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Airport in Dominican Republic

A Guide to Airports in the Dominican Republic: Terminals, Cities, and Tips

Airport in Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination, and its airports are often the first point of entry for visitors. There are several airports in the country, each serving a different region and providing access to different cities and attractions. In this article, we will explore the major airports in the Dominican Republic, their terminals, and how far they are from the main cities.

The Dominican Republic has seven international airports, ideally situated along the coastline and near popular provinces and tourist destinations. Ensure to choose the nearest airport to your destination before booking flights, and confirm the distance to your hotel. Fully equipped with duty-free shopping, restaurants, and lounges, all airports have amenities for business or first-class travelers. Allow ample time for check-in and possible delays during peak seasons. Learn about the country’s seven international airports to make your travel planning easier.

punta cana airport, dominican republic, punta cana

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the second-busiest airport in the Caribbean, serving millions of passengers annually. Located in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic, PUJ is the primary airport for travelers visiting Punta Cana and the surrounding areas. Here’s what you need to know about PUJ:

  • Location: Punta Cana International Airport is located in the province of La Altagracia, about 30 km (18.6 miles) from the city of Higuey and 40 km (24.8 miles) from Bavaro. The airport is located near popular tourist destinations like Punta Cana, Cap Cana, and Uvero Alto.
  • Best if: Punta Cana International Airport is the best choice for travelers visiting Punta Cana and the surrounding areas. It’s also a great option for those looking to explore the eastern region of the Dominican Republic.
  • Avoid if: If you’re planning to visit the northern or western parts of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana International Airport might not be the best choice. In that case, you might want to consider other airports like Santo Domingo or Santiago.
  • Distance to resorts: The distance from Punta Cana International Airport to popular resorts in the area varies. The airport is about a 30-minute drive from Bavaro and about a 40-minute drive from Punta Cana. It can take up to an hour to reach some of the more remote resorts in the area.
  • Transportation cost: Transportation options from Punta Cana International Airport include taxis, shuttle buses, and rental cars. Taxis are readily available at the airport, and fares vary depending on your destination. Shuttle buses are a more affordable option and can be booked in advance. If you plan on exploring the area, renting a car might be the best option, with prices starting at around $35 per day.

Overall, Punta Cana International Airport is a great option for travelers visiting Punta Cana and the surrounding areas. With its convenient location, plenty of transportation options, and numerous amenities, it’s a great starting point for your Dominican Republic vacation.

Las Americas International Airport

Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) is one of the seven international airports in the Dominican Republic. Located in the capital city of Santo Domingo, SDQ serves as the gateway for visitors to the southern and eastern regions of the country.

Here’s what you need to know about SDQ:

  • Location: SDQ is located about 30 minutes from Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is situated in the eastern part of Santo Domingo, close to the Caribbean Sea.
  • Best if: If you are traveling to Santo Domingo, La Romana, or any other cities in the eastern and southern parts of the country, SDQ is the best airport to use.
  • Avoid if: If you are heading to Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, or any other cities in the northern part of the country, it is best to avoid SDQ and fly into one of the airports in the north instead.
  • Distance to resorts: The distance from SDQ to popular resorts in the eastern and southern regions of the Dominican Republic varies. For instance, it is approximately 1.5 hours away from Bayahibe and 2 hours away from La Romana.
  • Transportation cost: Taxis and car rentals are readily available at SDQ. The cost of transportation from the airport to popular destinations in the eastern and southern regions of the country will depend on the distance traveled and the mode of transportation used. Taxis charge around $40-50 for a one-way trip to Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, while car rentals range from $20-30 per day.

Overall, SDQ is a great airport for visitors traveling to the southern and eastern regions of the Dominican Republic. It is modern, efficient, and offers a range of services and amenities to make your travel experience comfortable and enjoyable.

Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP)

Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) is located in the city of Puerto Plata, on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. It is named after Gregorio Luperón, a military and political figure in the country’s history.

If you’re planning a trip to the Dominican Republic’s north coast, POP is the airport you’ll want to fly into. Here’s what you need to know about this airport:

Best if:

  • You’re staying in the Puerto Plata area, including Cabarete and Sosúa.
  • You’re looking to explore the north coast’s beaches, waterfalls, and other attractions.
  • You prefer a smaller, less crowded airport.

Avoid if:

  • You’re staying in Punta Cana or Santo Domingo.
  • You’re looking for a wide range of flight options.

Distance to resorts:

  • Puerto Plata: 15 km (about 25 minutes by car)
  • Sosúa: 6 km (about 10 minutes by car)
  • Cabarete: 25 km (about 35 minutes by car)

Transportation cost:

  • Taxi: A taxi to Puerto Plata will cost around $25-30 USD.
  • Public transportation: There is a bus stop outside the airport where you can catch a public bus to Puerto Plata for around $1-2 USD. However, this option can be crowded and uncomfortable, especially if you have a lot of luggage.

