Book flights to Havana

Havana greets travellers as a storied maritime gateway, positioned along the deep-sea curves of the northwest coast. This destination is the political and administrative heart of the island, where the humid air and salty breeze signal the start of a Caribbean journey.

The city contains a dense concentration of history within Old Havana, home to the baroque Catedral de la Habana and the sprawling Plaza de Armas. Beyond the colonial core, the Malecón waterfront drive stretches toward the Vedado district, while the Castillo de la Real Fuerza is a remnant of early Spanish maritime defence.

Visitors find a destination defined by its resilient character and the constant presence of music and art. The atmosphere is a mixture of faded grandeur and a thriving contemporary culture, making it an essential stop for those seeking a deep connection with Latin American history and architecture.

High season in Havana

Havana welcomes the majority of its visitors between November and April, when the tropical heat softens into a comfortable warmth. During these months, daytime temperatures usually hover around 24°C, creating an ideal climate for walking through the historic streets of Old Havana. The air is crisp and dry, a contrast to the humidity found later in the year, which allows the city’s colonial architecture and pastel facades to glow under a clear, bright sun.

Upon landing at José Martí International Airport, travellers find a city at its most energetic and social. The Malecón seawall is often crowded with locals and musicians, while the outdoor plazas host numerous cultural gatherings. Major events like the Havana Film Festival in December and the Havana International Jazz Festival in January draw global crowds, filling the air with rhythm. This season has a sophisticated, bustling pace where the city’s artistic life is on full display.

Low season in Havana

The low season in Havana spans from May to October, characterized by higher humidity and temperatures that frequently climb above 30°C. Brief but intense afternoon rain showers are common, often providing a dramatic backdrop to the city’s skyline before the sun reappears. While the pace of life slows down to accommodate the heat, the lush greenery in neighbourhoods like Vedado becomes exceptionally vivid.

Visitors arriving during this period experience a more intimate and authentic version of the city. The streets are quieter, and the lifestyle shifts toward a relaxed, breezy rhythm centered around shaded courtyards and the cooling coast. In July and August, the Havana Carnival brings a surge of local colour and tradition to the waterfront with parades and dancing. This season is defined by its tranquil atmosphere and the opportunity to see the city’s daily life without the usual crowds.

The primary gateway for travellers arriving by air sits to the south of the capital, and is the central hub for the majority of international and domestic traffic. Most visitors booking a flight to Havana will arrive at this facility, which manages a high volume of long-haul connections from Europe, Canada, and the Americas.

Jose Marti International Airport (HAV)

Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) is located approximately 15 km southwest of the centre of Havana, within the municipality of Boyeros. As the busiest airfield in the country, it is the home base for Cubana de Aviacion and handles the vast majority of international flights to Havana. The facility consists of four distinct passenger terminals, with Terminal 3 acting as the primary hub for international arrivals, while other terminals manage domestic routes and specific regional connections.

Upon exiting the arrivals hall, travellers typically find that the most direct method to reach the city is via official Taxis Cuba vehicles, which wait at designated ranks outside each terminal. The journey to Old Havana or the Vedado district generally takes between 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific destination. While there is no dedicated rail link or express airport shuttle, public bus services, often referred to as P12 or P16, operate from the vicinity of the airport toward central areas like Parque Central or Plaza de la Revolucion. These public options are frequently crowded and involve a significant walking distance from the international terminal, and are therefore less common for those carrying heavy luggage.

Havana offers a wealth of experiences, from its historic core to vibrant cultural hubs, inviting travellers to explore its unique character. Stepping out into the humid air, the transition from the modern cabin to the storied streets of Havana marks the beginning of an immersive journey through time.

Old Havana
This central district is a dense labyrinth of cobblestone streets and baroque churches where the city's colonial history remains alive through restored plazas and active neighbourhoods. It is the heart of the city's social life, filled with the sounds of street musicians and the sight of locals gathering in the shade of centuries-old stone arches.

The Malecón
This 8 km stone esplanade acts as the city's front porch, where the salt spray of the Atlantic meets the urban edge. It is a favourite spot for a seaside stroll, especially at sunset when residents gather to fish, play music, and watch classic cars cruise along the waterfront.

Classic car tours
The streets are an open-air museum of automotive history, featuring meticulously maintained American vehicles from the 1950s in every imaginable colour. Hiring a driver for a tour through the wide boulevards of Vedado provides a breezy, nostalgic perspective of the city's architectural evolution.

Callejón de Hamel
Tucked away in a residential neighbourhood, this narrow alley is an explosion of mural art and sculptures dedicated to Afro-Cuban culture. On Sunday afternoons, the space transforms into a centre for rumba music and dance, offering a deep look into the spiritual and artistic traditions of the local community.

Castillo de la Real Fuerza
Guardians of the harbour, the massive limestone walls of this fortress illustrate the strategic importance the port held for centuries. Its presence on the skyline is one of the first sights many travellers notice, is a silent witness to the maritime history of the region.

Fusterlandia
Located in the fishing village of Jaimanitas, this neighbourhood has been transformed by artist José Fuster into a surreal landscape of intricate tile mosaics. Every wall and roof is covered in whimsical designs, turning an entire community into a colourful, collective work of art.

Securing a flight to Havana at a great price is best achieved by booking your tickets early and keeping your departure dates open. eDreams Prime has additional benefits for frequent travellers, helping you secure great value for every journey you plan. With just a few clicks, you can finalize your travel arrangements and start looking forward to the moment your plane touches down at José Martí International Airport.