Punta Cana airport information

The international Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) opened in 1984, starting as a small operation with only a few thousand passengers landing the first year. Today, well over a million passengers per year land at the Punta Cana airport.

The airport itself looks very exotic, with a thatched roof over the terminal. Parts of the terminal are even of an “open air” concept with no walls sheltering them. Don’t be fooled though, this is a modern airport with very adequate facilities – a cut above most Caribbean airports.

Services you’ll find at the Punta Cana airport

There is a cafeteria, but this is airport food – not on par with what you’ll get at most Punta Cana restaurants. The airport also has a banking center with a currency exchange service. Depending on the time of day and how many international flights are arriving, there may be quite a run on this service.

Right outside the airport you’ll notice taxi stands – remember that the tan colored tourist taxis, while more reliable, are double the price of the older Japanese “city taxis”. There is a car rental service as well, but remember that renting a car is an expensive and risky proposition in Punta Cana.

Punta Cana airport porters

When you deplane, there are always a group of somewhat aggressive porters offering to carry your bags for you. If you’re able to carry your stuff, it is a very short walk to the taxi and bus stand. Keep a firm hold on your bags and say NO THANK YOU. If your stuff is really heavy, let them carry it and give them a buck or two per bag. Do not let them make you feel guilty or that you gave them too little – you set the price.

Punta Cana airlines

Currently, there are 70 airlines and charters that fly direct into the Punta Cana International Airport. This is now the busiest airport in the Dominican Republic, so more airlines are adding direct flights every day. Research your flight carefully, there are many ways to fly to Punta Cana, find the cheapest flight available.

If you find a cheap flight into Santo Domingo – it’s a 3 hour cab ride to Punta Cana which will cost you around $100 each way. You could also hop on a bus to Punta Cana for less than $10. The 3 hour cab ride seems daunting, but my advice is stay in Santo Domingo for a day. This is the oldest city in the new world! Go out for supper, visit the colonial district – then move on to Punta Cana the next day.