1.) The Viazul Bus is one of the very few things in Cuba that actually works (almost) as advertised. It will take you to all the major cities.

http://www.viazul.com/index.php

2.) The train system is a mess and is only recommended if you're a train nut and want to take it for the experience. Bring your own food, water and be prepared to throw any travel schedule right out the window.

3.) Taxis are fairly cheap and easy in the cities.

Which Guide Book are you using?

Have fun.

Cheers,
Terry

If you're an experienced traveller in developing countries and you've stayed in inexpensive hostels/hotels elsewhere and used local transport then Cuba will hold NO surprises. Travelling independently in Cuba is very easy.

Cuba is no longer an exotic destination... there are loads of excellent guide books like Moon, Rough Guide, Lonely Planet, etc... there are several Internet forums/blogs (Lonely Planet, Trip Advisor, etc.) that make it an easy place to research... the whole country is very safe and non-threatening... it has a very defined Gringo Trail with decent transport and accommodation options... tourist scams are simple and no big deal, almost to the point of being naively innocent (compared to most other developing countries)... if you're still nervous it's easy to have a local guide/resolver/travel agent give you a really nice comfort zone by setting you up with a semi-arranged itinerary so you're not completely on your own... etc.

For a first time visitor a guide book is BY FAR your most important (and cheapest/easiest) investment to start your research.

Have fun.

Cheers,
Terry