The wet season in Cuba is July to September, with hurricane season June to November. The dry season is December through to April or May. However, the temperature is high throughout the year, averaging around 27 degrees Celsius and falling only to an average of 22 from November to January.
Havana’s bus system is unreliable, so take one of the shuttle or tour buses that cater to travellers. You may want to try a camel, which in this case is a tractor-pulled passenger car. These take people all around the city, but are for the more adventurous traveller. You can find tourist taxis easily at hotels and major sightseeing spots. Havana taxis charge rates in US dollars and can be very affordable. Freelance taxis are illegal, and while the passengers aren’t punished, the drivers might refuse to drop you in front of your hotel. It’s always a good idea to settle on a price before you get in the car. Walking around is a great way to soak up the city, especially in La Habana Veija, but you can also take horse-drawn carriages, two-seater Coco Taxis and antique cars to get you to your next stop.
Getting downtown from the airport
Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) is located 9 miles (15 km) southwest of Havana.
What is good to know if travelling to Havana?- The Hotel Nacional is one of the most impressive in Havana. It was a favourite of Winston Churchill’s. However, it is also one of the most expensive places to stay. If it’s outside your budget, don’t be put off from just going for a wander round the lobby to take a look.
- One of the cheapest ways to stay in the city is in a “casa particular” – a private room rented out to tourists. Rules are strict for Cubans wanting to rent out accommodation – they need a licence in order to do so and are only allowed to have a maximum of two rooms with two adults in each at any one time. Standards vary widely, so make sure you ask to check the room before accepting it. With a bit of scouting, however, this can be a cost-effective way of staying, and will introduce you to some inhabitants of the city, who will know more about it than any tourist you meet in a hotel.
Havana airport overview
Situated only 15km (9 miles) southwest of Havana, Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) is Cuba’s main international gateway. The airport is sometimes referred to by its old name, Rancho-Boyeros Airport, in reference to the area in which the airport is located. It was renamed in memory of Cuba’s famous patriot and poet, Jose Marti.
There are four passenger terminals and one cargo terminal. Terminal 1 is used primarily for domestic flights, Terminal 2 handles Special Authority flights to and from the United States, Terminal 3 deals with international travellers, Terminal 4 deals with cargo, and Terminal 5 is used primarily by Aero Caribbean and Aerotaxi.
Flights to Jose Marti International Airport arrive from major European centres and from popular South American cities. If you’re an international traveller, there’s enough to keep you busy at the airport, where you can enjoy 24-hour service at the restaurants and shops.