Intro

You’ve landed at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) and you’re headed to Riu Palace Bávaro. It’s a short ride, but first-day logistics can make or break your vacation mood. This guide shows every transfer option, the pros/cons, how to book in minutes, what it typically costs with Miro Travel, and essential family tips (baggage, child seats) for 2025/26 planning.

Quick Facts

• Distance & time: PUJ → Riu Palace Bávaro is roughly 25–26 km and about 20–30 minutes by road, traffic permitting. See driving estimates. Source
• Primary gateway: PUJ handles the majority of D.R. air arrivals in 2025. Source
• On-site options: Official airport page lists authorized taxis, rental cars, and services in terminals. Source

All Options, Compared

1) Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Recommended)

Pros: Meet-and-greet at arrivals, fixed price shared in advance, direct ride, flight monitoring, vehicle size matched to luggage/party. Cons: Must book before arrival.

2) Airport Taxi

Pros: Immediate availability curbside. Cons: Pricing can vary by zone/vehicle; confirm fare before boarding. PUJ lists authorized taxi associations. Source

3) Ride-hail (Uber)

Uber operates with designated pickup guidance in the app. Airport contexts can change; follow the in-app instructions for meeting points. Source

4) Public Bus (Guagua) + Local Taxi

Cheapest but slowest and not door-to-door; impractical with luggage after a flight.

5) Rental Car

Flexible for explorers; consider local driving norms and resort parking policies.

Why Pre-Booked Private Transfer Wins

• Time certainty: Driver waits at arrivals, you walk out and go.
• Transparent price: No curbside negotiation; you see the fare before you fly.
• Right vehicle: Vans for golf bags/strollers; child seats on request.
• Direct to lobby: No intermediate stops—pool time sooner.

How to Book (Step-by-Step)

1. Open the Miro Travel PUJ transfers page and select Private or Shared. miro.travel/punta-cana-transfers-puj
2. Enter flight number, arrival time, hotel (Riu Palace Bávaro), and passenger count.
3. Add extras: child seats, extra luggage, or return pickup date/time.
4. Confirm price and meeting point (driver with a name sign after customs).
5. Save the voucher and contact; WhatsApp works well on arrival.

Pricing & Time (via Miro Travel)

• Private transfers to nearby resort zones: commonly ~US$35–US$60, depending on zone, vehicle and date.
• Shared seats (when available): from around US$9–US$12 per person on fixed routes/windows.
• Typical ride time: ~20–30 minutes to Riu Palace Bávaro, traffic permitting. Estimate

Check live availability and exact fare here: miro.travel/punta-cana-transfers-puj or review all options at miro.travel/transportation.

Local Tips (Baggage & Child Seats)

• Peak arrivals: Build a small buffer in case of rain or multiple flight arrivals.
• Child seats: Practices vary across providers; bring your own or pre-request one with your transfer. Note that the U.S. State Department notes no national child seat law in the D.R.; always prioritize safety. Source
• Luggage notes: Tell the provider about golf bags, strollers or oversized items to secure an appropriate vehicle.
• Ride-hail pickup: If using Uber, follow in-app directions for the pickup point at PUJ. Source

FAQs

1) How long is the drive from PUJ to Riu Palace Bávaro?

About 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and exact route (roughly 25–26 km). Source

2) Can Uber pick up at PUJ?

Yes, Uber provides airport pickup guidance in the app; follow its directions to the designated point. Source

3) Are airport taxis regulated?

PUJ lists authorized taxi associations and services on its official site. Source

4) What if I’m traveling with kids?

Pre-request child seats with your private transfer or bring your own. Always verify availability/fit in advance; laws and enforcement vary. Source

5) Is a private transfer worth it vs taxi?

For most travelers, yes—meet-and-greet, fixed pricing, direct route, and the right vehicle class reduce first-day stress.

References

1. Punta Cana International Airport – Transportation (official)
2. PUJ Airport Services (authorized taxis listed)
3. Uber – PUJ Airport Pickup Guide
4. Rome2Rio – Drive distance/time PUJ ↔ Riu Palace Bávaro
5. CaribJournal – 2025 Arrivals Update (share by airport)
6. U.S. State Dept. – Dominican Republic Travel Advisory (road rules)
7. WTTC – D.R. Travel & Tourism Factsheet (2025)

Book with Miro Travel

Lock in a stress-free arrival to Riu Palace Bávaro. Choose your vehicle, add child seats, and get a fixed price before you fly: miro.travel/punta-cana-transfers-puj or see all options at miro.travel/transportation.

Internal Links (Suggested)

• Airport & point-to-point transportation – Miro Travel
• Punta Cana (PUJ) transfers – Miro Travel
• PUJ → Riu Palace Bávaro distance/time (reference)
• PUJ transportation page (reference)