The Cuban government is doubling the toll to Varadero starting January 20th

The Cuban government will implement a new toll increase to Varadero on January 20, which will double the current cost, as part of a package of "tax adjustments" approved for 2026, with the stated aim of "enhancing revenue collection."

The new measure doubles the rates established almost a year ago for the stretch of road Vía Blanca Matanzas-Varadero, amid a sharp economic crisis, severe deterioration of road infrastructure, and the collapse of public transportation.

According to the regime's announcement, the adjustment of the toll is in line with what it refers to as the "principle of graduality" established in Law 113 of the Tax System, and it takes into account the "contributory capacities expressed in certain economic facts," which were not specified.

The measure is part of Law 181/2025, approved by the National Assembly in December, which established the State Budget for 2026. This budget is based on a more stringent and discretionary tax system that will particularly affect the non-state sector and increase tax pressure.

New toll rates

Starting Tuesday, January 20, motorcycles, cars, jeeps, vans, and trucks will be charged a toll fee of 80 Cuban pesos (CUP); in addition, an extra 20 CUP will be charged for each tow.

While the amounts for minibuses, buses, trucks, and trailers will be 160 CUP, and 40 CUP for each trailer.

According to the official communication, the existing exemptions and bonuses will be maintained, including a 70% reduction in payments for vehicle drivers residing in La Conchita, Boca de Camarioca, Santa Marta, and Varadero, in the municipality of Cárdenas.

Discounts for advance payments made through toll cards will also be maintained, depending on the amount invested. Drivers who purchase cards for amounts between 100 and 500 will receive a 5% discount, and those who purchase cards for amounts exceeding 500 will receive a 10% discount.

Authorities assured that toll revenues will be allocated to the Public Transportation Development Fund, aimed at "contributing to the recovery and sustainability of road infrastructure and enhancing the action program being implemented for the gradual recovery of transportation services."

With those same objectives, the Cuban government implemented a toll increase in February 2025 for the taxed sections of the Matanzas-Varadero Highway, the Cayo Santa María Causeway, and the Cayo Coco Causeway.

In January 2021, the toll price in Varadero increased tenfold when the so-called Ordering Task came into effect.

Since then, the regime has been continuously raising the rates, generating increasing dissatisfaction among many Cubans due to the rising economic burden amid the country's critical situation, without the revenues translating into improvements in road conditions and public transportation services.