Juan Gualberto Gomez International Airport (VRA)

Matanzas, CU 🇨🇺 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

MUVR

IATA

VRA

Elevation

210 ft

Region

CU-04

Local Time

Airport Information

GPS Code: MUVR

Local Code: Not available

Location: 23.034401° N, -81.435303° E

Continent: NA

Type: Large International Airport

Keywords: Varadero

Arrivals

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Departures

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External Links

Wikipedia Live Flights

Nearby Points of Interest

Tourist Attractions View
Hotels View
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What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Juan Gualberto Gomez International Airport (VRA) in Matanzas, Cuba, elicits mixed but generally moderate traveler sentiment. While some visitors report smooth experiences, especially on arrival, others highlight significant frustrations, particularly during departure. The airport is often described as small with limited facilities, and overall satisfaction appears to be influenced by realistic expectations of travel in Cuba.

What Travelers Love

Friendly Staff: Many travelers appreciate the helpful and welcoming demeanor of the airport staff.
Cleanliness: The airport, including restrooms, is generally noted as clean and well-maintained.
VIP Lounge: The VIP Lounge offers a more comfortable and private experience with amenities like express check-in, open bar, snacks, Wi-Fi, and personalized assistance, making it a worthwhile upgrade for some.
Basic Amenities: The airport provides essential services such as Forex Bureaus for currency exchange (though official rates are less favorable than the black market), snack bars, and duty-free shops with local products like cigars and rum.
Efficient Arrival Process: Some travelers have reported quick immigration and baggage claim upon arrival.

Common Complaints

Long Queues and Slow Departure Processes: A recurring complaint is extended wait times for check-in, immigration, and security, especially during peak hours or when multiple international flights depart close together.
Limited Facilities and Services: The airport is considered small with a lack of extensive amenities. Food options can be basic and limited, especially in the evenings, and there's a general absence of facilities like baby changing sections and luggage lockers in the common areas.
Wi-Fi Limitations: Wi-Fi access is often limited in duration (e.g., 30-60 minutes) and may be tied to passport information.
Baggage Tampering/Theft: There have been concerning reports of checked luggage being opened and items stolen, leading to a strong recommendation to keep valuables in carry-on bags.
Unfavorable Official Currency Exchange Rates: While currency exchange is available, the official rates are significantly less favorable than unofficial market rates, and it's not possible to exchange Cuban pesos for foreign currency at the airport upon departure.

Overall, Juan Gualberto Gomez International Airport appears to be a functional but often basic airport experience. Travelers are advised to anticipate potential delays, particularly during departure, and to manage expectations regarding amenities. Utilizing the VIP Lounge can significantly enhance comfort and streamline the departure process.

Generated False weeks ago

This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Top Routes (by observations)

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Popular Flight Routes

Building Route Index: We are building our route index for commercial airports. Currently 25 routes are indexed for Juan Gualberto Gomez International Airport. For real-time updates, admin access is required.

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Top Airlines

Operating at Juan Gualberto Gomez International Airport

Airlines by Flight Activity

Based on observed flight operations and route network

Airline	Routes	Flights	Destinations	Last Activity
WestJet `WJA` / `WS`	9	245	9	Dec 10, 2025
American Airlines `AAL` / `AA`	1	64	1	Dec 10, 2025
Air Transat `TSC` / `TS`	3	63	3	Dec 10, 2025
Rossiya Airlines `SDM` / `FV`	1	33	1	Dec 9, 2025
Air Canada `ACA` / `AC`	2	30	2	Nov 29, 2025
Air Canada Rouge `ROU` / `RV`	2	29	2	Dec 10, 2025
Nordwind Airlines `NWS` / `N4`	1	17	1	Dec 6, 2025
WPT `WPT` / `3P`	1	5	1	Sep 21, 2025
Orbest `OBS` / `6O`	1	1	1	Aug 31, 2025
Kalitta Charters II `KII`	1	1	1	Nov 6, 2025

Showing top 10 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.

For Pilots

Designation	Length	Width	Surface	Status
`06/24`	11490 ft	148 ft	ASP	Active Lighted

Type	Description	Frequency
A/G	VARADERO RDO	`126.9 MHz`
A/G	VARADERO RDO	`1132.1 MHz`
APP	VARADERO APP	`119.6 MHz`
TWR	VARADERO TWR	`118.4 MHz`

Ident	Name	Type	Frequency
`URV`	Varder	NDB	`390 kHz`
`UVA`	Varder	VOR-DME	`114800 kHz`

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Taxis

State-run taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall. It is standard practice and highly recommended to agree on the fare with the driver before starting your trip. Taxis provide service to the Varadero resort area, the city of Matanzas, and other nearby destinations. Payment is typically expected in cash.

Rental Cars

Several state-run car rental companies, such as Cubacar, Havanautos, and Rex, operate counters within the airport. Due to high demand and limited vehicle availability, it is strongly advised to reserve a car online well in advance of your arrival. A valid driver's license and passport are required, and purchasing the mandatory local insurance is part of the rental process.

Public Transportation

There are no direct public city buses or long-distance bus connections from the airport terminal. The main tourist bus line, Viazul, has its station in the town of Varadero, which requires a taxi ride to access. The most common form of transit for tourists is a pre-booked shuttle bus, which is typically included in vacation packages and transports travelers directly to their hotels.

Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.