Renting a Car at Punta Cana International Airport: What to Know Before You Land

Landing in Punta Cana and driving off in your own car is the easiest way to explore the east coast at your own pace, with no transfers or someone else's schedule. At Nelly we rent one car: automatic, air-conditioned and roomy enough for five people and their luggage. Here is how to get ready to pick it up, drive around the area with confidence and return it without stress.

Before you fly

• Book at least 24 hours ahead. You'll see the total price for your dates, including the airport's mandatory charges, before you confirm.
• Add your airline and flight number. That way we follow your arrival if your flight is delayed.
• Check the hours. The Punta Cana counter is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If your flight lands later, say so when you book so we can arrange the handover.
• Choose your coverage at home. Comparing it calmly before the trip, not at the counter, is what speeds up the paperwork the most. Coverage and Card Holds explains the essentials.
• Talk to your bank. Make sure your credit card has enough available credit for the hold and that you can use it outside your home country.

What to bring to the counter

• A valid driver's license.
• Your ID card or passport.
• A credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express) in the driver's name, with funds for the hold.

The hold is refundable and ranges from US$300 to US$500, depending on the coverage you choose. If you decline coverage, the hold is US$1,200. The minimum age to rent is 25; drivers aged 21 to 24 pay an additional daily fee.

Keep these documents together in your carry-on, not in your checked bag. If you'll be taking turns at the wheel, register the additional driver at the counter; there may be a daily fee.

How to pay

Book online and pay when you pick up the car. At the counter you can pay by card or in cash, in Dominican pesos, US dollars or euros. The airport charge appears as a separate line in your quote, so there are no surprises.

Keep in mind that even if you pay for the rental in cash, the hold is placed on the credit card in the driver's name.

From the plane to the counter, step by step

1. Turn on your phone when you land and check for any messages about your booking.
2. Go through immigration and collect your luggage. Keep your passport handy.
3. Clear customs and head out to the arrivals area. You'll be offered taxis and transfers; with your booking in hand, you don't need them.
4. Look for the Nelly counter with your booking confirmation open on your phone.
5. Confirm and sign. Since your details are already in the system, we just check your documents, place the hold and hand over your car.

If you want to review anything in your booking before you arrive, go to Manage my booking.

When you receive your car: what to check

Take a few minutes before you leave. It can save you a misunderstanding when you return the car.

• Walk all the way around the car and take photos or a video of any scratch, dent or detail on the body, windows and wheels.
• Note the fuel level.
• Test the air conditioning, lights and wipers.
• Save the assistance number on your phone: 809-544-7111 (option 3).

Your first drive

The main hotel areas are close to the terminal: Cap Cana to the south, Bávaro and Arena Gorda to the north and, a little farther, Uvero Alto. Before you leave:

1. Put your hotel into a navigation app while you have Wi-Fi and download the offline map.
2. Adjust the mirrors and seat before you start, and take the first few kilometers easy.
3. Keep some cash in pesos for tolls and tips.

To know what to expect in each area, read From Punta Cana Airport to Bávaro, Cap Cana and Uvero Alto.

Driving in Punta Cana: what's worth knowing

Roundabouts and avenues

The main avenues are in good condition, but you'll come across roundabouts along the way. Enter slowly, yield to traffic already inside and keep an eye on the cars around you. Some hotel entrances aren't well signposted: trust your app and, if you miss a turn, keep going to a safe spot to turn around instead of braking suddenly.

Speed bumps and motorbikes

Speed bumps, known locally as "policías acostados" ("sleeping police officers"), often appear near communities and entrances, and they aren't always painted. Motorbikes are part of everyday traffic and may pass you on either side. Check your mirrors before every turn or lane change.

Tolls and fuel

Bring cash in pesos for the tolls. Fill up at the stations on the main avenues: there are few inside the hotel areas. At many stations an attendant serves you; say how much you want and confirm the fuel type before they start. Keep cash handy in case cards aren't accepted.

Driving at night

If you can, make your first drives in daylight. At night some stretches are poorly lit, and it's harder to spot speed bumps, pedestrians, animals or motorbikes.

Parking

Ask your hotel about guest parking. At beaches and shopping centers, look for guarded parking lots and don't leave anything visible inside the car.

If your flight is delayed

If you added your flight number, we follow your arrival and you don't need to call from the gate. If the delay means you'll land after 8:00 p.m., write to us as soon as you know so we can arrange the handover.

Returning the car

• Return it with the same fuel level, or take the prepaid full tank and return it empty.
• Arrive with time to spare before your flight and keep the counter hours in mind.
• Check that nothing is left in the glove box, the trunk or under the seats.
• If you'd rather return it at Las Américas International Airport, additional charges may apply. See the route in Santo Domingo to Punta Cana by Road.

The hold is released when you return the car in good condition.

Common mistakes

• Arriving with a card that doesn't have enough available credit for the hold, or that's in someone else's name.
• Packing your license in your checked bag.
• Not telling us that your flight lands after 8:00 p.m.
• Driving off without photos of the car's condition.
• Heading to Uvero Alto low on fuel: services are far apart there.

Frequently asked questions

Can I pick up the car after 8:00 p.m.?

The counter is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you land later, say so when you book so we can arrange the handover.

Can I pay in cash?

Yes. At the counter you can pay in cash in pesos, US dollars or euros, or by card. The hold is placed on a credit card in the driver's name.

Can I rent if I'm under 25?

Yes, if you're between 21 and 24, with an additional daily fee.

What do I do if the car breaks down?

Call 24/7 roadside assistance, included at no extra cost: 809-544-7111 (option 3).

Can I return it in Santo Domingo?

Yes, at Las Américas International Airport; additional charges may apply. You'll find more answers in our FAQ.

If anything goes wrong on the road, your rental includes 24/7 roadside assistance nationwide at no extra cost, at 809-544-7111 (option 3).

Ready? Pick your dates and see the price of your car at Punta Cana International Airport.