Renting a car in Cuba requires careful consideration to avoid potentially unpleasant situations. While there are both major companies like Havanautos, Cubacar, Gaviota, Transautos, REX, and Cubanacan, as well as smaller car rental companies, it's generally advisable to stick with the larger, more reputable ones. Although smaller rental companies may offer cheaper rates and more flexible rules, their vehicles are often older and more prone to breakdowns. Moreover, they may not provide proper insurance coverage and other important rental details. It's generally not recommended to cut costs when renting a car in Cuba, even though rental prices are relatively high. Economy-class cars typically start at around $60 USD per day, while more premium options range from $120 to $200 USD per day. It's important to note that insurance is typically not included and will cost an additional $20 USD. Additionally, Cuban rental agencies may impose fines for various reasons, including exceeding daily mileage limits, returning a dirty interior, or being late with the car's return.
To rent a car in Cuba, you must be at least 21 years old and have a minimum of one year of driving experience. Rental cars in Cuba are typically equipped with special red tourist license plates, which can lead to more lenient treatment by traffic authorities.
Here are the speed limits and some traffic rules in Cuba:
- In parking lots: 20 km/h
- Outside schools: 40 km/h
- In cities: 50 km/h
- On dirt roads and in tunnels: 60 km/h
- On asphalt roads: 90 km/h
- On highways: 100 km/h
Additional traffic rules in Cuba include:
- Use low beam headlights within cities.
- Fasten seat belts if the car is equipped with them.
- There are generally no specific parking restrictions in cities.
The average traffic fine in Cuba is approximately $20 USD. The price of gasoline in Cuba is around $1.35 USD per liter.
It is not advisable to leave valuables in your car while in Cuba, as there is a higher risk of theft. Cuba does not have toll roads, but rental companies often impose a daily mileage limit, typically not exceeding 350 km.
