Flights to the Dominican Republic

introduction *  when to go * things to do * events * getting there * getting around * food * history * attractions * music * favorite places * hotels

There are several major airports through which to enter the Dominican Republic. Of the seven airports receiving international flights to the Dominican Republic, the busiest airport is Punta Cana International Airport and the largest is Las Americas International Airport, which serves the capital city of Santo Domingo. Five other major airports receive international flights to the Dominican Republic: La Romana International Airport, Gregorio Luperon International Airport (serving Puerto Plata), Santiago International Airport, Maria Montez International Airport (serving Baharona), and El Catey International Airport (serving Samana).

Most all-inclusive vacations begin with flights to the Dominican Republic’s resort towns, such as Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. Punta Cana airport is clean and modern. It receives more flights to the Dominican Republic than any other airport, and has service from pretty much every major city in Europe and the East Coast of the United States.

There are around 25 to 50 Santo Domingo flights a day into Las Americas. A good highway connects the airport to the city, and the resort town of Boca Chica is a very short drive away. Santo Domingo flights arrive from airports across Europe, the Caribbean, and North America. From Las Americas, you can connect to Samana, Santiago, and Punta Cana. A secondary airport, La Isabela, is a good place to look for Santo Domingo flights to other DR cities and other Caribbean destinations, including Cuba, though it also receives flights from Miami, Florida.

Having opened in 2006 after years of wrangling and delays, El Catey airport is the newest in the Dominican Republic. It serves the beautiful Samana Peninsula, and is within easy driving distance of Las Terranas and Las Galleras. European airlines have been quicker to offer flights to El Catey than U.S. carriers; you can now get flights to the Dominican Republic’s lovely peninsula from Madrid, Paris, London, Lisbon, and other European cities. Canadian cities are also well served, but Miami is the only U.S. city with regular flights (as of 2010).

As with Cuba, the Bahamas, and other Caribbean vacation spots, people looking for the best Dominican Republic airfare will find many useful resources on the internet. Booking a vacation packaging combining Dominican Republic airfare with accommodation, car rental, golf, and other amenities is usually the best way to find cheap flights to the Dominican Republic. Use a travel agent or an online travel site to explore the best vacation packages.

The best time for cheap flights to the Dominican Republic is during the off season, from April to November, and most especially during August and September (hurricane season). At these times, it is not difficult to find Dominican Republic airfare for as little as $300 from the United States (2010 deal: $328). Expect to pay several hundred dollars more during the high season (December to April). During this season, the best time for Dominican Republic airfare is between New Year and Easter, especially mid-January.

OVERVIEW for your visit to the Dominican Republic: introduction *  when to go * things to do * events * getting there * getting around * food * history * attractions * music * cities * hotels