About Higüey — the province capital of La Altagracia
Salvaleón de Higüey is the capital of La Altagracia province and the largest city near Punta Cana. Its skyline is dominated by the modernist Basílica Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the Caribbean. The city is also the region's main commercial, medical and administrative hub: Ken Hospiten, Hospital Provincial, government offices, universities and the province's main bus terminal all sit here.
Guests visiting Higüey typically fall into three groups: pilgrims to the Basílica, business travelers with meetings in town, and expats accessing the region's main hospitals. In every case, a private transfer from PUJ is the safest and fastest option — Higüey has no Uber and street taxis are old and cash-only.
Distance and travel time: PUJ to Higüey
Distance from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) to central Higüey: approximately 40 km. Travel time in a private vehicle: 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic in Verón and the exact address in Higüey (the Basílica, hospitals and downtown add slightly different final stretches).
The route uses the modern Coral Highway (Verón bypass) and enters Higüey via Avenida La Altagracia. No tolls. Traffic can slow briefly in Verón during shift-change hours (4-6 PM).
Why choose a private transfer
There is no Uber, Didi or Cabify in Higüey. Street taxis quote $80-$120 USD in old vehicles with no child seats and cash-only payment.
A Next Ride SUV is $70 USD flat for 1-6 passengers. Modern A/C vehicles under 3 years old, licensed bilingual drivers, free child seats, bottled water, real-time flight tracking, 24/7 WhatsApp support.
What's included in every PUJ → Higüey transfer
Meet & greet at PUJ arrivals; flight tracking; private vehicle for your group; professional bilingual driver; free child and booster seats; bottled water; 24/7 WhatsApp support. Round-trip discount 10-15%.
Vehicles and prices — PUJ to Higüey (2026)
SUV (1-6 pax): $70 USD flat.
Van (7-10 pax): $100 USD flat.
Sprinter VIP (11-16 pax): $180 USD flat.
Prices per vehicle. Round-trip 10-15% off.
Destinations in Higüey we cover
Basílica de la Altagracia, Ken Hospiten Punta Cana - Higüey, Hospital Provincial Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, downtown hotels, Universidad Central del Este (UCE), Higüey bus terminal and every private address in the city.
