Flying into the Dominican Republic can be an adventure, and choosing the right airport makes all the difference. I’ve been to all of them, and trust me—picking the wrong one can add unnecessary hours to your trip. Whether you're heading to a resort, the mountains, or the beaches, here’s what you need to know.
There are some important immigration documents needed for your trip to the Dominican Republic. Make sure to complete the required E-Ticket before you travel and have it easily accessible. More details on this below.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The international airports in the Dominican Republic and the traveling time to popular destinations
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) – Best for resort travelers in Punta Cana, Bávaro, Uvero Alto, Cap Cana.
Las Américas International Airport (SDQ, Santo Domingo) – Most central for Santo Domingo, Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, and even areas like San Cristóbal. You can easily catch a bus or drive to most places in the country from here—it’s a major hub.
Cibao International Airport (STI, Santiago) – Ideal for those heading to Santiago, Puerto Plata, Jarabacoa, or the northern mountains. STI is another hub, making it easy to catch a bus or drive to many parts of the country.
Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP, Puerto Plata) – Best for Puerto Plata, Sosúa, and Cabarete.
La Romana International Airport (LRM) – Serves Casa de Campo, Bayahibe, and La Romana.
El Catey International Airport (AZS, Samaná) – Closest to Samaná, Las Terrenas, and El Limón.
Note: Puerto Plata, La Romana, and Samaná airports are smaller, offering limited flights that are often pricier. An international airport is currently under construction in Pedernales to support the growing number of resorts and the anticipated tourism boom. Stay tuned for updates!
Airport to Destination Drive Times
PUJ to Bávaro – 25 min
PUJ to La Romana – 50 min
SDQ to Santo Domingo (city center) – 30 min
SDQ to Juan Dolio – 30 min
STI to Puerto Plata – 1 hr 30 min
POP to Cabarete – 30 min
AZS to Las Terrenas – 30 min
SDQ to Barahona – 4 hr
GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT TO YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS
Uber Availability: Uber in the Dominican Republic works in Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Higüey, La Romana, San Pedro, Juan Dolio, and Boca Chica. You can pay in cash or via the app.
Taxis: Available at all airports, but negotiate prices in advance. You can only pay cash.
Shuttles: Many resorts in Punta Cana and Puerto Plata offer transportation or third-party shuttles.
Private Transportation Services: You can schedule private transportation just for your airport pick up and drop off or as you need them throughout your trip to the Dominican Republic. We recommend Jet Transporte for this service. You can send a request through their website or talk to them via Whatsapp at 809-286-1111.
When you arrive, airport employees may offer to help you with your bags using a cart. This is a service, and you will be expected to tip. If you need a taxi and haven't prearranged transportation, expect taxi drivers to be persistent. Before getting into a taxi or allowing them to take your bags, agree on a price upfront. Most airports are located outside of the city, so fares typically range from $20–$40 to reach your destination.
AIRPORT ARRIVAL PROCEDURES & E-TICKET REQUIREMENT
When you arrive in the Dominican Republic, you’ll first go through immigration, where you’ll need to show your passport and any required travel documents. After that, you’ll pick up your checked luggage, which may be selected for an additional scan. At some point during the arrival process, you will be asked to present your E-Ticket QR code, so make sure it’s easily accessible.
E-Ticket Requirement:
This digital entry/exit form is mandatory. Use this link to complete the form.
There are scam websites that come up if you Google this. This is a free service, you should not have to pay for anything.
Complete it before departure (you’ll be asked for it at check-in).
Have it printed or saved as a screenshot (QR code must be clear).
BEST TIME TO PLAN YOUR ARRIVAL TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Unless you have secure transportation and accommodations, avoid arriving in the middle of the night. Spirit Airlines is known for late-night arrivals, and while their tickets are cheap, getting safely to your destination at 2 AM can be challenging. A slightly more expensive daytime flight is often worth the peace of mind.
NEED HELP? LET'S PLAN YOUR TRIP
Our custom travel planning services will help you choose the best destination for your group and the perfect accommodations for a trip you will never forget. We will suggest the best airport based on your location and even recommend transportation. Click here to start by completing our free vacation survey.
If you're renting a car on your Dominican adventure, don't miss our Driving in the Dominican Republic post for essential tips!
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