Varadero Cuba Travel Guide
Varadero's own airport, Juan Gualberto Gómez (VRA), offers direct access to resorts. Havana's José Martí International Airport (HAV) is Cuba's largest, approximately a 2-hour drive from Varadero.
Canadian and European airlines frequently offer direct flights to VRA and HAV. U.S. Flights mainly go to Havana (HAV) due to travel restrictions, requiring authorized categories.
Flight prices peak during high season (Dec-Apr) and major holidays. Prices are generally lower during the wet season (Jun-Oct).
VRA offers basic facilities: car rental, currency exchange, duty-free. HAV is larger with more dining and services.
Dollar Flight Club for deals, Skyscanner for comparisons.
Airlines typically include departure tax in international ticket prices. Confirm with your airline if any separate fees are expected.
Arrive at VRA or HAV at least 2-3 hours before your international flight. This allows enough time for check-in and security. Have your passport and the second half of your Tourist Card ready.
VRA has basic waiting areas, duty-free shops, and snack bars. HAV offers a wider range of dining and shopping options.
Viazul Bus is the main inter-city bus service for tourists in Cuba. Viazul offers air-conditioned coaches connecting Varadero to major tourist destinations across the island.
Car rentals are available from state-run companies like Cubacar, REX, and Havanautos. Costs are high, and vehicles may be older models. Fuel can be expensive and scarce outside major towns.
You must be generally over 21 (some companies require 25). Book rentals well in advance, ideally before arriving in Cuba, as availability finds limitation.
Varadero does not feature a major international cruise port. Havana (Terminal de Cruceros de la Habana) is Cuba's main cruise port. There are no regular passenger ferry services directly to Varadero from international destinations.
This is Varadero's airport, approximately 20-30 minutes drive from the Varadero peninsula. It is the most convenient airport for direct access to Varadero resorts.
Located in Havana, this is Cuba's largest and busiest international airport, approximately a 2-hour drive from Varadero. Many international flights, notably from the United States, arrive here.
Have your passport and the second half of your Tourist Card ready for inspection at departure.
Arrive at least 2-3 hours before your international flight for check-in and security.
Confirm any specific exit fees with your airline. Most are now included in ticket price.
Finding the best flights makes a difference to your budget and travel plans. Utilize resources that find competitive fares.
Expect to pay approximately $30-40 USD to most resorts on the peninsula from Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA).
Private taxis from José Martí International Airport (HAV) to Varadero cost around $100-150 USD. Shared taxis are $25-35 USD per person.
The Viazul bus journey from Havana to Varadero's Viazul station takes about 2.5-3 hours. A taxi from HAV airport to the Viazul bus station costs approx. $25-30 USD.
For most tourist routes, buses or private taxis are preferred over trains due to reliability and speed.
