Cancun, Mexico → Havana, Cuba · ✈ 1h 8min · 🚗 8h 17min
275 nautical miles · Time difference: +1h ahead · Direction: east
The distance from Cancun to Havana is 510 km (317 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 8min.
The straight-line distance from Cancun, Mexico to Havana, Cuba is approximately 510 kilometers (317 miles or 275 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Havana is located east of Cancun. Cancun is in North America, in the Yucatan region of Mexico, while Havana is in North America, in Havana, Cuba. Both cities are in North America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 510 km | ~1h 8min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~663 km | ~8h 17min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~612 km | ~5h 6min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Cancun to Havana. For 510 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 663 km, fuel costs for driving from Cancun to Havana are approximately $53–$99 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Cancun sits at 21.1619°N, 86.8515°W, while Havana is located at 23.1136°N, 82.3666°W. The initial compass bearing from Cancun to Havana is 64° (ENE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Cancun heading roughly ENE. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 1.95° and the longitude difference is 4.48°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Cancun and Havana is approximately 22.1531°N, 84.6246°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 255 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Havana is roughly 1 hour ahead of Cancun. When it is 09:00 in Cancun, it is approximately 10:00 in Havana. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Cancun is a major city in Mexico with a population of approximately 888,797. Located in the Yucatan region, it is an important hub in North America. Despite its smaller size, Cancun plays an important regional role in Mexico and attracts visitors year-round.
Havana is a notable city in Cuba with a population of approximately 2,141,000. Situated in the Havana region, it serves as a key destination in North America. Havana offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in Cuba.
→ See all distances from Havana
510 km is a medium-distance route, similar to traveling across a mid-sized European country. A flight covers this distance quickly, but driving or rail travel remains feasible for those who prefer ground transport. For reference, New York to Chicago is about 1,150 km.
At 510 km, the Cancun-Havana route is about 1.3% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 8min.
The straight-line distance from Cancun to Havana is approximately 510 kilometers (317 miles, 275 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 8min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 8h 17min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Havana is approximately +1h ahead compared to Cancun.
The estimated road distance is approximately 663 km, which is about 30% longer than the 510 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.