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Havana José Martí Layover Guide (HAV)

What are you looking for in HAV?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Havana Airport (HAV) is an international airport located in Boyeros, about 15 km (9 miles) from downtown Havana, Cuba. The airport officially opened in 1930 and is the main gateway to the island nation. Havana is the capital and largest city of Cuba, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and colorful colonial architecture. The city offers visitors a unique blend of music, art, and Caribbean charm for an unforgettable experience.

Can you leave Havana Airport (HAV) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers with layovers over ten hours at Havana Airport may leave the airport during transit. All travelers exiting the terminal must possess a Cuban Tourist Card (visa). Citizens of most countries must obtain this visa online before departure or immediately upon arrival. Always verify current entry requirements prior to travel. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Old Havana (Habana Vieja) Delve into the vibrant colonial heart of Havana, wandering narrow cobblestone streets lined with pastel buildings, historic plazas, and lively cafés, absorbing the UNESCO World Heritage atmosphere of cultural epicenter. (Time required: ~2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 min) or bus route P12 (~1.5 hr))
• Malecón Seafront Take a refreshing stroll along Havana’s iconic seaside Malecón, enjoying panoramic ocean views, fishermen’s scenes, and vibrant street performances against the backdrop of colorful colonial and midcentury buildings at sunset. (Time required: ~1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 min) or bus route P12 (~1.5 hr))
• Castillo del Morro Ascend to the historic Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, exploring well-preserved fortifications, scenic bay vistas, and the daily cannon-fire ceremony, experiencing Havana’s colonial military heritage and maritime defenses. (Time required: ~1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 min) or bus route P12 (~1.5 hr))
• Museo de la Revolución Discover Cuba’s revolutionary past at Museo de la Revolución, housed in the former Presidential Palace, viewing historic artifacts, exhibits on Castro’s struggle, and immersive multimedia presentations detailing rich national history. (Time required: ~1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 min) or bus route P12 (~1.5 hr))
• Plaza de la Catedral Relax in the charming Plaza de la Catedral, admiring Baroque architecture of Havana Cathedral, sipping coffee at cafés, and browsing artisan stalls nestled amidst vibrant locals and historic colonial ambiance. (Time required: ~45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 min) or bus route P12 (~1.5 hr))
• La Bodeguita del Medio Savor Cuba’s mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio, enjoying live music, colorful décor, and walls covered in famous signatures while soaking in the authentic bohemian spirit of Old Havana culture. (Time required: ~30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 min) or bus route P12 (~1.5 hr))
• Fábrica de Arte Cubano Dive into Havana’s avant-garde art scene at Fábrica de Arte Cubano, exploring contemporary galleries, eclectic performances, film screenings, and vibrant nightlife within a renovated industrial warehouse fostering creative dynamic community. (Time required: ~2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~25 min) or bus route P12 (~1.5 hr))
• Classic Car Tour Experience Havana’s nostalgic charm aboard a vintage American convertible, cruising through historic neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and vibrant streets while listening to local music and learning stories from knowledgeable friendly drivers. (Time required: ~1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 min) or bus route P12 (~1.5 hr))

Things to Do in Havana Airport (HAV)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
HAV offers two pay-per-use VIP lounges in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Open three hours before departure, they feature complimentary snacks, beverages, fast-track immigration assistance, quiet seating, charging points, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Access is available to all passengers via single-entry passes, with rates starting around USD 30. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
No onsite accommodation exists at José Martí airport. Guests can choose from nearby hotels in El Vedado and Habana Vieja, ranging from budget hostales to luxury resorts. Hostal Doña Amalia offers airport shuttle service for a fee. Most properties provide 24-hour reception, luggage storage, and breakfast options. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
The airport lacks dedicated rest zones or cots. Travellers report quiet, safe overnight conditions but strong air-conditioning currents. Visitors recommend bringing a travel mattress, sleeping bag, blanket, and eye mask to improve comfort. Public seating areas offer limited recline and minimal privacy. For guaranteed rest, nearby airport hotels are advised.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Wi-Fi is available in the airside departure area of Terminal 3 for a fee. Passengers purchase Etecsa one-hour internet cards at kiosks, with a free 30-minute trial for arriving travellers. Network speeds are moderate and subject to daily bandwidth limits. Cards can be topped up on site.

SIM/eSIM Card: Tourists can purchase Cubacel Tur SIM cards at the Etecsa stand in Concourse C, Terminal 3, 24/7 after immigration. Options include Cubacel Tur Básico (4 GB, 20 min, 20 SMS for 7 days) and Cubacel Tur Plus (10 GB, 100 min, 100 SMS for 30 days). eSIMs are also sold via Rent’n Connect online kiosks. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official government taxis line the arrivals curb and offer 20–30 minute rides to central Havana. Fares average USD 25 one way; passengers should negotiate or confirm the meter is running before departure. Vehicles are typically sedans or vans with seating for four to six passengers. Cash payment in USD, EUR, or CUP is accepted.

Train: A station named Havana Aeropuerto T1 on the Havana Suburban Railway offers limited service to Havana Central and other suburbs. Trains run two to five times daily on diesel or electric stock, but frequency and schedules change often. Service is not a practical choice for most travellers.

Bus: Local MetroBus routes P-9, P-12, and P-16 connect Havana’s city centre to the airport landside area. Services are infrequent, often crowded, and require payment in CUP onboard. A free shuttle bus runs between Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Timetables are not posted online; check city signage. Fares start at CUP 0.40 per trip. more info

Shuttle: TranSTur operates a shared hotel shuttle from José Martí Airport to Vedado, Playa, and Old Havana. Departures run every hour from 09:30 to 22:00; one-way tickets cost USD 5. Payment is by cash or card (US cards may be rejected). Buses depart from the ground transport area outside arrivals. Reservations are not required.

Car rentals: Arrivals areas in Terminals 2 and 3 host car rental desks for Cubanacar, Havanautos, Via Transgaviota, and Rex. Vehicles range from compact sedans to SUVs; drivers must be at least 21 with a valid international licence. Rental offices operate 24/7, and payment is accepted in USD, EUR, or CUP. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Paid open-air parking is available at Havana Airport with two lots: a large lot outside Terminal 3 and a smaller lot outside Terminal 2. Drop-off zones by each terminal entrance allow quick luggage unloading. Rates are charged by hour or day; pedestrian walk to terminals takes 1–4 minutes. Payment is by credit card or cash.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No luggage lockers or left-luggage facilities exist on-site. Travellers should arrange storage with nearby hotels or city services. Off-site solutions such as Vertoe or LuggageHero provide insured hourly or daily storage around Havana. The terminal’s Lost and Found Office in Terminal 3 handles inquiries for misplaced items. Service fees vary by provider. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Havana Airport (HAV) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks