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
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GPS Code: MUVR
Local Code: Not available
Location: 23.034401° N, -81.435303° E
Continent: North America
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: Varadero
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
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.
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Airport Routes
Juan Gualberto Gomez International Airport (VRA) offers 29 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include WestJet, Air Transat, American Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Matanzas include Montreal-Trudeau, Toronto Pearson Int'l, Miami Intl, Quebec/Jean Lesage Int'l and General Humberto Delgado Airport.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) 4
- Toronto Pearson Int'l (YYZ) 4
- Miami Intl (MIA) 3
- Quebec/Jean Lesage Int'l (YQB) 2
- General Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) 2
- Managua Int'l (Augusto Cesar Sandino Int'l) (MGA) 2
- Sheremetyevo Int'l (SVO) 2
- London Int'l (London) (YXU) 1
- Calgary Int'l (YYC) 1
- Int'l Katowice in Pyrzowice (KTW) 1
- Saskatoon Int'l (YXE) 1
- Halifax Int'l (YHZ) 1
Newly Discovered
- Calgary Int'l (YYC) new
- Toronto Pearson Int'l (YYZ) new
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Int'l (YOW) new
- Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) new
- Miami Intl (MIA) new
- Sheremetyevo Int'l (SVO) new
- Halifax Int'l (YHZ) new
- Quebec/Jean Lesage Int'l (YQB) new
- Winnipeg Int'l (YWG) new
- Saskatoon Int'l (YXE) new
- Vancouver Int'l (YVR) new
- Int'l Katowice in Pyrzowice (KTW) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Juan Gualberto Gomez International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
WestJet
WJA
/ WS
|
12 | 415 | 12 | Feb 2, 2026 |
Air Transat
TSC
/ TS
|
3 | 98 | 3 | Feb 1, 2026 |
American Airlines
AAL
/ AA
|
1 | 86 | 1 | Feb 1, 2026 |
Rossiya Airlines
SDM
/ FV
|
1 | 48 | 1 | Jan 31, 2026 |
|
Air Canada Rouge
ROU
/ RV
|
2 | 45 | 2 | Jan 31, 2026 |
Air Canada
ACA
/ AC
|
2 | 42 | 2 | Jan 28, 2026 |
Nordwind Airlines
NWS
/ N4
|
1 | 27 | 1 | Jan 28, 2026 |
|
Westpoint Air
WPT
/ 3P
|
1 | 5 | 1 | Sep 21, 2025 |
|
Orbest
OBS
/ 6O
|
1 | 1 | 1 | Aug 31, 2025 |
|
IBC Airways
CSQ
/ II
|
1 | 1 | 1 | Aug 23, 2025 |
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 |
Ground Transportation
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.
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