When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Varadero?
Varadero has two seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the wet season (May to October). The best and cheapest time to book flights to Varadero is sometime in April or May, just after peak season has ended. The peak season lasts from December to March due to the cooler temperatures and holiday season. Save on airfare this season by finding cheap return flights with Netflights.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Varadero?
Booking two to three months in advance is the ideal time to find cheap flights to Varadero. Departing during the week, selecting ‘flexible dates’ and finding last-minute flights when conducting your search can help you find the lowest prices and stay within your budget. Before you travel, keep in mind that hurricane season is from June to November; although unlikely, storms could disrupt your travel plans during these months.
Flying to Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport (VRA)
About 10 kilometres southwest of Varadero is Cuba’s second-busiest airport, Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport (VRA).
When conducting you search, keep in mind that London Heathrow, London Stansted, Birmingham and Manchester are the only major airports in the United Kingdom (UK) that offer flights to Varadero on select days of the week. Almost all return flights will be indirect with one or more stopovers in European cities, like Brussels, Frankfurt and Zurich, and Canadian cities, like Toronto and Montreal. Some routes may require a transfer between airlines during the stopover. The only airport that has direct flights is Manchester with Thomas Cook Airlines. Aer Lingus, Air Canada, British Airways and Lufthansa are some other airlines that have Varadero flights from the UK.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport is a medium-sized, single-terminal airport, which serves both international and domestic Varadero flights. The airport is divided into arrivals and departures. The arrivals area includes amenities, like public phones, currency exchange desks, car hire agencies, refreshment vendors and a snack bar (outside the terminal). The area reserved for domestic travel has four gift shops, public phones and a currency exchange desk in addition to a cafeteria on the second floor. Other amenities at VRA include a bookstore, a duty-free shop with souvenirs and Cuban cigars, vending machines, public and VIP lounges and a post office. Airport staff are also available to help passengers as needed.
Getting to the City from Juan Gualberto Gomez International Airport (VRA)
There are four main transport options for travelling to Varadero from the airport: shuttle bus, public bus, taxi and car hire. Most travellers use a travel operator to arrange to have a shuttle bus waiting outside the terminal. Regular, double-decker buses also travel to Varadero, passing by points of interest and major hotels. Taxis are available at the taxi ranks outside the airport; they will take you directly to your accommodations. Some hotels have taxi services, so make sure to ask ahead of time. If you want to travel independently, Cuban car hires are available at VRA. Book in advance, especially during high season, to guarantee a car.
Why visit Varadero?
Varadero is one of the largest resort towns in the Caribbean. The town’s biggest attraction is its pristine beach. With the town’s laid-back vibe, you’ll be able to take a break from city life and disconnect for a while. Popular – and fun – beach activities and underwater adventures are available, including diving, snorkelling, sailing and kite surfing. Bicycle souvenir kiosks are a common sight on the beaches, bringing a colourful display of locally made trinkets.
Beyond its beaches, Varadero boasts beautiful and recreational parks. Parque Josone is an oasis filled with palm trees, a lake with rowboats for hire, colourful birds, a swimming pool, bowling alley and more. El Parque Central (‘Central Park’) is another great place to visit, thanks to its location, which is right next to an open-air market featuring souvenirs and local handicrafts. Art aficionados in particular will enjoy the Galería Espacio 34 with its unique display of Cuban artwork.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
Before flying to Varadero, make sure that you have the visa that corresponds to your purpose of travel. There is also a mandatory airport tax, which is usually included in your flight ticket. Be sure to see if it’s included. Cuba has two official currencies: the Cuban peso (CUP) for locals and the convertible peso (CUC) for visitors. The CUP is worth less than the CUC. Check with your banks to see if your debit, credit or ATM cards will work in Cuba. Otherwise, bring enough cash with you to cover your trip expenses and convert it once in Varadero. Only exchange money at CADECA exchange houses, large hotels or banks to avoid receiving forged currency.
