Punta Cana International Airport is a privately owned facility that serves the Dominican Republic’s largest beach vacation destination. The airport offers easy access to the region’s many resort hotels and serves as a gateway for the United States, connecting with major hubs including New York, Miami, Atlanta, and Charlotte via airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue. The airport connects with 64 cities in 26 countries, and serves as a gateway for Central and South America and Europe, with flights to destinations including Panama City, Bogota, London, Paris, and Madrid.
Arriving at Punta Cana International Airport
The airport has commercial services divided between two terminals: A and B. They differ significantly in ambiance and architectural design, since Terminal A was built much earlier and is partially topped with a giant thatched roof that evokes a traditional Caribbean vibe, even though it’s a rather large terminal. Terminal B sports more modern design elements and has one of the coolest VIP lounges I’ve seen.
You’ll need to complete an E-Ticket immigration form via the immigration website for the Dominican Republic before arrival. The airline gate agent will probably require you to present the form before you board your Punta Cana-bound flight, so be sure to fill it out well before then. You’ll also need to present your valid passport after you land.
The arrival at Punta Cana is usually pretty smooth. I’m a fan of arriving at Terminal A, though my reason might not be for everyone. You usually deplane via air stairs right onto the tarmac. It’s perfect for an aircraft selfie, but after disembarking, buses transfer you to the terminal. Be ready for that first hit of Caribbean heat (and if you need assistance, make sure to request it ahead of time). Arrivals at Terminal B are more likely to use a jetway, and the terminal is equipped with 14 jet bridges, including 7 new gates with jet bridges.
Immigration lines can be a bit of a gamble. I’ve breezed through in 10 minutes, and other times I’ve waited closer to 45 minutes.
How to travel between Punta Cana airport and hotels
The airport is conveniently close to several beachfront resorts, which makes for quick transfers. It’s even closer to Puntacana Village, where you can grab a meal or do some last-minute shopping at BlueMall Puntacana before or after your flight.
Rental cars at Punta Cana airport
Rental car counters are located inside the terminal buildings in the arrivals hall, immediately after exiting customs and baggage claim at both Terminal A and Terminal B. Most travelers don’t need to rent when staying at larger resort hotels, since it’s easier to arrange airport-hotel transfers and most travelers spend the bulk of their time at the hotel.
Other transportation options
I usually let my hotel handle my ground transportation, but you can also book a ride through tour companies or taxi operators. It’s a good idea to check if your hotel offers free or discounted pickup.
Sorting this out before you land makes everything quicker. If you haven’t planned ahead, you can look for transportation options inside the airport after you grab your bags.
Once you step outside the terminal, you’ll find a shaded area that can feel a little hectic. There are often a lot of folks holding signs for their company and for the passengers they’re picking up. If you’ve booked a ride, make sure you’re talking to the right person and that they have your name and hotel info correct.
Taking a taxi at Punta Cana airport
I find it’s less of a hassle to book transfers in advance. But if you need a taxi after you land, head to one of the stands inside the airport where you can see the fixed rates posted.
Departing from Punta Cana International Airport
I’ve always found the departure experience to be pleasant. As with just about any airport, it’s more efficient if you check in using your airline’s app, and if you don’t check luggage. That’s how I’ve always traveled in and out of Punta Cana, so I’ve always skipped the ticket counters and baggage check area (which are in a partially open-air space in both terminals) and headed straight to security screening, where high-tech scanners are used to process passports and keep the line moving relatively quickly.
Departure areas
There are a variety of opportunities to get food and beverages in both terminals, including international fast-food chains like Wendy’s and Pizza Hut, as well as a few places to get Dominican food.
Shop around if you’re looking to buy a beverage to take on the plane, though. I’ve found the prices for a simple bottle of water to be so overpriced that I usually wait for the free beverages on board.
One of my favorite places to hang out in Terminal B is the small outdoor terrace at the far end of the concourse. It’s a pleasant (and free) place to step outside, get some air and watch the planes. (The VIP Lounge in Terminal B offers a much more spectacular outdoor setting, of course, it’s not free; details in the next section.)
If you’re flying out of Terminal A, keep a few small bills (US dollars or Dominican pesos) handy. Little bands often play traditional music on the tarmac as you board. I love that final chance to enjoy local culture while standing in line waiting to board the plane — and the musicians always appreciate tips.
VIP Services
My favorite thing about flying through Punta Cana is the VIP Services program. It has made me feel almost like a celebrity with its personalized express service that zips you through the arrival process. If you’re looking to splurge on a more streamlined travel experience, it might be worth it.
Since the airport is privately owned, it offers more ways to upgrade your trip than most. For a fee, you can have a representative meet you at the plane and guide you through fast track immigration and customs with priority lanes to your ride.
The VIP Premium departure service is a bit pricier but includes an escort through check-in, security and immigration, dropping you off at the VIP Lounge. The lounges in both terminals are open to the public for a fee and include showers, Wi-Fi, snacks and refreshments, with special rates available for American Express cardholders. Each lounge access includes two complimentary local-brand alcoholic drinks per adult, and you’ll pay for additional drinks. The lounges in both Terminal A and Terminal B feature pools. The one near Gate 16 in Terminal A and the ones near Gates 24 and 31 in Terminal B offer outdoor swimming pools with tarmac views. How many people can say they took a swimming pool selfie with a jet in the background?
Hotels near Punta Cana airport
If you need to stay overnight near the airport, the Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village is your most convenient bet. It’s a short drive from both terminals and has a free airport shuttle, a 24-hour fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool. Just know that it’s not on the beach.
If you want sun and sand close to the airport, the Westin Puntacana Resort & Club is one of my top picks in Punta Cana. It has a huge beach, a beautiful pool area and great restaurants. The Westin also offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport. A bit further out, Club Med Punta Cana is another popular resort option in the area.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
