María Montez International Airport
Gateway to Barahona, the Pedernales coast, and untouched natural beauty
María Montez International Airport
María Montez International Airport (IATA: BRX, ICAO: MDBH) is located near the city of Barahona in the southwestern Dominican Republic. Named after the famous Dominican-born Hollywood actress María Montez, the airport serves the Barahona province and provides access to one of the most ecologically diverse and least-visited regions of the country.
The airport was built with the goal of opening up the southwestern region to tourism, particularly ecotourism focused on the stunning landscapes of the Bahía de las Águilas, Lago Enriquillo, Jaragua National Park, and the dramatic coastline along the Bahoruco Peninsula.
Currently, BRX operates with very limited commercial traffic. Most flights are charters or small aircraft, and scheduled international service is intermittent. Despite its international designation, the airport functions primarily for occasional charter flights and private aviation. Most travelers to the Barahona region drive from Santo Domingo (approximately 3 hours).
BRX has a single terminal building that was constructed with modern standards but is underutilized relative to its capacity.
- The terminal includes check-in counters, immigration and customs areas, a small baggage claim, and a basic departure lounge.
- The facility is clean and functional but has very limited commercial amenities due to low traffic volumes.
When active flights do operate, the small scale of the airport means very fast processing through all stages — from arrival to exiting the terminal.
The airport is located a few kilometers from Barahona city, with access to the southwestern region’s attractions.
Distances & Travel Times
- Barahona city: 5 km, approximately 10 minutes
- Playa San Rafael: 20 km, approximately 25 minutes
- Paraiso: 15 km, approximately 20 minutes
- Lago Enriquillo: 60 km, approximately 1 hour
- Bahía de las Águilas: 100 km, approximately 2 hours
- Santo Domingo: 200 km, approximately 3 hours
Transportation Options
- Car rental: Strongly recommended for exploring the region. Limited options at the airport; consider renting in Santo Domingo.
- Taxis: Available but limited. Arrange in advance through your accommodation.
- Hotel transfers: Some eco-lodges and hotels in the area can arrange pickup.
Due to its low traffic, BRX has minimal passenger amenities:
- Basic waiting area with seating
- Restroom facilities
- Limited or no food and beverage services when flights are not operating
- No duty-free shopping to speak of
Travelers should plan to be self-sufficient when using this airport. Bring food, water, and entertainment. Ensure your phone is charged and you have offline maps downloaded, as mobile connectivity in the region can be spotty.
Tips for traveling to the Barahona region:
- Don’t count on flights to BRX. Scheduled service is unreliable and subject to cancellation. The most dependable way to reach Barahona is driving from Santo Domingo via the well-maintained Autovía del Sur (Highway 44). The drive takes approximately 3 hours.
- Rent a 4x4 if possible. Some attractions in the southwest, especially Bahía de las Águilas and roads around Lago Enriquillo, benefit from a high-clearance vehicle.
- This is off-the-beaten-path Dominican Republic. Tourism infrastructure is limited. Bring cash, as ATMs and card acceptance are unreliable outside Barahona city.
- The scenery is worth the journey. The southwest features some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Caribbean — from mountain coffee plantations to arid cactus-studded coastline to pristine, deserted beaches.
- Pack for rugged adventure. Sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy shoes, and a good supply of water are essential for exploring the region’s natural attractions.
Complete your free E-Ticket
Every traveler must submit the Dominican Republic E-Ticket for both arrival and departure. It is free and takes a few minutes. Read the step-by-step E-Ticket & entry requirements guide.
Airlines
Arajet
DMSky Cana
OPGetting to & from the airport
private_transfer
$20-35 USD to Barahona, $50-80 USD to Pedernales areaPre-arranged private vehicle transfer to Barahona and the Pedernales province. Recommended for travelers heading to remote destinations like Bahía de las Águilas or Lago Enriquillo.
rental_car
$40-80 USD per day depending on vehicle typeVery limited car rental availability at Barahona airport. Having your own vehicle is highly recommended for exploring the remote southwestern coast and national parks in the region.
taxi
$10-20 USD to Barahona city, $25-40 USD to Paraíso/Los Patos beachesTaxi service from María Montez International Airport to Barahona city and nearby beach towns. The airport is small and taxis are the primary ground transportation option.
Frequently asked questions
What is María Montez Airport used for and who flies there?
+
María Montez International Airport is a small airport serving the Barahona province in the southwestern Dominican Republic. It handles very limited commercial traffic, primarily occasional domestic flights and rare seasonal charters. Most travelers to the Barahona area fly into Santo Domingo (SDQ) and drive approximately 3-3.5 hours southwest. The airport is named after Dominican-born actress María Montez.
How do I get to Barahona if there are no flights to María Montez Airport?
+
The most common route is to fly into Las Américas Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo and drive to Barahona. The drive is about 200 km (124 miles) along well-maintained highways and takes approximately 3-3.5 hours. You can rent a car at SDQ, arrange a private transfer, or take a public bus (guagua) from Santo Domingo to Barahona. The bus from Caribe Tours departs from the Santo Domingo terminal and costs a few hundred pesos.
What attractions are near María Montez Airport in the Barahona region?
+
The Barahona region is one of the Dominican Republic's most unspoiled areas. Nearby attractions include Bahía de las Águilas (widely considered the country's most beautiful beach), Lago Enriquillo (the Caribbean's largest lake, home to American crocodiles and iguanas), Hoyo de Pelempito (a dramatic geological depression), the Larimar mines in the Sierra de Bahoruco, and multiple secluded beaches along the coastal road south of Barahona.
Are there any facilities at María Montez Airport?
+
Facilities at María Montez Airport are extremely limited. There is a basic terminal building with restrooms and minimal seating. There are no restaurants, duty-free shops, or currency exchange services at the airport. There may be an ATM, but do not rely on it being operational. It is best to arrive in Barahona fully prepared with cash (Dominican pesos), food, and water, especially if traveling to remote areas in the southwest.
