José Martí International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (HAV)

José Martí International Airport is Cuba's main gateway, located approximately 18 km southwest of downtown Havana.

It is the most common entry point for those visiting the capital, famous for its Old Havana historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the vintage American cars still in circulation.

Content verified on 03/09/2026

Official source: www.aeropuertoscuba.com.cu

How to get to José Martí International Airport

Havana city center is approximately 18 km from the airport: the transfer takes roughly 30-40 minutes by taxi.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach the city center of Havana in approximately 30-40 minutes.

By Train

Cuba does not have a direct railway connection between the airport and Havana.

By Bus

There is no reliable public bus service dedicated to flights: the vast majority of visitors rely on official taxis.

💡

Tips Use only official taxis with state logo or those organized by your accommodation: always agree on the fare before departure, as the meter is often unreliable. Exchange only what you need at the airport: the rate is generally less favorable than in the city.

Average travel time to HAV

TrainNot available

Shuttle busNot a dedicated service

Taxi / Private hire30-40 minutes

Parking near José Martí International Airport

The parking facility managed by the airport is just a few minutes' walk from the terminal.

It is not staffed with dedicated personnel; rates are generally reasonable.

How to get to Havana from HAV

By Train

Cuba does not have a direct rail connection between the airport and Havana.

By Bus

There is no reliable public bus service dedicated to flights.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; always agree on the fare before departure, as the meter is often unreliable: expect roughly 25-30 USD equivalent to downtown Havana (watch out for attempts to charge 40-50 USD, especially at night or with newly arrived passengers).

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

Search airport taxis and shuttles

Car rental at José Martí International Airport

Some state car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, though availability is often limited: book well in advance.

Bring a driver's license, passport and credit card registered to the driver for the security deposit (keeping in mind that US cards don't work); an International Driving Permit is generally also required. Roads outside Havana can have potholes and poor signage: drive with caution, especially at night.

Hotels near José Martí International Airport

Several state hotels and private homes (casas particulares) are located in downtown Havana, convenient for exploring the city.

Old Havana (30-40 minutes, roughly 30-70 USD/night for a private home, 60-150 USD for a hotel) offers the most characteristic atmosphere; Vedado, a more modern neighborhood, has more contemporary options. Travelers from the United States should verify that their chosen accommodation falls within OFAC-authorized categories (private homes, not state hotels). Havana is generally safe with normal precautions against petty tourist scams.

Airport services

The airport offers essential services consistent with its role as Cuba's primary air gateway.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area features a selection of authentic Cuban cigars (Cohiba and Montecristo among the most celebrated brands) and Cuban rum, including Havana Club.

Lounges & relaxation

An active business lounge is available with paid day-pass access and hours linked to the terminal's flight schedule.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi at the airport requires an ETECSA prepaid card, purchasable at dedicated counters; internet connectivity in Cuba is generally limited and expensive even in tourist areas.

Families & Children

The airport offers basic services for travelers with children, focused in waiting areas.

Terminal guide

Terminal 3 handles most international flights. From check-in to gate, you typically walk 10-15 minutes.

Customs and security checks can take longer than expected, and computer systems are sometimes subject to delays: for international flights it's advisable to arrive at least 3 hours early.

Map of José Martí International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Do you need a visa for Cuba?

Yes, since 1 January 2026 the e-Visa (evisacuba.cu) is mandatory, replacing the paper tourist card: about 50 USD, up to 72 hours of processing, valid for up to 90 days.

Q. Can US citizens travel to Cuba?

Yes, but only if they fall under one of the 12 categories authorized by OFAC, the most common being 'Support for the Cuban People': in practice, staying in private homes and eating at private restaurants rather than state-run establishments, while keeping the itinerary documentation.

Q. Do credit cards work in Cuba?

Cards issued by US banks don't work because of the embargo; other cards also have limited acceptance: bring enough cash for the entire stay, preferably euros or Canadian dollars.

Q. Is it worth exchanging US dollars in Cuba?

Cash in USD is subject to a 10% conversion fee at the official exchange rate: euros, Canadian dollars or pounds sterling are generally more convenient to bring.