When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Punta Cana?
The best time to fly to Punta Cana is from July to September when the waters are clearest for snorkelling and scuba diving. March to June is the low season, so you’ll likely find good deals on return flights to Punta Cana during that time of year or during the autumn. July to August and December to February are the peak times for travel to the Dominican Republic, and as a result, airfares tend to be more expensive.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Punta Cana?
Book at least two months before travel to find cheap flights to Punta Cana. Last-minute flights may also be available in the peak season if you aren’t fixed on travelling at a certain time or date. With Netflights, you can search hundreds of airlines and routes to find cheap fares. Don’t forget to see if you could save money by booking your flight and hotel together.
Flying to Punta Cana International Airport PUJ
Handling more than six million passengers per year, Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the main airport for the Dominican Republic as well as the second-busiest airport in the Caribbean. More than 60 airlines fly to PUJ. It’s located right on the road to Punta Cana, less than six miles (nine kilometres) from the city centre.
You can fly to Punta Cana from many major UK airports, including London Heathrow, Newcastle, Birmingham and Edinburgh. British Airways operates direct flights to Punta Cana from London Gatwick. American Airlines, Air Canada, Iberia and Delta Air Lines all operate flights to Punta Cana with one or more stops, usually in a US location, such as Miami or Tampa.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Punta Cana International is built in a traditional style with open-air palm-thatched huts making up its five terminals. Terminals A and B are for international passengers; the arrivals hall is located in Terminal A. As a small airport, it’s easy to navigate. The airport itself has a few restaurants and shops, but across the road, there is a shopping mall offering a wider choice. PUJ also has two VIP lounges.
Getting to the City from Punta Cana International Airport PUJ
Taxis, shuttles and prearranged transfers are the best way to get between the airport and the city or your hotel. You can find taxis just outside the customs zone at Punta Cana Airport. All taxis use standard rates, but you should agree with the driver on your destination and the price in advance. There are a number of companies running airport transfers to and from PUJ. Car hires are available from the airport as well. Keep in mind that local buses are cheap, but they can be unreliable.
Why Visit Punta Cana?
Punta Cana is famous for its beach life. Its long, soft stretches of white sand attract British tourists seeking sunshine. The southern coast in particular is home to many all-inclusive beach resorts. Playa Juanillo has a reputation as one of the best beaches in the country. You can choose from a range of beach activities, including horseback riding, volleyball and kayaking – or, of course, do nothing at all.
If you tire of sunbathing, you can head inland and visit some of Punta Cana’s protected, natural habitats. The Parque Ecológico Ojos Indígenas offers 1,500 acres of lowland forest devoted to ecological research and conservation. Here, you can swim in five of the twelve freshwater lagoons, visit a petting zoo featuring indigenous Dominican species or check out an iguana habitat. You can also spot some of the island’s exotic bird species by taking a boat trip or kayak through the mangroves and wetlands at the nearby Laguna de Bavaro.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
To enter the country, you’ll need to apply for a tourist card from the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in London or upon arrival at the airport. See the Dominican Republic Embassy website for more details. The local currency is the Dominican peso.
