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Trains
Cuba's rail network runs the length of the island, linking the main cities and towns. It is an interesting way to get around, especially if you want to travel with Cubans the way Cubans do, and not in a tourist bus or taxi. However, considering trains are not especially targeted at tourists, do not expect western standards! Still, the new 'Tren Francès', the 12-hour express train from La Habana to Santiago is a safe, comfortable and a reasonably reliable way to go from one end of Cuba to the other.
Nevertheless, make sure to bring some toilet paper as well as food and drinks. There may be a cafeteria on board, but then again, there may not. And even if so, the food offered might not be very appetizing. Also, keep margin in your schedule for schedule changes, delays and the odd breakdown. It is always best to check current schedules and conditions before buying a ticket and undertaking a train journey. Yet, book your ticket a day or two in advance if you can.
Trains to most parts of Cuba leave from the Estación Central de Ferrocariles (Calle Egido and Calle Arsenal, Habana Vieja, tel. +53 7 861 4259). There are usually one or two trains a day heading west, and a half dozen or so heading east. Intermediate cities with regular service include Matanzas, Santa Clara, Ciego de Avila, Camagüey, Las Tunas, and Holguín.
Tourists cannot buy train tickets at the Estación Central de Ferrocariles. Instead you will have to go to Le Coubre train station, just around the corner on the Av. del Puerto (opening hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00am to 3:00pm). From the Estación Central, continue down Egido Street along the Old Wall towards the harbour and then turn right. If that station is closed, try the Lista de Espera office nearby, which sells tickets for trains leaving immediately. At all other train stations, you can book at the normal ticket office.
Children aged 0 to 4 travel free, children aged 5 to 11 travel at half fare, children aged 12 and over pay full fare.
The Casablanca Train Station, next to the ferry dock, in La Habana, is the station of the only electric railway in Cuba. It was built in 1917 by the Hershey Chocolate Company and up to today the electric train covers the same route, five times a day: via Guanabo (0.80 CUC, 25km), Cienfuegos (1.45 CUC, 46km), Jibacoa (1.65 CUC, 54km) and Canasí (1.95 CUC, 65km) to Matanzas (2.80 CUC, 90km). In general, the train leaves Casablanca on time but often arrives around an hour late. It is a spectecular four (to five) hour trip. Tickets can be purchased at the Casablanca Train Station. On weekends and holidays it can be crowded and you might want to buy your ticket in advance.
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