How do you get to Punta Cana?
Getting There1.4/10Among the 5% hardest cities to reach
- Main airport
- Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: flightconnections.com, puntacanaadventures.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- Pre-book airport transfers in advance to avoid inflated last-minute prices and ensure reliable service with flight monitoring.
- Private transfers typically offer better value and convenience than airport taxis, especially for small groups.
- Punta Cana International Airport is the Dominican Republic's busiest with ~4.1 million visitors annually and extensive flight connectivity to North America and Europe.
- Ferry to Samana is a scenic alternative but requires coordinating transfers on both ends; allow 3-4 hours total travel time.
- Ground transport in Dominican pesos (DOP) is typical, but USD is widely accepted; confirm payment currency and exchange rates in advance.
- Santo Domingo and La Romana are popular day-trip destinations requiring 2.5 and 1 hour drive times respectively.
Ground Transport
Private Transfer
- Price Nearby Resorts
- DOP 1,469
- Price Longer Distance
- DOP 5,884
- Notes
- Prices vary by distance and vehicle type. Nearby destinations (Bavaro, Cap Cana): $25-50 USD. Longer distances (La Romana, Santo Domingo): $100-150 USD. Many services offer 24/7 traveler support and flight monitoring.
- Description
- Direct, non-shared service from airport to destination. Includes luggage assistance and meet-and-greet service.
Shared Shuttle
- Price Per Person
- DOP 883
- Notes
- Approximately $15-25 USD per person. Less expensive than private transfers but involves multiple stops.
- Description
- Cost-effective shared transportation with multiple stops. May involve waiting for other passengers.
Taxi
- Notes
- Official airport taxi service available with set fares by destination. Recommend pre-booking transfers in advance to avoid high last-minute rates.
- Description
- Fixed-rate taxis available at airport arrivals. Generally more expensive and less comfortable than pre-booked transfers.
Ferry Connections
Samana Peninsula To/from Punta Cana
- Ferry Ride Duration
- ~50 minutes (passenger-only boat, no cars)
- Price 1 To 2 People
- DOP 12,301
- Price 3 To 4 People
- DOP 14,656
- Price 5 To 6 People
- DOP 17,005
- Arrival Times In Punta Cana
- 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM (approximately)
- Departure Times From Samana
- 09:00 AM, 11:00 AM
- Notes
- Prices include ferry fare. Local ferry - safe but basic amenities. Transfers arranged from Samana Peninsula hotels to ferry landing (20 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on location).
- Description
- Ferry between Samana and Sabana de la Mar (50 minutes crossing) with connecting private transfers.
Ferries Del Caribe
- Route
- Puerto Rico (San Juan) to Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)
- Crossing Duration
- ~13 hours
- Sailing Frequency
- Monday, Wednesday, Sunday (seasonal variation)
- Notes
- Only ferry route connecting Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico. Main port is Santo Domingo (south coast). Would require additional ground transport to reach Punta Cana (approximately 2.5 hours by car).
- Description
- Ferry service from San Juan to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Approximately 226 nautical miles away. Not direct to Punta Cana but connects via ground transport.
Baleária Caribbean
- Route
- Puerto Rico to Dominican Republic - Future Route
- Status
- planned - not yet operational
- Planned Launch
- after summer 2024
- Planned Duration
- 7 hours
- Notes
- Still under development as of July 2026. When operational, would offer closer access than current Puerto Rico-Santo Domingo route.
- Description
- Planned ferry service between San Pedro de Macorís (Dominican Republic) and Mayagüez (Puerto Rico) in development.
Airport
- Name
- Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
- Status
- largest airport in Dominican Republic
- Key Info
- Approximately 2 miles southeast of Punta Cana town center. Free WiFi available. Arrival recommendation: 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours before international flights.
- IATA Code
- PUJ
- Terminals
- 2
- Airlines Count
- 39
- Non Stop Destinations
- 71
Day Trip Access
- La Romana
- 1 hour by car. Accessible for day trips or cruise port visits.
- Santo Domingo
- 2.5 hours by car (204 miles). Most nomads use private transfers or car rental.
- Samaná Peninsula
- Accessible via ferry from Sabana de la Mar.
- Other Destinations
- Various Dominican Republic destinations reachable by car rental or organized tours from Punta Cana.
Rail Connections
- Status
- no current service
- Future Plans
- A rail project was announced to eventually connect Punta Cana with Santo Domingo via a 93-mile route with 6 stations. This second phase was originally planned for completion in 3 years from announcement (2023), but remains in development as of July 2026.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Punta Cana
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.