Cuba is served by direct or indirect connections from Europe and North America.
By air, José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana is the main hub. From Paris: Air France (4-5 weekly direct flights CDG-HAV, 10h flight, €600-1,200 return depending on season), Air Caraïbes (direct CDG-HAV flights in high season), Iberia (via Madrid, daily flights), KLM (via Amsterdam), Air Europa (via Madrid). Return fares €600-900 in low season, €800-1,200 in high season (December-February, Easter, July-August). Book 3-4 months ahead for best rates.
Direct charter flights to the Cayos from Europe are numerous in high season (November-April) — Air Transat, TUI Fly, Sunwing, Condor, Iberojet serve Varadero (VRA), Cayo Coco (CCC) and sometimes Holguín (HOG) in all-inclusive packages (€800-2,500 per person for 7 nights with all-inclusive resort).
European travellers must have a mandatory tourist visa — the Tarjeta de Turista — purchased before departure: €25 from a travel agent or Cuban consulate, valid 30 days on arrival (renewable once for 30 more days on site). Travel insurance covering Cuba is mandatory on entry and may be checked at the airport. The D'Viajeros form (online health and customs) must be filled within 72h before arrival — free, accessible at dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu.
From the airport to Havana centre, expect €25-30 by official taxi (45 min). Avoid touts: take a taxi at the official rank in front of the terminal, fare negotiated in advance. No reliable public shuttle exists to the centre. Ask your casa particular to arrange the transfer (typically €25-30 with your host waiting for you with your name).
Once in Cuba, internal transport is organised by context. The Viazul bus (€5-60 per trip depending on distance) is the main option for foreign travellers — comfortable, air-conditioned, but booking mandatory on viazul.com 1-2 weeks ahead. Shared taxis (long-distance almendrones, €15-35 per person) are faster and more flexible. A private car with driver (€80-200 per trip depending on distance) is the most comfortable. Car hire (€50-70/day) offers maximum freedom. Domestic flights (Cubana, Aerogaviota, €80-180 return) are essential to reach Santiago, Cayo Coco and Cayo Largo — but Cubana is known for delays and cancellations.
Read also
- Havana and the West — The UNESCO capital and Viñales Valley: absolute priority for a first Cuban trip.
- Central Cuba — UNESCO Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara: the historic colonial and revolutionary heart.
- South-East and Santiago — Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa, Sierra Maestra: the most authentic and African Cuban Oriente.
- Cayos and Beaches — Varadero, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo: Cuba's paradise beaches in all-inclusive formula.
- Havana, the frozen capital — UNESCO Old Havana, the Malecón, American classic cars, nightly salsa: the Cuban heart.