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Punta Cana Flights Information
The Dominican Republic (DR) is an island country located in the Caribbean region. It is situated on the island of Hispaniola and is a popular tourist destination for its scenic beauty, Dominican architecture, and year-round golf courses.
One of the major cities of DR is Punta Cana – the busiest and most visited tourist city of the Caribbean. Famous for its hotels and resorts, Punta Cana is one of the costlier tourist destinations to visit. To put things in perspective, a one-night stay at a resort in Punta Cana could alone cost you about $175 including food and drinks.
Therefore, it is essential that you plan your travel and save money wherever you can, starting by booking cheap flights to Punta Cana.
Located in the municipal district of Punta Cana-Bávaro-Veron-Macao, Punta Cana is a resort town of the La Altagracia Province. Beaches and seaside resorts can be found in abundance here, and the weather is usually quite hot and humid, as is the case with tropical regions.
With a total population of less than 50,000, Punta Cana is essentially a poor country, with most of its revenue derived through the tourism industry. However, the city is safe to visit. Especially, since the mystery surrounding a few American deaths in various resorts was cleared up last year, and it was proven that the deaths were accidental in nature.
While Punta Cana itself can be a bit costly, it is worth every penny because the seaside resorts and water sports you have here are unrivaled.
We have a simple 5-step rule you can use to enjoy yourself.
Step 1: Plan your itinerary.
Step 2: Book airline tickets to Punta Cana.
Step 3: Spend your money on all seaside attractions like water sports, marine diving, etc.
Step 4: Enjoy city attractions and architecture.
Step 5: End the trip with happy memories!
The Airport of Punta Cana
There is only one international airport at Punta Cana – the Punta Cana International Airport, but it is the busiest airport in the whole country. The Punta Cana International Airport is identified by location tags of the International Air Transport Association as PUJ. Punta Cana is a privately owned commercial airport with its entire construction inspired by the Dominican architectural styles.
Located in Cabeza de Toro, it has two built-in open terminals with palm fronds covering the roofs., and while the city has much to offer, the airport itself is a beauty to behold in its own right. Punta Cana International Airport accounts for over 60% of all arrivals to the Dominican Republic, both international and domestic. It is one of the newest, major tourist-spot airports in the world, having been built as recently as in December 1983.
Did you know that Punta Cana was the first privately owned airport in the whole world? That’s right. Unlike in most countries, the government does not own the PUJ, despite it being a commercial airport – it is owned by Corporación Aeroportuaria del Este, S.A.
A number of airlines and charter airplane companies cater to Punta Cana flights – Monarch Airlines, Air Belgium, Condor, LTU International, Hapag-Lloyd Flug, American Airlines, Lauda Air, ATA Airlines, Lan Chile, Britannia Airways, Air Europe, Iberworld, Transaero, Pullmantur Air, and Corsairfly.
Punta Cana Attractions
Airline tickets to Punta Cana are reasonable, and you’ll get some good offers on selected flights. However, the stay, food, and transportation are quite expensive, especially if your source of income is not in US Dollars.
The major attractions of the city are the hotels and seaside resorts, the water rides there, as well as water sports and marine diving. Beaches offer a great scenic view and are ideal spots for relaxation and sunbathing.
Some of the biggest water attractions include snorkeling, water-gliding, windsurfing, speed, and jet boats, banana boat rides, catamaran cruises, scuba deep-sea diving, deep-sea fishing, and party boat rides. The more adventurous of you can try stingray snorkeling and swim with dolphins and sharks, too.
Non-water-based city attractions include tours of architectural monuments, safari rides, horseback rides, and dune buggy. Some of the noteworthy monuments to visit are the Basilica Catholic Monument and Los Haitises National Park in Samaná, which are a couple of hours drive from Punta Cana.
You can also enjoy the Dominican music in one of their cultural performances. Be sure to ask your hotel if they arrange these on weekends, or ask hotel travel agents where some of these can be found. You can also find another unique attraction – beautiful water lagoons – at the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park.
Best Time to Visit Punta Cana
The Punta Cana International Airport receives over 3 million tourists a year, but booking plane tickets to Punta Cana at the right time ensures you make the most of your trip to the island city. Punta Cana is geographically the eastern most region of the country and is usually dry and sunny throughout the year.
