Are you arriving in Punta Cana and looking for transport from the airport to your resort or elsewhere? Continue reading, because this is your comprehensive guide about Punta Cana Airport transfers and all options you have to get to and from Punta Cana International Airport – it doesn’t matter if you look for the cheapest way by public transport or want to travel in style with luxurious SUVs. I have arrived and departed from Punta Cana Airport more than a dozen times and have tried all different kinds of transport. In this article, I am giving you all the Punta Cana transportation options available if you’re traveling 2024, share a lot of my personal experiences and throw in some insider tips on what to take care of when booking an airport transfer from and to Punta Cana Airport.
- At a glimpse: the best Punta Cana airport transfers
- Airport transfer in Punta Cana with a pre-booked transfer
- Airport transfer in Punta Cana with Uber
- Airport transfer in Punta Cana with a taxi
- Renting a car at Punta Cana Airport
- Airport transfer in Punta Cana by public transport
- Transportation from Punta Cana Airport to your resort
- Punta Cana Airport Transfers to other destinations
- Other information about Punta Cana Airport
This post is about transfers from Punta Cana International Airport. If you arrive at Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo, please check out this article.
If you’re heading straight from Punta Cana to La Romana or Bayahibe, you can continue reading this article.
All transfer options between Punta Cana and Santo Domingo are summarized here.
For more information about the Riu República Airport Shutles, check here.
Once you have found the best solution for your airport transfer, you can continue reading here about how to save money during your all-inclusive vacation in Punta Cana.
Completely UPDATED: December 2022 + November 2023
At a glimpse: the best Punta Cana airport transfers
Don’t have time to read a lot? I know that planning a trip to Punta Cana can be overwhelming, which is why we have compiled this extensive guide with all the information you need to know when it comes to Punta Cana transportation options from the airport. It is really worth reading all the recommendations and insider tips, especially as you can use the table of contents above to navigate easily and just read the sections you’re interested in.
Still, if you don’t have time and just want to find the best, safest and most reliable (and probably also cheapest) transfers from Punta Cana Airport to different resorts and areas, here are our top recommendations for your vacation:
Private Transfers in Punta Cana:
– Best Overall Punta Cana Airport Transfer: check details here*
– Cheapest Private Transfer from Punta Cana Airport to most resorts: check details here*
– Most reliable and safest Airport Transfer in Punta Cana: check details here*
– Best-reviewed provider for Punta Cana transportation from the airport: check details here*
– Best SUV Airport Transfer in Punta Cana: check details here*
Shared Airport Shuttles:
– Best and most reliable shared airport shuttle from Punta Cana Airport to the resorts: check details here*
Airport Transfers by Destination:
– Best Transfer from Punta Cana Airport to Bayahibe/La Romana: check details here*
– Best Transfer from Punta Cana Airport to Miches/Playa Esmeralda: check details here*
– Best Transfer from Punta Cana Airport to Santo Domingo: check details here*
Any questions? Feel free to leave me a comment at the end or continue reading below if you want to benefit from all the experiences we had in Punta Cana over the years.
Airport transfer in Punta Cana with a pre-booked transfer
Some arriving passengers might have a shared airport shuttle included in their holiday package, but in case you have booked flight and hotel separately or are traveling on a dynamic packaging product, chances are that you need a transfer from Punta Cana Airport to your hotel, most likely one of the several all-inclusive resorts. And even if you have a shared airport shuttle from your tour operator included, you might opt to book a private Punta Cana airport transfer separately as this saves you a considerable amount of time (no waiting for other passengers + direct transfer without any other stops to your hotel).
Our recommendation: it is important to have your airport transportation in Punta Cana prebooked as the local airport taxis might be slightly bothersome.
It does not matter for which of the following options you decide, the procedure when arriving at the airport in Punta Cana is always the same. Once you have passed immigration and customs (don’t forget to fill out your e-ticket immigration form online before you travel to the Dominican Republic), you follow the walkway until the area with the desks of the tour companies OR the area of drivers waiting with signs showing the company and/or your name. The detailed instructions you can usually find on the voucher of the Punta Cana transfer you booked.
Private transfer from Punta Cana Airport to your resort
In case you don’t have a transfer included in your package, you can easily book one on the internet. The easiest and most convenient way to get from Punta Cana Airport to your all-inclusive resort is by booking a private airport transfer, as you leave right when you arrive, don’t have to wait for other people and receive a personalized service. By leaving without waiting for other passengers, you also arrive at the resort before others which might result in a smoother and quicker check-in.
For booking your private Punta Cana airport transfer, make sure you book the right area as prices for transfers to Cap Cana, Bavaro, Macao or Uvero Alto might vary. Just check out one of the following offers to see if it fits your hotel* – or continue reading as we have outlined the best airport transfer option for each region and resort below.
A typical ongoing rate for a private airport shuttle to most all-inclusive resorts in the area of Bavaro is around 25-35 USD one-way. Airport transfers to Uvero Alto are usually a bit more expensive. Transfers to Cap Cana might be a little bit cheaper, even though often the regular Bavaro rate is charged.
