According to the framework of the Flügge’s shell theory, the Winkler and Pasternak foundations model, the transfer matrix approach and the Romberg integration method, the vibration behavior of an isotropic and orthotropic cylindrical shell with variable thickness is investigated. The governing equations of the shell based on the Pasternak foundation model are formulated and solved. The analysis is formulated to overcome the mathematical difficulties related to mode coupling which comes from the variable curvature and thickness of the shell. The vibration equations of the shell are reduced to eight first order differential equations in the circumferential coordinate. Using the transfer matrix of the shell, these equations can be written in a matrix differential equation. The proposed model is adopted to get the vibration frequencies and the corresponding mode shapes for the symmetrical and antisymmetrical modes of vibration. The sensitivity of the frequency parameters and the bending deformations to the Winkler and Pasternak foundations moduli, the thickness ratio, and the orthotropic parameters are demonstrated.