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The modern Railroad Terminal in Santiago de Cuba is large and extremely busy  during early in the day and
in the evening when trains to and from Habana are in the station.  There are other local trains to Habana, Santa Clara and Camaguey depart from this station as well, however, they are described as "unreliable". 

Tickets can be purchased on the same day you intend to travel.  To the right of the main entrance you will find a white cabana where tickets are sold.  There may be a long line-up, but foreigners are shown to the front of the line.  This may feel awkward, but local people are not offended, and will insist that you step to the front of the line.

You will need to show your passport and pay in CUC's.   We were impressed that paper tickets were issued
by hand and ticketing is done without the use of computers. 

The Tren Primera Especial to Habana is an overnight train,  leaving in the late evening and arriving in Habana
in the morning, so there is not much opportunity for sightseeing on this train.  And beware of the air conditioning!  It works too well!

  Arrival at Habana in the morning