# HAV — Cuba (Havana–José Martí International)

> HAV (Havana–José Martí International) is the main international airport serving Cuba, Cuba. Source: https://www.airportexit.com/airports/hav-cuba

## At a glance

- **Best exit method:** Take an official airport taxi (yellow) at the fixed rate
- **Typical fare:** US$25–US$35 to Vedado/Habana Vieja
- **Journey time:** 25–40 min
- **Pickup point:** Official taxi rank outside Arrivals (Terminal 3)
- **Key warning:** US-issued cards and Apple/Google Pay generally do NOT work in Cuba — bring USD or EUR cash
- **Fare reality (HAV → Habana Vieja):** expected US$25–US$35 · concerning US$50+ · likely scam US$70+ private car
- **Overall risk:** medium — Cash-only country with US card restrictions for many travellers. Official taxis charge fixed CUP/USD rates from a desk. Bring USD or EUR cash.
- **Last updated:** June 2026 (medium confidence)

## Ways out of HAV, ranked

1. **Official airport taxi (yellow)** _(recommended)_ — cost US$25–US$35, journey 25–40 min, wait Immediate, payment Cash.
   - Pros: Fixed rate; Regulated
   - Cons: Cash only
2. **Private classic car** — cost US$30–US$60, journey 30–45 min, wait Negotiate, payment Cash.
   - Pros: Photogenic
   - Cons: No regulation; Price varies wildly
3. **Pre-booked hotel transfer** — cost US$25–US$45, journey 25–40 min, wait Pre-arranged, payment Card & Cash.
   - Pros: No surprises
   - Cons: Book ahead
4. **Public bus P-12** — cost Cents in CUP, journey 60–90 min, wait Every 30 min, payment Cash.
   - Pros: Cheapest
   - Cons: Crowded; Not for first-time visitors

## First 30 minutes after landing at HAV

1. Clear immigration (visa/tarjeta required)
2. Collect bags, clear customs
3. Walk to official taxi rank — yellow Tourist Taxis
4. Pay in USD/EUR cash, confirm fare before leaving
5. Total to Habana Vieja: 25–40 min

## Common scams at HAV

- **Card-doesn't-work shakedown** (medium risk): Touts at airport offer to 'help' with card issues, taking you to inflated-rate exchanges. _How to avoid:_ Bring sufficient cash; exchange at the CADECA in the terminal (small commission, fair rate).
- **Classic-car bait-and-switch** (medium risk): Quoted US$25 becomes US$50 'because of luggage'. _How to avoid:_ Stick with the yellow Tourist Taxi rate.

## Payment warnings at HAV

- US cards do not work. Bring USD or EUR cash. Avoid arriving with only USD if planning to exchange — EUR gets better rates

## Arrival checklist for HAV

- USD or EUR cash (lots)
- Tourist card / visa
- Hotel name in Spanish
- Realistic expectations on connectivity

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Canonical URL: https://www.airportexit.com/airports/hav-cuba
Source: Airport Exit (https://www.airportexit.com)
Last updated: June 2026

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