Rains are in the form of quick tropical showers that are usually experienced in the summer months and last for short bursts of time. Punta Cana is one of those cities which you can visit year-round. However, if you’re not used to hot temperature or the humidity (if you sweat while just standing in a place or sitting in an open car), you must avoid the months of March and April.
Starting September, the Fall season sees the temperatures drop, but the humidity will stay, as will the occasional tropical showers and possible rainstorms. September-October should be your second preference to travel to Punta Cana. The predicted rainfall is always the most in October and the least in February and March.
The best season for tourists is the winter season, between December to February when temperatures range from 20 degrees Celsius in the night to 28 degrees during the day. Right then, the weather is simply pleasant and delightful to experience.
This is also the prime tourist season though, so book your airline tickets to Punta Cana well in advance to avoid overbooking or price hikes as departure dates draw closer.
Some Flight Pre-Booking Tips for Punta Cana
- Choose a direct flight if you have kids or infants traveling with you. Also, research the number of layovers from your source to destination as well as the duration of these layovers, so you can pick a flight that’s cheap and fast, both at the same time.
- Keep in mind the arrival time. If you arrive very early in the morning, confirm with your hotel whether you can check-in or not. If not, ask them if they have a decent waiting room facility. If you don’t plan ahead, you’ll be stranded and might end up wasting your time in Punta Cana.
- At the same time, avoid landing late at night or during evening hours so that your day is not wasted. The ideal time your flights to Punta Cana should land is between noon and late-afternoon.
- Book your flights to Punta Cana DR at least two to three weeks before your departure, because the closer your date of travel, the higher will be the prices of flights.
Local Travel and Getting Around in Punta Cana
Local traveling is mostly through taxis. Very few hotels offer private taxis, but there are travel agencies that will lend you their vehicles for as long as you need them. The rates would be hourly or depending on the consumption of fuel.
Taxis can be a bit expensive. A 20-minute ride from one of the beaches back to your resort would cost you somewhere around 1600 Dominican pesos ($30). Getting around is cheaper if you rent a vehicle with a driver, so research carefully, otherwise, all that money you saved from your airfare to Punta Cana will be balanced out here.
FAQs
What is the cheapest month to go to Punta Cana? ›
The cheapest time to visit Punta Cana is generally considered to be during the off-season months of April through November. During these months, hotel prices dropped significantly due to decreased demand from travelers.
Why are flights to PUJ so expensive? ›Travel is more expensive because the Dominican Republic does not yet have a modern “Open Skies” aviation agreement with the United States. This means fewer choices for travelers and limitations on competition among airlines that cost the user more each time they buy a plane ticket.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Dominican Republic? ›Top tips for finding cheap flights to the Dominican Republic
High season is considered to be January, November and December. The cheapest month to fly from the United States is May.
Book at least 3 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. High season is considered to be June, July and August. The cheapest month to fly from United States is January. Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Punta Cana flight deals.
How many days before a flight is the best price? ›The best time to book an airline flight is the prime booking window, which is 21 to 115 days in advance. Airfares generally average 5% of their lowest prices during this period.
Why is Punta Cana so expensive right now? ›Travel is more expensive here because the Dominican Republic still does not have a modern “Open Skies” aviation agreement with the United States. This means fewer choices for travelers and limits on competition among the airlines cost you more every time you buy an airline ticket.
Why are flights so expensive in 2023? ›The main reasons why flights are so expensive in 2023 are post-pandemic high demand, inflation, and high fuel prices. Will flight prices go down in 2023? It is uncertain if flight prices will go down in 2023, as the travel industry is still recovering from the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What airline has direct flights to Dominican Republic? ›jetBlue, American Airlines, Qatar Airways, KLM, Delta, United, Spirit Airlines and British Airways all fly non-stop to Dominican Republic.
Are nonstop flights cheaper? ›Airfare is based on the airline's calculation of what they bet you'd be willing to pay for that route. For this reason, the data from Google Flights shows that nonstop fares are 20% more expensive on average than an itinerary with stops. In short, if you take the layover, you'll likely save some money.
How much money do you need for 2 weeks in Dominican Republic? ›The total budget of your vacation in the Dominican Republic should be around RD$6,000 per person per day. However, you don't have to take this amount in cash. You can regularly pay with a credit card and withdraw money at ATMs. Therefore, it is recommended to take around 200 to 300 dollars per person for your vacation.
