Antonio Maceo Airport serves Santiago de Cuba, the country's second city, the cradle of Cuban music and Revolution, at the extreme southeastern tip of the island, approximately 7 km from the center.
It has limited traffic compared to Havana or Varadero, with predominantly Caribbean regional connections and some international charters.
How to get to Antonio Maceo International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to SCU
Parking near Antonio Maceo International Airport
A short distance from the terminal is a parking area of limited size.
The lot is free from direct surveillance, with moderate rates.
How to get to Santiago de Cuba from SCU
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Antonio Maceo International Airport
Some state car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, with often limited availability: book well in advance.
Required documents: driver's license, passport, credit card and, as a rule, an International Driving Permit.
Hotels near Antonio Maceo International Airport
Some accommodations, including private homes (casas particulares), are located in the center of Santiago de Cuba.
Santiago's center (15-20 minutes, roughly 20-40 USD/night for a private home) offers an authentic musical atmosphere, generally safe with normal precautions against petty tourist scams, less crowded with mass tourism compared to Varadero.
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
From check-in to gate takes roughly 10 minutes, given the terminal's compact structure.
Customs and security may require extra time: for international flights, it's better to arrive 3 hours early.
Map of Antonio Maceo International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Why is Santiago de Cuba important for Cuban music?
It's considered the birthplace of genres such as son cubano, the basis of salsa: the city has a very lively live music scene, especially at the Casa de la Trova.
Q. When is the Santiago de Cuba Carnival?
Generally in late July: it's among the country's most celebrated carnivals, with parades and music in the streets. Book flights and accommodation well in advance if you're travelling during this period.
Q. Where can you safely exchange currency in Santiago de Cuba?
Only at official exchange offices (Cadeca) or banks: unlike Varadero or Havana, Santiago has fewer counters and less tourism, which makes informal street exchanges even riskier — a common scam reported throughout the country.
Q. Is Santiago de Cuba connected to Havana by train?
Yes, via the national rail network, but not with a direct connection from the airport: you first need to reach the station in the city centre.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
