# Havana Airport Transfer Guide (HAV) Complete guide to Jose Marti Airport transfers. Real prices for taxis, classic cars, and private transfers to Havana city centre. **Airport:** HAV **City:** Havana **Country:** Cuba **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hav **Last updated:** 2026-03-27 --- ## Main Guide ### Quick answer Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) is about **18 km south of central Havana**. The ride takes 25-40 minutes depending on traffic. There is no train or metro connection. Your options are taxis — often classic American cars — private transfers, or the irregular local bus. A state taxi costs roughly **CUP 2,500-3,500** or **USD 25-35**. A pre-booked private transfer typically runs **USD 25-40**. Cuba operates on a dual-currency reality where US dollars and Cuban pesos (CUP) are both used, though USD is increasingly preferred for tourist services. There is no Uber or any ride-hailing app available in Cuba. 👉 AirportTransferPortal offers fixed-price transfers on this route, which removes uncertainty on arrival. --- ### What actually happens after landing International flights arrive at Terminal 3, the main international terminal. Immigration can be slow — 30-60 minutes is normal, sometimes longer. Have your passport, tourist card (visa), and health insurance proof ready. Customs inspection follows, where officers may check bags. Once through, you enter a small arrivals hall with a currency exchange booth (CADECA), a few shops, and not much else. ATMs exist but are unreliable — many international cards do not work in Cuba. **Bring enough cash for your transfer and first day.** Free Wi-Fi is not available. Cuba's internet requires ETECSA cards purchased separately. The airport has a basic feel — do not expect the facilities of a European or North American hub. --- ### Transport options explained honestly | Option | Price (USD) | Price (EUR) | Time | Notes | |--------|-------------|-------------|------|-------| | State taxi (yellow/modern) | **25-35** | ~23-32 | 25-40 min | Official, negotiate price | | Classic car taxi | **25-40** | ~23-37 | 25-40 min | 1950s American cars, agree price first | | Private transfer | **25-45** | ~23-41 | 25-40 min | Pre-booked, fixed price | | Colectivo (shared taxi) | **2-5** | ~2-5 | 40-60 min | Irregular, crowded, not tourist-friendly | | Local bus P12 | **CUP 5** (~0.05) | ~0.05 | 60-90 min | Very crowded, no luggage space | The classic car taxis are part of the Havana experience. These 1950s Chevrolets, Buicks, and Fords are real working vehicles, not museum pieces. They are charming but often lack air conditioning, seatbelts, and sometimes shock absorbers. If you want reliability and comfort, a modern state taxi or pre-booked transfer is the safer bet. The local bus and colectivo are extremely cheap but impractical for arriving tourists with luggage. --- ### Realistic pricing expectations Cuba pricing is unusual. The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP), but US dollars have become the de facto tourist currency. Most taxi drivers at the airport quote in USD. A state taxi to central Havana (Old Havana, Vedado, Centro Habana) should cost **USD 25-35**. Drivers sometimes try to charge **USD 40-50**, especially late at night or when they sense you have just arrived. Negotiate politely but firmly. Classic car taxis are never metered. Always agree on the price before getting in. **USD 30-40** to Old Havana is fair. To Vedado, expect **USD 25-35**. | Destination | Taxi (USD) | Transfer (USD) | |------------|-----------|----------------| | Old Havana (Habana Vieja) | **30-40** | **30-45** | | Vedado | **25-35** | **25-40** | | Centro Habana | **25-35** | **25-40** | | Miramar | **20-30** | **20-35** | | Playas del Este | **35-50** | **35-55** | --- ### Late night arrivals HAV receives international flights at all hours, with many charter and scheduled flights arriving in the evening. Taxis are available for late arrivals, but the selection thins out after the last flights. Classic car taxis may not be around at midnight. Late-night taxi drivers are more likely to quote higher prices. If possible, pre-book a transfer for any arrival after 21:00. A modern state taxi at the rank is your fallback. Havana streets are poorly lit at night but the main route from the airport to the city is a highway and reasonably safe. The city itself is very safe by Latin American standards. --- ### Families and luggage Classic car taxis are fun but not practical for families. Boot space is limited, there are no child seats, and seatbelts may not exist in the back seat. For families with children, a pre-booked modern transfer vehicle is the way to go. Request a child seat at booking — availability is not guaranteed but transfer companies try to accommodate. If your child absolutely needs a seat, consider bringing a portable travel seat. Luggage is another factor. If you are carrying more than two large bags, a classic car's boot may not fit everything. A modern taxi or minivan transfer handles luggage better. One Cuba-specific tip: bring any supplies you need for children. Nappies, formula, and specific medications can be scarce or unavailable in Havana. --- ### Where you meet the driver **State taxis:** Queue in a line outside the Terminal 3 arrivals exit. Follow the signs or the crowd. **Classic car taxis:** Often parked in the general parking area. Walk past the state taxi line and you will see them. Some drivers approach you inside the terminal — this is normal in Cuba but confirm the price before committing. **Pre-booked transfers:** Drivers wait inside the arrivals hall with a name sign. This is the most organised option. Some use the parking lot — your confirmation will specify. **Important:** Terminal 3 is for international flights. Terminal 2 handles some Caribbean and charter flights. Terminal 1 is for domestic flights. Make sure your driver knows which terminal. --- ### Decision helper **Want the full Havana experience?