Ferromar S.A., the commercial arm of the Union of Railways of Cuba, has declared the restart of the Traveler Train on the Artemisa–Havana route starting August 7, 2026. This service will operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.
The train departs from Angosta station at 5:45 a.m., makes a stop at Artemisa station until 7:20 a.m., and finishes its journey at the 19 de Noviembre Station on Tulipán Street in Havana. The return trip from Havana is scheduled for 3:20 p.m.
Accommodating around 350 passengers, the train continues to offer traditional fare discounts: students, individuals with disabilities, and children under 12 will pay half the fare, provided they present valid identification.
Public Reaction and Additional Demands
The official announcement itself acknowledges the constraints of the service: "With a capacity for approximately 350 passengers, the Traveler Train of Ferromar will resume its operations, constrained by the current energy crisis, but with discipline and safety."
The news sparked a wave of reactions on social media. While many Cubans welcomed the decision, the majority used the announcement as an opportunity to demand the reinstatement of other suspended routes.
The most frequent requests were for the train to the Eastern Beaches, the service to San Antonio de los Baños, and the Pinar del Río–Havana route.
One user questioned, "When will the beach train be available, even if just on Saturdays and Sundays?" Another added, "What about the Pinar del Río–Havana train? We need that too."
A comment highlighted the deterioration of other lines: "The Batabanó–Bejucal–Havana line will be nearly impossible to recover due to the total neglect of the railway tracks."
The Broader Context of Cuba's Railway Crisis
The train to the Eastern Beaches was available in the summer of 2025, departing from Central Station to Guanabo, with a fare of 35 Cuban pesos and running from Tuesday to Sunday. However, there's no official confirmation that this service will be operational in the summer of 2026.
The partial resumption of the Artemisa–Havana route comes amidst the worst crisis in Cuban railroads in decades. As of July 2026, the National Passenger Train Company operates only 16 services per month, a stark decline from the 62 services previously offered, a 74% drop.
In February 2026, the Ministry of Transport declared an "emergency mode" for national trains, reducing the frequency to the eastern regions to one departure every eight days.
Since June, this frequency has further declined to one departure every 16 days to Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Bayamo-Manzanillo.
This operational collapse is compounded by a crisis involving corruption and ticket resale following the abolition of open ticket sales and the suspension of the Viajando app, replaced by a provincial and municipal commission system criticized by users.
Official publications revealed offers of two tickets for 20,000 Cuban pesos.
FAQs on Cuba's Train Services
What are the operating days for the Artemisa–Havana train?
The Artemisa–Havana train operates on Mondays and Fridays.
Are there any fare discounts available for the train service?
Yes, fare discounts are available for students, individuals with disabilities, and children under 12, who pay 50% of the fare with valid identification.
Why is the Cuban train service facing a crisis?
Cuba's train service is facing a crisis due to a severe reduction in operational capacity, from 62 services at its peak to only 16 per month, coupled with issues of corruption and ticket resale.