In case you are not sure in which area your hotel is located and which Punta Cana airport transfer is the best to book for your corresponding hotel, please have a look at the following table, where all major all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana are mentioned. Once clicking on the “check price” button, you can select between a one-way or a return transfer.
| Destination | Selected all-inclusive resorts | Price Range (one-way) | Private Airport Transfer (one-way and return) | Booking option (shared/private) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cap Cana | TRS Cap Cana, Sports Illustrated, Margaritaville, Sanctuary, Secrets Cap Cana, Hyatt, Eden Roc | 20-25 USD |  | see alternative option* |
| Punta Cana | Club Med, Westin, Tortuga Bay | 20-25 USD | | see alternative option* |
| Cabeza de Toro | Sunscape Coco, Catalonia, Jewel Palm Beach, Dreams Flora, Blue Beach, Serenade | 25-30 USD | | see alternative option* |
| Bavaro | Barceló, Lopesan, Melía, Falcon’s, Paradisus, HM Bavaro, Dreams + Secrets Royal Beach, Impressive, Vista Sol, Palladium, TRS Turquesa, Occidental Punta Cana, Princess, Ocean Blue, VIK | 25-35 USD | | see alternative option* |
| Arena Gorda | Iberostar, RIU, Bahía, Majestic, Royalton, Occidental Caribe, Hard Rock, Moon Palace | 25-35 USD | | see alternative option* |
| Macao | Dreams Macao | 35-45 USD | | see alternative option* |
| Uvero Alto | Ocean El Faro, CHIC, Nickelodeon, Jewel Punta Cana, Live Aqua, Dreams Onyx, breathless, Secrets Tides, Grand Sirenis, Excellence, Finest, W Hotel, Zoetry | 45-60 USD | | see alternative option* |
| Miches / Playa Esmeralda | Club Med + Dreams + Secrets Playa Esmeralda, Zemi Miches, Viva Miches, Temptation Miches | 120-150 USD | | see alternative option* |
| Bayahibe / La Romana | Hilton La Romana, HM Alma de Bayahibe, Viva Dominicus, Iberostar Hacienda, Dominicus, Catalonia Bayahibe, Catalonia Royal La Romana, Dreams Dominicus, Sunscape Dominicus | 80-100 USD | | see alternative option* |
Shared transfer from Punta Cana Airport to your resort
Shared transfers are – especially if traveling alone – considerably cheaper than private transfers and one of the most economic ways of airport transporation in Punta Cana. They are already starting from 8 USD per way. You share the van with passengers at a similar flight arrival or departure time to yours. Upon arrival, after reaching the bus, you might have to wait for other passengers to join, depending on the pre-bookings of the tour operator on that certain day. However, usually, this should not be more than 30 minutes. The all-inclusive resort where you and the other passengers are staying might not always be the same so be prepared to stop at 2 or 3 other hotels before reaching yours when booking a Punta Cana airport shuttle.
On the other hand, these Punta Cana shuttle services are usually quicker and with fewer stops than the airport transfers included in the holiday packages from the big tour operators as they are operated in small vans compared to big coaches of Apple Vacations, Sunwing Travel & Co.
For bookings, please consult one of the following operators. I have made good experiences with those airport shuttles in Punta Cana and was lucky enough to get my private transfer twice because there were no other bookings, even I have only paid for a shared one.
If those Punta Cana airport shuttle option are not fitting to your travel itinerary, you can also check this provider* for further shuttle options.
Luxury transfer from Punta Cana Airport to your resort
Do you want to travel in style and prefer a comfortable SUV for your vacation in the Caribbean? Then some of these luxury airport transfers in Punta Cana are the right choice for you. Chevrolet Suburban and Hyundai Tucson are some of the common vehicles in Punta Cana for premium airport transfers and depending on the service, you might even have drinks included.
I have selected a few recommendable luxury airport transfers in Punta Cana for your convenience. You can find them in the following widget.
For a Punta Cana limo transfer, I am also recommending you one of the transfers listed above. As mentioned, with most Punta Cana SUV transfers you are going to be picked up with a Chevrolet Suburban or Hyundai Tucson. Even though not a limousine, they are much cheaper than the very scarce Punta Cana limo airport transfers, which are not common in the Dominican Republic.
Airport transfer in Punta Cana with Uber
If you don’t want to prebook a private transfer or an airport shuttle, Uber in Punta Cana is another option for your airport transfer – you might think. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
Even Uber is existing in Punta Cana since September 2020, I would not recommend calling an Uber from Punta Cana Airport. Ubers are not allowed inside the airport for picking up passengers, hence you have to walk out on your own from the airport and catch your Uber from there. Considering you’re landing with outside temperatures of around 90-95 °F, have probably some heavy luggage with you and won’t have any internet connection outside the terminal, this is a pretty complicated arrangement.
Furthermore, even though you walk out of the airport to call your Uber, you will be quoted the airport taxi price. The low Uber rates are not available around the airport and the directly adjoining areas of Punta Cana Village. I had to experience this the hard way recently in 2023 when I wanted to call an Uber from Punta Cana Village, even though I was just attending a business meeting and not coming from the airport. I had to walk for close to a mile to the Nacional supermarket until I was finally able to call an Uber for the regular “Uber” rate outside of the airport.
On the other side, Uber is a perfect option when moving around in Punta Cana when NOT departing from the airport or your all-inclusive resort. Unfortunately, most taxis also claim their monopoly when leaving the resort.
However, if you are leaving from one of Punta Canas beautiful beaches, from a local restaurant or from anywhere else which is not a major tourist attraction, calling an Uber in Punta Cana is no problem. I have used it on my own already dozens of times. Using an Uber from smaller accommodation, guesthouses, villas or Airbnbs is also not a problem.
Airport transfer in Punta Cana with a taxi
If you would like to stay flexible and do not want to book your Punta Cana airport transfer in advance, you simply can get a taxi on spot as well. The taxi drivers are always waiting in both arrival areas with a taxi sign and will approach you anyway (pretty pushy) if you look like you have not pre-booked anything. There is no problem with those drivers as taxis in Punta Cana (and the Dominican Republic in general) are perfectly safe.
However, I once had a bad experience when I went with a Punta Cana airport taxi. The taxi driver put me together with other people which is unusual for a taxi. I did not have a problem with it but obviously did not pay the full price. The driver went – incomprehensible – furious about it, but I just gave him (half of) the money and walked away.
Furthermore, the dispute between the taxi association and Uber in the past with regard to airport transfers from Punta Cana International Airport shows how unprofessional some of the taxi drivers are. Instead of searching for lawful options or offering at least partly competitive prices, they are acting like the youngest kids in the kindergarten and are discrediting the image of Punta Cana’s tourism. The only thing that is important to the airport taxis in Punta Cana is their monopoly and the high prices they charge.
Don’t get me wrong, Punta Cana airport taxis are perfectly safe. But don’t expect any kind of exceptional service nor an acceptable price-value ratio. This is why I would highly recommend pre-booking your Punta Cana airport transportation as per the options above.
If you would like to know the Punta Cana airport taxi rates, here is an updated (2023) list for all major resorts and places in the Punta Cana area. Most likely these rates will be valid for 2024 as well, as there hardly have been any changes in recent years (and taxi prices are high anyway, so no need to raise them):
- Punta Cana Airport – Four Points by Sheraton / Punta Cana Village: 10 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Westin Puntacana Resort: 20 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Cap Cana (all resorts and villas): 30 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Club Med: 20 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Plaza San Juan, Downtown, Imagine, Coco Bongo: 25 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Friusa: 30 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Cabeza de Toro (Blue Beach, Catalonia, Catalonia Royal, Dreams Flora, Jewel Palm Beach, Sunscape Coco, Serenade, etc.): 30 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Barcelo Resort (all hotels): 30 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Lopesan Hotel: 30 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Melía Resorts (all hotels incl. Falcon’s) + Paradisus Palma Real: 30 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Dreams + Secrets Royal Beach: 35 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Los Corales: 35 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Impressive Resort and Vista Sol: 35 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – El Cortecito: 35 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Palladium Resort incl. TRS Turquesa Hotel: 35 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Occidental Punta Cana: 35 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Caribe Deluxe Princess & Tropical Deluxe Princess: 35 USD
Punta Cana Airport – Grand Bavaro Princess & Princess Family Club Bavaro: 35 USD - Punta Cana Airport – Paradisus Punta Cana: 35 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Punta Cana Princess: 40 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Ocean Blue & Sands + VIK Hotel Arena Blanca: 40 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Iberostar Resort (all hotels): 40 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – RIU Resort (all hotels): 40 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Bahia Resort (all hotels): 40 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Majestic Resort (all hotels): 40 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Royalton Resort (all hotels): 40 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Occidental Caribe: 40 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Hard Rock Resort & Casino Punta Cana: 50 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Moon Palace: 50 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Macao (Dreams Macao): 60 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Uvero Alto (Breathless, Nickelodeon, Dreams Onyx, Secrets Tides, Live Aqua, Finest Punta Cana, Excellence, Sirenis, CHIC, Jewel Punta Cana): 70 USD
- Punta Cana Airport – Uvero Alto (Zoetry): 80 USD
Do you have any questions about these taxi prices from Punta Cana Airport to your resort? Let me know in the comments.
Renting a car at Punta Cana Airport
Another option of getting from the airport in Punta Cana to any place in the area or beyond is to rent a car. All well-known rental car companies are present in Punta Cana. Driving in the Dominican Republic – especially from Punta Cana Airport – is easy thanks to the well-maintained highways (compared to similar developing countries), although traffic in the cities can be chaotic. If you have never driven in such an environment, I would not recommend planning a road-trip through the Dominican Republic, but even as a beginner at renting cars in foreign countries you are fine in the area of Punta Cana as the signposting is very good and the highways are easy to navigate.
When renting a car in Punta Cana, be aware of Thrifty as I once had a bad experience with them – even though this was long time ago, hence I hope the guy responsable for the disaster doesn’t work there anymore. Others of my Punta Cana car rental experiences so far were positive even Sixt once didn’t have a car for me although I booked one and for AmeriRent I had to wait half an hour until their counter was staffed.
Therefore, when booking a car rental in Punta Cana, make sure you pay attention to trustworthy and recommended rental car agencies with good reviews. I can recommend you to book your car here* as you can see reviews right away and also can compare different packages with insurances, various models and all kinds of services to opt-in or opt-out.
Continue reading this article if you aren’t sure if you shall rent a car in Punta Cana or not.
And if you are curious to know what you can do during your holiday if you decide to use a rental car service in Punta Cana, you can check out the most amazing day trips from Punta Cana here.
Airport transfer in Punta Cana by public transport
You are traveling on a shoestring budget in Punta Cana or are going to backpack the Dominican Republic? Then public transport is your way to go!
However, please only use it if you are traveling with hand luggage only as there is no space for suitcases, especially in the small guaguas (local buses) serving the Punta Cana Airport from Verón. If you are traveling TO the airport and are coming from Santo Domingo or Higuey, luggage is not a problem as those buses have a baggage compartment.
The best option to see how the public transport in Punta Cana is working is to check out the following post where I have described everything you need to know about guaguas and public busses in Punta Cana. Furthermore, you can find a map there with good visualization of how the system is set up and which routes are being served – including the airport. This map is unique and is exclusively created for Punta Cana Travel Blog.
If you are arriving at Punta Cana Airport, two different busses are passing on the main road outside the terminal area – the small local minivans to Verón and the regional guaguas going to the provincial capital of Higuey (which are also stopping in Verón). Effectively, if you want to travel to Bavaro, you can hop on either one of them. Once reaching Cruce de Verón you can change busses and take a Bavaro-bound guagua.
If you are going TO the airport from Bavaro, you can take – depending on where you are staying – a Verón- or Higuey-bound bus and change at Cruce de Verón for the bus to Cap Cana or Punta Cana Airport. Both are stopping at the airport. Alternatively, if you are coming from Higuey or Santo Domingo, simply take the direct busses to the airport of Punta Cana. Check out further options here on how to get from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana.
Costs for either of the options are cheap. For the 2 busses between the airport and Bavaro, you pay around 2 USD (2x 50-60 DOP), if coming from Santo Domingo you pay around 8 USD (450 DOP).
If you are planning to get to and from the airport in Punta Cana by public transport, here are again the two most important pieces of advice:
– travel lightly, no suitcases or similar big luggage (except for the direct busses FROM Higuey and Santo Domingo to the airport)
– read my comprehensive guide about the public transport system in Punta Cana and have a look at the maps to better understand the routes
Transportation from Punta Cana Airport to your resort
To make it even easier for you to find the perfect transportation option from Punta Cana Airport to your hotel, we have compiled a list of all the necessary information when heading toward your resort.
Punta Cana Airport Transfers to other destinations
Punta Cana Airport is a major airport with flight connections from many international destinations. While most of the people arriving are indeed looking for transportation from Punta Cana airport to the resorts or hotels, you can also easily connect with other destinations in the Dominican Republic. If you are heading to Bayahibe, Santo Domingo, Miches or other areas in the Dominican Republic, check out the following sections for the best Punta Cana airport transfers to these destinations.
Punta Cana Airport Transfers to La Romana and Bayahibe
Bayahibe and La Romana are less than an hour’s drive from Punta Cana away. It is a straight 50-minute journey from Punta Cana Airport to La Romana, making it easy to connect between both destinations. As you can read in my comprehensive Bayahibe Travel Guide, Bayahibe offers a good combination of selected all-inclusive resorts, apartments and public beaches. You have also Isla Saona next door, making Bayahibe the perfect getaway for this popular excursion.
For the best airport transfer from Punta Cana to La Romana and Bayahibe, you have different options. You can either book a private transfer from Punta Cana Airport to Bayahibe or opt for the Punta Cana Airport Shuttle option, which also serves the La Romana area with Bayahibe. Both of these transportation options are available for your way back to Punta Cana Airport as well.
For further airport transportation options between these two destinations you can check out the transfer section in the full Bayahibe Travel Guide or read the full article about all the ways of getting from Punta Cana to La Romana/Bayahibe.
Punta Cana Airport Transfers to Santo Domingo
Usually, when your final destination is Santo Domingo, the most historic capital in the Caribbean with its unique Colonial Zone, your best bet is to fly directly to the Las Américas International Airport of Santo Domingo. However, sometimes flight connections to Punta Cana are better. While there is a separate article about all the different methods of getting from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo, your quickest and easiest way is a private transfer from Punta Cana Airport to Santo Domingo.
Since 2022, shared shuttles from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo are possible as well.
If you’d like to use public transport from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo, that’s absolutely possible, but you have to factor in an additional night in Punta Cana for most of the flights (if arriving after 2 pm) as you otherwise can’t make the last direct bus. This night can be spent in the Punta Cana airport hotel of Four Points by Sheraton or in one of the several budget options in Verón or Bavaro.
For full information about your options of getting from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo, check out this article.
Punta Cana Airport Transfers to Miches
Miches is the new tourism destination of the Dominican Republic northwest of Punta Cana, which yet has to be developed. However, two all-inclusive resorts in Miches are already open (Club Med Miches* and Temptation Punta Cana*) with others yet to open in 2024, among them Dreams Playa Esmeralda and Secrets Playa Esmeralda.
The driving time to Costa Esmeralda, the tourism project of Miches, is around 75-90 minutes. There are no shuttles available to Miches or Playa Esmeralda and public transport is very limited, even though there is a direct bus from Punta Cana (not from the airport though) to Miches which might work for adventurous travelers and passes right at the main entrance of Temptation Miches Resort and Temptation Grand Miches. Still, it is best to prebook your PUJ airport transfer from Punta Cana to Miches. You can find a recommendable option with the buttons below.
Airport transfers to other destinations in the Dominican Republic
Even 99% of the Punta Cana airport transfers are heading towards the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana or Bayahibe, to the city of Santo Domingo or Miches, there are also some further destinations you can go to from Punta Cana Airport.
Samaná is another popular destination in the Dominican Republic, particularly for individual travelers looking for remote beaches (check out the best beaches in Samaná) and affordable villas. Some travelers are also taking airport transportation from Punta Cana Airport to the south coast destinations of Boca Chica and Juan Dolio.
Other destinations from Punta Cana include Puerto Plata, the north of the Dominican Republic, Santiago de los Caballeros or the Southwest, even it is a pretty long ride to all of these areas and other airports might be a better fit. However, the Punta Cana flights are sometimes just unbeatable. Check here how you could reach Puerto Plata from Punta Cana.
If you are bound to any of these destinations in the Dominican Republic, check out the table below for the best airport transfers from Punta Cana. Usually, there are no airport shuttle options to these areas (exception: shared airport shuttle to Juan Dolio*), so a private transfer from Punta Cana is your best bet if you don’t want to rent a car or take the time-consuming public transport. However, this link also gives you an overview of the best shuttles to other destinations in the Dominican Republic*, particularly in case there have been any new routes added.
| Destination | Selected all-inclusive resorts / locations | Price Range (one-way) | Private Airport Transfer from Punta Cana (one-way and return) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miches | Miches / Costa Esmeralda | 125 USD | |
| Bayahibe | Catalonia, Hilton, Iberostar, Sunscape, Viva Wyndham, Dreams, HM Bayahibe | 90-120 USD | |
| La Romana | La Romana City and Cruise Port | 100-120 USD | |
| San Pedro / La Romana | Bahía Principe La Romana & Bougainville | 120-160 USD | |
| Juan Dolio | Emotions, Hemmingway, Guayacanes and surrounding | 140-180 USD | |
| Boca Chica | Be Live Hamaca, Bellevue, whala Boca Chica and surrounding | 140-180 USD | |
| Santo Domingo | Santo Domingo City incl. Zona Colonial | 150-200 USD | |
| Samaná | Las Galeras, Las Terrenas, El Portillo, Cayo Levantado, Santa Barbara de Samaná | 300-400 USD | |
| North Coast | Nagua, Cabrera, Rio San Juan and surrounding villages | 290-350 USD | |
| Cabarete & Sosua | Sabaneta de Yasica, Cabarete, Viva Wyndham Tangerine, Encuentro, Perla Marina, Sosua | 300-390 USD | |
| Puerto Plata | Playa Dorada, Costa Dorada, Puerto Plata, Cofresi, Amber Cove, Maimón, Imbert | 350-450 USD | |
| Santiago | Santiago de los Caballeros and surrounding | 280-400 USD | |
| Southwest | Barahona, Pedernales and surrounding | 400-550 USD | |
Other information about Punta Cana Airport
Flights to Punta Cana International Airport
When looking for airport transfers in Punta Cana, you probably already have booked your flights to Punta Cana.
It is important to know that Punta Cana offers the best flight connections in the entire Caribbean. There are non-stop flights from more than 25 cities in the US and over 15 airports in Canada. Furthermore, Punta Cana welcomes direct flights from around 25 countries worldwide.
Typical airfares from the US to Punta Cana start from 250 USD return incl. taxes, excluding bags and extra services, especially from Miami International Airport. From the New York area, the cheapest flights start at 350 USD return if you are flexible with your travel dates and don’t need bags. From the US west coast, you have to budget at least 400 USD return without any extras. Convenient flight times and bags easily bring you to 500-600 USD and up.
If you are coming from Canada, the lowest prices are usually for Punta Cana flights out of Toronto, starting from 450-500 CAD without bags and extras.
Once you have booked your flight, you can use the information provided above to find the best airport transfer in Punta Cana.
Punta Cana Airport Hotel
Especially for late arrivals or very early departures, an airport hotel comes in very handy. There is no hotel right at Punta Cana International Airport, but the Four Points by Sheraton is some kind of the official Punta Cana Airport Hotel. It is the only proper hotel located at Punta Cana Village, the area right next to the airport with a few shops, restaurants, Airbnbs and businesses. Furthermore, Four Points by Sheraton offers a complimentary airport transfer from 07:00-23:00 (subject to change) and is only a 3-minute drive away from the airport, making it the perfect Punta Cana Airport hotel.
Punta Cana Airport Lounge
Punta Cana Airport features two airport lounges, among them an amazing VIP lounge with an outdoor swimming pool and airfield view. It is easily the most spectacular airport lounge in the Caribbean. You can use it for all departures from Terminal B (among them Air France, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Copa Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines; subject to change). In case you’d like to properly use the fantastic swimming pool, it might be a good idea to plan your airport transfer to PUJ an hour earlier than usual.
Punta Cana VIP Service (Fast Track)
Punta Cana International Airport also counts with a Punta Cana VIP Service. It is available for arrival and departure.
For arrival, you have the following services included:
– meet and greet at the aircraft/jet bridge
– VIP fast track through immigration and customs
– access to lounge area with local drinks
– a preferential parking lot for Punta Cana airport shuttles
The price (for 2024 as of November 2023) is currently 100 USD per person + tax or – if you are a party of at least 3 people – 85 USD per person plus tax. Often people are asking us if it is worth it to book the Punta Cana VIP Fast Track service and if it guarantees to get through Punta Cana Airport quickly. The answer is, as often, it depends!
If you’re just booking the Fast Track Punta Cana airport service to get through customs and immigration more quickly, you might be disappointed. This is for two reasons:
– if you are arriving at a time when nobody else is arriving, everyone will get through immigration and customs pretty quickly (particularly since the new Dominican Republic e-ticket is in effect and makes immigration like a breeze)
– the VIP fast track service doesn’t influence when your bags get delivered on the luggage belt. Even though the service staff takes care of your bags and you can relax with a drink in the meanwhile, if your bags come out last, you will leave last.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to avoid any lines and relax immediately when arriving, the VIP Service at Punta Cana Airport is the right option for you, even if it is a pretty steep price of around 120 USD per person.
