By Plane
Cubana has three daily flights to Rafael Cabrera Mustelier Airport (tel. 46/32-2300; airport code GER) on Isla de la Juventud from José Martí International Airport in Havana. Fares cost CUC$43 each way. Demand is often very high, as the flights are quicker and cheaper than the ferry, so be sure to make your return reservation as far in advance as possible.
Regular public buses connect the airport and Nueva Gerona, 6.5km (4 miles) away. These are marked SERVICIO AEREO. The official fare is 1 peso, but foreigners are usually charged CUC$1. A taxi between the airport and downtown costs around CUC$5 to CUC$7.
By Bus & Ferry
Isla de la Juventud is connected to the mainland by regular ferry service between Nueva Gerona, on the island, and the town of Batabanó, on the coast 71km (44 miles) south of Havana. Several types of ferries make the trip. You'll definitely want to book one of the two high-speed modern catamaran ferries. Either of these will make the trip in between 2 and 3 hours, and costs CUC$50 each way. These ferries depart Batabanó daily at 8am, with return trips leaving Nueva Gerona at 11am. The ferries often have varying schedules, according to demand. The company, Empresa Viamar, which books all of the vessels, has a desk in the main Astro bus terminal in Havana (tel. 7/870-1841 or 47/588-240 in Batabanó, or 46/32-4415 in Nueva Gerona). Here, you can buy a bus-ferry combination ticket, which I highly recommend. Buses leave the terminal for Batabanó four times a day and cost $5MN (CUC$0.17). Sometimes the connections at the Batabanó end do not work like a fine Swiss watch. In Nueva Gerona, the ferry terminal and dock are approximately 4 blocks east of Calle José Martí (tel. 46/32-4415). It is highly recommended that you buy a return ticket at the time of purchase and that you buy tickets at least a day or two in advance, because schedules are subject to change.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
