How to get from the Punta Cana Airport to the Grand Palladium Palace
You've just booked your stay at the Grand Palladium Palace, and you couldn't be more excited! Going to the Dominican Republic is going to be so much fun!
Instantly you begin thinking about sitting beachside and all the fine dining at this amazing, family-oriented, all-inclusive resort.
You are ready for the perfect experience! That is until you start to stress about how to get to the Grand Palladium Palace in Punta Cana after arriving at the airport. So don't stress yourself out about how you're going to get there once you've landed.
This article will tell you everything you need to know and more about getting to the Grand Palladium Palace from Punta Cana Airport.
From the PUJ to the Grand Palladium Palace
When you land at Punta Cana airport, you will be eager to get to the Grand Palladium Palace right away. There are endless airport transportation options at the Punta Cana airport.
Shuttles, Taxis, and Transfers
Taxi and shuttle services are available when you arrive. Taxis are safe in the Dominican Republic, but booking a taxi at the airport can be stressful.
The operators and hustlers are all shouting for your attention as soon as you step out into the sun; you won't know who to choose.
The Grand Palladium Palace is located about 30 minutes away from the airport. For a hassle-free experience, you can book a private transfer from the airport to the resort.
Booking an airport transfer in advance will save you time and money. In addition, a pre-booked airport transfer is the best way to ensure an easy arrival.
As soon as you arrive, your private transfer will be waiting for you with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will take you right to the Grand Palladium Palace.
A one-way trip from the airport to Grand Palladium Palace should cost around $35 for up to six people. Of course, if you need a bigger vehicle to accommodate more people, prices will increase.
The Grand Palladium Palace does not have its own shuttle service. Instead, a taxi at the Punta Cana Airport charges $40 USD which accommodates 1-6 guests, a steep price to pay for your transportation.
You can find luxury transfers available for higher prices as well. A luxury transfer averages $60 per trip. A luxury transfer entails a luxury vehicle, English speaking driver, and beer and water on arrival.
Shared Punta Cana Shuttles
Shared shuttles are less recommended while traveling to the Grand Palladium Palace.
The Grand Palladium Palace does not offer any form of transportation, nor are they partnered with any company specifically. Amstar, a major company that provides shared transfers, charges USD 56 for a round-trip shared shuttle for two guests, almost the same cost as a private shuttle for up to 6 guests.
Buses, Motorbikes, and Rental Cars
If you're traveling light, consider taking a local bus (gua gua) to the resort. Unfortunately, there is no space for suitcases at the airport.
Bus maps are available at stands around the airport; please note that there is no direct bus from the Punta Cana Airport to the Grand Palladium Palace. Taking a bus to the Grand Palladium Palace would require a detour to Higuey, making the total trip close to 3 hours long.
Cars are also available for rental at the airport by all major car rental companies. However, it is not recommended to rent a car because driving can be chaotic, especially in the cities; also, car rentals are extremely pricey and jacked up with hidden fees at the airport.
Yet, if you plan an extended stay in Punta Cana and have experience driving with little rule-following, it is another consideration.
Motorcycle taxis called motoconchos are popular in the Dominican Republic; unfortunately, there is no way to get a Motorcycle Taxi at the airport.
Uber in Punta Cana
Uber is also available in Punta Cana. As a warning, you should not call an Uber from the airport or the resort. Due to local disagreements, Uber is not welcome by taxi drivers; also, Ubers are not allowed into the resort, so you would need to stay at the gate of the Grand Palladium Palace and wait for a golf cart for the remainder of the ride.
If you call an Uber in an area with a taxi stand or high traffic, an argument can break out between the Uber and taxi drivers. Thus, using Uber is not a safe choice, nor is it the most enjoyable in Punta Cana.
Staying at the Grand Palladium Palace
As one of the highest-rated resorts in Punta Cana, the Grand Palladium Palace will be the ultimate vacation. A family-oriented resort, one of the best beaches in Punta Cana, white sand, and food options that are to die for will make it so that you would not want to leave the resort.
The resort offers many different activities for visitors to enjoy. Some activities are included in the all-inclusive fee. Many are not.
There are also plenty of additional activities you can do outside of the resort.
A popular activity is the Dune buggy tours! Enjoy an action-filled day in the countryside getting muddy, and visit a very beautiful cenote.
If dune buggies aren't for you, there are fishing trips, whale watching, catamaran tours, and zip lines, among others.
In 2025, transportation options from Punta Cana International Airport to the Grand Palladium Palace have expanded to better cater to travelers' needs. In addition to traditional taxis and private transfers, a new direct bus service operated by Expreso Bávaro now connects the airport to Plaza Bávaro. This bus departs every four hours, costing around $7 per person, making it the most affordable option. However, it’s slower compared to a private transfer, as it includes intermediate stops and can take up to 45 minutes. For those prioritizing comfort and speed, private transfers remain the top choice, with prices starting at $35 for up to six people in a standard vehicle or $60 for luxury vehicles offering added perks like beverages and English-speaking drivers.
New platforms have also emerged, streamlining the booking process for transfers. These allow travelers to access clear pricing, instant confirmations, and customer support, eliminating much of the stress associated with finding transportation upon arrival. Although Uber is available in Punta Cana, it’s not recommended for airport pickups due to conflicts with local taxi drivers and restrictions that prevent Ubers from entering the resort.
For other transportation options, car rentals are available but not advised due to challenging driving conditions, including heavy traffic and unclear signage. Motorcycle taxis (motoconchos), a popular local mode of transport, are not accessible from the airport but may be an option for short trips once you’ve settled at the resort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Transportation in 2025
What is the fastest way to get to the Grand Palladium Palace?
The fastest and most convenient option is a private transfer booked in advance. It provides a direct trip of about 30 minutes from the airport to the resort.
How much does a taxi cost from Punta Cana Airport to the Grand Palladium Palace?
A standard taxi costs approximately $40 USD and can accommodate up to six passengers.
Are there affordable bus services from the airport?
No, the Expreso Bávaro bus costs $7 per person but does not take you directly to the Grand Palladium Palace. Additional transportation from Plaza Bávaro to the resort is required.
Is it safe to book a private transfer online?
Absolutely. Booking a private transfer online with reputable companies is both safe and recommended. Drivers will meet you upon arrival, holding a sign with your name for easy identification.
Why is Uber not recommended in Punta Cana?
While Uber operates in the area, it faces resistance from local taxi drivers, and Uber vehicles are not allowed to enter the resort. This can lead to inconvenience and delays.
What options are available for larger groups?
Vans and minibuses are available for larger groups, with pricing adjusted based on the number of passengers and vehicle type.
Can transportation be combined with local activities?
Yes, some transfer services offer packages that include popular activities like buggy tours, cenote visits, catamaran excursions, or ziplining. This can be an efficient way to explore while arranging your transportation.
Additional Tip
Booking your transfer in advance ensures a stress-free arrival and can save you money by avoiding higher last-minute rates or airport premiums. Start your Punta Cana adventure on the right note with reliable and comfortable transportation!
See You Soon in Punta Cana
You're already counting down the days until your vacation at the Grand Palladium Palace. With the resort and airfare booked, the only left to do is to arrange your airport transfer.
Book your airport transfer with us today to ensure a smooth ride from the airport to the Grand Palladium Palace!
For further questions, don't hesitate to contact us at Punta Cana Transfer.