Punta Cana Airport Guide

Punta Cana Airport complete guide

What is Punta Cana airport called

Punta Cana International Airport is the official name of this airport, and its IATA code is PUJ, while its ICAO code is MDPC. Punta Cana Airport is known for being a commercial airport. This airport was built with open-air terminals and beautiful palm trees around it. 

Punta Cana International Airport is managed by Grupo Punta Cana and is located in the west of the Dominican Republic, within Punta Cana.

 

Punta Cana Nearest Airport

The closest airport to Punta Cana is undoubtedly PUJ, Punta Cana International Airport, the city's main airport, and is located 30 minutes by car from downtown Punta Cana.

Punta Cana Airport Rules

• Up to 24% and less than 70% alcohol by volume is allowed in carry-on baggage. Containers must be at most 5 liters.
• Containers with products for personal use must be at most 100 ml.
• Milk, cream, and baby lotions will only be allowed for persons traveling with infants. They must not exceed 100 ml per container.
• All non-prescription medicines may be carried. In case of carrying controlled drugs, these must have a prescription.
• Any sharp or pointed objects should be shrouded or wrapped to avoid injury. 
• Medications such as insulin, blood pressure monitors, and extra diabetic medication items must be stored in the checked bag.
• Firearms allowed to travel must have the corresponding permits from the Ministry of Defense. These must be unloaded and packed in a rigid container, totally sealed.
• It is advisable to put undeveloped rolls of film in carry-on baggage. Likewise, cameras and electronic valuables.
• Smoking electronic cigarettes is prohibited inside the airport; however, you can carry these devices in your carry-on baggage.

Below is a detailed list of items you can and cannot carry in your carry-on or checked baggage at the Punta Cana airport.

https://www.puntacanainternationalairport.com/images/imagenes/servicios/pdf/cesac-guidelines.pdf.

How busy is Punta Cana Airport

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is considered the 2nd busiest airport in the Caribbean, with around 7.8 million passengers annually.

How far is Punta Cana Airport from Hotels

The Punta Cana airport is located 5 kilometers from downtown Punta Cana, so the estimated time of arrival from the airport to any of the hotels in the city and beach area is approximately 25 to 30 minutes.

How many airports in Punta Cana

Punta Cana only has one airport. However, if you are visiting the Dominican Republic, some airports that you can find in nearby cities are:

• Barahona Airport (BRX)
• La Romana Airport (LRM)
• Puerto Plata Airport (POP)

Services at Punta Cana Airport

Tourist card

The Tourist Card is a document for foreign visitors coming to Punta Cana for tourism purposes. This document is usually completed with personal information and details about your visit to Punta Cana. The tourist card may or may not be necessary to allow entry into the destination country (in case you are a foreigner from the Dominican Republic).

The requirements to obtain a tourist card may vary from country to country.

Lost & found

Inside the airport, you will find a Lost & Found section; you can claim lost luggage or items. Go to the Lost & Found module directly at the Punta Cana Airport.

You can fill in the Lost & Found form to claim your stuff at the airport here:

https://www.puntacanainternationalairport.com/images/imagenes/servicios/pdf/lost-and-foun-form.pdf

VIP services

At Punta Cana airport, you can enjoy VIP services such as Meet & Greet arrival service, VIP Premium departure service, terminal b with comfort amenities, VIP lounge access, and more.

Food Court

Inside the Punta Cana airport is a food court with international restaurant chains: Wendy's, Cinnabon, Segafredo's, and even a Skybar. Ideal food for the whole family.

Transportation

You can find different means of transportation in and out of Punta Cana airport, such as car rentals, private transportation, taxis, buses, and colectivos.

We recommend you book your transportation service before your trip; this way, you will not have to wait in line to take the transportation that will take you to your destination within Punta Cana.

Immigration & Customs

You must present two mandatory documents to enter the Dominican Republic and its cities (if you are traveling from abroad). 1) Passport, and 2) Tourist Card. The passport can be processed directly in your country of origin and the Tourist Card is no longer necessary to pay separately, as it is included in the airport fee for international flights (20 USD approx) (if you are Dominican and traveling to your country, this fee is refundable). You will have to sign an eTicket, and you can quote rates at this number: 285-04 115-17 72-02, and 226-06.