Why is Punta Cana so cheap? ›
The Cost Of Living Is Lower In The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a developing country with a low income per capita (that is part of the reason why the Dominican Republic is so cheap). Therefore, visitors can expect most services in the country to be comparatively cheap with the United States.
Punta Cana is the leading airport in Central America and the Caribbean with close to 2 million tourists arriving in its luxurious environs every year. It's the cheapest way to fly to the island, but at a good 6-10 hour drive from other cities, it's not necessarily your best bet if your destination is elsewhere.
What are the busiest days at Punta Cana airport? ›In addition to high season, if you add the most popular days to travel it can really get busy. Longer lines at Punta Cana airport are seen also between Fridays and Sundays, which are the days that most passengers decide to fly in and out of Punta Cana Airport.
What airlines fly to Punta Cana? ›American Airlines, jetBlue, Qatar Airways, Delta, KLM, United, Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines all fly non-stop to Punta Cana.
What do I need before traveling to Punta Cana? ›Passports for Travel to Punta Cana
You will need a passport book, not a passport card to travel into Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your return date home. This is a best practice for travel abroad, so keep your passport current!
“In 2023, we expect that [trend] to reverse and year-over-year fares to fall,” Keyes said, pointing to Federal Reserve data indicating recent, modest drops in airfare—a shift that comes as airlines have begun to add more flights, fueling competition.
How far in advance should I book a flight 2023? ›Time your booking right
“For international flights — [it's] four to 10 months.” If you're traveling during an off-peak season, you're going to want to look at airfares one to three months in advance for domestic flights, and two to eight months ahead of the flight for international trips.
- Check the cheapest days to fly out. ...
- Check which locations are on offer. ...
- Use flight price search engines. ...
- Book through travel agents for students. ...
- Last-minute deals aren't always cheaper so book early. ...
- Beware of extra costs on budget airlines. ...
- Go incognito when booking flights.
The best arrival day of the week is either Tuesday or Wednesday (BobH); Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday (wessiewoo's Travel Agent); Saturday looks good for OttawaTom; and NewfieOWL trumps them all by declaring that everyday is a good day to arrive in PC.
Is Punta Cana safer than Mexico? ›Safety in Punta Cana vs Cancun
Punta Cana and Cancun are both completely safe for tourists and have tourist security divisions within their police forces. Theft of valuables is the most common type of crime in Punta Cana. Be aware of your belongings, as you would in any tourist city.
Should I get pesos before going to Dominican Republic? ›
While some merchants in the Dominican Republic may accept US Dollars, it is not widely accepted and you may receive a poor exchange rate. It's recommended to use Dominican Pesos when in the Dominican Republic.
What are the cheapest months to fly in 2023? ›For the lowest fares on domestic flights, travel in January or February. But for international trips, you'll find the cheapest fare in August.
Do flight prices go down on Tuesday? ›Average domestic airfare price by day
The cheapest days to depart if you're flying within the U.S. are midweek — generally Tuesday or Wednesday. For economy tickets, Tuesdays are about 24% lower than peak prices on Sundays, which translates to savings of about $85 per ticket.
Beginning May 3, 2023, your driver's license will need to be REAL ID-compliant if you want to use it to fly within the U.S. It's part of a law passed by Congress. If your license is not compliant, and you don't have another acceptable form of ID, you'll have trouble getting through airport security.
What month is best to fly to Dominican Republic? ›With its mild, year-round climate, the Caribbean is always a good place to escape harsh winters elsewhere. That's one reason why the period from December through April is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic. Of course, there's much more to this amazing island than its tropical climate.
Where is the best place to fly into Dominican Republic? ›The primary points of entry into the country by air are Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata and Punta Cana, with additional international airports at Santiago and Samaná. When travelling to the Dominican Republic, it's often cheaper to come via a charter flight.
What is the new airline to Punta Cana? ›Previously announced service to Punta Cana (PUJ) and Santo Domingo (SDQ) in the Dominican Republic will begin in May, as well. With the new service, Frontier will serve a total of 20 nonstop destinations from TPA and offer its largest ever summer schedule from the airport.
