Trains in Cuba (1)

A Visitors Guide to Using Trains in Cuba

Cuba is the only Caribbean Island to have a railway, (I’m not counting the tourist trains of the other islands) and the Cuban railway was one of the first railways in Latin America, with a rail history beginning in 1834, when the Queen Regent of Spain approved the building of the first rail line.  There have been steam trains in Cuba, diesel trains, electric trains, and even a train ferry!  However all that history isn’t helping you travel by train in Cuba – so read on for our guide to traveling by train in Cuba.  You’ll find a full history of Cuban trains, details of the train network in Cuba, and a map of Cuban railway stations.  There are also details on how to buy tickets, what you can expect on a Cuban train, and what your alternative modes of transport are in Cuba.

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Let’s cut to the chase.  Cuban trains in 2025 are not reliable, there are often cancellations, trains run late and they’re difficult to navigate for short-term visitors.  There is no online booking of tickets, you’ll need to attend a train ticket office to buy tickets or chance your luck with a ticket scalper.  This article is to help you understand whether traveling by train in Cuba will work for you. I’ll cover all the details, whys, and hows, so keep reading. 

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About Trains in Cuba

The railway system in Cuba operates on a standard gauge. It goes from Guane in Pinar Del Rio to Guantanamo in the easy.   The main line, which runs for 636 miles (1,024 kilometers) is the central railway, which goes from Havana to Santiago de Cuba.  There are a total of 2,831 miles (4,556 kilometers) of track in Cuba, although at one point there were up to 4970 miles (8,000 kilometers) of railway track in Cuba.

Trains in Cuba do not run every day, the timetable is a tad complicated, subject to change, and also delays. There’s more on the timetable further down this article.

Map of Train Lines in Cuba

The map is created in Open Street map.  Click on the image (or here) to see the full map.  Note that just because there is a station there doesn’t mean that a train runs to that station.  You’ll need to check the timetables to see if there is a train running to that station.

The map is hosted on the Open Street map.

Map of Train Lines in Cuba

Key Train Routes for Tourists

The main train route in Cuba runs from the east of the island to the west – from Havana to Santiago de Cuba.  And this is the main route that visitors to Cuba will find of interest. This 636-mile route takes a minimum of 16 hours to travel.  Trains do not run every day.  The timetable varies.

I’ll preface the details by saying that just because there is a route and a timetable it doesn’t mean that the train will run, either at all or to the timetable.  If you’re looking for a more reliable form of transport, then you should take the Viazul Bus or a private shuttle or transfer.

But also read on for details of buying tickets FIRST to see if this a viable transport option for you, because it’s the purchasing of tickets for the trains in Cuba that’s the biggest hurdle.

How to Find Your Train in Cuba

Trains in Cuba are numbered.  So for instance Train 1 goes from Havana to Santiago de Cuba.  Train 2 goes from Santiago de Cuba to Havana.  As I write this (January 2025) these are the trains that are running.

  • Train 1 Havana to Santiago de Cuba
  • Train 2 Santiago de Cuba to Havana
  • Train 3 Havana to Guantanamo
  • Train 4 Guantanamo to Havana
  • Train 5 Havana to Holguin
  • Train 6 Holguin to Havana
  • Train 7 Havana to Bayamo
  • Train 8 Bayamo to Havana
  • Train 9 Havana to Sancti Spiritus
  • Train 10 Sancti Spiritus to Havana
  • Train 50 Bayamo to Manzanillo
  • Train 51 Manzanillo to Bayamo
  • Train 101 Santa Clara to Santiago de Cuba
  • Train 102 Santiago de Cuba to Santa Clara

You can download the timings of these trains and the stations they stop at here. Note that this is taken from the Cuban Railways Trenes app in January 2025.

When do the trains run in Cuba?

The list above is the trains that are running as I write.   This is likely to change.   They do NOT run every day, you’ll need to check the timetable to ascertain what days they run.  The easiest way to check the timetable is to look at the Trenes app.  I’ve got details of that shortly.

At each operating train station, you’ll find a notice that shows which trains are running each day from that station.  The signs are usually handwritten and in Spanish only.

  • Trains in Cuba don’t run, for instance, “every Monday”. 
  • Trains in Cuba tend to run “every 3 days” or “every 4 days”. 
  • The sign at the train station will differ by month.  And it is also not always correct, as breakdowns happen, fuel shortages happen. 

Here’s an example of what the sign looks like at a train station in Cuba.

