Santa Clara (Cuba)

Santa Clara is the capital city of the Cuban province of Villa Clara.

Understand
Santa Clara is most central with regards to the province as well as the country. Santa Clara is the 5th largest city with 229,000 inhabitants (2020).

By bus
Viazul provides several buses a day to/from Camagüey, Havana, Sancti Spiritus, and Santiago de Cuba. There is also daily service to Varadero, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad.

By train
There are several trains from Havana each day. Camagüey and Santiago de Cuba are served by a daily overnight train and a twice weekly daytime local train that runs west on Thursdays and Sundays and east on Mondays and Fridays. A local train may leave Cienfuegos for Santa Clara (very) early in the morning, returning in the evening. Another local train may travel from Sancti Spiritus to Cienfuegos via Santa Clara in the morning, returning in the afternoon. Check that the local trains are running in advance.



By taxi
As of 2016, the fare for a shared taxi to Havana was approximately US$50-80.

By plane
Santa Clara is served by Abel Santamaría Airport. This airport is used by tourists who are going to all inclusive resorts in Cayo Santa Maria, as well as many travelers from the US who are engaged in person-to-person cultural travel. Air Canada, Air Transat, Sunwing, Westjet and Cubana serve many Canadian cities from this airport, while American Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest airlines serve US cities. Bahamasair provides direct service to Nassau, and Copa to Panama City. Many European carriers offer connections from France, Italy, Germany, Spain and the UK.

The waiting areas are hot, crowded and have little seating so if you will be in this area for as significant period of time it is best to walk cross the street and enjoy some refreshments at the outdoor cantina (open to the air but covered with an awning.

The post-security waiting area is climate-controlled and very comfortable with lots of seating. There is a small cafe serving snacks and cafe Cubano. There is also good selection of gift shops in the waiting area for departing passengers after clearing security, which includes leather crafts, clothing, books (in English and Spanish), postcards, and rum. Most prices are fairly comparable to prices elsewhere in Cuba.

Getting there: Travelers connecting with all-inclusive resorts and tours will often board buses in the parking lot across the street from the airport. Independent travelers can sometimes find taxis but more likely will need to rent a car or arrange for the 16 km (30 min) car ride to town from the operators of the rental car company at the airport. One should expect to pay approximately US$20 for the ride.

Currency exchange: For currency exchange at the airport, there may be an office open inside the terminal but often it will be closed. If it is closed, walk around the building to the northeast corner of the building as there will sometimes be a window open for currency exchange. The currency exchange stations are painfully slow but are accurate and will give you the best exchange rate possible. You will be asked to show a passport for currency exchange.

Get around


Pedicabs and horse carriages operate in the centre of town and can take you to Che's mausoleum. The price will vary based on distance but will likely range from US$1-5.

Taxis are also plentiful and cheap, but it is advisable to agree on a price before departure. Taxis can be used for both local travel as well as travel to other cities.

See



 * Embalse Zaza. The largest man made reservoir in Cuba, 110 km SW of the city.
 * Embalse Zaza. The largest man made reservoir in Cuba, 110 km SW of the city.

Buy

 * Gift shops in the post-security area of Abel Santamaria Airport. Lots of handcrafts made of wood, leather and fabric. Books in English and Spanish. Cuban rum. Most vendors will accept pesos and major currencies.

Drink
Cafes and cantinas are located in one section of Main Street (listen for the live music) where the usual Cristal Cerveza, rum and cafe abound. In fact, a real treat is the ridiculously cheap and fantastically fresh and tasty espresso located on the strip aka main boulevard.