Is it cheaper to buy a flight same day? ›In general, same-day flights are cheaper than booking in advance, but it isn't always the case. Sometimes, booking a flight six months in advance might seem like a good idea.
What is hidden city ticketing? ›Hidden city ticketing is when you buy a ticket with the intention of leaving the plane at a stopover, rather than the final destination. These types of journeys have the potential to save you a lot of money in comparison to a non-stop flight.
Which is better nonstop or direct flight? ›Non-stop flights behave exactly as they sound; you'll fly straight from one airport to another, with no stops along the way. Direct flights, on the other hand, aren't quite as convenient. While the flight number doesn't change, the term “direct” means the plane may make one or more stops along its route.
Is $5 a good tip in Dominican Republic? ›
Preferred tipping currency
If you have Dominican pesos feel free to tip using it however it is uncommon to tip more than 250 Pesos (5 Dollars).
The current exchange rate is 1 USD gets you 58 Dominican Pesos (DOP).
Is it better to take cash to Dominican Republic? ›There are still many services that do not accept credit cards so it's best to bring some cash on your trip. For example: Taxis, fruit stands, souvenir shops, and vendors on the beach do not usually accept credit cards. Neither do some of the smaller restaurants and food trucks.
What is safer Dominican or Mexico? ›Mexico has a crime rate of 54.19 while the Dominican Republic has a crime rate of 61.02. This means that per every 100,000 people, 61 of them are subject to a crime in the Dominican Republic while 54 are subject to a crime in Mexico.
Should I bring USD or pesos to Punta Cana? ›The most appropriate thing is to travel to the Dominican Republic with American dollars for the subject of the quote. Also, it will be easier for you to go to an exchange place and get the Punta Cana currency, which is the Dominican peso, to make your purchases or access services more easily.
How many days do you need in Punta Cana? ›If you just want to relax at an all-inclusive resort, you can absolutely have a great weekend in Punta Cana. That being said, allowing for at least 5 days in Punta Cana can really help you get into vacation mode and experience the many resort activities and fun day trips.
What is the best money to take to Dominican Republic? ›If you're off to the Dominican Republic for some sand, sea and sunshine, make sure you have less to think about while you catch those rays, and get some spending money sorted before you go. US dollars are widely accepted, but the main currency is the Dominican peso.
Is there a $10 fee to enter the Dominican Republic? ›If you travel by land or sea, you will pay $10.00 for a touristic card. Remember, you do not need to pay any extra fees if you are staying less than 30 days, but it depends on which country you are from. Tourist cards permit varying lengths of stay – 30, 60, or 90 days.
Is it cheaper to go to the Bahamas or Dominican Republic? ›There are many hotels and restaurants along the coast, as well as properties in more secluded areas with gardens. You can get accommodation in the area you like and with any amenities at a reasonable price. A vacation in the Dominican Republic is cheaper than in the Bahamas.
What is the cheapest month to stay in Punta Cana? ›The cheapest time to visit Punta Cana is generally considered to be during the off-season months of April through November. During these months, hotel prices dropped significantly due to decreased demand from travelers.
What is the best day to check into an all inclusive resort? ›
Ideal Check-In Day
Consider the start date of your vacation if you want to save some extra cash on your trip. In general, Sunday is the least expensive day of the week to begin your stay at a hotel. In fact, settling in on a Sunday can save travelers up to 19% on overall room rates, compared to mid-week check-ins.
The high season runs from October to March, the low season lasts from April to September and, finally, the shoulder season spans the months from October to February.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Punta Cana? ›Book at least 3 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. High season is considered to be June, July and August. The cheapest month to fly from United States is January. Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Punta Cana flight deals.
What is the best month to fly to Punta Cana? ›From October to December – midseason
For those who want to enjoy a pleasant climate during the end of the rainy season in Punta Cana, we recommend visiting the region between the months of October to December. Many visitors consider that the best time to travel to Punta Cana is when the rainy season ends.
How far in advance should you book domestic flights? We recommend booking domestic flights between 1–3 months in advance of your domestic trip (unless you're traveling during peak season or a popular holiday).
Can i go to punta cana without being vaccinated? ›ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
As of April 23, 2022, all passengers and crew members do not need to present a COVID-19 Vaccination Card, PCR, or antigen test to enter the Dominican Republic or to enter tourist centers, any establishments or to receive services such as excursions.