Handwritten notice at train station Cuba

This notice is for January 2025 and is courtesy Francis Chow.  It shows which trains are running, and on which days. 

Using the Trenes App in Cuba

You can download the Trenes app for Cuba here.    You can download it outside of Cuba and you do not need a VPN to use it.  I recommend caution when downloading it, although it is a useful app it’s not a certified app in any app store and therefore may have some security issues.

Screenshots from the Cuban Trenes App

It’s a pretty useful app (if slow and not very responsive) that contains the following information

  • The list price of trains in Cuba
  • A list of all the Viajero offices in Cuba where you can buy train tickets
  • A list of train station stops
  • The luggage policy on Cuban trains (don’t worry I’ve covered that below)
  • Details of the next trains departing various stations

I’ve documented all the currently running (January 2025) routes (by train number), included the stops for each of the trains, and also included the list of Viajero offices.  You can download all of that here in PDF format.

Useful Train Routes in Cuba for Visitors

Here’s an overview of the most asked-for train routes in Cuba for visitors.

Havana to Santiago de Cuba – Cuba Train Number 1 (and 2)

The main route between Havana and Santiago de Cuba is 636 miles long and takes, well, it takes as long as it takes.  The timetable may say 12 hours but always anticipate that it will take longer.  It is likely to be a minimum of 16 hours, possibly more.

Tickets for this train (and all trains) go on sale 30 days in advance and usually sell out within a minute or so – as most of them are purchased using the Viajando app.  The Viajando app is only available for use by Cuban residents and citizens, there’s more on this later in this article.

You can see the stops on the route on the map here.   Note that the train does not necessarily stop at ALL the stations on the line.  The timetable details which stops are made.

The train has stops that include Matanzas, Santa Clara, Ciego de Avila (for Cayo Coco), Camaguey, Bayamo, Las Tunas, and Holguin.  Not all the services will stop at all the stations, so you’ll need to check for the particular train you’ve caught.

This train does NOT run every day.  At best it runs every 4 days, although there may be additional services put on for public holidays, much depends on the availability of rolling stock and fuel.  You can read about the latest fuel shortages in Cuba and how this might impact you here.

Havana to Guantanamo Train Cuba Train Number 3 (and 4)

During January 2025 at least, this train is running every 4 days.  It’s the number 3 train (and number 4 is the one that comes back from Guantanamo to Havana).  There are similar but slightly different stops to Train 1 &2 – the Havana to Santiago de Cuba train.  You can find the timetable on the Trenes app.

You can see some of the other trains that might be of interest in the above list of train numbers.  Havana to Sancti Spiritus for instance.  However, the primary issue, despite all these trains, is not being able to easily buy tickets.  There’s more on purchasing tickets later in this article.

The Hershey Train

The Hershey (yes it’s the chocolate Hershey) Railway was originally built by the Hershey Corporate to run from Havana’s Casablanca station to the town of Hershey and then onto Matanzas. This train was originally an electric railcar.  Casablanca station is on the opposite side of the harbor to Havana (take a ferry, or the bus if the ferry is not running).    There’s more about the history of the Hershey Train here

Is the Hershey Train running in 2025?  Kind of. 

This train is only running from Hershey to Jaruco at this time, following hurricane damage in 2017 and 2023.  It’s usually only a single or two-carriage train, there are at most 7 trains a day. This may change, so check locally when you are there.  (The BEST person to ask about this is your casa particular owner).

How to Buy Train Tickets in Cuba

You – as a visitor to Cuba – CANNOT buy a Cuban train ticket ONLINE. 

There is an app, (called Viajando) but it is ONLY for residents and citizens of Cuba.  (See the FAQ later in this article for details).  You CANNOT use the Viajando app for train purchases.  The Viajando app requires the use of a carne number, which is issued to Cuban residents and citizens.

To buy a ticket for a Cuban train, you need to go to a train ticket office, or to a Viajero office to buy a ticket for the train in Cuba as a visitor.  You may be able to buy a ticket from a ticket scalper, but that obviously comes with all the risks associated with buying from scalpers.

Tickets for trains in Cuba are also sold by Viajero, which is a Cuban government-owned travel agency.  They have offices all around the country.  But note, that not all of them sell train tickets.  Like, for instance, the Viajero ticket office at the main Viazul Bus station in Havana, does NOT sell train tickets.  At the end of this article, there is a list of all the Viajero offices in Cuba.

Yes.  I know.  Frustrating isn’t it? How difficult it is.

Right, frustration over with.  Let’s get on with buying a train ticket.