** Take a classic car taxi. Agree on **USD 30-35** to Old Havana and enjoy the ride. **Want comfort and reliability?** Pre-book a modern private transfer for **USD 25-40**. **On a budget?** A state taxi at **USD 25-30** after some polite negotiation. **Travelling with kids?** Pre-book a transfer with a child seat request. **Arriving late?** Pre-book. Do not count on classic cars or good prices after midnight. **First time in Cuba?** A pre-booked transfer removes the stress of negotiating in a new country with unreliable internet and no working ATMs. 👉 This is the lowest-friction option after a long flight. --- ### Summary Getting from Jose Marti Airport to Havana is straightforward but requires some preparation. Bring cash in USD or EUR, be ready to negotiate taxi fares, and consider pre-booking a transfer to avoid the hassle. The classic car ride into Havana is an experience worth having at least once — just set your price before you set off. Cuba rewards the prepared traveller, and that starts at the airport. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: How far is Havana Airport from the city centre?** About **18 km**, taking **25-40 minutes** by car depending on traffic and your exact destination. **Q: How much is a taxi from Havana Airport to Old Havana?** A state taxi costs approximately **USD 30-40**. Classic car taxis charge similar rates. Always agree on the price before departure. **Q: Can I pay in US dollars at Havana Airport?** Yes. Most taxi drivers and transfer services accept USD. Cuban Pesos (CUP) are also accepted. Bring cash — cards often do not work in Cuba. **Q: Do ATMs work at Havana Airport?** ATMs exist but are unreliable. Many international cards, especially US-issued ones, do not work. **Bring enough cash in USD or EUR** for your transfer and first days. **Q: Is there a bus from Havana Airport to the city?** Local bus P12 runs from near the airport but is extremely crowded, has no luggage space, and is not practical for tourists. A taxi or transfer is recommended. **Q: Are the classic car taxis safe?** They are a genuine part of Havana culture and generally safe for the ride. However, many lack seatbelts, air conditioning, and modern safety features. For families with children, a modern vehicle is safer. **Q: Should I book a transfer in advance for Havana?** Yes, it is recommended. Cuba has limited internet, ATMs often fail, and negotiating with drivers can be stressful on arrival. A pre-booked transfer removes these uncertainties. **Q: What currency does Cuba use?** The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP). USD is widely accepted for tourist services. EUR is also accepted at some exchange points. Bring cash — card payments are unreliable. **Q: How long does immigration take at Havana Airport?** Typically **30-60 minutes** for international arrivals, sometimes longer. Have your passport, tourist card, and health insurance documentation ready. **Q: Is there Uber or a ride app in Havana?** No. There is no Uber, Bolt, or any ride-hailing app in Cuba. Your options are taxis at the rank, classic car taxis, or a pre-booked private transfer. --- ## Additional Guides ### Late Night Arrivals at Jose Marti Airport, Havana **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hav/late-night Many international flights to Havana arrive in the evening or late at night. Charter flights from Canada and Europe often land between 20:00 and 23:00. The airport handles these arrivals, but your transport options narrow after dark. ## What is available after 22:00 | Option | Available? | Notes | |--------|-----------|-------| | State taxi | Yes | Reduced numbers, may need to wait | | Classic car taxi | Unlikely | Most leave after the evening rush | | Private transfer | Yes (if pre-booked) | Most reliable option | | Colectivo / bus | No | Not running at night | ## The reality of late-night arrivals Havana Airport thins out quickly after the last flights. The arrivals hall empties, the exchange booth may close, and the number of taxis at the rank drops. State taxis are usually still available, but you may wait 10-20 minutes for one. Classic car taxis largely disappear after the evening flights. If you wanted the vintage car experience, you will need to save it for daytime. Late-night taxi drivers are more likely to quote high fares, knowing you have limited alternatives. If a driver asks for **USD 50** to Old Havana, the fair price is still **USD 30-35**. Negotiate calmly. ## Why pre-booking matters more in Cuba In most countries, you can always find a taxi or call an Uber. Cuba is different. There is no Uber. Phone signal at the airport can be weak. You cannot easily call a taxi company because tourist SIM cards are not readily available on