José Martí International Airport (HAV) to Havana
Official taxis wait outside the international Terminal 3 and take about 30–40 minutes to Old Havana or Vedado. Many casas particulares can arrange a pickup in advance for a similar price.
There is no practical public transport for arriving travellers; plan on a taxi or a transfer arranged with your accommodation.
Best for most people: Official taxi or pre-arranged pickup. Public buses are not usable with luggage, and an arranged ride avoids confusion after a long flight.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| taxi Official taxis from the rank outside Terminal 3 Arrivals | about 30–40 min | about US$25–35 or equivalent; agree the price before leaving | 24 h | Fares are usually quoted in US dollars or euros; carry small notes, as change can be scarce. | |
| private transfer Pickup arranged by your casa particular or hotel | about 30–40 min | about US$25–35 | 24 h | Confirm the name sign and the agreed price in writing beforehand. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
Sort it before you land
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Tips
- Bring cash in euros or US dollars; cards issued by US banks do not work in Cuba and other cards often fail.
- Exchange only a little at the airport; rates and availability vary.
- Mobile data may not work on arrival, so save your address offline.
- Check current entry rules, including the online traveller form, before you fly.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from Havana airport to Old Havana?
Expect roughly US$25–35 or the equivalent in euros to Old Havana or Vedado. Prices change with Cuba's currency situation, so agree the fare before you get in. Carry small notes, as drivers often have no change. A pickup arranged by your casa particular usually costs about the same.
Is there a bus from Havana airport to the city?
There is no reliable public bus for travellers arriving at the international terminal. Visitors use official taxis or a pickup arranged by their accommodation. Booking a transfer ahead is especially useful if you arrive late at night. Agree the price in advance.
Can I pay by card in Havana?
Card acceptance is limited and unreliable. Cards issued by US banks do not work at all. Bring enough cash in euros or US dollars for taxis and the first days, and keep small denominations. Exchange money at official CADECA desks or banks, and ask your accommodation about current rates.
How long does it take from the airport to central Havana?
About 30–40 minutes by car, depending on traffic and exact destination. Immigration and baggage claim can be slow, so allow extra time before you meet a pre-arranged driver. If you are being collected, keep your host's phone number and address written down, since mobile data may not work when you land.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.