What you need to buy a train ticket in Cuba

You will need your passport and local currency (CUP) to buy train tickets.  If you have only foreign currency (US dollars, Euros, or Canadian dollars), then you will most likely be able to do a deal with someone but expect to pay more than the ticketed price and NOT to get a great exchange rate.

Where to buy a train ticket in Cuba

You can buy a train ticket at the train station from which you want to depart, or from a Viajero office in Cuba.  You will be able to buy a return ticket back to that station too, but it’s unlikely that you will be able to buy a ticket to and from a completely different station.  Viajero ticket offices at Viazul bus stations do NOT usually sell train tickets.

When to buy a train ticket in Cuba

Ticket booking for trains in Cuba opens 30 days before departure at 08:30 on the morning and tickets sell out quickly.  By quickly I mean within 1-2 minutes.  They are usually sold in those 1-2 minutes to Cuban residents and citizens using the Viajando app. 

However, don’t despair, you may find a ticket available if you go along to the train station or the Viajero office, but you WILL need to go to the office to buy them.  You will likely pay a premium on top of what Cuban residents and citizens do, as you’ll likely be in the resale, i.e. scalping market.   It’s still not expensive, but it doesn’t come without risks.

If you want to ride the train in Cuba, then you WILL need to book your ticket as soon as you are able.

It is worth going along to the railway station and getting put on the stand-by/reserve/waitlist.  (It’s called all of those things)   Cancellation and no-show tickets are resold in the couple of hours before the train is due to depart.  

On some occasions, additional trains are put on.  They are put on with 24-48 hours’ notice and this is usually just at holiday times.  It is worth monitoring the Viajero Facebook Page for details on what these are.  Additional trains usually sell tickets on a waiting list/standby list basis, so you’ll need to arrive 2 hours before the planned departure time and join a line.

Price of Tickets for Trains in Cuba

The list prices of the tickets on trains in Cuba can be found using the Trenes app.  I’ll include a link to it here.  It is a VERY slow download regardless of where you are.

The Trenes app also includes real-time (ish) train tracking as well as some train ticket prices.

So here are the prices of the train tickets for the stops from Havana to Santiago de Cuba in Cuba

Cuban Train Ticket Prices 2025

All prices are in Cuban Pesos.  And yes, they’re correct as of January 2025.  The prices are taken from the Trenes app. And yes they ARE that cheap.  That’s why they sell out EXTREMELY quickly.

Route2nd Class1st Class A/C
Havana to Matanzas1018
Havana to Santa Clara3048
Havana to Ciego de Avila4566
Havana to Camaguey6084
Havana to Las Tunas70105
Havana to Holguin80114
Havana to Bayamo90114
Havana to Santiago de Cuba95132
Havana to Guantanamo100138
Havana to Manzanillo99122

Bear in mind that if you are able to buy a ticket you may pay more than this, as the resale market will take into account the fact that you’re a foreign visitor and likely want the ticket quite a lot.

What to Expect During Train Travel in Cuba

If you travel on a train in Cuba you will likely go on the routes that use the new Chinese trains.  When I say new it means that they were new in 2019.  But yes, they were new then.

Brand new Chinese-built trains were delivered to Cuba in July 2019, they were to primarily service the Havana to Santiago de Cuba route.  These trains originally had 12 cars, with 4 first-class air-conditioned cars 7 2nd class cars, and a cafeteria. 

If you are traveling all the way from Havana to Santiago, then your ticket (certainly in first class) will include a drink and snack.

Air conditioning tends to be set to freezing, so make sure you have a sweater and/or layers to keep warm if the A/C is on.

Note that in 2025, there is likely to be a different configuration of cars to suit demand.  A lack of maintenance may also mean that the 5-plus years since delivery has taken its toll on the carriages.

Seating is comfortable on the Chinese trains, with good legroom in their carriages.  Seats recline and rotate to face the direction of travel.  There is a decent amount of legroom and space, even when people recline their chairs in front of you. 

Carriages have toilets and are all non-smoking.   There are no power sockets at seats on these trains, although there are overhead TVs in the First Class Carriages. You might want earplugs if you don’t want to listen to the movie/whatever is on for your entire journey.  Lights are turned off at 22:00.

Do not expect toilet paper on the trains, take your own, and take hand sanitizer too.

However, not all trains that run in Cuba are made up of the new Chinese trains.  Many of the carriages are older and suffer from a lack of maintenance.  Toilets on the older trains may not work, and seats may not be in the best condition.

