Your Complete Punta Cana Transport Guide: Getting Around the Dominican Republic

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) processed a record number of passengers in 2026, with April alone showing 8.3% growth in stopover visitors compared to the same month in 2025. As the busiest airport in the Caribbean, PUJ connects the Dominican Republic's eastern tourism zone — home to over 44,000 hotel rooms across Punta Cana, Bávaro, Cap Cana, Uvero Alto, and Macao — with the rest of the world.

Whether you are arriving for a resort vacation, a wedding weekend, or a corporate event, understanding your transport options is essential for a stress-free stay. Here is your comprehensive guide to getting around the Punta Cana region and beyond.

Airport to Resort: Your Arrival Options

Private Transfer (Recommended)

Pre-booked private transfers are the safest, most comfortable, and most reliable option. A professional driver meets you inside the arrivals hall with a name sign, assists with luggage, and drives you directly to your resort in an air-conditioned vehicle. Global Experience offers private transfers in sedans (1–3 passengers), SUVs (4–6 passengers), and sprinter vans (7–14 passengers). Average journey time: 25–45 minutes depending on resort location. Pricing starts from per person one-way.

Shared Shuttles

Budget-friendly shared shuttles operate on a wait-and-fill basis. You may wait 15–30 minutes for the vehicle to fill, and the shuttle makes multiple hotel stops. Journey time can double. Expect to pay – per person. Only recommended for solo travelers on a tight budget.

Rental Cars

Major agencies including Avis, Hertz, Budget, and Europcar operate desks at PUJ arrivals. Daily rates range from – for a standard vehicle. Important: Dominican insurance is mandatory and adds – per day. Roads in Punta Cana are generally well-maintained, but signage can be sparse — use GPS navigation. Driving at night is not recommended outside resort zones.

Taxis

Taxis are available outside arrivals but pricing is not metered. Fares must be negotiated before departure. Expect to pay – to Bávaro resorts and – to Cap Cana. Always agree on the price before loading luggage.

Getting Around Punta Cana

Hotel Shuttles

Most all-inclusive resorts operate complimentary internal shuttles within the property. Some resorts in the Bávaro corridor also run scheduled shuttles to nearby shopping centers (San Juan Shopping Center, Palma Real) and partner attractions on specific days.

Local Taxis & Moto Conchos

Taxi collectivos serve the Bávaro-Punta Cana corridor for approximately – per ride, following fixed routes. Moto conchos (motorcycle taxis) are even cheaper at – but are not recommended for tourists due to safety concerns and lack of insurance.

Guided Excursions

For day trips to Saona Island, Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park, Catalina Island, Macao Beach, or Scape Park at Cap Cana, the easiest option is a guided excursion with round-trip transportation included. Global Experience tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in air-conditioned vehicles with professional drivers. This eliminates navigation stress and ensures you return well before sunset.

Inter-City Travel

The Dominican Republic's road infrastructure has improved significantly. Here are the main routes from Punta Cana:

Safety Tips for Transportation

• Always pre-book airport transfers through a reputable DMC or your hotel — avoid accepting rides from touts in the arrivals hall
• Use the official taxi stand at PUJ, located immediately outside the arrivals exit, to avoid unlicensed operators
• Share your itinerary with hotel concierge when taking day trips
• Carry small bills (DOP or USD) for tolls and incidental payments
• Travel during daylight for inter-city routes, especially to Santo Domingo