How to Reach Punta Cana by Airplane

As the most popular vacation destination in the Dominican Republic, it only makes sense that Punta Cana has its own airport. This airport is unique for a few reasons, including how you're greeted when you arrive and the fact that it is a privately owned facility.

International Airport of Punta Cana

The Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is located adjacent to the Puntacana Resort & Club and about three miles away from the coast along the Higüey-Punta Cana Highway. It is one of the only privately owned international airports in the world, and the busiest airport in the Dominican Republic, nearing five million passengers served annually. During the height of tourist season about 250 flights land here each week.

When guests arrive at the airport, they are greeted by locals dressed in traditional Dominican clothing who are happy to take photos with travelers. A professional photographer is on hand to take the picture, and you can stop at guest services and inquire where you can pick up your photo before you leave.

The airport is built with three open-air terminals. Terminal One and Two are used for international air travel while Terminal Three is for domestic planes and private charters. Two runways combination asphalt/concrete runways measuring 10,171 feet long are able to accommodate Boeing 747 jets.

Flying to Punta Cana from the US

Punta Cana welcomes more flights from the United States than any other airport on the island via American Airlines, Delta Airlines, AirTran, and Jet Blue. They typically leave from air traffic hubs including New York, Baltimore, Atlanta, and Miami. You can also book a private charter to get you to Punta Cana.

If you'll be flying from the states this information can be useful for planning purposes. Online services don't always show the most logical options so it can be useful to see a summary of which airlines offer direct flights to this airport.

Flying to Punta Cana from Canada

Getting to Punta Cana International Airport is fairly easy. Flights are available with Air Canada from most of the country's major airports throughout the year, and seasonal flights opening up from Halifax and Ottawa during the height of tourist season.

The following table indicates which airlines are flying directly from the Great White North.

Flying to Punta Cana from Europe

Condor Airlines is the leading provider of transportation from Europe, offering regular flights from Manchester, London, and Frankfurt. Flights increase during the winter months when tourism is most popular.

If you're going to be flying from across the Atlantic the following list will be helpful.

Flying to Punta Cana from the Caribbean

You can easily fly to Punta Cana from other locations in the Caribbean. Puerto Rico is an especially poplar departure point, with anywhere from two to six flights available each day with American Eagle.

See the table below for air service from airports in the Caribbean region. If there aren't any flights directly from your local airport, making a connection through another airport could be a great option.

Next Stop, Punta Cana

Many of the all inclusive resorts in Punta Cana offer airport pick up and drop off as part of the package deal, but if you're planning a more independent vacation, finding your own way is a big part of that.

There are several rental car agencies available just outside of baggage claim. It'll cost between $30 and $120(USD) a day to rent a car here, though you can get combo packages that combine your air fare, hotel room, and rental car to lower the price. Another option is to take a taxi. You'll find them waiting outside of customs, and will as the driver for a rate card to determine how much you'll pay to get to your hotel.

If you're planning a trip to the Dominican Republic, almost five million people a year agree that there is no better airport to fly to than the Punta Cana International Airport. You can visit from most major air hubs around the world, and if you aren't close enough to these spots to fly direct, booking a connecting flight – though more time consuming – is very rarely a problem.

The following chart shows how to get a hold of an air charter firms serving this region.