How to Get Around Varadero, Cuba: Transportation Tips for Travelers
Looking for how to get around Varadero, Cuba? Well, you're in the right place!
When we visited Cuba, we found little information on the internet, and honestly, a lot of it was outdated. That's why we made it our mission to figure everything out for you! Whether you're a solo traveler on a budget or on a group trip looking for unique experiences, there are various options for getting around Varadero.
In this guide we're going to share of al of the options for how to get around Varadero, Cuba, so that you can plan an awesome and stress-free trip.
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How to Get to Varadero, Cuba
Before diving into all of the options for getting around Varadero, let's take a look at how to get there!
Here are the options for reaching Varadero:
- Fly to Varadero
- Take a Viazul bus to Varadero
- Go on a day trip to Varadero
- Hire a driver/taxi to go to Varadero
- Go in a classic car to Varadero
👉🏻 For all of the details for getting to Varadero from different cities and abroad, you can check our complete guide for how to get to Varadero.
How to Get Around Varadero, Cuba
So are you ready to explore all Varadero has to offer? Well, here are are the different ways you can get around:
- Walking around
- Renting a car
- Renting a scooter
- Using the double-decker bus
- Ordering taxis
- Classic car rides
Now let's dive into each of the options!
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Is Varadero Walkable?
Varadero is actually much bigger than we originally thought! While the downtown area and beaches are very easy to walk to, you'll have to have another form of transportation if you want to visit some of the top things to do in Varadero outside the center.
You can easily walk around the center and beaches of Varadero,
Renting a Car in Varadero
Renting a car is definitely the most comfortable option for exploring the surrounding areas of Varadero. However, car rentals are very expensive in Cuba, especially compared to taxi and bus prices. There are a couple of companies that offer rentals around the island, which also can't be booked through third-party sites.
CubaRentaCar and Transtur have car rentals in Varadero that you should make reservations for in advance, and that are for a minimum of 3 days. The most affordable option is $240 for a 3-day period, and prices can hike up to $855 for a 3-day rental (insurance is included).
We also found a car rental company just across the street from the bus station that was willing to do daily rentals, but prices were about $250/day.
Renting a Scooter in Varadero
If you're looking for another easy options for how to get around Varadero that's a bit more affordable, then renting a scooter is an awesome option! This is actually the option we chose, and if it didn't start down-pouring, it probably would've been the most ideal option for getting around the area.
Scooter rentals can be for just a few hours, or you can get them for up to 30 days. Rentals start at $25/day, and are cheaper per day the longer you rent them. Personally, we'd recommend getting one for 1-2 days to explore places like Saturn Cave and Matanzas, or to drive along the peninsula.
There are actually multiple Transtur offices for scooter rentals in Varadero. Most of them are open from Monday-Friday from 8 am- 5 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am-12 pm.
That being said, it's important to note that these hours are flexible. The branch we went to the guy working said we had to drop the scooter off early because he was deciding to leave early! This stuff is pretty typical in Cuba, so be ready for some curveballs.
The Double-Decker Bus in Varadero
If you're looking for how to get around Varadero in an easy and affordable way, then you should definitely get tickets for the double-decker bus!
Tickets are valid for unlimited use from 9 am to 9 pm, for just $5. This is an excellent option if you plan on sticking around the peninsula, but want to see multiple attractions along it.
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Taxis in Varadero
Taxis are another popular way for getting around Varadero, Cuba, and there are plenty of of cars you can either flag down, or you can find locals on the streets offering rides.
You'll probably have to haggle, and if you really want the best deal you might want to consider simply hiring a driver for the day.
Classic Car Rides in Varadero
Riding in a classic car is a true bucket-list activity in Cuba, and is particularly popular in both Havana and Varadero. Right in the heart of town you can find tons of colorful classic cars lined up ready to take tourists around for the day, many of which are brightly painted convertibles.
This is certainly one of the most expensive options, but if you are in a group and are looking for a unique way to explore the area, then this is a cool and fun option to consider.
Rides are typically offered per hour, starting at one hour (for $30-50) to 4 hours (for usually around $100-$150). That being said, you can certainly haggle a bit, and even try to get a car for the whole day!
Riding in a classic car is a bucket-list activity in Varadero!
How to Get Around Varadero: Final Thoughts & What's Next
There are quite a few options for how to get around Varadero, from the budget-friendly bus to riding around in classic cars. The good news is that there are options for all travel types.
If you a solo traveler or with one other person and looking for something easy, we'd recommend getting the bus pass. If you are two people looking for a bit of adventure, we'd recommend renting a scooter. Going with a group and looking to ride in style? Then going in a classic car is the way to go.
👀 What's Next?
Now that you know how to get around Varadero, you'll probably want to know more details about visiting the area! We have a few other Varadero guides for you, as well as articles about other areas of Cuba.
Here are a few other travel guides we have about Varadero:
📖 Complete Varadero travel guide
Want more? Here are other Cuban guides we have:
✈️ How to Get to Cuba: Everything You Need to Know
🤔 Is Cuba Worth Visiting? Honest Pros & Cons for Visiting
🇺🇸 Can Americans Travel to Cuba? A Full Explanation of How You Can Visit if You're from the US
🚗 How to Get to Havana: Your Complete Guide for Traveling to Cuba's Capital
❣️ 10 Best Places to Visit in Cuba for an Unforgettable Trip
📶 Is There Wifi in Cuba in 2024? The Ultimate Guide for Internet in Cuba
💻 Being a Digital Nomad in Cuba: Your Guide to Remote Work & Living
📖 Ultimate Havana Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, & Explore
🍤 What to Eat in Cuba: A Guide to Local Flavors
🍴 The Top Restaurants in Havana: Complete Food Guide for Cuba's Capital
🚌 How to Get Around Cuba: A Complete Transportation Guide
🛵 Scooters in Cuba: Everything You Need to Know Before Renting
✅ Cuba Travel Tips: Essential Things to Know Before Visiting the Island
💵 Understanding Money in Cuba for Travelers: A Deep Dive Into What You Need to Know
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Travel Planning Tools
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We hope our guide for how to get around Varadero, Cuba has helped you exploring Cuba's most popular beach area. If you have any other questions about how to get around Varadero, Cuba, feel free to drop them in the comments below!
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