Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Santiago De Cuba. Antonio Maceo International Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 60 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Before You Step Outside SCU
Three things to verify before you walk out of SCU:
- Can you legally enter Cuba? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the CUP. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
How to Spend Your Time in Santiago De Cuba
For a layover visit to Santiago De Cuba, we’d suggest Parque Céspedes and Casa de Diego Velázquez. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Santiago De Cuba. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
If you’d rather stay inside SCU — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Sala VIP (VIP Lounge)
- Duty-Free Shopping
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Restaurante Thomsy and St. Pauli are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Santiago De Cuba.
- At the airport: Aeropuerto SCU Cafeteria and Terminal Snack Bar will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From SCU, the Taxi gets you to Santiago De Cuba in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Santiago De Cuba Side Trip
Quick budget math for your Santiago De Cuba layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$11 |
| Meal | ~$21 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$42 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Santiago De Cuba, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Luggage Storage Options
Traveling light makes a layover outing much easier. At SCU, you’ll find bag storage at Luggage storage/lockers are typically not available at SCU due to its size and facilities..
Tip: store your bags as soon as you clear arrivals to maximize your free time. If the airport options don’t work for you, check online luggage storage platforms for alternatives near the city center.
Staying Connected
WiFi at SCU should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Cuba and you’re good to go.
Taking a Break at SCU
Long overnight layover? Your options at SCU include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Cuba also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Santiago De Cuba is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Santiago De Cuba.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.