arrival. Internet requires ETECSA cards you do not have yet. A pre-booked transfer at **USD 30-50** solves all of this. The driver is waiting when you walk out of customs, regardless of the hour. This is not a luxury in Cuba — it is practical insurance. ## Safety at night Havana is one of the safest capitals in Latin America, even at night. The drive from the airport to the city centre follows a main highway and well-lit avenues. Crime against tourists is rare. Still, use common sense: use official taxis or pre-booked transfers only, keep valuables out of sight, have your accommodation address written down on paper, and carry cash since nothing works without it in Cuba. ## Hotels near the airport There are no hotels within walking distance of the airport. The nearest options are in the Boyeros area, about 5-10 minutes by taxi. Most travellers proceed directly to Havana — the short drive is safe and straightforward. ## Practical advice - Pre-book your transfer before leaving home — do not rely on finding transport at the airport at midnight - Bring enough USD cash for the transfer and your first night - Have your casa particular or hotel address written on paper - If no pre-booked car is available, wait for a state taxi at the rank — do not follow unofficial solicitors --- ### Taxi vs Private Transfer from Havana Airport **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hav/taxi-vs-transfer In Havana, this comparison is unlike anywhere else. Your taxi might be a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. The transfer might be a modern Hyundai. Both get you to the city, but the experience and reliability differ. ## Side-by-side comparison | Factor | State/classic taxi | Private transfer | |--------|-------------------|------------------| | Price to Old Havana | **USD 30-40** (negotiate) | **USD 30-45** (fixed) | | Booking | No booking, rank outside | Pre-booked online | | Vehicle condition | Varies wildly | Modern, air-conditioned | | Negotiation required | Yes | No | | Child seat | Not available | Sometimes on request | | Air conditioning | Sometimes | Yes | | Seatbelts | Often missing in back | Standard | | Payment | Cash only (USD/CUP) | Cash or pre-paid | ## The case for a classic car taxi There is nothing quite like riding into Havana in a 1950s American car. The pastel buildings, the Malecon sea wall, the sound of an engine that has been running for 70 years — it is the iconic Havana moment. Many travellers want this experience and it is worth having. The practical reality: classic cars vary enormously. Some are beautifully maintained with working AC. Others have torn seats, no seatbelts, and suspension that makes every pothole feel like an earthquake. You do not get to choose — you get the car that is next in line. Price-wise, expect to pay **USD 30-40** to Old Havana after negotiation. Some drivers start at USD 50. Counter politely. ## The case for a pre-booked transfer A private transfer solves every practical problem. The vehicle is modern and air-conditioned. The price is fixed — no negotiation at arrival. The driver monitors your flight and waits with your name. You can sometimes pay in advance, reducing your need for cash on day one. For Cuba, where internet is unreliable, ATMs fail, and everything requires negotiation, having your airport transfer sorted before you land is genuinely valuable. Transfers cost **USD 25-45** — often the same as or less than what an unaware tourist pays a taxi driver. ## State taxis — the middle ground Modern state taxis (yellow Geely or Hyundai cars) offer a more comfortable ride than classic cars at similar prices. They have meters, though drivers do not always use them. They are the practical choice if you want a taxi without pre-booking but prefer modern comfort. ## Our recommendation First time in Cuba and want to minimise stress? Pre-book a transfer. Travelled in Latin America before and enjoy the negotiation? Take a classic car for the experience. Either way, bring cash and know the fair price before you land. --- ### Havana Airport with Family and Kids **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hav/family-and-kids Cuba with kids is a rewarding experience, but it requires more preparation than most destinations. Jose Marti Airport is basic, and the transport situation outside demands planning — especially for families. ## Inside the terminal Terminal 3 (international arrivals) has limited facilities. There are restrooms with basic changing areas, but do not expect dedicated family rooms or play areas. The single food counter has limited options. Bring snacks and water from the plane. Immigration queues can take 30-60 minutes. Have something to keep children occupied — a book, a colouring pad, anything that does not need Wi-Fi because there is none. ## Getting to the city with kids | Option | Family rating | Price (USD) | |--------|--------------|-------------| | Pre-booked modern transfer | Best | **30-50** | | State taxi (modern car) | Decent | **25-35** | | Classic car taxi | Fun but basic | **30-40** | ## The classic car dilemma Kids often love the idea of a vintage car ride. The reality is that many classic cars lack rear seatbelts, have hard bench seats, and offer no child restraint options. Air conditioning is hit or miss. For a short ride with older children who can use a regular seatbelt, it can be a fun