Juan Gualberto Gomez Airport

Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA) is the main air gateway to one of the most famous resorts in Cuba, sunny Varadero. Located in the Matanzas province, it is the second most important and busiest airport in the country after Havana's José Martí Airport. Since its opening in 1989, it has been welcoming travellers from all over the world eager to enjoy the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The airport is named after Juan Gualberto Gómez, a distinguished journalist and champion of Cuban independence.

Despite its relatively small size, Varadero Airport offers everything necessary for a comfortable start and end to your journey. In the single passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights, you will find currency exchange counters, cafes for a quick bite, and, of course, shops. It is here that many tourists purchase traditional Cuban souvenirs — local spirits and cigars, as well as other memorable gifts. The airport's main advantage is its strategic location: its proximity to the resort zone allows tourists to reach their hotels quickly and hassle-free to begin their long-awaited holiday.

Below you will find contact information for Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport (VRA). We recommend verifying the data before your trip, as it is subject to change.

• Official Website: The most complete information about the airport is presented on the official portal of Cuban airports, ECASA (Empresa Cubana de Aeropuertos y Servicios Aeronáuticos). Varadero Airport does not have a direct page, but data is available on the general site.
• Information Desk Phone: +53 45 613016. Please bear in mind that getting through can be difficult, and international calls to Cuba may be expensive.
• Address: Avenida Mártires de Barbados Km 5, Carbonera, Matanzas, Cuba. The airport is located approximately 25 kilometres from the main tourist zone of Varadero.
• Email: An official public email for general enquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not have verified official accounts on social media. News and updates are occasionally published on the pages of the management company, ECASA.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should immediately contact your airline's representative counter located in the arrival hall. Airport staff do not handle luggage tracing directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions, you can contact the information desk. If you require special assistance (e.g., a wheelchair), you must notify your airline in advance when booking your ticket.

Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA) is conveniently located approximately 25-30 kilometres from the main resort zone of Varadero. There are several ways to reach the terminal, allowing you to choose the most suitable option depending on your budget and preferences.

Taxis and Transfers are the most popular and convenient method for tourists. The journey from a hotel on the peninsula to the airport will take approximately 30-45 minutes. Official state taxis and private drivers (often in colourful vintage cars) are easy to find anywhere in the resort. The estimated cost of the trip is 30-40 USD, however, it is always better to agree on the price with the driver in advance. An even more reliable option is to book an individual or group transfer in advance through your tour operator or hotel. This guarantees a fixed price and timely vehicle arrival.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for independent travellers. By renting a car, you will not only reach the airport in comfort but also be able to freely explore other corners of Cuba. Rental desks operate both within the airport itself and at major hotels in Varadero. For those arriving at the airport in a rented or private vehicle, parking is available with zones for short-term and long-term stays.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly but least predictable option. Intercity buses by Viazul connect Varadero with other cities, and some routes pass near the airport, but this is not the most direct way to get from the hotel zone. Local buses ("guaguas") circulate in the region, but they are often overcrowded, and their schedule is not always adhered to. This method is not recommended for tourists with a lot of luggage or those who value comfort and time.

Varadero Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA) has one main passenger terminal which handles practically all international and domestic flights. This makes navigation through the airport quite simple and intuitive, even for those visiting Cuba for the first time. Thanks to its compact size, you will not have to worry about long transfers between different parts of the building.

The terminal layout is logical and complies with international standards. The building has two main levels:

• Ground Floor — This is the arrivals area. Immediately after disembarking the aircraft, you will proceed to passport control, then to the baggage claim and customs inspection hall. Located here are tour operator counters, car rental offices, and official currency exchange points (CADECA).
• First Floor — This is the departure area. You can access this level via escalator or stairs from the main hall. Located here are check-in counters, security checkpoints, and passport control. After completing all formalities, passengers enter the secure zone with Duty Free shops, souvenir stalls, and several cafes.

Since all operations are concentrated in one building, transfers between terminals are not required. Navigation presents no difficulties: there are signs everywhere, although knowing basic Spanish words such as Salida (Exit/Departure) and Llegada (Arrival) can be useful. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2.5–3 hours before departure. During peak hours, when several charter flights depart simultaneously, queues may form at check-in counters and security checks, so allowing extra time will help avoid unnecessary stress.

The history of Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport is closely linked to the transformation of Varadero into the main tourism hub of Cuba. The air harbour was officially opened on September 25, 1989. Its construction was a response to the rapidly growing flow of international tourists, which the city's old airport could no longer handle. The new terminal was designed to accommodate large long-haul aircraft from Europe and Canada, which became a key factor in the resort's development.

Since its opening, the airport has undergone several stages of modernization to meet international standards and serve an increasing number of passengers. The main works focused on expanding the passenger terminal, updating navigation systems, and lengthening the runway. This allowed the airport to secure its status as the second most important air gateway in Cuba after the capital's José Martí Airport in Havana.

