you would like to go.

The big advantage of this method is the taxi will pick you up and drop you off at the front door of your place to stay. This also works out to sometimes be a con, as you may be waiting a little longer for pick up and/or drop off – but I found it is well worth it. It makes it all very easy and simple, there’s no rushing to a meet up location, you just wait out the front of your hotel/casa with your bags.

Typically, a collectivo taxi from Havana to Trinidad in Cuba will take the same amount of time as a private car, minus the pick-up and drop off time which will be extra.

For a collectivo taxi from Havana to Trinidad I  Cuba, you’re looking around 20-25 CUC (1 CUC = 1 USD).

 

The easiest way to get from Havana to Trinidad

While driving from Havana to Trinidad is the easiest, hiring a car isn’t as easy as you may expect for tourists.

While taking a bus from Havana to Trinidad (and Trinidad to Havana) is often the cheapest, it also takes a little longer.

For the best of both worlds, taking a collectivo taxi from Havana to Trinidad is often very affordable and seeing as they pick you up from your front doors of hotel/case, very easy to organize.

Taking a collectivo in Cuba can mean you will be a little delayed, as the driver must pick up each passenger from their accommodation or pick up point before leaving the city or town.

 

Are you after a day trip from Havana to Trinidad?

If you’re after a day trip between Havana and Trinidad, where absolutely everything has been taken care of, you will have to pay little more than getting yourself there. Honestly, if you have the time, I enjoy the journey in itself, but if you’re lacking on time and would love to fit Trinidad into your Cuba itinerary, then this could be what you’re after.

From Havana, you’ll make a pitstop into Cienfuegos and see the reminiscence of colonialism. You’ll finish your sightseeing in the wonderful Trinidad, through its colorful streets, before heading back to Havana in the same day. All while being driven in an original American car – one of the classic icons of Cuba.

Due to its price tag, it isn’t going to be for everyone, but it is worth a mention of an all-in-one day trip from Havana to Trinidad.

 

Cheap accommodation in Havana

Looking for a great and cheap place to stay in Havana?

Booking a Casa Particular in Havana is easy and cheap, they come in different styles, like private vs hostels. Cheap hostels get as low as $5 USD per night, per person.

Hotels and private rooms begin around the 20 CUC mark and up.

 

Cheap accommodation in Trinidad

Looking for a great and cheap place to stay in Trinidad, Cuba?

The smaller city of Trinidad in Cuba has plenty of places to stay. For a hostel or cheap Casa Particular, you’re looking around 12 CUC and up, for a fancier hotel, 30-40 CUC is a regular starting point for a double room.

 

Why make the trip from Havana to Trinidad?

Whichever way you choose to get from to Trinidad from Havana, you’ll be glad you did. It’s one of those cities that is so well preserved, as if it is frozen in time with its colorful streets of buildings and roaring cars.

Havana is well known for its colorful streets, vibrant cars and friendly locals, but the city of Trinidad, in my mind, enhances all those positive remarks about Havana.

The cobblestone streets are flanked by a rainbow of colors from cars and well preserved houses, the locals are always up for a chat and the pace is much slower than Havana.

It is easier to soak in this unique atmosphere in Trinidad. Make sure to explore the city, free walking tours of Trinidad in Cuba is a great way to get used to the city.

 

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Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown