Are you planning a trip to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic soon? Knowing a bit about Punta Cana International Airport, also known as PUJ airport, up front will help get your vacation off to a great start. Let’s introduce you to the place and give you a few tips to make things a little easier while you’re preparing for your visit.
PUJ airport is the busiest in the Dominican Republic and the second busiest in the Caribbean. In 2019, it handled nearly double the passengers of Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo. Post-pandemic, numbers are returning to normal, and the airport is once again hosting dozens of airlines from around the world, offering both international and domestic flights. But Punta Cana Airport’s not just big: it’s also beautiful. The airport was designed by Oscar Imbert. Its open-sided terminals and thatched roof reflect the Dominican Republic’s tradition of outdoor living. The result is a light and airy space that’s a pleasure to travel through. If you just can’t wait to tap into that laidback vibe, then good news – your relaxed vacation starts right here.
PUJ airport is near Punta Cana Village on the Dominican Republic’s eastern coast. It’s no surprise that this is a major hub for visitors to this part of the Caribbean, given the ease of access to some of the country’s best beaches by road. The terminal layout consists of two main terminals, each with its own facilities such as baggage claim and currency exchange. For those needing assistance, airport assistance services are available to help navigate the terminal layout.
Duty-Free Americas offers a wide selection of fragrances, alcoholic drinks, tobacco, and gifts. Brisas del Caribe is perfect if you’re looking for a last-minute souvenir, stocking a range of art and handicrafts. The airport’s food court also has a good selection of international dining options. Wendy’s, Sbarro, Nathan’s, Cinnabon, and Baskin-Robbins are among the options for a quick snack on the go. For those traveling with infants, baby changing rooms are conveniently located throughout the terminals.
For passengers looking for a more comfortable wait, airport lounges are available, offering a quieter environment and additional amenities. An airport map is readily available to help you navigate the facilities and find everything you need.
As you’d expect from a busy airport like PUJ, numerous airlines fly in from around the world; some offer daily service and connecting flights. Many airlines make the relatively short hop down from the United States and Canada. As a result, all the major North American airlines fly here:
These airlines fly to major hubs like New York, Atlanta, Washington, and Toronto. There are many links between the Caribbean and Latin America. Here are a few examples:
British Airways and TUI capitalize on the buoyant UK demand for affordable Caribbean sun, while Air France, Eurowings, and Air Europa serve a larger European market. It’s worth noting that each airline has its own baggage policies, so be sure to check before you pack.
When your plane lands on the tarmac, you’ll want to get through the airport as quickly and efficiently as possible so you can begin your vacation. One thing you can do when booking your flight is to select a seat that’s as far forward on the plane as possible. That way, you’ll be more likely to reach the immigration booth ahead of your fellow passengers and not find yourself at the back of a queue.
Another useful tip we’d like to share is that you can fill in your e-ticket prior to arrival. All incoming and departing passengers, regardless of visa status, need to fill out this form. It’s simple to do it online using this form, and there’s even a short and easy-to-follow video that explains what you need to do. When you have successfully completed the form, a QR code will be generated, which you’ll need to have with you along with your boarding pass.
If you’ve read about paying a tourist fee on arrival, this should now be included in the price of your airfare. However, there may still be an airport visitor fee, so it’s best to have some lower-denomination currency on hand just in case.
As an arriving international passenger, you’ll land at one of PUJ airport’s two terminals, A or B. Unless you’ve traveled with cabin bags only, as soon as you’ve cleared the immigration process, you’ll need to head to the baggage claim area. Each terminal has its own series of baggage claim belts, so take a look at the screens to work out where your luggage will appear. For your convenience, luggage trolleys are available to help transport your bags.
Nearby, you’ll find foreign exchange kiosks, ATMs, taxis, car rental desks, and bathrooms. The airport’s website has a handy map so you can work out where you are. If you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by a live band. They’ll get you in the mood for a tropical vacation with some foot-tapping merengue tunes.
For those concerned about their luggage, many airlines offer luggage tracking services, allowing you to keep tabs on your bags throughout your journey.
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to get their vacation started as quickly as possible, then you’ll be delighted to learn that there are a number of great hotels located close to PUJ airport. Ditch those dreaded lengthy bus transfers in favor of a quick ride to stay in hotels such as these:
The Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village, a three-star Marriott group hotel, is a solid choice if you want to stay close to the airport – it’s actually within walking distance of Terminals A and B. The property features stylish contemporary rooms with modern ensuite bathrooms, as well as an attractive pool area with a covered terrace restaurant. It’s a short stroll to a cluster of restaurants, and though it’s not waterfront, there’s a free shuttle to the hotel’s private beach.
The Westin Puntacana is a high-end resort aimed at discerning guests who appreciate the convenience of a location close to the airport. It is about a 10-minute drive from the terminal buildings. The property enjoys a beachfront location with direct access to three miles of glorious white sand. If you plan to be a little more active, the hotel has a gym and an outdoor pool. It offers a range of water sports, and there are two championship golf courses nearby.
Smarter still is the luxurious Tortuga Bay, less than 15 minutes by car from PUJ airport. This fabulous five-star resort, designed by Oscar de la Renta, is the only AAA Five Diamond property in the Dominican Republic. Step inside and you’ll soon see why: exquisite suites and villas nestled in a 1500-acre nature reserve facing the ocean. Tennis, golf, yoga, diving, and an upscale spa put the emphasis on wellness, but the hotel’s fine dining restaurants are also too good to resist.
There are some rental agencies at PUJ airport that will be happy to sort you out with a car at a competitive price. Punta Cana Adventures has made it simple for you to pre-book round-trip transportation. Enter your flight information on our Airport Transfers page. We’ll contact you shortly after you submit your application.
You can also rent a car directly at the airport from companies such as Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Budget, and Europcar; if you’ve already signed up for a loyalty program, it’s likely that your preferred provider can get you set up at Punta Cana International. Various transportation companies also offer shared transfers, which can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or couples.
If you don’t wish to rent a vehicle, then it’s straightforward to arrange a taxi. Rates are fixed; this table will give you an idea of how much to expect a transfer to cost to your hotel, but check the updated price list on arrival as rates can change. Keep in mind that taxis charge a one-time fee that is higher than a round-trip transfer.
Some hotels provide shuttle services, such as the free transfer provided by the Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village. It’s worth contacting your hotel in advance to see if they offer something similar; some make a small additional charge for this service. We recommend that you book your airport transportation with us if your hotel does not provide this service. This will give you the assurance that everything will be in order before you arrive.
If you’re planning a trip to the Dominican Republic in the near future, learning more about PUJ airport ahead of time can help you get the most out of your vacation! We’re glad you took the time to learn these key facts and tips, whether you’re flying into Punta Cana International Airport or just catching connecting flights.
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Nestled along the Dominican Republic’s eastern coastline, Cabeza de Toro Punta Cana beckons visitors with its pristine shores, crystal-clear waters, and an air of serenity
This article highlights what to expect from Punta Cana in November, focusing on optimal outdoor conditions and diverse activities.
Wondering ‘What Time Is It in Punta Cana’? Learn about Punta Cana’s AST time zone, tips for adjusting, and useful apps.
