The Dominican Republic is among the easiest Caribbean destinations to reach from Europe — numerous direct flights, simplified formalities, modern airports.
By air, the country has several international airports. Punta Cana (PUJ) is the main tourist hub (the 2nd busiest airport in the Caribbean), with direct flights from: Paris CDG (Air France 3-5 flights/week, Corsair, Air Europa via Madrid in codeshare), Brussels, Frankfurt, Madrid (Air Europa, Iberia daily), Amsterdam (KLM via Curaçao sometimes), London (Virgin Atlantic, British Airways). Paris-Punta Cana return fares: €500-700 in low season (May-June, September-October, November outside holidays), €800-1,100 in high season (December-February, Easter, July-August). Direct flight 9-10h outbound, 8h30-9h return (tailwinds).
Santo Domingo (SDQ) is the capital's airport, 25 km east of the city. Air France (3-5 weekly flights), Air Caraïbes, Air Europa, Iberia serve SDQ from Paris/Madrid. More practical if starting with culture (Santo Domingo) rather than beach. Fares similar to Punta Cana.
Other airports: Puerto Plata (POP) for the north coast (mainly Air Transat charter flights), Samaná El Catey (AZS) for the peninsula (few direct flights, mainly seasonal charters), Santiago (STI) for the Cibao (mainly Iberia flights from Madrid, targeting the Dominican diaspora).
All-inclusive charter flights from Europe are numerous in high season: TUI Fly, Air Transat (Lyon, Bordeaux, Nantes, Marseille flights sometimes direct to PUJ), Corsair (Paris Orly direct to PUJ), Iberojet (Madrid). 1-week all-inclusive packages from €700-1,200 in low season, €1,500-2,500 in high season.
On arrival, the tarjeta de turista (USD 10) is now included in the ticket price for almost all carriers. The e-Ticket Migración form must be completed online within 72h before arrival and departure (free, eticket.migracion.gob.do) — QR code to present at boarding and immigration.
From the airport to the resort, most package stays include coach transfers (45 min PUJ to Bávaro). Outside packages, expect USD 25-40 by official taxi (Punta Cana taxis, official airport taxis, negotiate or use Uber which works in main cities). SDQ to Santo Domingo centre: USD 30-40 by taxi (35 min). PUJ to Bayahibe: USD 60-80 by taxi (1h15).
Once on site, internal transport is organised by context. Long-distance buses (Caribe Tours, Metro Bus, Expreso Bávaro) link the main cities — comfortable, air-conditioned, economical (USD 5-15 per trip). Guaguas (local minibus collectives, USD 1-3) run everywhere — authentic but uncomfortable. Car hire (€35-55/day, Sixt, Hertz, Europcar at PUJ and SDQ) offers maximum freedom — beware of mid-quality roads and risky local driving. Domestic flights are rare and expensive (Air Century, Sky Cana, €150-300 per trip) — prefer bus or private transfer.
Read also
- Punta Cana and the East — Bávaro, Cap Cana, Bayahibe: the world capital of all-inclusive and its 30 km of beaches.
- Santo Domingo and the South — The first European city in the Americas (1496), UNESCO colonial zone, historical heart of the New World.
- Samaná — Lush peninsula, Rincón beach, humpback whales January to March, ecotourism and authenticity.
- Puerto Plata and the North — Amber coast, Sosúa, Cabarete world capital of kitesurfing, Pico Isabel de Torres cable car.
- Santo Domingo — UNESCO colonial zone, Fortaleza Ozama, Alcázar de Colón, first cathedral in the Americas.