Traveling from Trinidad to Cienfuegos is one of the easier intercity routes in central Cuba, but how well it works in practice depends on timing and what you want out of the day. Most people tackle this as a day trip, especially if they’re based in Trinidad and want to see Cienfuegos’ highlights without changing accommodation. The challenge is your transport choice. The good news is that you’ve got several reasonable options. Some are faster and easier, others are cheaper but come with compromises. In this guide, I’ll break down what actually works so you can pick the option that fits your time, budget, and travel style. Here’s my guide on how to go from Trinidad to Cienfuegos.
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER
When it comes to transport options Viazul does run the route, but only a few days a week with a single early departure, which doesn’t suit every itinerary. Colectivos are common and can work well, but they rely on availability and flexibility. If you want the smoothest experience, or plan to add stops like a waterfall visit along the way, then a private driver makes all the difference.
PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS
- 🛡️ Get Travel Insurance: Civitatis includes medical expenses, repatriation, theft, luggage delays. No deductibles or upfront payments. Get a quote here. .
- 🛂💻 Buy your Cuba eVisa here.
- 🔌 Be ready for the plug, socket & power situation.
- 📶 Internet, maps, data on the go. Buy an eSim for Cuba. Or pre-order a physical SIM card
- 🔒 Do NOT leave home without a VPN. Buy for your trip here.
Trinidad is compact and walkable, but once you leave town transport options thin out quickly. If you’re planning to fit Cienfuegos into a busy itinerary, it’s worth deciding in advance whether you want a relaxed day trip or a faster, more flexible transfer. Cienfuegos itself is easy to navigate, but its main sights are spread across the city and along the waterfront. If you’re visiting for the day, having a rough plan makes a big difference to how much you see without feeling rushed. Read my guide to Cienfuegos and figure out what you want to see before you decide on how to get there
Where is Cienfuegos?
Cienfuegos sits on Cuba’s south coast, overlooking a broad natural bay. Often called the “Pearl of the South,” it has a distinctly different feel from Trinidad, with wide boulevards, elegant neoclassical buildings, and a calmer, more ordered layout. It is a LOT quieter and less visited than Trinidad. However, its location also makes it a natural pairing with Trinidad, which is why this route is so popular.
TOP TIP
Easiest Way to go from Trinidad to Cienfuegos
This pre-bookable transfer from Cienfuegos is the easiest way to travel this route. It gets great reviews, you can prepay it, and relax. Make stops along the way and really make the most of your time in Cuba.
How to Go from Trinidad to Cienfuegos – Transport Options
There are several realistic ways to travel between Trinidad and Cienfuegos. Some suit a relaxed sightseeing day, others are about getting from A to B as efficiently as possible. Below, I’ll run through each option and explain who it’s actually best for.
1. Taxi from Trinidad to Cienfuegos
Taking a taxi is a straightforward door-to-door option, but it usually involves negotiation. Taxis are arranged locally, payment is in cash, and some Spanish is helpful when agreeing on price and details. The drive takes around one hour and twenty minutes if you go straight through. If you want to add stops along the way, expect serious negotiation, as not all drivers are keen to wait at waterfalls or detour off the main road. This option can work, but for most travelers a pre-arranged private driver is easier and more predictable.
2. Take a Private Driver from Trinidad to Cienfuegos (with sightseeing en route)
A private driver is both faster and easier than the bus and gives you full control over the day. Going straight through, the journey takes about one hour and twenty minutes. The real advantage of taking a private driver from Trinidad to Cienfuegos is flexibility. You can agree on stops in advance and turn the journey into part of the experience. Popular stops on this route include:
- Torre de Manaca Iznaga – read more about this here
- El Nicho Waterfalls – my guide to El Nicho is here
- Vegas Grande Waterfall
You decide up front where you want to stop and for how long. See how it works here. Pre-arranging a private driver means a fixed price, defined stops, and far less negotiation on the day. If you want to combine travel with sightseeing, this is the most flexible option. I’ve written about how private drivers work in Cuba and what to expect here.
3. Take a Day Trip from Trinidad to Cienfuegos
If you’re based in Trinidad and mainly want to see Cienfuegos as a day visit, a guided day trip is the easiest and most time-efficient option.
