How to Get to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic?
A chronicle of the real Punta Cana
A journey beyond the predictable:discovering the human heart, the slow rhythm, and the authentic colors of the Dominican Republic
Punta Cana
The reasons why millions of travelers choose Punta Cana for their Caribbean escape are easy to understand: endless coconut-fringed white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, world-class resorts, and the unmistakable energy of one of the Caribbean’s most exciting tropical destinations. And getting here is easier than you might think!
More than 70% of foreign tourists arriving in the Dominican Republic by air already choose Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) as their gateway to the country. But Punta Cana isn’t only accessible by plane. Whether your journey begins in Santo Domingo, Santiago, another Dominican airport, or somewhere else across the island, there are plenty of ways to make your way east and reach the coast.
That’s exactly what this guide is for.
Clear Directions On How To Go To Punta Cana
Whether you're flying directly into Punta Cana, landing in Santo Domingo and continuing east, hopping aboard an express bus, renting a car, or turning the journey into a Dominican road trip, we’ll break down the easiest ways to get here: with routes, transportation options, travel times, costs, and the practical details you’ll want to know before you go.
Because once you arrive, the journey gives way to what you really came for: beaches, boats, nightlife, local food, hidden corners, adventures, and some of the most unforgettable experiences in the Dominican Republic.
Punta Cana is waiting. Let’s get you here.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: THE MOST AFFORDABLE OPTION
Public transportation is best for budget-conscious travelers, solo travelers, and those who don't mind a longer journey or a few stops along the way. It's the most affordable way to travel between Santo Domingo and Punta Cana and a great option if you're traveling light and have a flexible schedule.
One thing to keep in mind: while private transportation providers tend to be very punctual with scheduled departure times, local transportation may occasionally run on a little “Dominican Time.” Give yourself some flexibility and avoid planning tight connections around the published schedule.
Coming By Land From A Different Town?
Direct intercity bus options to Punta Cana are surprisingly limited. Santo Domingo has direct express service to Bávaro–Punta Cana, while Higüey serves as the main regional gateway for local buses into Punta Cana.
PUNTA CANA
BÁVARO • VERÓN • PC AIRPORTHigüey is only about 45 km (28 miles) from Punta Cana and functions as the main public transportation hub for much of the eastern Dominican Republic.
Traveling from Santo Domingo? You're in luck! You can skip the transfers entirely. Below, you'll find departure times, stations, stops, and what to expect along the way.
DEPARTURE TIMES
GOING FROM SANTO DOMINGO TO PUNTA CANA IN PUBLIC BUSES
PARQUE ENRIQUILLO
TO PUNTA CANALast bus from Parque Enriquillo:
6:00 pm
GAZCUÉ / MÁXIMO GÓMEZ
TO PUNTA CANALast bus from Gazcué:
4:00 pm
SANTO DOMINGO
TO HIGÜEYBuses run every 30 minutes from 6:00 am until 8:30 pm.
No online or advance tickets.
Tickets must be purchased in cash at the terminal before boarding. Arrive at least 1 hour early.
Arrive at least 1 hour early.
Tickets are first-come, first-served and buses may sell out, especially on weekends.
Know your stop.
Confirm your bus stop with the bus assistant before departure to ensure you exit at the right location.
WHERE DOES THE BUS STOP?
Expreso Bávaro makes several stops between Punta Cana and Santo Domingo. Choose the one that works best for your destination.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR STOP
Going to Punta Cana Airport?
Get off at the Aeropuerto Punta Cana stop for direct connection to PUJ airport terminal.
Staying at Sweet Home PC?
Get off at the Ifa Villas Bávaro stop. Sweet Home PC is located right in front of the main entrance.
Staying at Resorts or Friusa / Verón?
Select your resort stop (RIU, Barceló, Iberostar, Palladium, etc.) or Friusa / Verón terminals for local transfers.
IMPORTANT: Stops may vary depending on traffic and the bus schedule. If you’re unsure, ask the driver or ticket agent before boarding.
TRANSPORTATION PROVIDERS
DIRECT BUSES FROM SANTO DOMINGO TO PUNTA CANA, VERÓN AND HIGÜEY
Calle Juan Sánchez Ramírez #31 (esq. Av. Máximo Gómez), Gazcue, Santo Domingo.
Av. México esq. Calle Ravelo (frente al Parque Enriquillo), Santo Domingo.
Av. México esq. Calle Ravelo, Santo Domingo (Direct to Higüey)
Terminal SITRABAPU, Av. Hermanos Trejo, Higüey (Direct to Punta Cana)
💡 Did you know you can still get to Punta Cana if you miss the last 4:00 PM / 6:00 PM direct bus from Santo Domingo? Take a bus from Parque Enriquillo to Higüey, then continue by SITRABAPU shuttle to Punta Cana.
Calle Ravelo esq. Av. México, Parque Enriquillo, Santo Domingo.
Av. Hermanos Trejo No. 1, esq. con la calle Antonio Valdez (Hijo), Higüey
DID YOU KNOW THAT
PRACTICAL INSIGHTS ONLY LOCALS CAN SHARE WITH YOU
HIGÜEY DETOUR
Did you know that if you miss the last direct bus from Santo Domingo at 4:00 PM / 5:00 PM, you can still get to Punta Cana by taking a bus from Parque Enriquillo to Higüey, where buses (SITRABAPU) depart to Punta Cana until around 8:30 PM?
GET OFF THE BUS EARLY!
You could save around an hour of riding and traffic by getting off at the first stop: Punta Cana International Airport and taking a taxi directly to your destination. If time matters more than saving a few dollars, hop off early and skip the rest of the bus route!
SAONA ISLAND
Did you know that if you’re planning to visit both Saona Island and Punta Cana, you can take a Saona Island tour from Santo Domingo, bring your luggage with you, and simply continue from Bayahibe to Higüey and Punta Cana afterward instead of returning to Santo Domingo?
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