Arrival & Transport

Cuba has two main international airports that are served from Europe:

Havana — José Martí International Airport (HAV)

The most important airport in Cuba is located 15 km south of downtown. Direct flights from Europe:

• Condor: Frankfurt → Havana (approx. 10.5 hrs), year-round, 1–3× weekly. From about 400 € return in Economy.
• Edelweiss: Zurich → Havana (seasonal, winter half-year)
• Iberia: Madrid → Havana (daily, from 350 € return). Good connecting flights from Germany.
• Air France: Paris CDG → Havana (3–4× weekly)
• KLM: Amsterdam → Havana (seasonal)

Transfer to the city: Official taxis cost 25–30 € (45–60 min depending on traffic). There is no public bus from the airport. Arrange the ride in advance through the Casa Particular — often cheaper (15–20 €).

Varadero — Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA)

The second most important airport is located near Varadero, 130 km east of Havana. It is mainly served by charter flights:

• Condor: Frankfurt → Varadero (seasonal)
• TUI fly / Eurowings Discover: Various German airports (winter half-year)

From Varadero to Havana: Viazul bus (10 €, 3 hrs) or taxi (80–100 €). Varadero is better as a starting point for a beach week, not for a round trip.

Other Airports (Domestic Flights)

Cuba has about a dozen domestic airports. Cubana de Aviación flies from Havana to Santiago de Cuba (SCU, 2 hrs), Holguín (HOG), Camagüey (CMW), and several other cities. The flights are cheap (50–120 € one-way), but notoriously unreliable: delays and cancellations are the rule, not the exception.

Viazul is Cuba's state-run long-distance bus network for tourists — and the most reliable public transport on the island. The air-conditioned coaches connect all major tourist destinations.

Important Connections

Booking & Tips

• Book online: viazul.com — the website is outdated and only sometimes works. Booking on-site at the bus station is more reliable
• Book early: Popular routes (Havana–Trinidad, Havana–Viñales) sell out days in advance during the high season. Be at the counter at least 2 days prior!
• Air conditioning: The AC is often set to an arctic 16°C. Be sure to have long pants and a sweater ready!
• Punctuality: Viazul buses are surprisingly punctual — be at the bus station 30 min early
• Luggage: 20 kg in the hold included, carry-on in the bus

Colectivos are shared taxis — usually old American cruisers — that shuttle between cities on fixed routes. They are often faster than Viazul, cheaper than private taxis, and the most authentic way to get around.

How it works

Colectivos pick up 4–6 passengers and leave when full. Prices are negotiable but largely standardized. You can find them at the bus station, have them organized by the Casa Particular, or simply hail them at the roadside.

Typical Prices (per person)

Vintage Taxis in Havana

The iconic Almendrones (literally: large almonds) — the pastel-colored Chevrolets, Buicks, and Fords from the 1950s — serve as shared taxis on fixed routes in Havana. For tourists, they are offered as vintage tours with a chauffeur: from 30 € per hour for a convertible, perfect for the obligatory Malecón drive at sunset.

Private Taxis

Private taxis (especially newer cars, not vintage) can be organized through the Casa Particular or directly on the street. Always negotiate prices beforehand! A private taxi from Havana to Trinidad costs 100–130 € for the entire car (up to 4 people) — worth it when costs are shared.

Getting a rental car in Cuba is difficult and expensive. There are only two state-owned rental companies: Rex and Cubacar (both state-owned). Demand far exceeds supply.

Prices & Booking

• Cost: From 60–100 €/day for a small car (Kia Picanto or similar), without insurance. Comprehensive insurance is an additional 15–25 €/day
• Availability: In the high season (Dec–March), rental cars are often booked out weeks in advance. Be sure to book online in advance through rentalcarscuba.com or directly with Rex/Cubacar
• Deposit: 200–500 € in cash (EUR or USD), refunded upon return
• Gasoline: Only at state Cupet gas stations (often with long lines). Super: approx. 1.20 €/liter

Advantages

Maximum flexibility, reach remote beaches and villages, no waiting for buses. The Autopista (Havana–Santiago highway) is surprisingly empty.

Disadvantages

• Road conditions: Catastrophic outside the main roads — potholes, missing signage, no street lighting at night
• Roadside assistance: Virtually non-existent. Check spare tire and tools!
• Traffic rules: Creatively interpreted. Bicycles, horse-drawn carts, pedestrians, and dogs share the road
• GPS: Works offline (download maps.me), but many roads are not mapped

Domestic Flights

Cubana de Aviación flies from Havana to Santiago de Cuba (1.5 hrs, 80–120 €), Holguín, Camagüey, and other cities. The flights save a lot of time on the 900 km east-west axis but are notorious for delays and last-minute cancellations. Book with a buffer — never plan a domestic flight for the day before your return flight home.