# Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)

> Punta Cana, DO · approximately 5 km (3 mi) east of Punta Cana village

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/puj
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/puj.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: PUJ
- **ICAO**: MDPC
- **Timezone**: America/Puerto_Rico
- **Runways**: 2
- **Terminals**: 2
- **Passengers**: 8,116,553/yr
- **Hub for**: Air Caraïbes, Arajet
- **Official site**: https://www.puntacanainternationalairport.com/en/

## Overview

## Welcome

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) brings a unique vibe to the busy world of Caribbean travel. Picture this: stepping off the plane into a palm-thatched, open-air terminal that feels more like a resort arrival than an airport. But, hold on to your wallet, because once you're airside, the prices and crowds channel a different kind of resort experience — that of the captive kind, particularly when fast food meals soar past the US$15 mark.

## At a glance

Handling over 8 million passengers annually, PUJ serves as a crucial hub for Air Caraïbes and Arajet with just two terminals — A and B. Both display the signature open-air design that captures a laid-back, beach-like atmosphere. Located just 5 kilometers east of the Punta Cana village, it's a short ride from your flight to cocktails on the sand.

## Terminals & layout

Punta Cana International operates two primary terminals: Terminal A and Terminal B. Terminal A is comprised of 16 gates, servicing high-traffic routes like those operated by American Airlines and JetBlue. Across the tarmac, Terminal B has 14 gates and is the base for Arajet, British Airways, and Condor. Despite their cozy, scenic settings, expect a good walk through open-air bridges that make these terminals unique among bustling international gateways.

### Terminal A

In Terminal A, you'll find popular dining spots such as Taco Bell and Cinnabon, alongside accessibility to lounges like the Sala VIP and VIP Lounge American Express. Shopping includes things like Puntacana Resort and Club Logo Shop and DFA’s duty-free outlets.

### Terminal B

Terminal B hosts a similar mix of eateries, such as Wendy’s and Pizza Hut, and offers exclusive lounges such as the VIP Lounge TUI and VIP Lounge Air France KLM. For souvenirs or last-minute gifts, the Puntacana Resort & Club Logo Shop remains a hit among travelers.

## Getting to and from the city

Reaching Punta Cana village from the airport is straightforward with multiple options. The Four Points Hotel Shuttle is free for guests, operating a 15- to 20-minute service. Public buses are available for approximately 50 DOP, taking 30 to 45 minutes. Taxi services, including the APTP Punta Cana Airport Taxi, usually take between 10 to 45 minutes depending on the destination and time of day. Prices for these can vary, so have small USD bills or Dominican Pesos ready for easier negotiation.

## Traveller essentials

Prepare for your departure by checking in early; arriving three hours before your flight can save you from long waits at security and immigration, especially during peak turnover times. There is short-term parking at RD$20 per day; alternatively, long-term parking offers a lower rate at RD$10 per day. Amenities like rental car services from Avis or National Car Rental are available if you prefer driving yourself.

## Dining & shopping highlights

Food might be pricy, but variety is aplenty. The Hard Rock Café stands out as a lively pre-flight spot in both terminals, offering a more authentic vacation vibe than the fast-food court options. For coffee lovers, the Segafredo in Terminal A is your best spot for a morning espresso. Don’t overlook the convenient and well-stocked Puntacana Resort & Club Logo Shop for classy souvenirs.

## Lounges

The airport features Sala VIP lounges in both Terminal A and B, alongside the exclusive VIP Lounge American Express, VIP Lounge Copa Club, and others under various airline banners. Lounges frequently experience crowding, so getting there early is an advantage if you're hoping for some relaxation before a transatlantic flight.

## Insider tips

- **Price:** Fast food in both terminals can reach US$15–20. Consider eating before arriving if you're budget-conscious.

- **Time:** Arrive 3 hours before your flight during peak seasons to manage long queues.

- **Lounges:** Priority Pass only grants access to Sala VIP lounges which get crowded by noon; arrive early for space.

- **Local:** Segafredo in Terminal A brews the most consistent espresso, scoring high among coffee lovers.

- **Avoid:** Be wary of unsolicited ‘VIP arrival’ services online; seek verified options tied to resorts or airlines.

- **Money:** Have small bills ready for taxis; leveraging exact cash offers better control over fare negotiations.

- **Avoid:** Steer clear of timeshare pitches in arrivals; they are unrelated to hotel transfers.

