Airport Transfers in the Dominican Republic: PUJ and SDQ Explained
The Dominican Republic has more than one international airport, and picking the right one changes your entire transfer plan. Most Punta Cana stays connect through PUJ, while Santo Domingo and its surrounding areas use SDQ. Knowing which airport serves your hotel, and how far it is from the resort zones, saves time and avoids paying for a transfer you didn't need.
From Punta Cana Airport (PUJ)
PUJ sits close to the Bávaro and Cap Cana hotel zones, which is why most all-inclusive resorts along this coast, including Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino, Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort, Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa and Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites, are a short drive from arrivals.
Resorts further into Cap Cana, such as Eden Roc Cap Cana, Sanctuary Cap Cana and Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, add a bit more road time since Cap Cana is a separate, gated development south of the main Bávaro strip.
Airport transfer desks, private drivers and shared shuttles all operate from PUJ. Many hotels can arrange a transfer directly when you book, which is worth checking before you land, since options and pricing structures vary by property.
From Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ)
SDQ (Las Américas International) serves the capital and is the natural entry point if your stay is centered on Santo Domingo, including hotels like El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, Aloft Santo Domingo Piantini, or the Colonial Zone area.
SDQ is also a practical arrival point if you're combining a capital stay with a trip toward Boca Chica or La Romana, since both are reachable by road from the airport without detouring through Santo Domingo's city center traffic.
Metered taxis, app-based rides and hotel-arranged transfers are all available at SDQ. If your hotel is in a business district like Piantini, confirm with the property whether they have a preferred transfer partner, since traffic patterns in the capital can add variability to travel time.
Moving Between Regions
Punta Cana and Santo Domingo are on opposite sides of the country, and there's no shortcut between them beyond a domestic flight or a road transfer of several hours. If your trip includes both a resort stay and a city stay, plan this as two distinct legs rather than a day trip.
La Romana, home to Casa de Campo Resort and Villas, sits between the two regions and is reachable independently by road from either PUJ or SDQ, which makes it a flexible add-on if you're routing through the south coast.
Boca Chica and Santiago de los Caballeros are typically reached from SDQ rather than PUJ. If your itinerary includes Santiago, expect a longer overland transfer regardless of which coastal airport you fly into.
Domestic flights between Punta Cana and Santo Domingo exist and can be worth checking if you want to avoid a multi-hour drive, particularly during a short trip.
Practical Notes on Transfers
Always confirm whether your hotel includes airport transfers or can arrange one, especially for all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana and Cap Cana, where this is a common add-on at booking.
Have your hotel's exact name and area ready for the driver. Resort zones in Punta Cana (Bávaro, Cap Cana, Uvero Alto) are large, and similarly named properties can cause confusion at the arrivals curb.
If you're staying somewhere less central, such as Cabarete, Las Terrenas or Pedernales, budget extra transfer time, since these areas are further from both PUJ and SDQ and served by fewer direct shuttle options.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport should I use for a Punta Cana resort stay?
PUJ is the standard airport for Punta Cana, Bávaro and Cap Cana hotels. It sits close to the main resort zones, which keeps transfer times shorter than flying into Santo Domingo.
Can I fly into Santo Domingo and still reach a Punta Cana resort?
Yes, but expect a road transfer of several hours across the country, or look into a domestic flight connection. For most Punta Cana stays, flying directly into PUJ is simpler.
Is a private transfer necessary, or can I use a taxi at the airport?
Both options exist at PUJ and SDQ. Private or hotel-arranged transfers are more predictable for resort areas, while taxis and app-based rides work well for city stays like Santo Domingo.
How do I get to La Romana or Boca Chica from the airport?
Both areas are reachable by road from either PUJ or SDQ. Compare distances from each airport to your specific hotel, since the shorter route depends on exactly where you're headed.
Should I book my airport transfer in advance?
It's worth checking with your hotel when you book directly, since many properties, especially in Punta Cana and Cap Cana, can arrange or recommend a transfer ahead of your arrival.