From Punta Cana Airport to Bávaro, Cap Cana and Uvero Alto: Getting Around by Car
"Punta Cana" isn't a single place: it's a stretch of coast with several hotel areas, all a short drive from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). With your car you go straight to your hotel and, above all, you can leave it whenever you like.
This guide helps you understand how the area is laid out, what to expect in each part of it and what to keep in mind while driving your first few days in the Dominican east.
Before you leave the airport
Our counter at Punta Cana International Airport is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day. If your flight lands later, say so when you book so we can arrange the handover. Once you have the keys, take a few minutes before you set off:
- Put your hotel's address into a navigation app while you have Wi-Fi and download the offline map.
- Adjust the mirrors and seat, and put your phone in a holder or hand it to a passenger before you go.
- Walk around the car, take photos of any detail and note the fuel level.
- Set aside some cash in pesos for tolls, parking and tips.
If you want to reach the counter with everything ready, read our tips for picking up your car without delays.
South or north
From the terminal, the choice is simple: Cap Cana is to the south, and the rest of the hotel areas are to the north, one after another along the coast: Bávaro, Arena Gorda, Macao and, at the end, Uvero Alto. The main avenues link every area, and the hotels sit on either side, each with its own access to the beach.
Knowing which area your hotel is in helps you work out how much you'll drive each day and where it makes sense to shop or fill up.
Cap Cana
South of the airport, about 15 minutes away. A residential and resort area with a marina, golf courses and quiet beaches such as Juanillo. Ideal if you want calm and good seafront restaurants.
Good to know:
- Some entrances may have access control; keep the name of your hotel or the name on your booking handy.
- On the beach, shade depends on where you set up: bring sunscreen, a hat and water.
- For a big grocery run, Bávaro usually has more options.
Bávaro
To the north, 20 to 30 minutes away depending on your hotel. It's the largest and liveliest area: long beaches, shopping centers, supermarkets and nightlife. Having a car here lets you eat outside the hotel and shop for less.
Good to know:
- One supermarket stop on your first day covers water, fruit and snacks for your whole stay.
- Shopping centers have parking; at public beaches, look for a shady spot and leave nothing visible inside the car.
- Traffic on the avenues picks up in the afternoons and on weekends: be patient.
Arena Gorda and Macao
Farther north along the coast are Arena Gorda, with large resorts, and Playa Macao, one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, with waves for surfing.
Playa Macao is about 30 minutes from Bávaro and has a local feel, with small fish restaurants right on the sand. Bring cash in pesos for food and parking, and if you swim, be careful: the sea is often rough. If you like the idea of leaving the hotel to explore, see our day trips from Punta Cana.
Uvero Alto
The far north, about 45 minutes from the airport. More secluded and quiet, with large hotels and nearly empty beaches. Here a car makes all the difference: services are far apart.
Good to know:
- Do your shopping and fill up in Bávaro before heading up.
- If you want to keep exploring, the coastal road continues north toward Miches.
- Take evening outings slowly: away from the main avenues there's less lighting.
How to plan your first few days
On arrival day, go straight to your hotel. After a flight there's no need to pack the day with stops, and it's easier to drive in daylight while you get used to the car and the roads.
On your first full day, get to know the surroundings: a walk on the nearest beach, the supermarket and a dinner outside the hotel.
On the following days, leave early to explore: Macao, Higüey, Bayahíbe or Miches are an easy distance for a round trip in a day. And if your trip continues to the capital, check out the Punta Cana–Santo Domingo route on the Autopista del Coral.
What to keep in the car
- Water and something to eat, especially for remote beaches.
- Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and towels.
- Cash in pesos, in small bills.
- Your license, passport or ID card and your booking details.
- A power bank for your phone, which is also your map.
- One bag for trash and another for wet clothes.
Driving tips for the area
- The main avenues are in good condition, but watch out for speed bumps and motorbikes.
- Use a navigation app: some hotel entrances aren't well signposted.
- Fill up at the stations on the main avenues; there are few inside the hotel areas.
Speed bumps
Speed bumps, known locally as "policías acostados," show up near towns, schools and hotel entrances. Not all of them are painted or signposted, so keep a sensible speed, especially on roads you don't know.
Motorbikes and pedestrians
Motorbikes are part of the scenery: they pass on both sides and pull into traffic with little warning. Check your mirrors before turning or changing lanes and leave plenty of distance. In towns, watch for pedestrians along the edge of the road.
Roundabouts and intersections
Enter roundabouts slowly and keep an eye on traffic already in them. Don't assume other drivers will signal: anticipate what they'll do.
Tolls and fuel
Keep cash in pesos for tolls. At gas stations, ask whether they take cards before filling up, and check that the pump starts at zero.
At night
Away from the main avenues, lighting is limited, and there may be animals, bicycles or motorbikes without lights. If you can, plan longer drives for daytime.
Safety and courtesy
- Always lock the car and keep bags and gear out of sight.
- Use guarded parking lots when available.
- Everyone buckles up, back seat included.
- Don't drive after drinking; an all-inclusive makes it tempting, but it's not worth it.
- Horns are used a lot as a heads-up, not a complaint. Stay calm and drive defensively.
If anything goes wrong, your rental includes 24/7 roadside assistance nationwide at no extra cost: 809-544-7111 (option 3). Save it on your phone before you set off.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from the airport to my hotel?
It depends on the area: Cap Cana is about 15 minutes away, Bávaro 20 to 30 minutes depending on your hotel, and Uvero Alto about 45 minutes.
What if I land after 8:00 p.m.?
The Punta Cana counter is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day. If your flight lands later, say so when you book so we can arrange the handover.
Do I need cash?
Yes, it's a good idea to carry pesos for tolls, parking, local food and tips.
Where do I fill up?
At the stations on the main avenues. There are few inside the hotel areas, so don't wait until the tank is nearly empty.
Can I change my booking dates?
You can review and manage your booking in Manage my booking. For other questions, visit our FAQ.
Our counter at Punta Cana International Airport is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day. Pick your dates and book your car.
