# José Martí International Airport (HAV)

> Havana, CU · 20 km (12 mi) southwest of central Havana

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/hav
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/hav.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: HAV
- **ICAO**: MUHA
- **Timezone**: America/Havana
- **Runways**: 1
- **Terminals**: 4
- **Passengers**: null/yr
- **Hub for**: Cubana de Aviación, Aerogaviota

## Overview

## Welcome

Stepping into José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana is like stepping back in time. This airport might surprise travelers accustomed to digital conveniences, as it's a cash-heavy environment with almost no free Wi-Fi and a scant selection of food and retail options. You'll see the true value of planning ahead when you arrive, especially in a place where knowing which terminal offers food, Wi-Fi cards, and VIP lounges can significantly impact your experience. HAV retains elements of a bygone era, where printed documents, carrying small bills, and managing service expectations are key.

## At a glance

Located 20 kilometers southwest of central Havana, José Martí International Airport caters to both domestic and international flights across four terminals: 1, 2, 3, and 5. It's the primary hub for Cubana de Aviación and Aerogaviota. You won't find cutting-edge technology here, but the airport effectively serves as a passageway in and out of Cuba, though its dated facilities may take some getting used to.

## Terminals & layout

Terminal 1 focuses on domestic flights, mainly operated by Cubana de Aviación. Terminal 2 and 3 handle the majority of international traffic, with United Airlines and Air China among the carriers in these terminals. Terminal 3 is the main international terminal and boasts the majority of the airport's amenities, including restaurants and duty-free shops. Terminal 5, catering to domestic, regional, and charter flights, rounds out the layout. A shuttle bus links all terminals, which are spread out, so allocate at least an hour when transferring between them.

## Getting to and from the city

The airport is about a 25-30 minute taxi ride from central Havana, costing around $25-$30. Stick to the official government taxi queue to avoid scams. There's also a public bus service from Terminal 1, costing just a few CUP, although prepare for limited signage and a language barrier. Private transfer services offer an alternative for the same taxi fare while tour operators provide chartered coach journeys.

## Traveller essentials

Prepare to quench your thirst in Terminal 3 only, as food and drink options are limited and unevenly distributed across the airport. Ensuring that you have cash in euros or other foreign currencies, along with non-U.S. cards, is crucial since local ATMs are known for their unreliability. Be aware, there are no luggage storage facilities, so plan accordingly if you have a layover. Finally, print all your essential travel documents and have them handy, as Wi-Fi is unreliable, and there are few places to print if issues arise.

### Dining & shopping highlights

Restaurants and shops are mainly located in Terminal 3. Options like Bar Central, Cafetería Terminal 3, and Snack Bar Departures offer the basics, though reports suggest these can be pricey and crowded for Cuba. Duty Free Rum and Cigars is a go-to for last-minute shopping with wide selections, while souvenirs, books, and essential travel accessories are also available.

## Lounges

HAV hosts several VIP lounges, primarily in Terminal 3, including a business-focused one. Pay-for-entry lounges in Terminals 2 and 3 offer valuable respite from the hustle, with features like open bars and snacks. These make a commendable upgrade from the typically congested public areas, especially during flight delays.

## Insider tips

- **Insider:** Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle as Terminal 3's food can run out at peak times, and Terminal 1 often has none.

- **Money:** Buy an ETECSA internet card while in Havana; Terminal 3's Wi-Fi is paid-only and obtaining cards can be more complex there.

- **Avoid:** Plan at least an hour for transferring between terminals, given their spread and the shuttle's inefficiency.

- **Local:** Use the public bus from Terminal 1 into Havana for a cheap yet local travel experience—though it requires patience and some Spanish.

- **Quiet:** For some peace, the VIP lounges in Terminals 2 and 3 are a good investment, particularly when peak crowds hit.

- **Time:** Extra buffer time is essential during late afternoon/evening peaks for Europe-bound flights due to bottlenecks.

