Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is approximately 35 km from the Bávaro Beach area, the most popular resort zone in the Dominican Republic's eastern coast. The journey takes 30-45 minutes by taxi or resort shuttle along well-maintained highways.

About Bavaro Beach Area

Bávaro Beach is the epicenter of Punta Cana's resort tourism, stretching for over 30 kilometers of powdery white sand along the Caribbean coast. This coastline, protected by offshore coral reefs, features calm turquoise waters ideal for swimming and has consistently been rated among the best beaches in the Caribbean. The area is dominated by large all-inclusive resorts — from Hard Rock Hotel to Barceló Bávaro Palace — that line the beachfront.

Beyond the resort gates, the Bávaro area has developed its own commercial ecosystem. Downtown Punta Cana (San Juan Shopping Center area) and Palma Real Shopping Village offer restaurants, shops, and entertainment outside the all-inclusive bubble. The Bávaro Adventure Park provides ziplining, horseback riding, and cultural experiences, while Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park preserves 12 freshwater lagoons in a subtropical forest.

The Bávaro area is also a gateway to excursion activities that define the Punta Cana experience: catamaran trips to Saona Island's sandbar and natural pool, swimming in the Hoyo Azul cenote at Scape Park, snorkeling on the reef, and buggy tours through sugar cane fields and rural communities. The area's nightlife centers around Coco Bongo and the resort entertainment complexes.

Nearby Landmarks

Bávaro Beach Indigenous Eyes Park Manatí Park Palma Real Village Coco Bongo

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $25-35 USD
Time 30-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit PUJ arrivals and proceed to the ground transportation area
2. Look for your resort's transfer desk in the arrivals hall (if pre-booked)
3. Alternatively, find the official taxi counter and purchase a ticket to Bávaro ($35-50 USD)
4. The drive follows Boulevard Turístico del Este north along the coast (30-45 min)
5. There is no public bus from the airport — all transfers are by taxi, shuttle, or rental car

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $25-35 USD 30-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Most all-inclusive resorts offer airport transfer packages included in the stay. Independent taxis are available 24 hours at the airport, with fixed rates of $35-50 USD to Bávaro hotels. There is no public bus from the airport. For late-night arrivals, pre-arrange transport through your resort or a transfer service.

Luggage Tips

Resort shuttles and taxis have ample luggage space. If booking a shared shuttle, confirm space for your bags. There is no public transport with luggage considerations. Most transfers are door-to-door from the airport to your resort lobby.

Accessibility

PUJ airport has wheelchair assistance. Resort transfer vehicles vary in accessibility — request an accessible vehicle when booking. Most large Bávaro resorts have accessible rooms, beach wheelchairs, and pool lifts. The sandy beach terrain is challenging for standard wheelchairs.