Airports in the Dominican Republic: Locations, Facilities and Getting Out

The Dominican Republic operates eight international airports, an unusually high number for a country of its size, and choosing the right one can save you three hours of driving. Punta Cana International, opened in December 1983, was the first privately owned international airport in the world and handled over eleven million passengers in 2025 according to Central Bank figures, making it the busiest in the country. But flying into Santiago or Puerto Plata instead can put you far closer to your destination. In Nelly Rent a Car we operate counters at four of them. Here is what each offers.

The four main international airports

Punta Cana International Airport, code PUJ, serves the eastern resort corridor and is unmistakable for its open-air terminals with palm-thatched roofs designed by architect Oscar Imbert. It is roughly twenty-five minutes from Bávaro and fifteen from Cap Cana. Las Américas International Airport, code SDQ, sits in Punta Caucedo about thirty kilometers east of Santo Domingo, and is the natural entry point for the capital, the Colonial Zone, and the eastern beaches at Boca Chica, which are only ten minutes away. Cibao International Airport, code STI, opened in 2002 and serves Santiago and the entire Cibao valley, placing you an hour from Jarabacoa and ninety minutes from Puerto Plata. Gregorio Luperón International Airport, code POP, serves the north coast and sits near Sosúa, roughly twenty minutes from Puerto Plata city and fifteen from Cabarete.

The smaller airports and when they make sense

Four additional airports handle more specific traffic. Presidente Juan Bosch International, code AZS, near El Catey serves the Samaná peninsula and puts you within about forty minutes of Las Terrenas, which otherwise requires a two-hour drive from Santo Domingo. La Romana International, code LRM, serves Casa de Campo, Bayahíbe, and the Isla Saona departure points. La Isabela, code JBQ, sits on the northern edge of Santo Domingo and handles regional and domestic flights rather than long-haul traffic. María Montez International in Barahona serves the southwest. The practical takeaway is that if your destination is Las Terrenas, Samaná, or the north coast, flying into the closest airport rather than defaulting to Punta Cana or Santo Domingo can eliminate a long transfer on arrival day.

Facilities and picking up a rental car on arrival

The four main airports all offer the standard set of services: currency exchange, ATMs, duty free, food and beverage, and car rental counters. Punta Cana and Las Américas have the broadest facilities given their volume, while Cibao and Puerto Plata are smaller and consequently faster to move through, which travelers often appreciate more. A few practical notes: complete your E-Ticket before flying, since airport wifi is inconsistent and immigration scans the QR code on arrival; withdraw or exchange Dominican pesos before leaving the terminal, because your first highway toll comes within minutes of departure and booths do not reliably accept cards; and confirm whether your rental counter is inside the terminal or requires a shuttle. Nelly Rent a Car operates at Las Américas, Punta Cana, Santiago, and Puerto Plata international airports.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many international airports does the Dominican Republic have?

Eight, which is unusually high for a country of its size and reflects how spread out its tourist regions are. The four busiest are Punta Cana (PUJ), Las Américas in Santo Domingo (SDQ), Cibao in Santiago (STI), and Gregorio Luperón in Puerto Plata (POP). The others serve Samaná, La Romana, regional traffic in Santo Domingo, and the southwest.

Which airport is closest to Punta Cana and Bávaro?

Punta Cana International Airport, code PUJ, which is about twenty-five minutes from Bávaro and fifteen from Cap Cana. It is the busiest airport in the country, handled over eleven million passengers in 2025, and was the first privately owned international airport in the world when it opened in December 1983. Its open-air palm-thatched terminals are its most recognizable feature.

Which airport should I use for Las Terrenas and Samaná?

Presidente Juan Bosch International Airport, code AZS, near El Catey, which puts you roughly forty minutes from Las Terrenas. The alternative is flying into Santo Domingo and driving about two to two and a half hours via the Autovía del Nordeste. If flight options and schedules work, AZS saves substantial arrival-day time.

Can I rent a car directly at Dominican Republic airports?

Yes, at all the main international airports. Nelly Rent a Car operates counters at Las Américas (SDQ), Punta Cana (PUJ), Cibao in Santiago (STI), and Gregorio Luperón in Puerto Plata (POP). You will need a valid license from your country of residence, your passport, and a credit card in the main driver's name.

What should I do before leaving the airport in the Dominican Republic?

Three things. Have your E-Ticket QR code saved as a screenshot rather than relying on airport wifi. Get Dominican pesos in cash from an ATM or exchange counter, because your first highway toll arrives within minutes and card acceptance at booths is unreliable. And check your rental agreement and vehicle condition before driving off, noting any existing damage.

Choosing the right Dominican airport can remove hours of driving from your arrival day, and all four main ones have car rental counters. Nelly Rent a Car has operated here for more than 60 years, with locations at Las Américas, Punta Cana, Santiago, and Puerto Plata international airports. Call or WhatsApp us at 809-687-7997, or write to reservas@nellyrac.com.