Nursing Room

Punta Cana airport is a favorite for those planning trips with small children and babies, as it has several specialized sections for nursing moms.

Duty-Free

At Las Americas Airport you will find Duty Free stores with Duty Free items such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco, perfumes, and even travel and pharmacy items.

Wheelchair Service

Within the airport you can enjoy special services for people with wheelchairs.

All airport facilities are equipped to make your stay accessible to all travelers.

Parking

At the Punta Cana International Airport, you can find various services, including parking, to leave your vehicle. Parking rates range from $50 DOP to $750 DOP per day. If you lose your parking ticket, the cost will be $1,000 DOP.

Punta Cana airport to hotel transportation

• Punta Cana Airport to Hard Rock Hotel
• Punta Cana Airport to Casa de Campo
• Punta Cana Airport to Excellence el Carmen
• Punta Cana Airport to Santo Domingo
• Punta Cana Airport to Lopesan costa Bavaro
• Punta Cana Airport to Majestic Mirage
• Punta Cana Airport to Breathless Resort
• Punta Cana Airport to Sanctuary Cap Cana

Punta Cana airport wait times

Generally you will have to be at the Punta Cana Airport 2 to 4 hours before your flight; this way it will be easier to check your luggage, and you can do the necessary paperwork and documentation to take your flight.

Punta Cana Airport Tips

Arrive in advance of your flight departure time.

It is important to plan your arrival at the airport in advance, regardless of whether your flight is domestic or international. In high season, airports are often crowded and boarding, documentation and check-in processes take twice as long as they normally take in other seasons.

Don't wait to check in at the airport

If necessary, and if you have little time, it is better to do your invoicing online, this way you can save a lot of time waiting in line and waiting at the counter.

Wear comfortable clothing if possible

Be prepared for the security check. When going through the scanners you will have to remove your shoes, belts and any metal objects.

Also, if you took a plane with a stopover you will have to wait long hours at the airport, and it is important that you are comfortable for this type of occasion.

Prepare your documents for Immigration and Customs clearance.

Prepare your visa and passport if necessary and keep them with you at all times, this way when going through customs and immigration filters you will not have to take them out of your luggage or carry-on bag.

It is also important that they are not altered, scratched or within the reach of children. You will need these documents when entering and leaving the city.

DO NOT exchange your tickets at the airport

The exchange rate of different currencies may vary from one place to another, what is true is that inside the airport prices are usually higher, if it is urgent we recommend you to change a small part of the cash you bring to the country and the rest change it outside.

Book activities and transportation in advance

Before your trip to Punta Cana it is important that you book your tours, accommodations, activities and even transportation in advance, this will not only help you save time, but also money. Also remember that the closer the date of your lodging, activity, tour or transportation, the higher the price will be.

 

Learn the language of Punta Cana.

Although Punta Cana is a tourist city and most of the inhabitants and workers at the airport can communicate in English, the official language of Punta Cana is Spanish, therefore, it is advisable to know phrases or sentences that you can use with ease so that you can communicate without problems during your visit to the city.

 

Food inside Punta Cana Airport

Inside the Punta Cana Airport you will find a variety of dining options, from steakhouses to fast food chains. Keep in mind that the prices you will find inside the airport will be higher than those in restaurants outside the airport due to the airport fee that they must pay.

Bring Power Banks to the airport

Refrain from being confident, although, inside the Punta Cana airport, you can find islands and charging stations, and you should know that these usually, being a busy airport, are busy. Also, power outlets may or may not work. Bringing a power bank to keep your phone with battery before or after your flights is better.

Keep your personal belongings close by

Keep an eye on your belongings at all times. If necessary, lock your checked baggage with a padlock or safety lock. Take the corresponding security measures. No matter if your flight is domestic or international, you must mark your luggage and put a tag with your name and phone number in case your bag is lost.

Remember that seasonal circumstances, weather, and demand may change. You must check your information before your flight, so you will know if there are any changes, cancellations, or delays.

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