Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) Guide: Terminals, Lounges, E-Ticket & More

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the busiest airport in the Dominican Republic, handling around 8 million passengers a year. It's the entry point for most tourists heading to Bayahibe, Dominicus, La Romana, and the Punta Cana resort strip. Here's what to know before you land.

The E-Ticket: Complete This Before You Fly

The Dominican Republic requires every traveler — regardless of nationality — to complete an E-Ticket before arrival. This is not optional, and it's not something you can do at the airport without delays. Many airlines also require proof of completion before they'll let you board.

Be careful: some third-party websites impersonate the official form and charge a fee for what should be free. The official E-Ticket form is provided by the General Directorate of Migration at no cost, and the site is available in multiple languages.

What you need to do:

• Fill out the form online through the General Directorate of Migration website before your flight
• You'll receive an application code and a QR code (save it on your phone as a PDF or screenshot, or print it out)
• Immigration officers scan it on arrival — have it ready on your phone or printed

Terminals A and B

PUJ has two main terminals:

• Terminal A — the newer and more modern terminal, it handles the majority of international carriers with a focus on North American flights, including US and Canadian airlines
• Terminal B — the older terminal, also handles international flights, including European carriers

Both terminals have their own check-in counters, security, duty-free shopping, and VIP lounges. Your airline determines which terminal you use — check your boarding pass.

The airport is modern and well-organized. Signage is in Spanish and English. Arrivals move through immigration, then baggage claim, then customs before exiting to the public arrivals hall.

If you need help carrying your bags, there are many porters available for a small tip. They can assist with luggage and navigating the airport. We recommend tips of at least 200 DOP (roughly 4 USD or 4 EURO) or more.

VIP Lounges

PUJ has four VIP lounges — two in each terminal. All are airside (after security and passport control) for departing flights.

There are four ways to get in:

• Walk-in: $60 per person (2 hours), or $40 with an American Express card
• Airport VIP package: lounge entry is included with the VIP Premium and VIP Plus departure packages (see below)
• Priority Pass: membership covers entry at all four lounges
• Premium credit cards: some cards include complimentary lounge access — check with your card issuer

All lounges offer air conditioning, flight information displays, and complimentary alcoholic drinks (local brands, up to 2 per adult). Smart casual dress code applies. Maximum stay is 2 hours. Premium drinks and nap rooms are available in some lounges for an additional fee.

Airport VIP Services

Beyond standard lounge access, PUJ offers paid VIP services for both arrivals and departures — useful if you want queue-free immigration, hands-on assistance, or a more seamless experience from plane to car.

Arrival — Meet & Greet ($100 per adult + 18% tax)

Children aged 2–7 travel free on this service. You'll be greeted at the aircraft and escorted through private immigration, baggage claim, and all the way to your ground transportation. Includes lounge access with snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi.

Departure — three tiers to choose from:

How to book: Book directly through the official Punta Cana International Airport website. Avoid third-party sites that impersonate the official page — they charge markups while requiring the same information. Payment is by credit card at the airport (Visa, Mastercard, Discover — Amex not accepted). Cancellations require at least 24 hours' notice for a refund.

Learn more about VIP services at PUJ

Parking

PUJ has both short-term and long-term parking directly adjacent to the terminals. It's the practical option if you're renting a car locally. Car rental desks are located in the arrivals hall — major international companies plus local operators are all represented.

For most visitors on a beach holiday, renting a car in the Dominican Republic isn't necessary. Resort destinations like Bayahibe and Dominicus are compact, and most activities are booked through excursion operators.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off

The pick-up and drop-off zone is directly in front of the arrivals exit for each terminal.

Private transfers are the smoothest option for most travelers. Book in advance and your driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a sign showing your name — no waiting in taxi lines, no fare negotiation.

Taxis are available outside the terminal. Always agree on a price before getting in — meters are not standard. For longer routes like Bayahibe or La Romana (~1 hour away), a pre-arranged transfer is more predictable in price and reliability.

Uber operates at PUJ but with limitations. You'll need to connect to airport WiFi to request a ride, then walk to a separate pickup area. For groups with luggage or longer routes, see our full Uber vs. private transfer comparison.

When to Arrive for Departing Flights

Plan to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight's boarding time — not departure time, boarding time. Check-in lines are where most of the wait happens, and they can grow long during peak periods. Security and immigration, by comparison, tend to move quickly — noticeably faster than what most travelers experience at major US or EU airports.

If you've booked a VIP departure package with fast-track access, you can afford to be a little more relaxed, but 2 hours remains a safe buffer for everyone.

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If you're heading to Bayahibe, Dominicus, or La Romana after landing, our drivers are at arrivals with your name on a sign — ready the moment you walk out of customs.

Book your transfer now