Santa Clara sits on the Central Highway (Carretera Central) and the main railway line that runs the length of Cuba. It is roughly 270 kilometres from Havana and 380 kilometres from Santiago de Cuba.
By bus, Viazul (the tourist bus service) stops at Santa Clara on its Havana–Trinidad–Santiago route. Journey time from Havana is around four hours. The bus terminal is on the Carretera Central at the eastern edge of the city. Book ahead in high season — Viazul buses can fill up.
The train is slower and less reliable but cheaper. The Havana–Santiago train stops in Santa Clara; the journey from Havana takes around five to six hours when running on schedule. The railway station is a short taxi ride from the centre.
Santa Clara has a domestic airport, Abel Santamaría, which handles international charter flights as well. There are sometimes direct connections from Canada and Europe, primarily during peak winter season. Check current schedules, as these services vary.