Flights to Cuba

Getting to Havana and the beaches

José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana is the main gateway. Varadero, on a long peninsula about two hours east, has the island's best-known beach resorts and its own airport, while Holguín and Cayo Coco serve resorts further along the north coast. Charter flights from the UK have run at times, so check whether seasonal non-stop options are available for your dates.

Connecting flights from the UK

Iberia flies from Heathrow, Manchester and other UK airports to Madrid, then on to Havana. Air Europa connects through Madrid from Gatwick, and Air France connects through Paris Charles de Gaulle from Heathrow and several regional airports. Connections through the US are not an option for most tourist trips because of American travel restrictions.

From Spanish colony to revolution

Christopher Columbus reached Cuba in 1492, and Havana grew into one of Spain's richest ports, protected by fortresses at the harbour mouth. Cuba won independence in 1902 after decades of struggle, and Fidel Castro's revolution took power in 1959. The trade embargo that followed explains the classic American cars still on the roads, kept running for decades with ingenuity and spare parts.

Entry, money and practical tips

British visitors need a tourist card, often sold by airlines or tour operators, and must complete the online D'Viajeros form before travel. Travel insurance with medical cover is compulsory. Bank cards issued by US banks don't work, and card payments can be unreliable, so many travellers bring euros in cash. Power cuts and shortages are common, so check current UK government travel advice before you go. Cuba is five hours behind the UK.

When to go

November to April is dry and warm, with highs around 27°C. Summer is hot and humid, and the hurricane season runs from June to November.

Want help routing your flights to Havana or Varadero? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll compare connections.