Renting a car in Cuba will help you to get to know all the beauties and unique sights of this amazing Caribbean island. Find out more about car rental features, traffic rules, fuel costs and other important aspects of driving in Cuba

Cuba attracts with its culture, landscapes and attractions. To enjoy this Caribbean paradise, renting a car is the perfect choice. This guide will help you to understand all the intricacies of renting a car in Cuba. According to statistics, tourists from Canada, the USA, Brazil and Argentina are the most frequent users of car rental services in Cuba.

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A trip to Cuba promises to be an exciting adventure where everyone will find something special and unforgettable. To plan an interesting and safe trip to this country, use the guides from Visit World. These documents contain basic advice on visa obtaining, border crossing, employment, citizenship, and much more. 

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Quality of roads in Cuba

The question of the quality of the road network in Cuba is one of the most common among those planning a trip by car. Fortunately, the quality of roads is constantly improving, although potholes and bumps can still be found. The only rule of thumb is that the further east you go, the less good the roads are.

It is interesting that not only cars and motorcycles can be found on Cuban roads, but also buses, horse-drawn carriages, pedestrians and cyclists. Yes, cyclists are not uncommon here, as the flat landscape and good road surface make Cuba an ideal place for cycling. Where else in the world can you pick up a bike and just ride along the highway without any obstacles?

Is it easy to plan a route in Cuba?

Indeed, in Cuba, road signs do not always provide sufficient information for navigation. While there may be signs on motorways that indicate the distance to the nearest major city, motorway exits are not always marked. This can force drivers to make decisions on the fly, putting them at great risk. For example, if you need to turn right shortly after entering the motorway, it is best to do so at the first major intersection to the right. And if you need to turn left, you should use the second exit at a large intersection that leads to the motorway.

A proper map is an essential part of travelling in Cuba. The use of navigation systems and GPS is prohibited, so you need to go back to the good old paper road maps. One of the best options is the "Cuba Road Guide", which allows you to effectively navigate the roads of the island.

There are also mobile applications that offer offline maps of Cuba, which allows you to use GPS offline. Applications such as Pocket Earth, Maps.me and Galileo Offline Maps can be useful for those who plan to manoeuvre on Cuban roads. It is important to download the appropriate map before setting off on your journey to avoid any inconveniences during your trip.

Where is the best place to book a car in Cuba?

When looking for a reliable online resource for car rental in Cuba, you may find that there are not many options. However, one of the recommended sites is TUI Cars. This website is run by a trusted agency and has good relationships with the official Cuban state-owned car rental companies.

TUI Cars is one of the few portals where you can book a car online and in real time. The site offers more than 4000 cars of various classes, from economy to luxury. The range includes cars from Renault to Kia Picanto, as well as executive models from Audi and Mercedes.

Unfortunately, old-timer rental in Cuba is not available through this website. However, if you need a jeep or minivan, you can also find options for rent. It is worth noting that not all models will be available at all locations, so it is recommended to make a reservation in advance.

How far in advance do I need to book a car in Cuba?

If you are planning a trip to Cuba and intend to rent a car, the best advice is to do it as early as possible. The demand for car rental on the island far exceeds the supply, especially in the popular months of July, August, November, December, January and February. Booking a car can become a problem several weeks or even months in advance.

If you are choosing a car rental location, you should consider several options. Car rental in Old Havana sells out very quickly, so you may want to consider other areas such as Havana Vedado or Havana Miramar. It may be a little inconvenient, but it's better than not having a car at all.

So, if you're planning to rent a car in Cuba, it really pays to be prepared to book it in advance, especially during the high season.

Which car rental company is the best?

In Cuba, all car rental companies are state-owned, but they have their differences. The best among them is REX. They are known as the most reliable, offering high quality cars and excellent service. With REX, you get not only quality, but also great opportunities, such as free drop-offs in other places. However, it is worth remembering that these benefits come at a high price.

Other companies, such as Havanautos, Cubacar or Viacar, offer lower prices but also less quality. If you choose them, you might end up with an old car and limited service.

Therefore, when looking for a car rental in Cuba, it is important to consider not only the price, but also the quality and service. The choice depends on your priorities and expectations for your trip. Are you ready to pay more for reliability and comfort, or do you choose a lower price, being ready to face possible difficulties? Compare your needs and options before making a final decision on your car hire in Cuba.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Cuba?

The rental price depends on the company and the car class. For example, REX is considered one of the most expensive options. In the low season, the average price for a car is about 60 euros per day, in the high season - 100 euros per day. The low season is in May, June, September and October, and all other months are considered high season.

Other rental companies offer slightly lower prices: about 50 euros per day in the low season and 80 euros in the high season. For example, for a 15-day car rental in high season, you can expect to spend between €1100 and €1500! Compared to prices in the US, Italy, or Spain, these costs are much higher. Therefore, it is important to carefully calculate your budget and take into account the cost of car rental when planning a trip to Cuba.

Fuel in Cuba

Petrol stations in Cuba are not as common as in most countries, so it is important not to take any risks with a half-empty tank. You can never predict when you will find the next petrol station. Most stations accept credit cards, which is convenient, but there may be situations when the power grid is down or the card machine is not working. Therefore, it is recommended to carry CUC cash as a reserve.

Two types of petrol are sold in Cuba: regular and special. If you rent a car, always choose "special" as it is the cleanest type of fuel. Regular petrol is a diluted version that can have a negative impact on your car's performance. To avoid possible problems and ensure the best performance of the engine, it is better to fill up with special fuel. Keep this in mind when travelling to Cuba so that your trip goes smoothly and with peace of mind.

Car parking in Cuba

While travelling in Cuba, you will quickly notice that people are always ready to take care of your car when you are parked. This is part of the local culture and a way to earn some money. It is worth understanding that in Cuba, a parked car is almost never left unattended. People who offer "lookout" services can earn extra money. This is a normal practice, and it is better to accept it than to risk the safety of your car.

Usually, the cost of such a service is 1 or 2 Cuban Cookies (CUC), which corresponds to about 1–2 euros. This amount may seem insignificant to us, but for locals who receive a small salary, it is an important income. Even if your car is parked in front of a certain house, usually neighbours can look after it for this money.

So, renting a car in Cuba opens up a world of possibilities for exploration. By understanding the main aspects of car hire, from documentation to local peculiarities, you can get the most out of your Cuban trip. Enjoy the freedom of the open roads and let your journey be as unforgettable as the destinations themselves. Safe travels!

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Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need travel insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Cuba;

Legal advice on immigration in Cuba;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Cuba;

Medical insurance around the world.

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We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline.