Punta Cana Airport Guide

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the busiest airport in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean, serving the famous beach resort region on the country's eastern tip. It's the first privately owned international airport in the world and handles over 8 million passengers annually.

The airport has two terminals with a distinctive open-air design featuring thatched roofs:

• Terminal A: Main terminal for most international flights
• Terminal B: Opened 2018, serves select airlines

Both terminals capture the tropical resort atmosphere from the moment you arrive.

Key airlines: JetBlue, American Airlines, United, Delta, Air Canada, WestJet, Frontier, Spirit, Condor, TUI, and many European and Latin American carriers.

Key fact: Most passengers are traveling to/from all-inclusive resorts with no connections. The airport primarily serves point-to-point leisure traffic.

Terminal Notes

Terminals A and B are separate buildings. Check your airline's terminal in advance:

• Most major US carriers use Terminal A
• Some European charters use Terminal B

Minimum Connection Times

Connection Type	Minimum	Comfortable
International → International	2 hours	2.5 hours

Connections at PUJ are rare. If connecting in the Caribbean, Santo Domingo (SDQ) is a more common hub.

Punta Cana Airport is surrounded by resort areas:

• To Bávaro/Punta Cana hotels: 15-30 minutes
• To Cap Cana: 10-15 minutes
• To La Romana: 45-60 minutes
• To Santo Domingo: 2-2.5 hours

Most visitors have pre-arranged resort transfers.

Uber does not operate in the Punta Cana area.

Official taxis are available outside arrivals (fixed rates):

• To Bávaro Beach hotels: $35-50 USD
• To Cap Cana resorts: $25-35 USD
• To Punta Cana Village: $25-30 USD
• To La Romana: $100-120 USD

Important: Use only official airport taxis with posted rates. Negotiate nothing—rates are fixed.

Resort transfers: Most all-inclusive packages include airport transfers. Confirm with your hotel before booking separate transport.

Private transfers: Can be pre-booked online; often cheaper than taxis for groups.

There is no public transit serving Punta Cana Airport.

Options:

• Hotel/resort shuttles (often included)
• Private transfers
• Taxis
• Rental cars

Type	Daily Rate	Notes
Short Term	$3/hour	Near terminal
Long Term	$10/day	Shuttles available

Most visitors don't park here—this is primarily used by Dominican residents.

Dining options at PUJ:

Landside (Arrivals):

• Several fast-food options
• Cafés

Airside (Departures):

• Bávaro Restaurant: Dominican and international food
• Hard Rock Café: American classics
• Burger King
• Dunkin'
• Various bars serving tropical drinks

Tips: Prices are tourist-level (USD accepted everywhere). Have your last piña colada at one of the terminal bars before departing.

Network: PUJ_Free_WiFi

• Cost: Free, limited time
• Speed: Adequate for basic browsing
• Premium paid options available

Many areas have spotty coverage—don't rely on airport WiFi for important tasks.

SIM cards available from:

• Claro and Altice kiosks in arrivals
• Prices: ~$20-30 USD for a tourist SIM with data

Most resort areas have good mobile coverage. Consider whether you really need data at an all-inclusive resort.

ATMs available in both terminals:

• Dispense Dominican Pesos (DOP) and US Dollars
• Major banks: BanReservas, Popular, BHD León

Currency tips:

• USD widely accepted throughout Punta Cana resort areas
• Dominican Peso (DOP) gives better rates at local restaurants
• Approximate rate: 57-59 DOP = 1 USD
• Tip in either currency (staff prefer USD)

Currency exchange: Desks available but with poor rates. Use ATMs.

Airside shops include:

• Duty-free shops (rum, cigars, jewelry, amber)
• Dominican products: Mamajuana liquor, Brugal/Barceló rum, cigars
• Beach accessories (if you forgot something)
• Larimar and amber jewelry (Dominican specialties)

Best buys: Dominican rum and hand-rolled cigars (check import limits for your country).

VIP Lounge Terminal A

• Location: Airside, Terminal A
• Access: Priority Pass, Lounge Club, or $45 walk-in
• Amenities: Food, open bar, WiFi, shower
• Hours: Follows flight schedule

Terminal B Lounge

• Location: Terminal B (if flying from this terminal)
• Similar amenities and access

Lounges offer a quieter escape from the busy terminal, especially during peak departure times.

Most visitors stay at beach resorts 15-30 minutes from the airport. If you need to overnight near PUJ:

Punta Cana is the Dominican Republic's premier beach destination, known for all-inclusive resorts, white-sand beaches, and turquoise waters:

Top experiences:

• Bávaro Beach: Miles of white sand, consistently ranked among the Caribbean's best
• Saona Island: Day trip by catamaran—stunning natural pools and untouched beaches
• Hoyo Azul: Natural swimming cenote (sinkhole) at Scape Park
• Marinarium: Snorkeling with stingrays and nurse sharks
• Santo Domingo day trip: 2.5 hours—explore the Caribbean's oldest colonial city

All-inclusive tips:

• Most resorts are truly all-inclusive (food, drinks, activities)
• Tipping is appreciated but not required (staff are salaried)
• Many resorts offer à la carte restaurants requiring reservations
• Premium alcohol brands sometimes cost extra
• Beach vendors will approach you—politely decline if not interested

Beyond the resort:

• Local restaurants in El Cortecito or Los Corales offer authentic Dominican food at lower prices
• Rent a buggy for a fun day exploring dusty roads and local villages
• Golfing: World-class courses including Punta Espada and Corales
• Zip-lining and adventure parks available at Scape Park and Bávaro Adventure Park

Practical tips:

• Hurricane season is June-November (September-October highest risk)
• Tap water is not potable—drink bottled water
• Spanish is the local language; English is widely spoken at resorts
• Power outages happen—resorts have generators
• Exit fee (~$10) is now typically included in airfare, but confirm