Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) Flights & Information

Once just a collection of thatched roofed huts on the east side of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) has transformed itself into one of the premier international airports in the Caribbean. As the area has exploded with resorts and luxury getaways over the past couple of decades, the airport has kept pace, and I’ve found it to be one of the easiest and most efficient airports in the region.

From how to get there to the joys of an in-airport swimming pool, here’s all you need to know about Punta Cana International Airport.

Arriving at PUJ

The Punta Cana airport has gone above and beyond in efforts to streamline its arrivals process. Clearing immigration at PUJ is almost instant, as the airport completely staffs its immigration counters with up to 15 agents processing each plane. Immigration is usually able to get the entire plane though in under 20 minutes, so even if I’m sitting in the last row I’m typically at baggage claim before my luggage arrives.

Checked bags can take a while – sometimes up to half an hour – so unless you’re staying for a long time I highly recommend only taking cabin bags. Regardless of what luggage you have, before exiting you’ll need to bring them through an additional x-ray machine at customs. Assuming you don’t have anything to declare, this is more of a formality, so you’ll be through that in a matter of a few minutes.

From the time you step off the plane to the time you exit customs can be less than half an hour if your bags arrive quickly. If you’ve flown through much of the Caribbean, you know this is exceptionally fast.

Terminal A, which is the older terminal, can take a little bit longer but, for the most part, moves as quickly. The bulk of US flights operate from Terminal B.

Getting to and from PUJ by car

Once you walk out of immigration from PUJ the scene skews a little chaotic. A hallway of rental car counters and taxi stands greets you just past the exit doors, with taxi hosts and other drivers jostling to offer you rides. If you’ve never been, it can feel a little overwhelming, but if you’ve planned ahead the process is simple.

Some resorts offer their own transfer services, which you can book when you make your reservation. This is the easiest way to get to and from your resort and I highly recommend it when available.

You’ll also see some private shuttle companies holding signs with several resort names, meaning they stop at all those resorts. These are reputable services but can get confusing if you think they’re the official shuttle to your resort.

These are a separate service and not affiliated with your hotel directly, so if you’ve booked through your resort don’t go with them. However, if you have not booked transportation, these shuttles can be helpful. They take a long time since they make several stops, so you may be in the van an hour or more, but it is definitely cheaper than a taxi.

You’ll also spot a taxi stand near the rental cars. Punta Cana has a certified taxi association, and the drivers associated with this stand are all legitimate. You’ll also find uniformed, official taxi hosts outside guiding you to taxis, and they are also legitimate. Like with any airport, if someone just approaches you and says they’re a taxi driver, do not take that ride.

The rental car counters are self-explanatory, and Punta Cana is pretty easy to traverse by car. I’ve only rented a car if I’m going somewhere else outside of Punta Cana – if you’re staying on a resort property you won’t find much need for one. You’ll just end up wasting money while it sits in the resort parking lot for several days.

Getting to and from PUJ by public transportation

Public transportation isn’t very widespread in Punta Cana, and since it’s a place most people go to stay at a resort, the area hasn’t developed much. As such, you won’t find anything useful in the way of public transportation to or from the Punta Cana airport.

Security Lines

Security lines at PUJ are pretty standard, and if you’re not traveling during the Sunday after spring break or another exceptionally busy time, you’ll typically be through in under 20 minutes. During holidays or big weekends that can be more, but much like with customs and immigration, PUJ has streamlined this as much as it can.

Once you clear security, you then have to clear immigration again to leave the country. This line isn’t too bad either, and typically I’ll be through both of them in 25 to 40 minutes, depending on crowds.

PUJ offers VIP Premium Departure Service in Terminal B with a private lounge that whisks you through all of this almost instantly. The tagline is “$40 saves you 40 minutes,” which is pretty accurate. I love it because it’s a skip-the-line experience where you can enjoy a cocktail in a lounge while the rest of the airport shuffles through security lines. If you want that elevated experience or you’re short on time, I recommend it.

Airline counters are also fairly straightforward. I’ve never had an exceptionally long wait to check-in, but if you’re traveling during a busy time you may wait up to half an hour. This will vary by airline, but also can be avoided completely by using the VIP service.

If you’re not checking a bag, PUJ airport offers digital kiosks for 11 different airlines in both terminals, so check with your airline to see if that’s an option. It’s not necessarily faster than using a mobile boarding pass on your phone, but if you want the peace of mind of a paper boarding pass, the kiosks are quicker than waiting in line.

Souvenir shopping at PUJ

Neither the A nor B terminals are lacking for souvenirs, and while I’m admittedly not a big airport souvenir shopper, I’m always amazed at the abundance of options here.

You’ll find everything from baseball-related memorabilia to coffee, rum, cigars, carnival masks and colorful clothing. None of it is particularly better – or cheaper – than what you’d find outside the airport. But if you need to bring something back you’ll have plenty of options at PUJ.

The lounges

My absolute favorite thing about the Punta Cana airport is the lounge in Terminal B. Not just because it’s got a great collection of Dominican foods and an open bar, but because it has a swimming pool that looks out over the tarmac. If you somehow didn’t get enough pool time during your DR vacation, you can get one last blast of sunshine before you leave.

I will sometimes book flights later in the afternoon just so I can lounge by the pool here and maybe take a dip. No matter what you do, make sure to pack a swimsuit in your carry-on so you can jump in the water if inspiration strikes. The lounge also has showers, so you won’t walk on the plane smelling like chlorine.

The lounge in Terminal A has all the same food, drinks and seating areas, but doesn’t have a pool. I don’t fly out of here often, but won’t leave extra swim time if I do.

Both lounges also have pet relief areas for service animals and a nice smoking terrace if you’re a smoker. You don’t need a reservation to use the lounge and day passes are available for a fee, space permitting. Members of Priority Pass, Diners Club, Lounge Key, Lounge Club and Dragon Pass can also access the lounge at PUJ.

Food and drink at the airport

Typically I’ll go straight to the lounge if I’m flying out of PUJ, but the food at the airport isn’t bad.

There’s the usual collection of Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Cinnabon and Pizza Hut in Terminal B, as well as a location of European-style café Segafredo if you want some espresso. If you’re a fan of airport bars, definitely check out Luve Bar in Terminal B, an elevated spot with views over the tarmac and a nice outdoor patio if you want some more sunshine before you go.

The options in Terminal A are a little more limited, though you’ll still find the standard collection of franchises, a Nathan’s and the Cava Bar.