Punta Cana International Airport

Most travelers to the popular east coast will enter the country through Punta Cana International Airport, the world’s first privately owned air gateway. In 2010, the airport’s international passenger throughput exceeded the two million mark, making Punta Cana International Airport not only the Dominican Republic’s busiest airport, but also the second busiest airport in the entire Caribbean.

Up to 250 flights from North America, South America, and Europe come in during the airport’s busiest times. US cities served include Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Boston, and New York, while seasonal flights to Detroit, Baltimore, St Louis, Cleveland, Pittsburg, Minneapolis, Denver, and Houston are also available through primarily US carriers.

Palm fronds cover the Dominican Republic’s three open-air terminals. ATMs, telephones, a duty-free shop, and a children’s play area are the amenities found in the departures area. The Arrivals terminal contains a first-aid station, tour operators, a bank, restaurants, and information along with the airport’s bus, taxi, and rental car services. Although most all-inclusive resorts provide their own ground transportation from the airport and free transfers, passengers can also secure car rental from Dollar, Avis, Hertz, and other reputable dealerships. Guests at the five-star Tortuga Bay resort enjoy VIP whisking service.

Las Américas International Airport

Las Américas International Airport is the nearest air gateway to Santo Domingo, situated roughly halfway between the Dominican Republic’s national capital and the beach resort of Boca Chica. About three million passengers traveled through the facility in 2011, ranking it just behind Punta Canta International Airport on the list of Dominican Republic’s busiest airports. The new northern terminal can handle up to four Airbus A380s at the same time, and one of the runways ranks among the longest in the Caribbean.

As the base for SAP Air and PAWA Dominicana, this airport handles between 68 and 84 daily flights throughout North America and Europe. Direct flights to Miami, New York, Atlanta, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Philadelphia, and Orlando are offered.

Wireless internet access, a duty-free shop, bars, post office, restaurants, and a bank featuring 24-hour currency exchange facilities are among this airport’s amenities. Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Avis are the reputable car rental companies found close to Terminal B at the Las Américas International Airport exit door past the customs area. Taxis stand ready at Terminal A’s level 1, while buses and other public transportation depart from level 2. Several resorts supply their own shuttle bus so check with your accommodation to see if hotel transfers are included with your booking. The recent expansion of the expressway between Las Américas International Airport and Santo Domingo has made the 18-mile journey easier than ever.