Buses and the intercity network
The main option for travellers moving between towns is Viazul, the long-distance bus line that connects Havana with cities like Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santiago and, on longer routes, the far east. It is comfortable enough but books up, runs limited schedules, and does not reach every small town directly.
For coastal places off the main lines — Gibara, for instance — you typically ride the bus to a nearby hub such as Holguin and then arrange a shorter onward hop. Planning connections in advance saves long waits.
Shared taxis and colectivos
Shared taxis and colectivos — often classic American cars — fill the gaps the buses leave. They run fixed intercity routes for a set fare per seat and are frequently faster and more flexible than the bus, especially for reaching smaller towns.
Within towns, bicitaxis, horse carts and short private-taxi rides handle local movement. Rates are negotiated, so agree the price before you set off, and carry small denominations of cash since change can be scarce.
The remote-coast reality
Some of the best coastal towns are the hardest to reach. Baracoa in the far east sits at the end of the dramatic La Farola mountain road and is a long haul from the capital; flying into a regional airport can save a punishing overland day.
Wherever you go, build in buffer time, keep cash on hand, and treat schedules as intentions. On the ownership question, note that living permanently by the coast is legally restricted for foreigners and routed through residency, marriage or inheritance, with OFAC rules for US persons. This page is information only and not a listing.
Renting a car, and its limits
Some independent travellers rent a car to link the coastal towns on their own schedule, which offers freedom the buses cannot. But car hire in Cuba comes with real caveats: vehicles are scarce and pricey, must often be booked well ahead, and fuel shortages can leave you queuing for hours or stranded between towns.
Road conditions vary from good highway to rough rural track, signage is thin, and breakdown support is limited. If you do drive, carry cash, a paper map, extra water and a flexible itinerary, and never assume the next town will have fuel. For many, the mix of shared taxis and buses proves less stressful than self-driving, especially on the long hauls toward the remote eastern coast.