If you have already booked your hotel in the Dominican Republic for your next vacation and you still don’t have a flight, here is a list of how many airports there are in the Dominican Republic in order to make it easier for you to choose the one closest to your final destination.
Discover the different international airports in the Dominican Republic
There are several international airports in the Dominican Republic offering a highly useful service. Get to know the characteristics of the four most important ones. We have sorted them according to their importance and the number of flights at each one of them
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
This is the main airport in the Dominican Republic, as it has the highest air traffic. Most of the airlines that travel from Europe to Punta Cana choose it as their destination. Situated in Altagracia, you will be surprised by the palm-leaf roofs.
As far as transportation is concerned, from the terminal to Punta Cana there are only 15 minutes by car, an adequate time so that you won’t spend too much time getting to your hotel after a long trip. It will take you about 30 minutes in total to reach other tourist areas such as Macao, El Cortecito or Bavaro. It is, without a doubt, the ideal place for you if you are going to spend a week in the coastal area that gives it its name. Punta Cana’s airports, such as the following one, will allow you to reach your destination by extending the initial trip a little more.
Las Americas Airport
Also known as José Francisco Peña Gómez (a Dominican Revolutionary Party politician). Located 30 minutes from Santo Domingo, this airport is best if you are visiting the capital city or if you are staying in Boca Chica or Juan Dolio. From here, international flights depart mainly to other points of the American continent. It is often used by Dominicans traveling to the United States or other countries bordering the Caribbean Sea. Check your plans well, perhaps a quick escape may be just what you need to complete your trip.
Puerto Plata Airport (POP)
Replacing the old name of Gregorio Luperón, this airport is located in the province with the same name, which is in the north of the country, and is 20 minutes away from the capital. Recommended if you are staying in destinations such as Playa Dorada, Cofresí, Sosúa or Cabarete. Playa Grande is about an hour away. Is it the best option for visiting Santo Domingo? If you are going to stay in the city, yes, but not if you are going to stay in the areas mentioned in the previous paragraph. It is appropriate if you want to combine culture and tourism during your stay in the country.
Cibao Airport (STI)
It has a section dedicated to international flights and another reserved for travelers going to the United States or other Caribbean countries. It’s 15 minutes from the city of Santiago de los Caballeros, in the center of the country. If you are looking for the shortest possible distance to Moca, Jarabacoa, La Vega or San Francisco de Macorís, opt for this airport. Its capacity is somewhat smaller than that of the previous airports. However, it gives you the opportunity to get to know the inland of the country and can be used as a starting point for a different tour of the area. Check if your company uses it as a final airport and design your trip.
Other airports in the Dominican Republic
Although the above airports are the ones that receive the largest number of flights, it is essential that you know other airports that can help you organize your trip as you see fit. Here is a list of them:
- La Romana Airport (LRM). The area that gives it its name is as touristy as Punta Cana. This airport is possibly the most commercial airport in the country.
- Maria Montez Airport (BRX). You will find it in the southwest of the country. It only serves as a departure point for domestic flights and is 5 kilometers from Barahona. It is one of the most used by Dominicans.
- La Isabela Airport (JBQ). This is the airport of Santo Domingo, capital of the country. It is the second in activity after Punta Cana. Considered a secondary terminal as it specializes in flights to other Caribbean countries.
- Juan Bosch Airport (AZS). Dedicated to President Juan Bosch, it is located 30 minutes from the city of Samaná. It is the best alternative if you are staying in areas such as Cosón, El Portillo or Las Terrenas. In the Dominican Republic it is known as El Catey (remember this to avoid confusion).
- Cueva de Las Maravillas Airport. You may have noticed that it does not have the classic international code. The reason is that, despite its intense activity, its management is shared by the board of trustees that gives it its name, and the airport department. Security depends on the country’s air force. It is only used for domestic flights to tourist areas.
We recommend that you look carefully where you are going to stay on the map and choose the nearest airport. It does not make sense to travel an average of eight hours and spend another two hours on a bus when you arrive at your destination.
Likewise, it is crucial to understand that each airport charges a number of fees per flight, which you will also end up paying on your ticket. In this sense, international airports are the best alternative. You should only rely on domestic airports if you want to move to another area within the country, as they are cheaper.
Now you know how many airports there are in the Dominican Republic. cIt is up to you to choose the most advisable for your trip. We encourage you to get to know this country full of charms and tourist areas, where the balance between history and natural landscapes is mixed with the natural friendliness of its people. Prepare your trip and you will surely fall in love with this Caribbean country.
