While the takeoff offers excellent Tampa Bay views from the right, the landing approach into Havana from the left provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Florida Strait crossing, Havana Bay's distinctive geography, and the colorful city waterfront create a more memorable final descent than the initial climb-out.
Flown TPA to HAV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tampa to Havana is 345 miles (555 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
The Florida Strait dominates the midpoint of this short flight. At cruise altitude (around 15,000-20,000 feet), you'll see the open water between Florida and Cuba, occasionally with visible boat traffic and weather patterns. The strait is roughly 90 miles wide at this latitude. On very clear days, you may see the Cuban coastline appearing on the horizon as you approach from the north, with the flat terrain and vegetation of western Cuba becoming increasingly distinct in the final 20 minutes of flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from TPA
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Tampa Bay estuary and coastal geography as the aircraft climbs southwestward. You'll see the distinctive shape of Tampa Bay, Clearwater Beach, and the Gulf of Mexico opening up beneath you during the initial climb.
Landing at HAV
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Havana. You'll see the Cuban coastline, Havana Bay's distinctive shape, and the city's waterfront as you approach from the north over the Florida Strait.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tampa International (TPA) to Jose Marti International (HAV)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tampa to Havana. While the takeoff offers excellent Tampa Bay views from the right, the landing approach into Havana from the left provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Florida Strait crossing, Havana Bay's distinctive geography, and the colorful city waterfront create a more memorable final descent than the initial climb-out.
What can I see during takeoff from Tampa International in Tampa?
During takeoff from Tampa International (TPA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Tampa Bay estuary and coastal geography as the aircraft climbs southwestward. You'll see the distinctive shape of Tampa Bay, Clearwater Beach, and the Gulf of Mexico opening up beneath you during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay (the large inland water body with multiple peninsulas), Clearwater Beach and barrier islands (thin strips of sand along the coast), Gulf of Mexico (open water to the west), and the Florida peninsula's urban sprawl inland.
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. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Havana. You'll see the Cuban coastline, Havana Bay's distinctive shape, and the city's waterfront as you approach from the north over the Florida Strait. Notable sights include: Havana Bay (the crescent-shaped harbor with visible fortifications), the Malecón waterfront promenade and Old Havana's dense urban core, the Florida Strait (the water you crossed), and the green vegetation and flat terrain of western Cuba inland.
How long is the flight from Tampa to Havana?
The flight from Tampa International (TPA) to Jose Marti International (HAV) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 345 miles (555 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tampa to Havana flight path pass over?
The Florida Strait dominates the midpoint of this short flight. At cruise altitude (around 15,000-20,000 feet), you'll see the open water between Florida and Cuba, occasionally with visible boat traffic and weather patterns. The strait is roughly 90 miles wide at this latitude. On very clear days, you may see the Cuban coastline appearing on the horizon as you approach from the north, with the flat terrain and vegetation of western Cuba becoming increasingly distinct in the final 20 minutes of flight.