Miami to Havana is one of the shortest international hops from the US — barely over an hour in the air, with American Airlines flying it several times a day. It is also a route with real paperwork: US travelers must qualify under an authorized travel category and buy a Cuban Tourist Card. This guide covers who flies nonstop, what a fair return fare looks like in dollars, and the rules you need to know before you book.
Route: Miami (MIA) → Havana, José Martí (HAV)
Distance: approximately 377 km (234 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 1h 15m – 1h 20m
Direct flights: Yes — American Airlines flies nonstop several times daily from Miami. Some other US carriers add nonstop Havana service from South Florida on certain schedules. Note that flights to Cuba shift with US policy, so timings can change.
Fares from Miami to Havana (USD)
It’s a short hop, so base airfares are low — but remember to add the mandatory Cuban Tourist Card (around $50–$100, often sold by the airline) and Cuban medical insurance, which is usually bundled into the ticket price on flights from the US. Fares peak in the winter dry season (December–March) and the summer family-visit months; September and October (hurricane season) are cheapest. The table below shows when the route is busiest. We no longer print per-month fare estimates here, because they were never measured.
| Month | Demand |
|---|---|
| January | high (dry season) |
| February | high |
| March | high |
| April | medium |
| May | medium |
| June | medium-high (family visits) |
| July | high (summer) |
| August | high |
| September | low |
| October | low |
| November | medium |
| December | very high (holidays) |
We do not quote a target fare for this route. Our price tracking holds no recorded observations for it, so a “typical” or “good deal” figure here would be an estimate dressed up as a measurement — so this page leaves it out rather than guess. The seasonal pattern above is the part we can stand behind; check the live fare for the number.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 1h 15m):
- American Airlines — the main carrier, with multiple nonstops daily from its Miami hub; it also sells the Cuban Tourist Card at the airport and typically bundles the required Cuban medical insurance into the fare.
Havana is also served nonstop from nearby Fort Lauderdale (FLL) by other US airlines, so if you’re flexible on your South Florida departure airport you may find an alternative schedule or fare. Because US–Cuba service depends on federal policy, always confirm the flight is operating when you book.
US travel rules & when to book
- You must qualify under an authorized category. Ordinary tourism is not permitted for US travelers; you self-certify one of the 12 authorized categories (most independent visitors use Support for the Cuban People) and keep records for five years. This is a legal requirement, not an airline formality — read the current OFAC guidance before you travel.
- Buy the Cuban Tourist Card (visa). Required for entry; the airline usually sells it at the Miami gate, or you can arrange it in advance.
- Carry cash. US-issued credit and debit cards generally do not work in Cuba because of the embargo, so bring enough cash (US dollars or euros) for your whole trip.
- Book 1–2 months ahead for the best fares; avoid the December holidays and the winter dry-season peak if you want the lowest price.
- Check the Cuba Restricted List — US rules bar spending at certain government-linked hotels and businesses, which can affect where you stay.
Arriving in Havana
Flights land at José Martí International (HAV), about 15 km south of central Havana. There’s no train or public rail link, so the standard option is an official airport taxi — roughly $25–$35 to Old Havana (Habana Vieja), agreed in cash before you set off, as meters are rare. Classic-car and pre-arranged transfers are also common. Bring small-denomination cash, since you won’t be able to rely on cards once you land.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Miami to Havana?
Nonstop flights take about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes — it’s one of the shortest international routes from the US. Even with check-in and immigration, it’s an easy same-morning trip from Miami.
Are there direct flights from Miami to Havana?
Yes. American Airlines flies nonstop several times daily from Miami, and Havana is also served nonstop from nearby Fort Lauderdale by other US carriers. Because US–Cuba flights depend on federal policy, confirm the service is running when you book.
Do I need a visa or special permission to fly to Cuba?
Yes. US travelers must qualify under one of the 12 authorized travel categories (tourism is not one of them — most independent visitors use “Support for the Cuban People”) and must buy a Cuban Tourist Card. Keep your records for five years and check current OFAC guidance before booking.
How much does it cost to fly from Miami to Havana?
A typical economy return runs about $200–$400, plus the Cuban Tourist Card (around $50–$100). Good deals dip to around $150–$190 in the low season, while December and the winter dry season push fares higher.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Miami to Havana?
September and October are usually the cheapest months to fly. Avoid December and the January–March dry-season peak, which are the busiest and most expensive.
Which airport do I fly into in Havana?
You arrive at José Martí International (HAV), Havana’s main airport, about 15 km south of the city. Most flights from Miami use its Terminal 3 (international). Arrange your onward taxi in cash, as card payments generally aren’t possible in Cuba.
Can I use my US credit card in Cuba?
Generally no — US-issued credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba because of the embargo, and ATMs won’t accept them either. Bring enough cash (US dollars or euros) to cover your whole stay, including your airport transfer.
How far in advance should I book Miami to Havana flights?
Aim to book 1 to 2 months ahead. Fares on this short route are fairly stable but rise around the December holidays and the winter dry season, so booking a little early helps — and gives you time to sort the Tourist Card and travel category.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Often, yes — midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) tend to be a little cheaper than weekend flights, when family-visit traffic peaks. Being flexible by a day or two save a little on a return.
Route and schedule details from current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — always check the live fare and current US travel rules before booking.