Courses or boosters usually advised: Hepatitis A; Tetanus. Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Cholera.
Do I need a mask for Punta Cana? ›On Wednesday 16 February 2022, Dominican authorities announced that with immediate effect all COVID-19 measures were suspended, including mandatory mask wearing, social distancing and proof of vaccination for public spaces and private spaces for public use. Changes to COVID-19 measures may happen at short notice.
What month is best for Punta Cana? ›The best months of the year for travelling to Punta Cana are by far between December and April. During this period, the probability of rainfall is lower, and the temperatures are warm enough to enjoy a perfect holiday on the shores of the Caribbean Sea.
What are the best and worst months to visit Punta Cana? ›Visiting Punta Cana between April to September
This can makes the weather less pleasant and makes people stay indoors instead of outside. Besides, around July, the weather will start to get rainy, which is still not ideal for tourists on vacation because most of the town's attractions are beach-related.
What is the best month to visit Punta Cana? ›
The best time to visit is between December and March when the weather is most settled. The hottest month of the year is August with an average daily maximum of 32 C and an average low of 25 C. The coolest month of the year is January with an average daily maximum of 29 C and an average low of 21 C.
Is Cancun or Punta Cana cheaper? ›Punta Cana is cheaper than Cancun due to the lower average cost of accommodation, restaurants, and entertainment.
How many nights is enough in Punta Cana? ›If you just want to relax at an all-inclusive resort, you can absolutely have a great weekend in Punta Cana. That being said, allowing for at least 5 days in Punta Cana can really help you get into vacation mode and experience the many resort activities and fun day trips.
What month is hurricane season in Punta Cana? ›As for the hurricane season in Punta Cana between the months of June to November, you should not worry about it. They do not usually hit the island and, generally, they arise and disappear so quickly that you will hardly even remember them when the sun rises.
Is it safe to travel to Dominican Republic 2023? ›When travelers are not careful, they can fall victim to a violent crime or island scam. As of February 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of State lists the Dominican Republic as a Level 2 warning, where travelers should exercise increased caution due to violent crime, such as armed robbery, sexual assault, or homicide.
What is the coldest Punta Cana gets? ›June is the hottest month in Punta cana with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) and the coldest is January at 25°C (77°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 10 in August.
Is Punta Cana worth going to? ›Punta Cana averages less than 40 inches of rainfall per year. Additionally, prices are incredibly reasonable, especially for accommodation and food. It's known as one of the cheapest islands in the Caribbean, so if you're looking for a vacation on a budget, Punta Cana is a great choice!
Which side of Punta Cana is better? ›There are also plenty of shopping options and some historic attractions as well as a bustling nightlife. The best area to stay in Punta Cana is the Bavaro area as this is where the main tourist hub is located.
What do I need to know before going to Punta Cana? ›- There Is An Airport Visitor Fee. ...
- Pre-book Your Airport Transportation. ...
- Your US Dollars Are Acceptable. ...
- Ignore The Clouds On Your Weather App. ...
- Keep Your Top On. ...
- The Town Is Far Away. ...
- It's A Tourist Destination. ...
- Tipping Is A Must.
Safety Tips For Water Use
Brushing teeth with tap water in the Dominican Republic is not recommended unless the water quality is guaranteed to be filtered or treated. In most cases, using boiled, filtered, or bottled water is a safer option for traveling.
How much money should I bring to an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana? ›
The total budget of your vacation in the Dominican Republic should be around RD$6,000 per person per day. However, you don't have to take this amount in cash. You can regularly pay with a credit card and withdraw money at ATMs. Therefore, it is recommended to take around 200 to 300 dollars per person for your vacation.
What is the cheapest way to travel in Dominican Republic? ›When travelling to the Dominican Republic, it's often cheaper to come via a charter flight. Most of these are a result of the huge all-inclusive tourism industry built up along Dominican shores; package deals for airfare, hotel and food abound, with astounding rates available to those willing to shop around.
Why is it so cheap to go to Punta Cana? ›The Cost Of Living Is Lower In The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a developing country with a low income per capita (that is part of the reason why the Dominican Republic is so cheap). Therefore, visitors can expect most services in the country to be comparatively cheap with the United States.