Punta Cana offers a wide variety of transportation options for travelers visiting Bávaro, Cap Cana, Uvero Alto, and the surrounding resort areas. Understanding how transportation in Punta Cana works is essential to move around safely, comfortably, and efficiently during your vacation.
This complete guide explains the best ways to get around Punta Cana, including taxis, private drivers, shuttle services, resort transportation, and local mobility options. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to the Dominican Republic, this overview will help you choose the right transportation for your needs.
⭐ Transportation Options in Punta Cana
Punta Cana has multiple transportation choices depending on where you're staying and your travel style. Here's a detailed comparison of each option:
1. Taxis in Punta Cana
Best for: Short distances, spontaneous trips, late-night transportation
Pros:
- Available throughout the hotel zone, shopping areas, and beaches
- No advance booking needed
- 24/7 availability in most tourist areas
- Safe when using official taxis from hotels or designated taxi stands
- Air-conditioned vehicles
Cons:
- More expensive than pre-booked private transportation
- Price negotiation required (fixed rates but vary by taxi)
- Limited availability outside main tourist zones
- Not all drivers speak English
💵 Typical Costs:
$10–$20 within Bávaro • $25–$40 to Cap Cana • $40–$60 to Uvero Alto
2. Private Transportation
Best for: Families, groups, travelers visiting multiple locations
Pros:
- Fixed pricing agreed before booking
- Door-to-door service to any destination
- Professional, licensed drivers with local knowledge
- Flexible scheduling and customizable itineraries
- English-speaking drivers available
- Ideal for Cap Cana, Uvero Alto, and remote beaches
- Most reliable for exploring beyond your resort
Cons:
- Requires advance booking for guaranteed availability
- Costs more than taxis for very short distances
⭐ Most Recommended
Best value and convenience for exploring Punta Cana safely
3. Resort Shuttle Services
Best for: Excursions, shopping trips, resort-to-resort visits
Pros:
- Budget-friendly option
- Fixed routes to popular destinations (Blue Mall, Palma Real)
- Safe and operated by licensed companies
- Good for solo travelers or couples
Cons:
- Fixed schedules (may not match your timing)
- Shared with other guests (wait times)
- Limited flexibility on stops and destinations
- Not available at all resorts
4. Ride Apps (Uber)
Best for: Occasional short trips in Bávaro area (when available)
Pros:
- Transparent pricing through the app
- No cash needed (credit card payment)
- Works in some areas of Bávaro and near Blue Mall
Cons:
- Very limited availability (not reliable)
- Does NOT work at Punta Cana Airport (PUJ)
- Many resorts block ride app pickups at lobbies
- Inconsistent service in Cap Cana and Uvero Alto
- Not available for late-night trips
⚠️ Warning
Don't rely on Uber as your primary transportation in Punta Cana
5. Public Transportation
Best for: Adventurous, budget-conscious travelers with Spanish skills
What it includes:
- Guaguas (local buses): Shared minibuses on main routes, $1–$3 per ride
- Motoconchos (motorcycle taxis): Quick short trips, $2–$5
- Mainly used by locals, not designed for tourists
Considerations:
- No fixed schedules or clear routes for tourists
- Language barrier (Spanish required)
- Safety concerns for unfamiliar travelers
- Not recommended for families or first-time visitors
- Unreliable for reaching resort areas
❌ Not Recommended
Most tourists should avoid public transport in Punta Cana
6. Rental Cars
Best for: Independent travelers planning multiple daily trips
Pros:
- Complete freedom and flexibility
- Cost-effective for frequent daily trips
- Can visit remote beaches and attractions
- No waiting for taxis or shuttles
Cons:
- Requires international driver's license or permit
- Dominican driving can be challenging (aggressive traffic)
- Road signs in Spanish, unfamiliar routes
- Parking fees at malls and attractions
- Insurance costs can be high
- Not ideal if staying at all-inclusive resort
How to Choose the Best Transportation Option
Your choice depends on where you're staying and how often you plan to leave the resort.
Staying in Bávaro or Downtown Punta Cana
Use a mix of taxis, private transportation, and limited ride apps for short trips.
Staying in Cap Cana
Private transportation and resort shuttles are the most convenient and comfortable options, with taxis available at higher cost.
Staying in Uvero Alto
Uvero Alto is farther away, so private transportation is usually the best option, supported by resort shuttles where available. Taxis tend to be more expensive due to distance.