For departure, there is a similar service available for 200 USD + tax per person (for 2024 as of November 2023), which includes help at check-in, preferential access and guidance through security and immigration as well as access to the VIP lounges at Punta Cana International Airport. Considering that you have one of the most spectacular VIP lounges worldwide at Punta Cana Airport – thanks to its outdoor pool with runway view – this is a pretty interesting, even though also expensive option. If you are not interested in the Punta Cana VIP fast track service for departure, you can also buy access to the VIP lounge only for approx. 50 USD.
Do you have any questions on how to get to and from Punta Cana Airport? Which of the options do you prefer? Have you made your own experiences and want to share any advice? I am happy to read about it in the comment section.
SHARING IS CARING! IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS – I WOULD APPRECIATE IT A LOT.
CHRIS
Author, Travel Coach & Industry Professional (Bachelor’s degree in tourism)Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean soul, who has been living in the Dominican Republic for 6 years. I’d love to be your Punta Cana expert, as I have stayed at more than 45 all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana and the country, visited more than 70 beaches, explored more than 40 waterfalls and have seen basically all the attractions Punta Cana has to offer. I have also studied tourism for 3 years and worked in the tourism industry my entire life, which is why I am not only giving you recommendations and tips as a traveler but also the best secrets and travel hacks as an industry professional.
Do you need more information? Read more at my About Me Page, send me a travel coaching request or Contact Me here.
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The best eco-lodges and eco-resorts in Punta Cana and beyond
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Hi! Informative article on ground transportation options at PUJ. Apropos the taxi fare list above, please confirm that taxi (for two pax with luggage only) from Punta Cana airport to Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa is $30 USD one way? Do you normally pay in dollars or local (Dominican) currency? Is taxi fare fixed, or on a meter, or do we need to negotiate (before getting in)? Typically, how long is drive from airport to our hotel? What is suggested gratuity? Thanks for considering my enquiry.
Hi BJ,
thanks for your comment.
The taxi fares from Punta Cana Airport to the resorts mentioned above are the official fares, so the rate to Secrets Cap Cana would be 30 USD. However, it is still important to agree on a price, so make sure to ask beforehand, as there are no meters. The taxi drivers might try to charge more, in this case politely mention the official taxi fares signposted at the airport, or they even might charge less due to the pandemic. Gratuity is at your discretion and you can easily pay the taxi rate in US-Dollars. The ride from Punta Cana Airport to Secrets Cap Cana won’t take more than 20 minutes.
If you’d like to prebook your airport transfer to Secrets Cap Cana, you can do so here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/punta-cana-private-airport-transfer-recommendation/
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Chris
Hello! thank you for all the publish information.
Don’t know if you can help me, We are arriving at Santo Domingo airport on July 12 and are going to la Romana, how much a taxi will cost to brings us to our hotel in the Romana? will we have problem if we do Uber from Santo Domingo airport to la Romana? I thank you in advance.
Hi Nora,
sure, I can help you. If you are arriving in Santo Domingo, you can check out this article with all information about airport transfers from Las Américas Airport: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/general-information-faq/airport-transfers-in-santo-domingo/
For a recommendable transfer provider from Santo Domingo to La Romana, have a look at this offer: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/airport-transfer-santo-domingo-la-romana/
And for a reputable transfer company from Santo Domingo to Bayahibe, check out this one: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/airport-transfer-santo-domingo-bayahibe/
Ubers are available at Santo Domingo Airport, but they won’t take you for the price quoted by the application. You have to prepare to negotiate and haggle in this case.
The easiest way is to prebook an airport transfer.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Best regards
Chris
Great article ! Thank you so much! Btw Uber has been totally okay now to use in the airport I did and had no issues ! I think they finally came to an agreement
Hi Billy,
great that it worked for you.
There is still no agreement with the taxi association and the authorities, problems are still reported, even though it has become less frequent recently.
Of course, going TO the airport with an Uber is absolutely fine (as long as the resort lets the Uber enter to pick you up), but picking up right FROM the airport still can cause problems, according to recent reports from Uber drivers.
I will keep checking during my next Uber rides.
Cheers, Chris
Thanks for writing this great article for us. I have gained good stuff from this website. Looking forward to your next article. I am happy to share this post to my friends. Keep it up.
Hi Florence,
great that you liked this article and that it was helpful to find the right airport transfer in Punta Cana.
Cheers, Chris
Hola!
Any private transfer company suggested to use from PUJ airport to Juan Dolio area?
Thanks
Hi A,
if you are looking for a return transfer from Punta Cana Airport to Juan Dolio, you can check out this service here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/airport-transfer-punta-cana-juan-dolio/
if you are looking for a shared shuttle to Juan Dolio or a one-way transfer from Punta Cana to Juan Dolio, check out this transfer provider: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/airport-transfers-holidaytaxis/
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
Nice Article…Very interesting to read this article. I have learned some new information. Thanks for sharing.
Great that you liked the article. Enjoy your vacation in Punta Cana!
Hi Chris! I’m about to use your link provided in the article above to book a round trip, private transfer for 3 travelers from PUJ to Melia Punta Cana Adults Only for Christmas eve. Thank you so much for this information as this is the first time any of us have been to DR! I love all the information in one convenient location. Thank you again!
Hi Erica,
thank you. I am glad that the information here on Punta Cana Travel Blog are helpful for you.
