Renting a Car at Punta Cana International Airport: What to Know Before You Land
Landing in Punta Cana and driving off in your own car is the easiest way to explore the east coast at your own pace, with no transfers or someone else's schedule. At Nelly we rent one car, the Kia Sonet or similar: automatic, air-conditioned and roomy enough for five people and their luggage. Here is how to get ready to pick it up.
Before you fly
- Book at least 24 hours ahead. You'll see the total price for your dates, including the airport's mandatory charges, before you confirm.
- Add your airline and flight number. That way we follow your arrival if your flight is delayed.
- Check the hours. The Punta Cana counter is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If your flight lands later, say so when you book so we can arrange the handover.
What to bring to the counter
- A valid driver's license.
- Your ID card or passport.
- A credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express) in the driver's name, with funds for the hold.
The hold is refundable and ranges from US$300 to US$500, depending on the coverage you choose. If you decline coverage, the hold is US$1,200. The minimum age to rent is 25; drivers aged 21 to 24 pay an additional daily fee.
How to pay
Book online and pay when you pick up the car. At the counter you can pay by card or in cash, in Dominican pesos, US dollars or euros. The airport charge appears as a separate line in your quote, so there are no surprises.
Your first drive
The main hotel areas are close to the terminal: Cap Cana to the south, Bávaro and Arena Gorda to the north and, a little farther, Uvero Alto. Before you leave:
- Put your hotel into a navigation app while you have Wi-Fi and download the offline map.
- Adjust the mirrors and seat before you start, and take the first few kilometers easy.
- Keep some cash in pesos for tolls and tips.
If anything goes wrong on the road, your rental includes 24/7 roadside assistance nationwide at no extra cost, at 809-544-7111 (option 3).
Ready? Pick your dates and see the price of your car at Punta Cana Airport.