Overview
Port-au-Prince is Haiti's capital, set around a wide bay below steep green mountains on the island of Hispaniola, and the centre of Haitian art, music and history. UK travellers should note that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all travel to Haiti due to serious insecurity around the capital, so most journeys are for family, diaspora, humanitarian or business reasons rather than tourism. Speak to our team about the current picture before you book.
Best time to fly to Port-au-Prince
Haiti is hot year-round, with lowland temperatures around 30–32°C. The drier, more comfortable months are December to March — also the busiest period for flights as the diaspora returns for the holidays. Hurricane season runs from June to November, peaking between August and October. If you are weighing up when to fly, check the When to book chart above to see how fares move through the year.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights between the UK and Port-au-Prince, so every routing involves at least one change — typically via Miami or New York with American Airlines or JetBlue, via Paris with Air France, or via Panama City with Copa Airlines. Allowing for the connection, expect around 15–20 hours in total from London, and a little longer from Manchester, where you would usually route through London, Paris or a US gateway. Services to Haiti have been prone to short-notice suspension, so a fare you can change is well worth having.
Things to do in Port-au-Prince
With trusted local guidance, the city and its cooler hillside suburbs still reward curious travellers:
- Marché en Fer (Iron Market): Landmark red-and-green covered market in the old centre, full of produce, spices and handicrafts.
- MUPANAH: The national museum, tracing Haiti's revolution and hard-won independence through art and artefacts.
- Champ de Mars: The capital's grand central square, lined with monuments to the heroes of 1804.
- Pétion-Ville: Hillside district above the city known for its galleries, craft shops and restaurants.
- Fort Jacques: Early 19th-century hilltop fortress near Kenscoff, with cool air and sweeping views over the bay.
At Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP)
The airport lies about 10km (6 miles) north-east of central Port-au-Prince, usually 20–40 minutes by road depending on traffic. There is no tourist rail or bus link and independent taxis are not advised; the safest option is a private transfer arranged in advance through your hotel, host organisation or travel agent, with a driver meeting you inside the terminal. Carry small US dollar notes for the tourist fee collected on arrival.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Port-au-Prince
- Book well ahead: Fares climb close to departure and around the December holidays, so booking several months early usually pays off — see the price charts on this page.
- Avoid the peak: Mid-December to early January and the summer break are the dearest windows; late January to March is often cheaper.
- Stay flexible: Midweek departures and openness to connecting via Miami, New York or Paris rather than a fixed hub can bring the fare down.
- Compare carriers: Prices for American, JetBlue, Air France and Copa can differ sharply on the same dates, so check them side by side.
Travel essentials
British passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days; a small tourist fee is payable on arrival in US dollars, and your passport should be valid for the length of your stay. The currency is the Haitian gourde, but US dollars are widely used and Haiti runs largely on cash, as cards and ATMs are unreliable. No vaccinations are required unless you arrive from a yellow fever risk country, though hepatitis A, typhoid and malaria protection are usually advised — visit a travel clinic four to six weeks ahead, drink bottled water, and read the latest FCDO advice for Haiti before you travel.