You've finally booked that flight. The pictures of turquoise water and those overwater bungalows in Cap Cana have been living rent-free in your head for months. But then you look at your ticket or a map and realize things aren't as simple as just "flying to the beach." Most travelers assume there's just one landing strip in the sand, but the reality of airports in Punta Cana Dominican Republic is a bit more layered.
Honestly, where you land can determine whether your vacation starts with a 10-minute breeze to your resort or a two-hour trek through tropical traffic.
The King of the Coast: Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
Let’s be real: if you're heading to this part of the world, you’re probably landing at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). It’s not just an airport; it’s a behemoth. In 2025, PUJ shattered its own records, handling over 11 million passengers. Think about that for a second. That is more people than the entire population of the Dominican Republic passing through one terminal hub.
What makes this place weirdly charming is the architecture. You won't find those sterile, soul-crushing grey concrete walls here. Instead, you get palm-thatched roofs (palapas) and open-air terminals. It feels like a resort before you even get to your resort.
Why PUJ is the default choice
Basically, it’s the most connected airport in the Caribbean. We are talking direct flights from 26 countries and over 80 cities. If you’re flying from New York, London, or even Buenos Aires, this is your spot.
The VIP "Pool" Secret
Most people just trudge through immigration, but if you’ve got a few extra bucks or the right credit card, the VIP lounges here are legendary. Why? Because Terminal B has a lounge with an outdoor swimming pool that overlooks the runway.
Yes, a pool.
You can literally take a dip while watching a Boeing 787 taxi past you. It’s the ultimate "I’ve arrived" flex for your Instagram feed. Access usually runs around $60–$100 if you aren't on a membership, but on a four-hour layover, it’s a lifesaver.
The Alternative: La Romana International Airport (LRM)
Sometimes, the flight prices to PUJ are just stupidly high. That’s when you look at La Romana International Airport (LRM).
It’s about 45 to 50 miles away from the main Punta Cana hotel strip. Roughly a 50-minute drive if your driver has a lead foot. Many people overlook LRM because it sounds "far," but if you're staying in Cap Cana or the southern end of the coast, the time difference is negligible.
When should you actually use LRM?
- You’re staying at Casa de Campo. This is basically their backyard airport.
- You found a charter flight that’s $300 cheaper than the PUJ equivalent.
- You’re heading to Bayahibe instead of Bavaro.
Don't expect the same "party atmosphere" as PUJ though. It’s smaller, quieter, and much more business-like. It’s the kind of place where you get in and out without the massive crowds.
What about the "Bavaro International Airport" Controversy?
If you spend enough time on local forums or reading Dominican news, you’ll hear whispers about the Bavaro International Airport.
This has been a massive legal and political tug-of-war for years. The idea was to build a second airport even closer to the Bavaro hotel zone to compete with the Puntacana Group. As of early 2026, it’s still a hot mess of permits and environmental debates.
Don't try to book a flight there. It doesn't exist yet, and honestly, with how much PUJ is expanding—they just finished a massive renovation of Terminal B’s parking and security tech—it might not be needed for a long time.
Surviving the Arrival: A Realist’s Guide
Look, the second you step off that plane, you’re going to be hit by a wall of humidity and about 50 guys asking if you need a taxi. It’s overwhelming.
Pro tip: Pre-book your transfer. If you walk out those doors without a plan, you’re going to pay the "tourist tax." A standard taxi to the Bavaro area can easily run you $40 to $60 for a 20-minute ride. If you pre-book a private shuttle, you can often get it for $35 or less, and they’ll be standing there with a sign with your name on it. Much more "main character" energy.
The "Entry Fee" Myth
For a long time, you had to pay a $10 tourist fee in cash upon arrival. Most airlines include this in your ticket price now. You’ll see people lining up at a desk near immigration—don't just follow the crowd. Check your ticket receipt first. Most likely, you’ve already paid it and can breeze right through to the passport check.
Logistics and Tech: The 2026 Update
The Dominican Republic has been pushing hard on "e-Ticket" forms. You must fill this out online before you land. It’s a combined customs and health declaration.
Don't wait until you’re at the gate in Miami or London trying to use crappy airport Wi-Fi to do it. Do it at home. They’ll give you a QR code. Screenshot it. The cell service inside the arrivals hall is notoriously "meh," and you don’t want to be the person holding up a line of 300 sweaty travelers because your page won't load.
📖 Related: The Cheapest Day to Buy a Flight: What Most People Get Wrong
Key Distance Cheat Sheet
- PUJ to Cap Cana: 10–15 minutes. Super close.
- PUJ to Bavaro/Cortecito: 20–25 minutes.
- PUJ to Uvero Alto: 40–45 minutes. You’re way up north now.
- LRM to Punta Cana: 50–60 minutes via the Coral Highway.
Which airport should you choose?
If you want the easiest life, fly into Punta Cana International (PUJ). It’s built for the volume. It has the duty-free shops, the fast-track services, and the sheer number of daily flights that give you flexibility if something gets delayed.
However, if you’re a savvy traveler or staying on the western edge of the Altagracia province, La Romana (LRM) is a perfectly valid "hack." It’s often less crowded during peak Saturday turnarounds, which, trust me, can be a madhouse at PUJ.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your "All-Inclusive" fine print: Many high-end resorts offer free airport transfers, but only from PUJ. If you book into LRM, you might be on the hook for a $130 taxi.
- Fill out the E-Ticket early: Do it 72 hours before your flight at the official Dominican Republic portal. It's free—don't let "third-party" sites charge you for it.
- Book the VIP Arrival: If you're traveling with kids or during a holiday weekend, the $100 for VIP Fast Track is worth every penny to skip the 90-minute immigration line.
- Download Offline Maps: Google Maps works well here, but having the area downloaded helps when your shuttle driver "forgets" exactly where your specific boutique hotel is located.
Essentially, the "best" airport is the one that gets you to the bar with a Mamajuana in your hand the fastest. For 90% of you, that’s PUJ. For the adventurous 10%, LRM is waiting.