HAV

Best window seat at Jose Marti International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Havana coastline, Straits of Florida, northern Cuban coast features

LandingLEFT

Havana Harbor, the Malecón seawall and coastal boulevard, Old Havana's dense colonial street grid

🛫 Taking Off from Havana (HAV)

Best sideLeft
WhyRunway 24 departures head southwest, placing the northern coast of Cuba and the Straits of Florida on your left during initial climb. You'll see the Havana coastline receding and the open water of the Florida Strait stretching toward the horizon.
Look forHavana coastline (Malecón area), Straits of Florida, northern Cuban coast features, open Atlantic water
Left window seat view during takeoff from Havana (HAV) — Havana coastline (Malecón area), Straits of Florida, northern Cuban coast features, open Atlantic waterLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Havana (HAV) — Havana coastline (Malecón area), Straits of Florida, northern Cuban coast features, open Atlantic waterRight Side

🛬 Landing at Havana (HAV)

Best sideLeft
WhyLanding on Runway 06 (northeast heading) puts Havana's historic Old Town and the Malecón waterfront on your left side during final approach. You'll also see the harbor entrance and surrounding coastal geography that frames the city's geography clearly.
Look forHavana Harbor (Bahía de La Habana), the Malecón seawall and coastal boulevard, Old Havana's dense colonial street grid, Fort Jefferson (Castillo de la Real Fuerza) in the harbor
Left window seat view during landing at Havana (HAV) — Havana Harbor (Bahía de La Habana), the Malecón seawall and coastal boulevard, Old Havana's dense colonial street grid, Fort Jefferson (Castillo de la Real Fuerza) in the harborLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Havana (HAV) — Havana Harbor (Bahía de La Habana), the Malecón seawall and coastal boulevard, Old Havana's dense colonial street grid, Fort Jefferson (Castillo de la Real Fuerza) in the harborRight Side

Jose Marti International is Cuba's main gateway airport, with multiple terminals separating domestic and international traffic—Terminal 3 handles the bulk of international arrivals. Facilities are dated compared to major international hubs, with limited amenities.

⛰️ Elevation213 ft
🛫 Runways1 (06/24)
✈️ HubCubana de Aviación
📍 NearbyVRA 62 miGER 83 mi

Connecting at HAV?

Find out if your layover is long enough at Jose Marti International.

Check layover times →

About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Jose Marti International (HAV)?

At Jose Marti International in Havana: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Havana coastline (Malecón area), Straits of Florida, northern Cuban coast features, open Atlantic water.

What can I see during takeoff from Jose Marti International in Havana?

When taking off from Jose Marti International (HAV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Runway 24 departures head southwest, placing the northern coast of Cuba and the Straits of Florida on your left during initial climb. You'll see the Havana coastline receding and the open water of the Florida Strait stretching toward the horizon. Notable sights include: Havana coastline (Malecón area), Straits of Florida, northern Cuban coast features, open Atlantic water.

What can I see when landing at Jose Marti International in Havana?

When landing at Jose Marti International (HAV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Landing on Runway 06 (northeast heading) puts Havana's historic Old Town and the Malecón waterfront on your left side during final approach. You'll also see the harbor entrance and surrounding coastal geography that frames the city's geography clearly. Notable sights include: Havana Harbor (Bahía de La Habana), the Malecón seawall and coastal boulevard, Old Havana's dense colonial street grid, Fort Jefferson (Castillo de la Real Fuerza) in the harbor.

What factors affect the best window seat at Jose Marti International?

The best window seat at Jose Marti International (HAV) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Havana (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.