Overall, if you’re planning a trip to the north coast of the Dominican Republic, Gregorio Luperón International Airport is a great option to consider. With its proximity to popular destinations like Puerto Plata, Sosúa, and Cabarete, it’s a convenient choice for travelers looking to explore this beautiful region.

La Romana International Airport (LRM)

La Romana International Airport (LRM) is an airport located on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. It serves as the main gateway to the Casa de Campo resort and the city of La Romana. Here’s what you need to know about the airport:

  • Location: LRM is located about 8 km (5 miles) from the city of La Romana and about 100 km (62 miles) from Punta Cana. It is situated on the coast of the Caribbean Sea.
  • Best if: LRM is best if you are traveling to Casa de Campo or the city of La Romana. The airport is relatively small and easy to navigate, making for a quick and hassle-free arrival and departure.
  • Avoid if: You should avoid LRM if you are traveling to popular tourist destinations such as Punta Cana or Santo Domingo. The airport has limited flight options and is primarily used for domestic and regional travel.
  • Distance to resorts: The airport is located about 10 km (6 miles) from Casa de Campo, one of the largest resorts in the country. Other resorts in the area, such as Dreams Dominicus La Romana and Hilton La Romana, are also located within a short drive from the airport.
  • Transportation cost: Taxis and private transfers are available from the airport to nearby resorts and destinations. Prices can vary depending on the distance and the type of vehicle. It’s recommended to book in advance with a reputable provider to avoid any surprises.
Cibao International Airport (STI)

Cibao International Airport (STI) is one of the seven international airports in the Dominican Republic. Located in the second largest city, Santiago de los Caballeros, it serves as a gateway to the northern region of the country. Here’s what you need to know about Cibao International Airport:

  • Location: Cibao International Airport is located in the city of Santiago de los Caballeros, about 155 kilometers (96 miles) northwest of Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic.
  • Best If: Cibao International Airport is best if you are planning to explore the northern region of the Dominican Republic, including the popular tourist destinations of Puerto Plata and Sosúa.
  • Avoid If: Cibao International Airport may not be the best option if you are planning to visit the eastern part of the country, including Punta Cana and La Romana, as it is located quite far away from these destinations.
  • Distance to Resorts: Cibao International Airport is located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) east of Santiago de los Caballeros, and approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Puerto Plata. The distance to other popular tourist destinations such as Sosúa and Cabarete is approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) and 75 kilometers (46 miles) respectively.
  • Transportation Cost: The cost of transportation from Cibao International Airport to Santiago de los Caballeros or Puerto Plata varies depending on the mode of transportation you choose. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, and a ride to Santiago de los Caballeros will cost you around $25-30 USD, while a ride to Puerto Plata may cost you around $70-80 USD. Alternatively, you can also book a private transfer or rent a car to reach your destination.
Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS)

Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS) is located on the Samaná Peninsula in the northeastern region of the Dominican Republic. This modern airport was inaugurated in 2006 and has quickly become an important transportation hub for the area.

  • Best If:
    The Samaná El Catey International Airport is the best option for those planning to visit the Samaná Peninsula or nearby areas such as Las Terrenas, El Limón, or the town of Samaná. The airport is located relatively close to these popular tourist destinations, making it a convenient choice for travelers.
  • Avoid If:
    If you are planning to visit other parts of the Dominican Republic such as Punta Cana or Santo Domingo, it may not be the best option to fly into Samaná El Catey International Airport. The airport is located about 3 hours away from Punta Cana and 2.5 hours away from Santo Domingo, so it can be a long and expensive journey to reach your final destination.
  • Distance to Resorts:
    Samaná El Catey International Airport is located about 30 kilometers from the town of Samaná, which is the main tourist hub in the region. Some of the popular resorts located close to the airport include the Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo, the Luxury Bahia Principe Samana, and the Viva Wyndham V Samaná.
  • Transportation Cost:
    Like many other airports in the Dominican Republic, it is recommended to pre-book your transportation to your hotel or resort. There are several taxi and shuttle companies that operate in the area, and prices can vary depending on the distance to your final destination. On average, expect to pay around $60-$80 USD for a one-way trip from Samaná El Catey International Airport to the town of Samaná.
La Isabela International Airport (JBQ)

La Isabela International Airport (JBQ) is a small airport located in the northern region of Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic. It is the second busiest airport in the country, after Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), with flights mostly serving domestic and regional destinations.

  • Best if:

–  You’re staying in the northern region of Santo Domingo or near the airport
– You’re flying with a small airline or private charter

  • Avoid if:

–  You’re flying with a large airline, as it is not a major hub and may not offer many connecting flights
– You’re traveling to destinations in other regions of the country, as there may be more convenient airports to fly into


The airport is located about 20 minutes from the city center of Santo Domingo, and transportation options include taxis and car rentals. The airport also has a small selection of shops and restaurants for passengers to enjoy while waiting for their flights.

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