Transportation in Havana

Havana moves on three tiers: the state-run buses that cost pocket change but require patience, the collective taxis (almendrones) that split the difference between price and comfort, and private taxis that are a splurge but essential after dark. First-timers should download the la nave app while still on WiFi, it shows real-time positions for the shared taxis and saves you from standing clueless at Parque Central. The classic trap is hopping into a cocotaxi near Old Havana; they're slow, overpriced, and you'll bake inside the plastic bubble. From José Martí Airport, skip the hustlers inside the terminal. The official taxi rank outside Terminal 3 is your only reliable option, agree the fare before you load bags, as meters often "don't work." If you're traveling light and it's daylight, the P-12 airport bus runs to central Havana for a fraction of the taxi cost. But stops completely around 10pm. After that, it's taxi or nothing, don't waste time hunting for alternatives that don't exist.