Airport Transfers in the Dominican Republic: Punta Cana and Santo Domingo
The Dominican Republic has several international airports, and choosing the right one changes how your trip starts. Most leisure travellers land at Punta Cana (PUJ) for the eastern beach resorts, while Santo Domingo (SDQ) serves the capital and its business and historic hotels. This guide covers what to expect on arrival at each airport, how to connect between regions, and the practical details that make the transfer smoother.
Arriving at Punta Cana Airport (PUJ)
PUJ is the main gateway for the Bávaro and Cap Cana hotel zones, and most resorts in this area are a short, direct drive from the terminal, which is why nearly all-inclusive travellers choose this airport over Santo Domingo.
Hotels in Cap Cana, such as Eden Roc Cap Cana, Sanctuary Cap Cana (Adult All-Inclusive), and Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, sit in a gated development a bit further from the terminal than the Bávaro strip, so factor in extra time if your flight lands during peak arrival hours.
The Bávaro corridor, home to Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino, Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort, Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa, Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites, the Adults Only Club at Lopesan Costa Bávaro, and the Bahía Príncipe Escape Ambar and Aquamarine properties, is the most convenient cluster of resorts if you want a quick transfer.
Smaller or independent stays such as AC Hotel by Marriott Punta Cana and Art Villa Dominicana are closer to Punta Cana town itself, which can mean easier access to local restaurants outside the resort zone but a transfer that may stop in a different area than the big all-inclusive complexes.
Most resorts offer a paid or included shuttle; confirm this when you book, since arranging your own transport at the airport can mean a longer wait at the taxi queue during busy arrival banks.
Arriving at Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ)
Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) serves the capital and is the right choice if your stay is centered on Santo Domingo rather than the beach resorts, especially if you plan to spend time in the Colonial Zone or the business districts.
El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, sits in a residential part of the capital and is a common pick for travellers who want a full-service resort experience without leaving the city.
Aloft by Marriott Santo Domingo Piantini is positioned in the Piantini business district, convenient for travellers combining leisure with meetings or city exploration.
Other city options in the catalogue, including Aston Rubi City Suites, Acuarium Suite Resort, and Apartahotel Alvear, are spread across different Santo Domingo neighbourhoods, so check the exact area against your itinerary before booking a transfer.
Boca Chica, where Agua Dulce is located, is close enough to SDQ that it works as either a first-night stop after a late arrival or a full beach stay in its own right, without the longer drive required to reach Punta Cana.
Moving between regions
The Dominican Republic does not have a dense train or long-distance bus network built for tourists, so moving between regions means either a domestic flight, a private transfer by road, or a rental car.
Casa de Campo Resort and Villas in La Romana is often reached via La Romana's own airport, but many travellers also fly into PUJ or SDQ and take a road transfer, since La Romana sits between the two.
If your trip includes the north coast, hotels such as Agualina Kite Resort in Cabarete are generally reached through Puerto Plata's airport rather than PUJ or SDQ, so double-check which airport your flight actually serves before booking ground transport.
Inland cities like Santiago de los Caballeros, home to AC Hotel Santiago de los Caballeros, have their own regional airport, which can be a faster option than a long road transfer from either coast.
Remote areas such as Pedernales, where Alba Coral Hotel is located, are far from both PUJ and SDQ; plan for a long road journey or check whether a connecting flight is realistic for your dates.
Practical notes for a smooth transfer
Arrange your transfer before you fly whenever possible, either through the hotel directly or a prearranged transport company; this avoids negotiating on the spot at a crowded arrivals hall.
Keep your hotel confirmation and address accessible on your phone, since not every driver will recognize a resort by name alone, especially outside the main Punta Cana and Santo Domingo clusters.
Immigration and baggage claim at PUJ and SDQ can take longer during peak hours in high season (roughly December through March), so build in buffer time rather than scheduling a tight connecting transfer.
If you are island-hopping between regions, confirm which specific airport your hotel is closer to; PUJ, SDQ, Puerto Plata, La Romana and Santiago airports are not interchangeable despite all being commonly used by tourists.
Carry some local currency for small transfer-related expenses such as tips or luggage assistance, since not all drivers accept cards.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport should I use for Punta Cana resorts?
Use PUJ (Punta Cana International Airport). It serves the Bávaro and Cap Cana hotel zones directly and is the airport used by nearly all travellers heading to that coast.
Which airport should I use for Santo Domingo?
Use SDQ (Las Américas International Airport), which serves the capital, including hotels in the Colonial Zone and business districts like Piantini.
Can I fly between Punta Cana and Santo Domingo instead of driving?
Domestic flights exist between some Dominican airports, but for Punta Cana and Santo Domingo a private or shared road transfer is the more common option; check current flight schedules if you prefer to fly.
Do hotels arrange airport transfers?
Many resorts, particularly the larger all-inclusive properties, offer shuttle or private transfer arrangements that can be booked alongside your stay. Confirm this directly with the hotel when booking.
Is Casa de Campo closer to Punta Cana or Santo Domingo airport?
Casa de Campo in La Romana sits between the two and has its own nearby airport; depending on your flight, you may land at PUJ, SDQ, or La Romana's airport and take a road transfer from there.