Tips for Transportation in Punta Cana (2025)
- Confirm prices with taxis or drivers before starting your trip.
- Avoid unregistered motoconchos if you're not familiar with the area.
- Resort areas may restrict ride app pickups at the lobby.
- Private drivers offer predictable rates and more comfort.
- Taxis are safe and available 24/7 in most tourist zones.
- Shuttles are ideal for excursions and resort-to-resort trips.
⚠️ Common Transportation Mistakes to Avoid
Many travelers make these preventable errors when getting around Punta Cana. Here's how to avoid them:
❌ Assuming Uber Works Everywhere
Many first-time visitors assume Uber or ride apps work reliably in Punta Cana like they do at home. The reality is coverage is very limited and unreliable, especially at the airport and most resorts.
✓ Solution: Pre-book private transportation or use official taxis. Don't count on ride apps as your primary option.
❌ Not Confirming Taxi Prices Before Getting In
Punta Cana taxis don't use meters. If you don't confirm the price upfront, you risk being overcharged when you arrive at your destination.
✓ Solution: Always ask "Cuánto cuesta?" (How much?) and agree on the exact price before entering the taxi.
❌ Relying on Walking Between Locations
Punta Cana is spread out with long distances between resorts, beaches, and attractions. Roads are not pedestrian-friendly and walking is unsafe due to traffic and heat.
✓ Solution: Use taxis or private transportation for all trips beyond your resort property.
❌ Taking Unlicensed Motoconchos
While motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) are cheap and popular with locals, they pose significant safety risks for tourists unfamiliar with Dominican traffic and roads.
✓ Solution: Stick to licensed taxis and private cars. The small savings aren't worth the risk.
❌ Not Bringing Cash for Taxis and Tips
Most taxis in Punta Cana prefer cash (USD or Dominican pesos). Some don't accept credit cards, leaving you stranded if you don't have cash on hand.
✓ Solution: Always carry small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20 USD) for taxis, tips, and small purchases.
❌ Booking Last-Minute Transportation to Remote Areas
Destinations like Uvero Alto, remote beaches, and countryside excursions have limited taxi availability. Last-minute bookings may leave you without options or facing inflated prices.
✓ Solution: Book private transportation at least 24–48 hours in advance for trips outside the main Bávaro zone.
💵 Approximate Transportation Costs in Punta Cana (2025)
Understanding typical transportation costs helps you budget and avoid overcharging. Here are approximate prices:
| Route / Service | Taxi | Private Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Within Bávaro (short trip) | $10–$15 | $15–$20 |
| Bávaro ↔ Blue Mall | $12–$18 | $15–$20 |
| Bávaro ↔ Cap Cana | $25–$35 | $30–$40 |
| Bávaro ↔ Uvero Alto | $40–$60 | $45–$65 |
| Bávaro ↔ Downtown Punta Cana | $15–$25 | $20–$30 |
| Hourly Private Driver | N/A | $40–$60/hour |
| Full Day Private Driver (8 hours) | N/A | $200–$300 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- Private transfers often cost less than taxis for groups of 3+ people
- Book round-trip transfers for 10–15% discount with most companies
- Use resort shuttles for shopping trips (often free or $5–$10)
- Negotiate taxi prices before peak hours (early morning/late night cost more)
- Consider hiring a private driver for a full day if you have multiple stops
FAQ – Transportation in Punta Cana
Is transportation safe in Punta Cana?
Yes. Taxis, private drivers, and resort shuttles are widely used by tourists and are generally safe when booked through official or recommended providers.
Can I walk between resorts in Punta Cana?
In most cases no. Distances between resorts are long, roads are not designed for walking, and traffic conditions are not ideal for pedestrians.
Is Uber reliable for getting around Punta Cana?
Uber works in some areas of Punta Cana, but availability is limited and not consistent enough to rely on, especially for airport transfers or late-night trips.
What is the best way to get around Punta Cana?
For most travelers, the best options are private transportation, taxis, and resort shuttles. Public transportation and motoconchos are more suited to locals and experienced visitors.
Final Thoughts
Getting around Punta Cana is easy once you understand the available transportation options. Taxis, resort shuttles, and private drivers are the most reliable ways to explore the area, visit attractions, and move between resorts.
Choose the option that best fits your travel style and comfort level, and you'll enjoy a safe, comfortable experience in the Dominican Republic.