Chris
Hi Chris, lots of helpful information. Cheers for that.
I have booked an apartement via booking. com and they also offer an airport transfer for €10 to Punta Cana. I payed in advance and someone should show up at theairport for me.
Ich bin gespannt ob das klappen wird 😉 Do you have experience with that kind of transfer?
Cheers, Ina
Hi Ina,
thanks for your comment.
Unfortunately, I have no experiences with the airport transfers from Booking.
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
Hello Chris, thank you kindly for all these different options and helpful information. I am travelling to DR for the first time and I need to book my airport transfer. I didn’t see a link/widget for the “SHARED TRANSFER FROM PUNTA CANA AIRPORT TO YOUR RESORT”, can you help?
Hi Nirvana,
thanks for your comment. The widget is there, maybe it gets blocked by your browser / ad blocker?
Alternatively you can use the following link for a shared Punta Cana Airport shuttle to your resort: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/shared-shuttle-punta-cana-airport/
Cheers, Chris
Hi Chris, great blog! I have read somewhere else that road circulation is very dangerous. I was planning to do a 2 stops one in Punta Cana and one in Bayahibe, therefore a longer transfer – do you think the roads are safe? Many thanks and greetings from Paris
Hola Alessia,
roads are pretty safe in Punta Cana, there is not much to worry about, except of crazy road users. 😉
As long as the stops are not during the night when driving from Punta Cana to Bayahibe, you should be absolutely fine.
Chris
Thank you for this post! I was looking into booking transportation to arrive at Serenade later this month. Let me know if you have further recommendations to arrive to Serenade specifically.
I also read your comprehensive review of the resort as well. I appreciate your detail and I know what to expect before arriving. I will be looking at your blog for my future Punta Cana travels. Keep up the great work!
Hi Naomi,
I am glad that this article was helpful for you, including the extensive Serenade Punta Cana review.
For your airport transfer from Punta Cana International Airport to Serenade Punta Cana, you actually can use most of the transfers mentioned above, for example one of the following ones:
– https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/punta-cana-private-airport-transfer-recommendation/
– https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/airport-transfer-punta-cana-to-cabeza-de-toro/
If you need any advice about the best excursions while staying in Punta Cana, you can check out this article: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/excursions-tours/best-punta-cana-excursions-and-tours/
Enjoy your vacation in Punta Cana
Chris
Thank you for all the amazing info!
What would be the best transportation to move from one hotel in cap cana to another within cap cana? I know cap cana is hard for companies to get into so i wasn’t sure how to best accomplish this.
Hi Frederick,
for official Punta Cana transfer companies it isn’t too complicated to enter Cap Cana if they have a previous booking.
However, in this case, I guess it would be easier to just take a taxi, they shouldn’t charge more than 10 to 15 USD for a transfer within Cap Cana. Depending on your hotel, you might even arrange a free transfer with one of the two resorts if you are lucky.
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
Any updates on calling an Uber from the Punta Cana airport? Will taxi drivers still hassle you / will the Ubers still try to negotiate the price or is it all resolved now?
Hi Emily,
the official agreement was that Uber drivers shouldn’t head to the airport to pick up passengers, hence I am not sure if it will work. I haven’t tried it on my own as I usually use the cheap airport shuttles (or get picked up from friends).
Cheers, Chris
Hi Chris!
What airport shuttle do you use/ recommend? We are going to Punta Cana Princess 🙂
Thanks
Valerie
Hi Valerie,
most of my recommendations for airport transfers in Punta Cana are mentioned in the article.
The following two for example are great options for Punta Cana Princess:
– https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/punta-cana-private-airport-transfer-recommendation/
– https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/airport-transfer-punta-cana-to-bavaro/
I hope this helps.
Cheers, Chris
Great Blog. Thank you. On the way to our hotel we would like to stop to get sim cards. Is this possible with an airport transfer service? Which one would be best?
Hi Shawn,
usually, when taking a Punta Cana airport transfer, quick stops are possible without a surcharge. However, getting SIM cards might take some time as your passport is needed, the SIM cards need to be activated, you might have to wait in a line etc.
Therefore, I can only recommend to enquire separately with any of the airport transfer providers mentioned to check what is the additional surcharge for this service.
I hope this helps.
Cheers, Chris
Thank youuuu for All the tips! This has eased my anxiety so much and I really appreciate you and the time you put into this article. Please keep posting we are reading!!!
Hi Natibati,
great if this post about the best airport transfers in Punta Cana was helpful for you.
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
Are the prices you quote for per person or family going to the same destination?
Hi Susan,
most of the prices quoted in the article are per vehicle, per way, except for shared airport transfers in Punta Cana which are usually per person per way.
Cheers, Chris
Hi Chris,
We’ve been to Punta Cana several times, last time booking our own private transfer online. It was certainly cheap, but not what we expected as we were kept waiting by the guy who met us until the car showed up!
So thanks to your excellent info, we’ve just booked through your link for our upcoming trip in May.
Keep up the great work! Cheers!
Hi Heather,
this is so good to know that this Punta Cana airport guide was helpful for you. 🙂
Enjoy your trip to Punta Cana
Chris
what a wonderful job!!! Read almost all on airport transfers. You do a great job at this! I really appreciate it.