## Terminals (2)

- **Terminal A** — 16 gates · American Airlines, JetBlue Airways
- **Terminal B** — 14 gates · Arajet, British Airways, Condor

## Dining (19)

- **CAICALI I** — A
- **CAICALI II** — A
- **CAICALI III** — B
- **Cava Alta** — B
- **Cavu Bar I** — A
- **Cavu Bar II** — B
- **Cinnabon** — A · $$
- **Hard Rock Café Punta Cana** — A
- **Jet Express I** — A
- **Jet Express II** — B
- **Nathan's** — A · $$
- **Pizza Hut** — $$
- **Pizza Hut** — A · $$
- **REFUGIO** — B
- **Segafredo**
- **Taco Bell** — A · $$
- **Taco Bell** — B · $$
- **Wendy's** — A · $$
- **Wendy's** — B · $$

## Lounges (8)

- **Sala VIP** — A · Terminal A, Priority Pass
- **Sala VIP** — B · Terminal B, Priority Pass
- **VIP Lounge Air France KLM** — B · Terminal B, airline lounge
- **VIP Lounge American Express** — A · Terminal A, Amex cardholders · 35
- **VIP Lounge American Express** — B · Terminal B, Amex cardholders · 35
- **VIP Lounge Condor** — A · Terminal A, airline lounge
- **VIP Lounge Copa Club** — A · Terminal A, airline lounge
- **VIP Lounge TUI** — B · Terminal B, airline lounge

## Shops (16)

- **DFA Candy & Toys** — A
- **DFA Candy & Toys** — B
- **DFA Duty Free** — A
- **DFA Duty Free** — B
- **DFA Fashion** — A
- **DFA Sunglasses** — B
- **DFA Watches & Jewelry** — A
- **Hard Rock Café Punta Cana Shop**
- **Hard Rock Café Punta Cana Shop** — A
- **News & Books Kiosk** — A
- **News & Books Kiosk** — B
- **Pharmacy FMS**
- **Puntacana Resort and Club Logo Shop**
- **Puntacana Resort and Club Logo Shop** — A
- **Souvenir Shop La Tiendita** — A
- **Souvenir Shop La Tiendita** — B

## Parking (4)

- **Employee Parking** — Restricted lot · /8/day
- **Long-Term Parking** — Economy lot · /10/day
- **Main Public Parking** — Surface lot · /20/day, /5/hr
- **Short-Term Parking** — Terminal A · /20/day, /3/hr

## Ground transport (17)

- **AMSTAR DMC Transfer** — Shuttle service · 30-60 min depending on stops · Coaches dispatched to match major charter/holiday flights
- **APTP Punta Cana Airport Taxi** — Taxi service · 20-45 min to Bavaro reported by users · On demand by reservation aligned to flight times
- **Avis** — Rental car · Counter open daily with hours tied to flight arrivals
- **Budget** — Rental car · Counter staffed daily during airport operating hours
- **Cabify** — Rideshare service
- **Caribe Tours Bavaro Line** — Bus service · Several departures daily on main intercity routes per user reports
- **Expreso Bavaro** — Intercity bus · 2.5-3.5 hours depending on traffic · Approx RD$400-500 (about $8-10) one-way Santo Domingo–Bavaro reported by users · Roughly every 2-3 hours during the day per user reports
- **Four Points by Sheraton Punta Cana Village Shuttle** — Hotel shuttle · 5-10 min · By prior arrangement tied to flight times
- **Four Points Hotel Shuttle** — Shuttle · 15-20 min · Free for guests · Every 30 minutes
  Complimentary for hotel guests.
- **Hertz** — Rental car · Desk hours follow airport flight schedules
- **National Car Rental** — Rental car · Desk hours aligned with flight schedule daily
- **Olympus Tours Transfer** — Shuttle service · 30-60 min depending on resort and stops · Scheduled around package flights and resort pickups
- **Public Bus Service** — Bus · 30-45 min · Approx. 50 DOP · Every hour
  Check local schedules for exact times.
- **Rental Car Services** — Other · Varies · Varies by rental company · Available 24/7
  Multiple rental companies are located on-site.
- **Rideshare Service** — Rideshare · 10-15 min · Varies by destination · Available 24/7
  Rideshare pick-up areas are designated outside the terminal.
- **Taxi Service** — Taxi · 10-15 min · Varies by destination · Available 24/7
  Official taxis are available outside the terminal.
- **Uber** — Rideshare service · Service coverage sporadic around Punta Cana; airport pick-ups effectively blocked by taxi unions

## Insider tips

- _Price_: Fast food in both terminals can reach US$15–20. Consider eating before arriving if you're budget-conscious.
- _Time_: Arrive 3 hours before your flight during peak seasons to manage long queues.
- _Lounges_: Priority Pass only grants access to Sala VIP lounges which get crowded by noon; arrive early for space.
- _Local_: Segafredo in Terminal A brews the most consistent espresso, scoring high among coffee lovers.
- _Avoid_: Be wary of unsolicited ‘VIP arrival’ services online; seek verified options tied to resorts or airlines.
- _Money_: Have small bills ready for taxis; leveraging exact cash offers better control over fare negotiations.
- _Avoid_: Steer clear of timeshare pitches in arrivals; they are unrelated to hotel transfers.