Step 1 — Arriving at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
PUJ is famous for its open-air, thatched-roof terminals — the most photogenic airport in the Caribbean. After landing, you'll walk from the aircraft to the terminal on the tarmac (there are no jet bridges). Follow the crowd and the bilingual signs to 'Migración / Immigration'.
The airport has three terminals (A, B and E) depending on your airline. All three funnel into the same immigration hall, so it doesn't matter which one you land at.
Step 2 — Immigration and the tourist card
Since 2018, the Dominican tourist card ($10 USD) is already included in your airline ticket — you do NOT need to buy one at the airport. Do not pay anyone offering you a 'tourist card' inside the terminal; it's a scam.
Approach the immigration officer with your passport open at the photo page. You'll be asked for your hotel name and length of stay. Fingerprints and a photo are taken digitally. The whole process takes 30-90 seconds per person. Total wait time in the hall: 10 to 45 minutes depending on how many flights landed at once.
Step 3 — Baggage claim and customs
Baggage carousels are directly after immigration. Free luggage carts are available. Customs uses a green/red channel system: press the button on the customs machine — green light means you walk through, red means a brief bag inspection. If you're bringing any electronics worth over $500 USD in resale value, you're technically required to declare them.
After customs, you'll walk through automatic doors into the semi-open arrivals area. This is where drivers wait.
Step 4 — Finding your driver (private transfer)
If you pre-booked a private transfer with Next Ride, your driver is waiting just outside the arrivals doors on the right side, holding a printed sign with your name. We share his direct WhatsApp number 24 hours before your flight, so you can message him the moment you clear customs.
Do NOT accept rides from anyone approaching you inside the terminal or the parking lot offering 'taxi' or 'transfer'. Those are unlicensed operators. Your pre-booked driver will ONLY meet you at the official pickup point with your name on the sign.
Step 5 — Comparing your transport options
Private transfer (recommended): $30-$120 USD flat depending on destination, meet & greet with your name on a sign, modern A/C vehicle, bilingual driver, free child seats, flight tracking, 24/7 support. Best for families, groups and anyone arriving after dark.
Licensed street taxi: $40-$90 USD to Bávaro, cash-only, older vehicles (10-15 years), no advance price guarantee, drivers often don't speak English, no child seats.
Shared shuttle: $20-$25 USD per person, but you wait until the shuttle is full and then stop at 5-8 other hotels — a 25-minute ride becomes 90+ minutes.
Hotel transfer: $80-$150 USD, but you're paying resort markup on the same vehicle a private transfer company would use.
Uber: not reliably available at PUJ. See our dedicated guide on Uber in Punta Cana.
Step 6 — Arriving at your resort
Your private-transfer driver drops you directly at your hotel's main lobby entrance, helps with luggage and confirms the return pickup time if you booked a round-trip. Tipping is not required but a $5-$10 USD tip is customary and appreciated.
Check-in at most Punta Cana resorts is 3:00 PM; if you arrive earlier, they'll store your luggage and hand you a wristband so you can enjoy the pool, buffet or beach immediately.