Older Train at Havana Central Station

You MUST confirm your train ticket 1 hour before departure

You’ll need to arrive at the train station at least an hour before the scheduled departure time.  You will need your ID to get your ticket stamped at the confirmation counter.  Why?  It means that tickets can be sold to the “stand by” list for those who don’t show.  You’ll be able to do this check-in from about 2 hours before departure time.

Practical Tips for Traveling on Trains in Cuba

It’s always best to expect to be on the train longer than you anticipate.  Do NOT under any circumstances use the train as your mode of transport to catch a flight, unless you have a full 24-hour leeway and an alternative plan to travel.

  • Travel in comfortable cool clothes.  The newer carriages have A/C, but it’s always best to assume things don’t work.  Or that the A/C will be too cold, like on the Viazul Buses.  Take layers in case of this.
  • Bring snacks and water.  You’ll be able to buy snacks from vendors passing through the train and also on the platforms at stops. 
  • If you don’t have a Cuban SIM card to see real-time maps, then download Maps.me, so you’ll be able to figure out where you are.
  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate with your fellow travelers.
  • Secure ALL your belongings when you travel.  (I say this about ANY country and ANY train travel – and I’ve used trains in Myanmar, China, India, Morocco and Bolivia) – I padlock my bags shut, and make sure that if I was sleeping, then the bags were locked to the luggage rack and that I was using my valuables as a pillow.
  • Alcohol is not allowed on Cuban trains.

Luggage on Trains in Cuba

On Cuban trains, you’re allowed to take 2 large bags of a maximum of 35 kilos in total, plus one smaller item.  The bags are not supposed to exceed 160 centimeters in total dimensions.  Your larger bags should be stored on the luggage racks either above or near your seat.

Advantages and Challenges of Train Travel in Cuba

This is one of the most affordable ways of traveling in Cuba.  It’s generally eco-friendly, definitely a unique experience, and the routes can be pretty scenic too.  Contrast that with a lack of online booking, a huge demand (because it is so affordable), and often limited amenities outside the newer Chinese trains and you have to realize that there are some challenges.  The primary challenges to traveling on Cuba trains remains the lack of online booking for tourists and the unpredictable schedules resulting from a lack of maintenance and investment.

Alternatives to Train Travel in Cuba

The primary mode of transport for independent visitors to Cuba is the Viazul Bus network.  (My guide to the Viazul Bus network is here) Buses are also available for Gaviota and Transtur.  Private shuttles and transfers are popular and the most comfortable way to travel around the country and there are limited numbers of rental cars available too. 

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Here are my guides to alternative transport in Cuba

Train Tracks Cuba

History of Cuban Train Travel

The beginning of the train service in Cuba came on October 12, 1834, when the approval of the first line was given by the Queen Regent of Spain.  It was two years later that the Ferrocarril de Camagüey a Nuevitas began.  There was a horse-drawn railway service founded in Camagüey, by Cisneros, a Cuban journalist, writer, and revolutionary.  But it wasn’t until November 19, 1837, that the 17.1 miles (27.5 kilometers) line from Havana to Bejucal opened, that was however, earlier than the first Spanish train!  The first train on the Spanish mainland didn’t arrive until 1848 and ran from Barcelona to Mataró.

Extensions to the Havana line followed in 1839, 1843, 1847, 1848, and 1849.    There was even a street car in Havana, which began operations on February 3, 1859.

Bejucal Train Station, Cuba

Pre-Revolutionary Cuban Trains

The early 20th century saw investment in the Cuban railways – trains were used to transport sugar cane and other freight.  Investment and planning were aided by Sir William Van Horne, who was famous for overseeing the completion of the first trans-Canada railway.

Various companies ran the rail service at this time, some regional and some national.  Additional rolling stock was added between 1940 and 1959, with diesel services running along the main east-west line from Havana to Santiago de Cuba.  It’s said that Cuba had more railway tracks per square mile than any other country by 1958.

Between 1915 and 1940 there was also a train ferry that ran from Havana to Miami.   As the U.S., Mexican, Canadian, and Cuban railroads were all standard gauge, it meant that rolling stock could be easily interchanged.  The ships of the Florida East Coast Railroad Company could hold 30 railcars on four parallel tracks on their main decks.  Southbound goods included machinery, vehicles, and general cargo, and northbound goods included molasses, tobacco, and fruits – all of which could reach New York within 4 days of leaving Havana.

The Cuban Revolution put an end to the rail ferry.