One interesting fact is the airport's name itself. It is named in honour of Juan Gualberto Gómez — a prominent journalist, public figure, and fighter for the independence of Cuba. Although no loud historical events of global scale are associated with the airport, its history is a chronicle of the successful development of tourism infrastructure. Today, Varadero Airport is a modern and functional complex that annually welcomes millions of travellers eager to enjoy the famous beaches of the Hicacos Peninsula.

Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport in Varadero offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Although the airport is not very large, there is everything here to pass the time before departure or after arriving at the sunny resort.

For those wishing to have a snack, several cafes and bars operate in the terminal, where you can order sandwiches, pastries, and refreshing drinks, including local beverages. The main shopping area is, of course, the Duty Free shops. Here you will find the main range of Cuban goods: local spirits, cigars, coffee, and various souvenirs. Prices may be slightly higher than in the city, but it is a convenient opportunity for last-minute shopping.

For a more comfortable wait, the airport has a VIP Lounge. For an additional fee, passengers gain access to a quiet area with comfortable seating, snacks, beverages, and more stable internet access. This is an excellent option for those who value privacy and a high level of service. Wi-Fi access in the main terminal is provided for a fee via special cards that can be purchased at ETECSA kiosks. Power outlets for charging electronic devices can also be found throughout the building.

Financial services are represented by CADECA currency exchange points, where money can be exchanged at the official rate. There are also ATMs in the airport, but it is recommended to carry cash in case of technical issues. For emergencies, a medical point is available, ready to provide first aid. Travellers with children can use the mother and child room. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with the necessary assistance for moving through the terminal and boarding the flight — for this, you should notify your airline in advance.

There are no hotels directly within the airport building, however, the nearest hotel complexes in Varadero are just a 15-20 minute drive away. There are no specialized business centres or conference rooms available for general access, however, basic business services, such as internet access and a quiet workspace, can be found in the VIP Lounge.

Varadero Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport offers passengers a basic but sufficient selection of establishments to have a snack before departure. It is important to understand that this is not a huge international hub, so the variety here will be more modest than in major airports around the world. The main food outlets are concentrated in the departure zone after passing passport control and security.

In the main departure hall (airside), you will find several cafes and bars. This is the best place to wait for a flight. Here you can order sandwiches, pastries, crisps, and other light snacks. For those who want a proper sit-down, bars are suitable, where, in addition to drinks, they often offer simple hot dishes, for example, pizza or sandwiches. In the arrival zone and before check-in (landside), the choice is usually very limited and may be reduced to a small kiosk with drinks and snacks.

Be sure to try something with local flavour, even in the airport setting. Order a cup of aromatic Cuban coffee or a famous Cuban sandwich (Cubano), if available on the menu. Naturally, bars in Cuba offer local beverages — this is an opportunity to enjoy a farewell Mojito or Cuba Libre. These are the most authentic options available at the airport.

Passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegans, vegetarians, people with gluten intolerance, or those requiring Halal food) should be prepared for the fact that specialized dishes will be practically impossible to find. The selection is limited to simple snacks, and staff may not always be able to provide information about the ingredients. If you have a strict diet, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you.

Prices at Varadero Airport are oriented towards tourists and are significantly higher than in the city. Payment is generally made in convertible currency. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule, so if you have a very early morning or late night departure, be prepared that most cafes and bars may be closed.

Travelling through Varadero Airport, the main air gateway to one of the most popular resorts in Cuba, will be easier and more pleasant if you are aware of a few nuances. Follow these tips to ensure your arrival and departure go as smoothly as possible.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance, at least 3-4 hours before departure. The check-in and security processes may take longer than expected due to the influx of tourist charters. Please be patient — you are in the Caribbean, where the pace of life is more relaxed.

Customs and Passport Control. Upon entering Cuba, you will need a tourist card (visa-tarjeta), which is usually arranged with the tour or obtained at the consulate. Keep it with your passport. Upon departure, be prepared for a thorough luggage inspection. Amounts exceeding 5,000 USD must be declared, as well as expensive electronics.

Hand Luggage and Baggage. In hand luggage, besides standard restrictions on liquids (up to 100 ml), avoid carrying prohibited items. Pay special attention to export rules: you can take up to 50 cigars out of Cuba without documents and up to 2 litres of local spirits per person. Anything above this requires receipts and special packaging. Keep receipts from official shops.

Seat Selection and Connections. If possible, when flying out of Varadero, choose a window seat — you may be treated to stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Hicacos Peninsula. Varadero Airport serves mainly direct flights, so it is not a major transit hub. If you do have a connection planned, ensure you have sufficient time between flights.

Saving Money and Useful Tips. To save money, book a transfer to the hotel in advance online or through a tour operator — taxis at the airport can be significantly more expensive. Currency exchange at the airport does not have the most favourable rate, so exchange only a small amount for initial expenses. Bring a portable power bank, as the number of power outlets in the waiting hall is limited.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay? In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information and instructions. Remain calm. The airport has several cafes and Duty-Free shops where you can pass the time. Check with the airline if you are entitled to drinks or meals during a long delay.