โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Frank Paรญs International Airport (HOG), located approximately 13 kilometers south of the city of Holguรญn, is the most important aerial gateway to eastern Cuba and the primary entry point for tourists visiting the world-renowned white-sand beaches of Guardalavaca and Playa Pesquero. Named after the Cuban revolutionary Frank Paรญs, the airport has a unique history, beginning as a military installation in 1962 before transitioning to civilian operations in 1966. Its strategic location makes it a vital hub for the province's tourism industry, which saw a major boost with the construction of a dedicated international terminal in 1996 and a significant expansion in 2007 to accommodate the growing number of European and North American charter flights.
The airport features two distinct terminal buildings: a modern international terminal and a smaller domestic terminal, both of which are fully air-conditioned and non-smoking. The international terminal is designed to handle high volumes of vacationers, with a layout that includes a spacious arrivals area with integrated immigration and customs services, as well as several car rental and currency exchange offices. Boarding and disembarking at HOG typically involve the use of mobile staircases rather than jet bridges, offering passengers an immediate taste of the tropical Cuban air. The departure hall is organized with streamlined check-in counters and efficient passport control, leading to a comfortable airside lounge that provides views of the active airfield.
Facilities at Frank Paรญs are tailored to the needs of international resort travelers. The airside Departure Gate Lounge offers a variety of services, including duty-free shops specializing in premium Cuban cigars and rum, several souvenir kiosks, and multiple snack bars. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the airport features a VIP lounge in the international terminal that provides express check-in, an open bar with local snacks, private restrooms, and limited Wi-Fi access. Essential services such as currency exchange (CADECA), clean restrooms, and public telephones are well-distributed throughout the facility. The airport's staff are known for their efficiency and friendliness, ensuring that the transition from the aircraft to the shuttle buses heading for the northern coast is as smooth as possible.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Frank Paรญs International Airport typically involves a transition from a domestic flight from Havana to an international charter service, or vice versa. For international-to-domestic transfers, a minimum connection time of 90 minutes is recommended; this allows for the necessary immigration and customs clearance, which can take up to an hour during peak arrival times. Since the terminals are separate, you may need to exit the international building and move to the domestic terminal, though this is a very short distance. Always verify during your initial check-in if your baggage is checked through to your final destination, as regional flights in Cuba often require a manual re-claim and re-check. For those connecting to international long-haul flights, especially with major Canadian or European carriers, it is highly recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. This buffer is essential for navigating the potential queues at check-in and passport control. Many travelers arrive at HOG via pre-arranged tour operator shuttle buses from Guardalavaca; these journeys take approximately 60-90 minutes, so ensure your pick-up time allows for a safe arrival at the terminal. If you are traveling on a single ticket via Cubana, your connection is generally protected, but for separate bookings between different airlines, ensure you have a generous layover of at least 4 hours to account for any domestic schedule changes. Ground transportation is well-organized, with a dedicated taxi stand and various shuttle bus options available outside the arrivals hall. A taxi to the Guardalavaca resort area costs roughly $40-$60 USD and takes about 50 minutes. For short layovers, the airside departure lounge provides basic comforts and a selection of duty-free items. The VIP lounge is
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Las Brujas Airport (BWW) is a critical regional aviation facility serving the idyllic resort islands of Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Santa Marรญa in the Villa Clara Province of Cuba. Situated on the northern coast of the main island, the airport provides a vital transportation node for the regionโs thriving luxury tourism sector. It serves as a primary aerial gateway for international visitors wishing to bypass the long overland journey from Havana or Santa Clara, connecting the pristine beaches of the "Jardines del Rey" archipelago with the national capital.
The airport operates through a single, minimalist passenger terminal building designed for functional efficiency and ease of transit. The facility is intelligently organized into two main halls: one dedicated to departures and check-in, and another for arrivals and baggage claim. This compact layout is a significant advantage for travelers, ensuring that all essential services are within short walking distance and allowing for rapid processing from the aircraft to the main exit. The terminalโs design reflects the rustic and tropical character of the surrounding cays, providing a welcoming entry point for nature enthusiasts and sun-seekers.
Inside the terminal, passengers have access to essential amenities tailored to the needs of leisure travelers. The facility hosts basic check-in counters, a sheltered waiting hall, and a small refreshment kiosk serving local Cuban coffee and light snacks. While the airport does not manage high volumes of regular scheduled commercial traffic, it is a vital node for seasonal charter operations and weekly domestic flights from Havanaโs Josรฉ Martรญ International Airport. The airfield features a well-maintained 1,803-meter asphalt runway designated 09/27, which is engineered to support the ATR and other turboprop aircraft commonly used for island transit.
Ground transportation at BWW is well-integrated with the local resort infrastructure, with most hotels providing pre-arranged shuttle transfers directly from the arrivals hall. The airport is conveniently located just a short three-to-five-kilometer drive from the major resorts on Cayo Las Brujas and approximately 15 to 20 minutes from the expansive hotel developments on Cayo Santa Marรญa via the Pedrapรฉn causeway. While there are no professional international car rental agencies directly at the airfield, official taxis are readily available outside the main exit. Travelers are encouraged to coordinate their onward transportation in advance, as visitor amenities within the immediate airport perimeter are limited to basic restroom facilities.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Las Brujas Airport (BWW) serves as the primary domestic link for travelers heading to the luxury resort enclaves of Cayo Las Brujas, Cayo Ensenachos, and Cayo Santa Marรญa. Most passengers arrive via domestic Aerogaviota flights from Havana or private charters. Upon arrival, the 'connection' to your final resort is handled by taxi or pre-arranged hotel shuttle. Since the airport is located on the first of the three main islands, transfers are relatively short; however, Cayo Santa Marรญa is the furthest, approximately 10โ20 km away. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, and it is essential to agree on a priceโtypically $10โ$20 USDโbefore departing. If you have booked an all-inclusive package, look for your tour operatorโs representative in the arrivals hall for your pre-paid transfer.
A unique aspect of the local connection is the 'Jardin del Rey' double-decker bus, which circulates between the hotels and tourist plazas for a flat daily fee of ~$5 USD. This is an excellent way to explore the different cayos during your stay, though it is not ideal for luggage-heavy airport transfers. If you are using a rental car, be aware of the 48 km Pedraplรฉn (causeway) that connects the islands to the mainland city of Caibariรฉn. There is a $2 USD toll at the start of the causeway, and you must have your passport and hotel reservation ready for inspection at the security checkpoint. For currency, while the local CUP exists, services like taxis and tolls heavily prefer USD, EUR, or CAD in small bills. Finally, if your flight to BWW is rerouted due to weatherโa common occurrenceโyou will likely land at Santa Clara (SNU), requiring a 90-minute taxi journey across the causeway to reach the islands.
โ Back to Frank Pais International Airport