Post-Revolutionary Cuban Trains

It was Che Guevara’s capture and destruction of President Batista’s armored train during the Battle of Santa Clara that marked an important point in the Cuban Revolution.  You can see the train in Santa Clara today.

Post Revolution saw the nationalization of both private and public railway systems in 1959 under the Ferrocarriles Nacionales de Cuba.  A separate organization, the Ministry of Sugar (MINAZ) operated a different system for the transport of sugar-related products.  And while in the early 1960’s some new rolling stock was acquired internationally, it was the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 that made it more difficult for Cuba to obtain new rolling stock because of the US embargo against Cuba.  Trains after this point were purchased from trading with primarily the Soviet Union until its fall in 1991.  Even so, rolling stock was acquired from both Canada and Spain.

Cuba’s Trains from 2000 – 2019

Second-hand carriages and engines were acquired from Canada, China, Mexico, and Europe.  It was China that became the major supplier of equipment in 2006, with both new and used railway carriages being provided.  The money came from Venezuela in 2007, with US$100 million to improve the rail infrastructure and make repairs to the network. There have been agreements since between Russia and Cuba for freight cars and carriages, between France’s SNCF and Cuba for equipment and upgrades and a series of both new and used Chinese coaches were delivered to Cuba in 2019.

Cuba’s Trains in 2025

There has been little to no investment in repairs since 2019 in Cuba’s trains, outside of the main line between Havana and Santiago de Cuba, which was renovated in 2020.  While the new Chinese coaches are generally seen as a great improvement old stock is also still used.

Frequently Asked Questions about Train Travel in Cuba

Do you have questions about Cuban train travel? Or want to know more details about trains in Cuba and we haven’t answered your questions?  Check out our frequently asked questions about travel by train in Cuba, or ask us yours in the comments.

What is the booking site for Cuba Train Tickets?

There is NO online booking for Cuban train tickets for visitors to the island.  The booking site that is operated by the Viajando app is for Cuban citizens and residents only, as it requires a carné number,  a Cuban Peso bank account, and the Transfermóvil app installed for the Viajando to link to and to take payment.

Can I use the Viajando App to buy Cuban Train Tickets

Yes, BUT you can only use the Viajando App to buy Cuban train tickets if you have

  • A carné number
  • A Cuban Peso bank account
  • The Transfermóvil app installed

This means that you need to be a Cuban citizen or Cuban resident to use the Viajando app.

Can non-Cubans take the train in Cuba?

Yes.  Anyone can take a train in Cuba, so long as you can buy a ticket.  There are no restrictions from the Cuban Government on using the trains in Cuba.

Where can I buy tickets for Cuban Trains?

You can buy train tickets for Cuba at the station from which you want to depart or from a Viajero office anywhere in Cuba. 

Where is the Havana train station?

There are several train stations in Havana.  The main train station – Havana – is under renovation and has been for some time (we’re talking years here).  Trains to Santiago de Cuba depart from Le Coubre Train Station, which you can see on the map here.

Are there sleeper carriages on Cuban trains

No. There are no sleeper carriages on Cuban trains.

These are the resources and booking sites that we use when traveling to Cuba.

!NEW! – Our 130 page ebook – Cuba by Bus – provides 5 detailed itineraries, includes specific buses to book, and full step by step guides to visiting Cuba. Buy it here.

Get a Cuba Travel and Medical Insurance Quote from Visitors Coverage here

Alternatively, Civitatis Insurance is a great option for the required insurance for Cuba.

Read about the Cuba eVisa, and buy your Cuban eVisa here.

Flying via the USA and relying on entry with an ESTA? Read this.

Book your Viazul Bus tickets here

Use Daytrip to book transport between cities AND to sightsee along the way

Pre-book and prepay shared & private shuttles here

Book the best FREE Walking Tours in Cuba

Reserve attractions, day trips, and activities in Cuba here

Get online in Cuba EASILY with a Cuba eSIM Card here, or read my guide to Cuba physical SIMs here.

Download and install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Cuba > discount coupon here

Book Accommodation in Cuba’s Casa Particular here

Final Words on Train Travel in Cuba

Traveling by train in Cuba is an adventure, but the hardest part is just buying the tickets.  While I love to advocate independent travel in Cuba if you’re only here for even as long as a month, then this mode of travel is going to be tough for you.   And that’s tough in the sense that it’s actually really hard to plan ahead, buy tickets, and rely on the trains running on time.  I love train travel, and truly, truly adore it, and I hope that this guide is useful to you and helps you to decide whether you’ll be able to include Cuba’s trains in your travel plans.

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