experience. For toddlers and infants, it is not recommended. ## Child seats Child car seats are essentially unavailable in Cuba — taxis do not have them, rental companies rarely stock them, and buying one locally is not possible. Your options: - **Bring a portable travel car seat** from home — this is the safest choice - **Request one from a transfer company** — some try to accommodate but availability is limited - **Use a state taxi** and hold younger children on your lap (common in Cuba, not recommended by safety standards) If child safety in the car is a priority, bring your own seat. There is no reliable alternative. ## Essential supplies Cuba has chronic shortages of basic goods. Bring everything your children might need: - Nappies and wipes (scarce and expensive locally) - Formula and baby food - Children's medications (paracetamol, antihistamine) - Sunscreen (strong Caribbean sun) - Snacks for the journey You cannot count on finding these items easily in Havana, and certainly not at the airport. ## The transport recommendation For families, a pre-booked modern transfer at **USD 30-50** is the clear choice. You get a vehicle with working seatbelts and AC, a driver who is expecting you, and a fixed price with no negotiation while managing tired children and luggage. If you want the classic car experience, save it for a city tour on another day when you can choose the car and the conditions. ## Tips for families - Pre-book your airport transfer before leaving home - Bring a portable car seat if your child needs one - Pack all essentials — do not rely on Cuban shops - Carry cash (USD) for everything - Immigration is slow — bring entertainment for the wait - Havana tap water is not safe for children — bring or buy bottled water --- ### How Much Does It Cost to Get from Havana Airport to the City? **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hav/cost-to-city Jose Marti Airport is **18 km from central Havana**. There is no metro or reliable bus for tourists, so you are looking at some form of taxi or transfer. ## Price comparison | Transport | Price (USD) | Price (EUR) | Time | Best for | |-----------|-------------|-------------|------|----------| | State taxi | **25-35** | ~23-32 | 25-40 min | Budget with comfort | | Classic car taxi | **30-40** | ~27-37 | 25-40 min | The Havana experience | | Private transfer | **25-45** | ~23-41 | 25-40 min | Fixed price, no negotiation | | Colectivo (shared) | **2-5** | ~2-5 | 40-60 min | Backpackers only | ## Prices by destination | Destination | State taxi (USD) | Private transfer (USD) | |------------|-----------------|----------------------| | Old Havana (Habana Vieja) | **30-40** | **30-45** | | Vedado | **25-35** | **25-40** | | Centro Habana | **25-35** | **25-40** | | Miramar | **20-30** | **20-35** | | Playas del Este | **35-50** | **35-55** | ## The negotiation reality Cuba does not work like most countries for transport pricing. State taxis have meters but drivers sometimes claim they are broken. Classic cars never had meters. The result is that every fare is a negotiation. Knowing the fair price gives you leverage. For Old Havana, **USD 30-35** is reasonable. If a driver asks for USD 50, counter with 30 and settle around 35. Be polite — aggressive bargaining is not the Cuban way. ## Cash is king This is critical: **bring enough cash for your transfer**. Cuban ATMs frequently fail with foreign cards, especially US-issued ones. Credit card machines are rare outside hotels. The CADECA exchange booth at the airport can change EUR or USD to CUP, but the queue can be long. Most taxi drivers prefer USD. Some accept EUR at a roughly fair rate. CUP is accepted but you will need a lot of notes for the equivalent amount. ## Pre-booked transfers A pre-booked transfer at **USD 25-45** avoids the negotiation entirely. The price is fixed, the driver is waiting with your name, and you can often pay in advance through the booking platform. This is the most stress-free option, especially for first-time Cuba visitors. ## Bottom line Budget **USD 25-40** for the airport-to-Havana trip. Bring cash. If you want zero hassle, pre-book. If you want the experience, negotiate a classic car fare and enjoy the ride along the Malecon into the city. --- ## Related Pages - [Main arrival guide](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hav) - [Late night arrivals](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hav/late-night) - [Taxi vs transfer](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hav/taxi-vs-transfer) - [Family & kids](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hav/family-and-kids) - [Cost to city](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/hav/cost-to-city) --- ## Check before you land 👉 This route is actively served by AirportTransferPortal with fixed-price booking available before arrival. Check real vehicles and prices before your flight. Booking takes a few minutes and ensures someone is waiting when you arrive. --- ## Operational Note This guide reflects real operational conditions, pricing ranges, and traveler experience at Havana (HAV). Transfer availability is supported by AirportTransferPortal's verified supplier network. --- ## Attribution Published by AirportTransferPortal (airporttransferportal.com), a global airport transfer marketplace operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.