We are a group of 12 traveling from Miami to Paradisus Palma Real Resort & Golf Club, all staying in Reserve Ocean Front suites. For whatever reason, this group travels with enough luggage to make people think we are moving in!!! I checked out 4 “private airport transfer” companies from your suggestions. Why is there such a huge gap in prices for the same criteria? From the 4 (from your list) companies I chose, the cheapest was 52 Euros (round trip) for a minicoach that can fit 14 persons (I got it bigger than needed to avoid the bitching about “if the luggage will fit,”) to $408 (round trip) for a minibus for 12 people. My mom always says cheaper is not better. My group is made up of all doctors and their spouses. They have high expectations. Is it necessary to go with the $408 option? Is more expensive in Punta Cana, better? Worth it? Offer better service for this type of group?
Lastly, can I pre-arrange airport VIP services for all 12? 4 of the 6 couples (8 of us) have AMEX black cards which come with all sorts of access to most airport lounges. We can all have guests as well. With the 4 black cards, everyone (all 12) can usually get in without paying anything to many airport lounges. Plus, we are all in first class so we also get in with our plane tickets. Eventhough that information is not important when arriving. However, those benefits do not include help/VIP treatment when arriving with customs, immigration, etc. Thoughts? Thank you so very much for your time.
Dear Martha,
thanks for your comment. Great if this article was helpful for you.
Considering you’re 12 people with a lot of luggage, I would not book the cheapest transfer, as you definitely need a bigger car. 52 Euro round-trip just sounds too cheap for a round-trip transfer for 12 pax. But 408 USD also is way too much and super exaggerated.
Considering you’re saying that everything shall suit high expectations, one of the luxury and SUV transfers would usually be one of the best options. However, those cars only fit a maximum of 4 to 5 guests, hence this wouldn’t work for your group as long as you don’t want to book multiple vehicles.
In this case, I would recommend the Sprinter from Transekur, a luxury vehicle that fits 16 passengers. You can check it out here: https://transekur.com/
Regarding the airport VIP fast track, this is something you have to decide for your group. As you said, you already have access to lounges and everything, but not to the VIP fast track immigration. However, considering you’re leaving the plane first (if you fly Business) and that theoretically also your luggage should come out first (assuming it is labeled with priority), I am not sure it is needed. On the other side, if you say that everything should be perfect, the VIP fast track at Punta Cana Airport could be the icing on the cake for a top-notch holiday.
I hope this helps. Feel free to reach out via email or social media message if you have any further questions or let us schedule a call within my travel coaching sessions if you’re interested.
Cheers, Chris
Hello, I’m having trouble finding information on getting a one way transfer BACK TO the airport from a hotel. The transfer sites only have round trip or one way from PUJ to the resorts. Can you tell me the best way to get to PUJ from the AC Hotel Marriott on Avenida Barcelo? Trying to avoid a taxi if possible. Thank you
Hi Angela,
thanks for your comment.
No problem at all. You can check the following 2 pages for easy one-way transfers TO the airport:
https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/airport-transfers-holidaytaxis/
OR
https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/airport-transfers-suntransfers/
Strange enough, both pages don’t recognize AC Hotel Punta Cana. However, you can simply put in “Bavaro” as your “pick-up destination” and specify the exact pick-up point in the comment box throughout the booking process.
Alternatively, you simply can take an Uber from AC Hotel Punta Cana to the Airport.
I hope this helps.
Best regards
Chris
Hello Mr. Chris,
First of all I want to thank you for all the information you have published on your blog.
We are a group of 4 adults from Croatia. We are coming to Punta Cana on 18.12. We are planning accommodation in Bavaro (hotel or apartment) where we will spend a few days in Punta Cana, and then we want to go to Santo Domingo by bus.
1 – We need the Punta Cana – Santo Domingo bus schedule (bus departure times and bus ticket prices)
2 – Can you suggest another type of transport for 4 people that would not be much more expensive than bus transport?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Vjekoslav from Croatia
Hey Vjekoslav,
thanks for your comment – great if the information provided here were helpful for you.
You can find the bus schedule for Punta Cana – Santo Domingo and the location of the bus stations here in this post: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/general-information-faq/punta-cana-to-santo-domingo/ , specifically here in this section: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/general-information-faq/punta-cana-to-santo-domingo/#public-transport-from-punta-cana-to-santo-domingo
The trip by bus will set you back at around 50 USD (considering 8 USD per person for the bus and two Ubers/taxis from and to the station). A private transfer will take at least 150 USD per trip hence I’d say the bus is definitely the best option.
I hope this helps.
Chris
Hello,
You write about shared transfers and when I click your link it goes to Suntransfers, but can’t find shared transfers on their website.
I know Holiday Taxis have it, but I don’t find much information about them, like reviews etc.
Do you know any other companies?
Hi Marie,
thanks for your message. Suntransfers does have shared transfers, but currently they are more expensive than their private transfers – their private trips are wildly low currently.
You can check Holidaytaxis for shared transfers. Alternatively, this one here is a great option – cheap, reliable, great reviews: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/shuttle-punta-cana-airport/
I hope this helps!
Let me know if you have further questions.
Best regards, Chris
Hello, We are arriving 12/24 and leaving 12/31 – family of 5.
Is it best to grab a taxi or arrange private transfer to Royalton Punta Cana?
Hey Marco,
I definitely would recommend prearranging a private transfer – this guarantees a much smoother arrival.
This one here is a safe, reliable and affordable option for 5 people to Royalton Punta Cana: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/recommendation/airport-transfer-punta-cana-to-punta-cana/
I hope this helps.
Chris