- **Insider:** Cuban cigars and rum at duty-free shops in Terminal 3 offer a convenient final opportunity for authentic purchases with proper paperwork.

- **Avoid:** Offers of help on arrival are best ignored; official government taxi queues are reliable and regulated.

## Terminals (4)

- **Terminal 1 (Domestic Terminal)** — Cubana de Aviación
- **Terminal 2 (International Terminal)** — United Airlines
- **Terminal 3 (Main International Terminal)** — United Airlines, Air China
- **Terminal 5 (Domestic, regional and charter terminal for Cuban carriers)** — Cubana de Aviación

## Dining (10)

- **Bar Arribos** — 3
- **Bar Central** — 3
- **Bar Cubano** — 3
- **Bar Terminal 2** — 2
- **Cafetería Mezzanine** — 3
- **Cafetería Salidas** — 3
- **Cafetería Terminal 3** — 3
- **Express Snack Bar** — 3
- **Restaurante Terminal 2** — 2
- **Snack Bar Departures** — 3

## Lounges (5)

- **Salon VIP Terminal 2** — 2 · Terminal 2, pay-per-use
- **Salon VIP Terminal 3** — 3 · Terminal 3, pay-per-use
- **Salon VIP Terminal 3 Business** — 3 · Terminal 3, airline invitation
- **VIP Service Lounge Arrivals** — 3 · Terminal 3, pay-per-use
- **VIP Service Lounge Departures** — 3 · Terminal 3, pay-per-use

## Shops (15)

- **Bookshop Terminal 3** — 3
- **Bookstore Terminal 2** — 2
- **Casa del Habano Kiosk** — 3
- **Cigar Shop Terminal 3** — 3
- **Convenience Store Terminal 3** — 3
- **Duty Free Rum and Cigars** — 3
- **Duty Free Terminal 3** — 3
- **Liquor Shop Terminal 3** — 3
- **Mini Market Terminal 1** — 1
- **Newsagent Terminal 3** — 3
- **Perfume and Cosmetics Shop** — 3
- **Pharmacy Terminal 3** — 3
- **Rum and Cigar Shop Arrivals** — 3
- **Souvenir Shop Terminal 3** — 3
- **Travel Accessories Shop** — 3

## Parking (5)

- **Overflow Parking Terminal 3** — Long stay
- **Staff Parking Area** — Employee parking
- **Terminal 1 Car Park** — Short and long stay
- **Terminal 2 Car Park** — Short and long stay
- **Terminal 3 Car Park** — Short and long stay

## Ground transport (8)

- **Car Rental Shuttle** — Bus
- **Hotel Shuttle Coaches** — Bus
- **Interterminal Shuttle Bus** — Bus · infrequent
- **Official Government Taxis** — Taxi · 25-30 min · $25-30
- **Private Transfer Services** — Car · 25-30 min · $25
- **Public Bus Terminal 1** — Bus · A few CUP (local fare level)
- **Taxi Vinales** — Taxi · 2.5-3 hours · $25 per person
- **Tour Operator Buses** — Coach

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle as Terminal 3's food can run out at peak times, and Terminal 1 often has none.
- _Money_: Buy an ETECSA internet card while in Havana; Terminal 3's Wi-Fi is paid-only and obtaining cards can be more complex there.
- _Avoid_: Plan at least an hour for transferring between terminals, given their spread and the shuttle's inefficiency.
- _Local_: Use the public bus from Terminal 1 into Havana for a cheap yet local travel experience—though it requires patience and some Spanish.
- _Quiet_: For some peace, the VIP lounges in Terminals 2 and 3 are a good investment, particularly when peak crowds hit.
- _Time_: Extra buffer time is essential during late afternoon/evening peaks for Europe-bound flights due to bottlenecks.
- _Insider_: Cuban cigars and rum at duty-free shops in Terminal 3 offer a convenient final opportunity for authentic purchases with proper paperwork.
- _Avoid_: Offers of help on arrival are best ignored; official government taxi queues are reliable and regulated.