Punta Cana Airport Transfer (PUJ)

Punta Cana International Airport (IATA: PUJ) is the Dominican Republic's busiest airport by passenger volume and one of the most distinctive major airports in the world — the terminals are open-air pavilions with thatched palm-frond roofs rather than enclosed concrete buildings. PUJ sits 20 kilometres south of the Bávaro resort strip and 12 kilometres north of Cap Cana. Apolo Taxi holds the ground transport concession and operates a fixed-tariff USD zone system from the rank outside arrivals. Private transfers are allowed with prior booking and clear a separate meet-and-greet area. Arrivals peak on Saturdays when most all-inclusive packages rotate. A LocalsRide pre-booking delivers directly to the resort lobby at a confirmed USD fare.

PUJ Transfer Times

Cap Cana Marina: 12 km, 15–20 min. Bávaro (Hard Rock, Riu, Iberostar strip): 18 km, 20–30 min. Playa Bávaro and El Cortecito: 18 km, 20–30 min. Cabeza de Toro and Melia: 18 km, 22–32 min. Uvero Alto (Excellence, Dreams, Zoëtry): 45 km, 45–65 min. Macao Beach: 32 km, 35–50 min. Higüey Basílica: 45 km, 45–65 min. La Romana and Casa de Campo: 115 km, 1.5–2 hours. Santo Domingo: 200 km, 2–2.5 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a queue outside Punta Cana Airport arrivals?

PUJ's open-air terminal layout routes all arriving passengers past the Apolo Taxi tariff counter and the private-transfer meet-and-greet area on the way to the parking lot. During Saturday afternoon arrivals — the peak resort-rotation day — the queue at the Apolo counter can exceed 20 minutes before you even reach the driver assignment. Pre-booked private transfers bypass the counter and meet you at the pavilion exit with a name sign at a fare confirmed in advance in USD.

Can I take an Uber from Punta Cana Airport?

No — Uber is not permitted to pick up passengers at PUJ. The Apolo Taxi cooperative holds the airport ground-transport concession, enforced at the terminal exit. Uber drivers face fines for attempting airport pickups and typically decline the request inside the app. The working options for PUJ arrivals are the official Apolo tariff taxi or a pre-booked private transfer. Uber can be used for shorter local rides once you're inside the resort strip or in the town of Bávaro.