Classic Car Service

After the US trade embargo was established in the 1960s, Cubans were no longer able to import American cars or parts. As a result, Cubans had to rely on their resourcefulness to maintain and repair them, often using a mix of parts from various sources to keep them running. This led to the survival of a large number of 1940s and 1950s cars, which have since become a unique aspect of Cuban life.

Even in 2024, the classic cars make up a significant portion of the cars on the road because of the high cost and limited availability of modern vehicles in Cuba.

No.

The classic cars in Cuba, known locally as “almendrones”, were not initially preserved for tourism, but rather as a necessity.

Over time, the cars have become an iconic part of Cuba’s image, with the tourism industry embracing them as a key attraction.

Many classic cars are now used as taxis or for private tours, catering to locals as well as visitors who want an authentic experience and a taste of Cuba’s unique cultural history.

While they weren’t originally preserved for tourism, they have evolved into a popular feature of Cuba’s tourism experience.

Yes, locals in Cuba use classic cars as taxis, often out of necessity rather than choice. Of course they would often prefer to have access to modern cars like the rest of the world, but because of the restrictions & therefore extremely high prices of modern cars, it is unobtainable. 

Owning a car in Cuba is uncommon for the average Cuban citizen, mainly due to economic constraints and historical regulations.

Before the early 2010s, private car ownership was heavily restricted, with most vehicles on the road being state-owned.

However, reforms allowed Cubans to buy and sell cars privately, yet prices remain extraordinarily high, making it out of reach for the majority.

The average income in Cuba doesn’t match the cost of purchasing a vehicle outright, especially given that cars are often sold at prices far above the average state salary.

Those Cubans who do own cars will likely have them through remittances from abroad (e.g. family).

You’ll see that electric mopeds are more common than cars amongst the average local, and in the countryside many people still rely on horseback or horse & cart as their main mode of transport. 

Most classic cars have had parts replaced or altered due to the scarcity of original parts.

Our Ford Fairlane is a rarity and she turns heads of the locals when she drives past – it’s so rare to see an original car with original V8 motor. 

Yes, classic cars serve as taxis and are available for both short rides in the city and longer journeys between cities.

If you book a ‘taxi’ via La Nave in Havana, your accommodation host, me, or any other source, you’re likely to get a classic car. There are still ‘modern’ cars that run as taxis if you prefer that, but you will need to specify & it would be based on availability. 

Yes and no. You’ll see classic cars/taxis all over, and in Havana you can use La Nave (like a Cuban style Uber).

But when it comes to booking a reliable taxi to another city (e.g. Havana to Viñales or Trinidad), it can be complex nowadays. 

Extreme fuel shortages mean reduced availability of taxis, making it harder for both locals and tourists to secure rides when needed.

So, if you book in advance, the drivers know your journey is coming up and have time to locate/save fuel for you. 

Classic car taxis can be arranged in advance through me, accommodation hosts, online agencies (though personally I would’t trust the latter).

You can find them easily once you’re in Cuba, but I wouldn’t entirely trust any random driver you find on the street. It’s much safer and more reliable to organise your transport before you go – and that way, you’ll know the prices and won’t have to stress about finding a taxi once you’re in Cuba. It’s not always straightforward – especially with the fuel crisis they have, meaning it can be difficult for a driver to secure fuel for a long journey at late notice. 

Some classic car drivers speak basic English, particularly in tourist areas. But most drivers primarily speak Spanish, so a few basic phrases or a guide who can translate can be helpful.

Don’t expect them to speak English – you’re in THEIR country!

Fun, bumpy (unless you’re in a high quality one like the ones in our fleet), dusty if you have the windows open. It’s an experience that you’ll treasure, and one that you won’t find in any other country. 

Don’t expect the Cuban roads or cars to be like yours back home, and don’t complain about it if you’re mildly uncomfortable for a short period of time. You’re in Cuba, and you’re here for the experience. Enjoy it!

Classic cars that are licensed by the state to be allowed to take foreigners are maintained and checked regularly, but they lack modern safety features like seat belts. 

If you must have a seatbelt (e.g. if you’re travelling with a baby in a car seat) you’d need to either be open to trusting a Cuban ‘invention’ where they’d find their own way to secure in the car seat, or you’d need to forego the classic car experience and source a ‘modern yellow’ taxi which will have seatbelts. 

Cuba has relaxed views on safety as strict ‘rules & regulations’ haven’t yet reached the island.

Yes! This is a great option. You can rent a car with a driver for extended trips around the island. It’s called a ‘circuito’, and means the driver will be at your disposal for the full amount of days that you want him. 

It can often work out cheaper (depending on where you’re going and what you’re doing), and is 100% the best way to reduce stress and maximise on your time. 

However, if you don’t want/need the driver with you whilst you’re in a city, for example, you can just book all of your main trips (e.g. Havana to Viñales, Viñales to Havana, Havana to Trinidad etc.) and just do the one-way trips. 

In my opinion and from my extensive experience, it’s hiring a car & driver (like ours), either for an entire ‘circuito’ (meaning he’ll be at your disposal the entire time, so even for short trips to the beach in Trinidad or to dinner in Viñales, you’d have that covered), or just booking the individual trips with the same driver. 

It’s trustworthy, reliable, and you’ll end up becoming great pals with the driver – it all adds to your Cuban experience! 

If you’re on a budget, there is the option of the Viazul bus (though it’s more of a logistical nightmare, so if you’ve not got much time, I wouldn’t bother with this), or the ‘taxi colectivos’ (shared taxis).