These day trips include hotel pickup in Trinidad, transport to Cienfuegos, and guided visits to the city’s main sights. Typical stops include the botanical gardens, the historic centre around Parque José Martí, the Tomás Terry Theater, Palacio de Valle, and the Punta Gorda waterfront. Lunch and some free time are usually included before returning to Trinidad later the same day. Check out the full itinerary here.
The option of a day trip to Cienfuegos from Trinidad removes all transport logistics and works particularly well if you’re short on time and want a more structured (and guided) trip to the city. You can also prebook – and pre pay online – here
4. Colectivo from Trinidad to Cienfuegos
Colectivos are common on this route and can be a good budget option. They’re usually arranged through casas particulares or at the Viazul bus station. You’ll normally pay per seat, and the car leaves once it’s full. Timing isn’t guaranteed, but availability is generally good. If you’re flexible and don’t mind a bit of waiting, colectivos are a workable alternative to the bus. Check out my guide to colectivos in Cuba and how they work here.
5. Bus from Trinidad to Cienfuegos (Viazul)
Viazul runs this route only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with a single departure at 07:00. The journey itself is short, taking around 90 minutes. The main downside is the early start and lack of flexibility. Miss the bus and there’s no backup service that day. For early risers planning a simple day trip, it can work, but it doesn’t suit everyone.
You’ll also need to check in an hour before departure time, otherwise the staff might sell you seat to someone else. Read about this and other features of the Viazul Bus service in my guide here.
6. Train from Trinidad to Cienfuegos
Trains are not an option for this route. The train station in Cienfuegos was closed indefinitely in February 2025 – it partially collapsed. For Trinidad to Cienfuegos, trains can be ruled out.
7. Rent a Car and Drive from Trinidad to Cienfuegos
Driving yourself is possible, but it’s rarely the easiest choice. Rental cars are expensive, fuel availability can be unpredictable, and you’ll still need to plan stops and navigation yourself. Read my guide to renting a car in Cuba here. And check out the gas station locations too. There are special gas stations for those renting cars (that’s a good thing), but they’re few and far between. If you already have a rental car, the drive is manageable. Otherwise, a private driver offers the same flexibility with far less hassle.
Going from Trinidad to Cienfuegos – Options at a Glance
I’ve covered all the transport options for this route in detail above, but if you just want the quick answer, here’s how the fastest, easiest, cheapest, and most practical ways to get from Trinidad to Cienfuegos compare.
The quickest way to go to Cienfuegos from Trinidad
The fastest option to go from Trinidad to Cienfuegos is a private driver, taking around one hour and twenty minutes door to door. See the prices here.
The easiest way to go to Cienfuegos from Trinidad
The easiest option to go from Trinidad to Cienfuegos is a day trip from Trinidad, which handles transport, planning, and logistics for you and gives you the easy way of seeing Cienfuegos. Reserve a place here.
The cheapest way to go to Cienfuegos from Trinidad
The cheapest option to go from Trinidad to Cienfuegos is the Viazul bus or a colectivo, though the bus requires a very early start and only runs a few days a week.
The best way to go to Cienfuegos from Trinidad
The best option depends on what you want. A day trip is ideal if you’re short on time, while a private driver is best if you want flexibility and the chance to add sightseeing stops.
CUBA TRAVEL RESOURCES
CUBA BY BUS EBOOK
Buy our Ebook. Preplanned itineraries, themed routes, exact instructions for an easy visit.
Buy Cuba by Bus
BEST
CASA PARTICULARS
See choices here
Luxury rooms? Budget rooms? Laundry? Best room choice & Great hosts.
TOURS & ATTRACTIONS
Top daytrips, small group tours, tickets, pay online easily with free cancellation and top local guides.
Top options here.
TRANSFERS & TAXIS
Read my Guide
Go from A to B easily. Sightsee along the way. Maximise your time in Cuba. Book early for more options.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Way to Go from Trinidad to Cienfuegos?
If you want a simple, low-effort day, a guided day trip is simple. If you want more control over timing and stops, a private driver offers the most flexibility. Viazul and colectivos can work, but both require compromises. Choosing the right option makes the difference between a smooth, enjoyable day and one shaped around transport constraints rather than experiences.
Cuba’s Best is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
