Arrival & Transport
Arrival by Plane
José Martí Airport (HAV)
The Aeropuerto Internacional José Martí is located 15 km southwest of the city center. It has three terminals — international flights arrive at Terminal 3. The airport is functional but not luxurious — welcome to Cuba.
Flight Connections from Germany
- Condor: Direct flights from Frankfurt. Flight time: 10–11 hours. Prices: from 450€ return.
- Eurowings Discover: Direct from Frankfurt.
- Iberia: Via Madrid (best hub for Cuba). Often the cheapest option.
- Air France / KLM: Via Paris/Amsterdam.
Direct flights are limited — via Madrid is often the best and cheapest route.
From the Airport to the City Center
| Option | Price | Duration | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Taxi | 25–35 USD | 30–45 Min. | At the taxi stand in front of the terminal. Agree on the price before the ride! |
| Private Transfer | 25–40 USD | 30–45 Min. | Bookable through Casa Particular — most reliable option. |
| Collectivo | 5–10 USD | 45–60 Min. | Shared taxi if you find other travelers. Cheapest option. |
Achtung
There is NO public bus from the airport to the city center. Uber and Bolt do NOT work in Cuba. It's best to order a private transfer through your Casa Particular — they organize it reliably.
Local Transport
On Foot
Habana Vieja and Centro Habana are excellent to explore on foot — the main attractions are within 2–3 km. Comfortable shoes are a must (cobblestones, uneven sidewalks). It's about 3 km from the Capitolio to Vedado along the Malecón — a beautiful walk, especially at sunset.
Vintage Taxis (Almendrones)
The Almendrones (shared vintage cars) are Havana's cheapest means of transport. They run fixed routes (e.g., Vedado–Habana Vieja along the Malecón) for less than 1€. Just raise your hand at the roadside, state your destination, and hop in. Not air-conditioned, not comfortable — but the most authentic experience.
Coco-Taxis
The yellow, egg-shaped Coco-Taxis (three-wheelers) are Havana's quirkiest means of transport — loud, wobbly, and worth a photo. Price: 1–3 USD for short distances. Fun, but no comfort.
Private Taxis
For longer distances or day trips: private taxis (often newer Chinese or Korean cars). Negotiate the price before the ride! Within Havana: 5–15 USD. To Viñales: 80–120 USD (whole day). Your Casa Particular can arrange reliable drivers.
HaBaBus (Hop-on/Hop-off)
The red double-decker bus runs two routes through Havana and to the Playas del Este. Day ticket: 10 CUC. Useful for an initial overview and beach transfer, but the frequency is unreliable.
Tipp
ALWAYS negotiate the taxi fare before the ride — there are practically no meters in Cuba. Ask your Casa Particular about the usual prices so you know what's fair. Most drivers are honest, but overcharging can happen.
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