Discovering Paradise
POP — Puerto Plata
Gregorio Luperón International Airport
Your arrival point for Puerto Plata, Sosúa, and the Amber Coast
POPPuerto Plata
Quick Facts
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IATA Code
POP
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Location
Puerto Plata
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Terminals
1
🚪
Gates
8
🛬
Runways
1
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WiFi
Free for 30 minutes
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Duty Free
Available
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Currency Exchange
Available
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Year Opened
1980
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Annual Passengers
~800,000
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Lounges
VIP Lounge available
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Peak Hours
10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Gregorio Luperón International Airport (IATA: POP, ICAO: MDPP) serves the Puerto Plata province on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, commonly known as the Amber Coast. Located approximately 18 kilometers east of Puerto Plata city near the town of La Unión, the airport is the gateway to the popular resort areas of Playa Dorada, Sostúa, Cabarete, and Sosua.
Named after the Dominican independence hero Gregorio Luperón, the airport has been serving international tourists since the 1970s when Puerto Plata first emerged as a major resort destination. While the region’s tourism has evolved since then, POP remains essential for the North Coast’s tourism economy.
The airport handles approximately 800,000–1 million passengers annually, with heavy traffic from Canada and Europe, particularly during the winter season. Puerto Plata’s appeal includes beautiful beaches, world-class kitesurfing in Cabarete, and a more authentic Dominican cultural experience compared to the all-inclusive enclaves of the east coast.
POP has a single terminal building with a modern layout that was renovated and expanded to improve the passenger experience.
- Departures (Upper Level): Check-in hall, security screening, small duty-free area, departure lounge with food and beverage, and gates with a mix of jet bridges and stairs to the tarmac.
- Arrivals (Lower Level): Immigration hall, baggage claim area, customs, and an arrivals hall with tour operator desks, car rentals, and ground transportation.
The terminal is compact and easy to navigate. Signage is available in English, Spanish, French, and German, reflecting the diverse tourist demographics.
POP offers a relatively streamlined check-in and security experience given its moderate passenger volumes.
- Check-in: Counters open 3 hours before international departures. Charter flights may have separate check-in areas organized by tour operator.
- Online check-in: Recommended for all airlines that offer it.
- Security: Standard screening with generally short wait times. During peak charter departure windows, lines may increase briefly.
Recommended arrival: 2.5–3 hours before international flights.
POP is centrally located for accessing North Coast resort areas.
Distances & Travel Times
- Puerto Plata city: 18 km, approximately 20 minutes
- Playa Dorada resorts: 12 km, approximately 15 minutes
- Sosúa: 8 km, approximately 10 minutes
- Cabarete: 20 km, approximately 20–25 minutes
- Santiago: 50 km, approximately 45 minutes (via highway)
Transportation Options
- Resort transfers: Most all-inclusive resorts and tour operators arrange transfers.
- Taxis: Official taxis with fixed rates are available outside arrivals.
- Car rental: Available at the airport — useful for exploring the North Coast independently.
- Private transfers: Can be pre-booked for Cabarete and more distant locations.
POP provides essential amenities for travelers:
- VIP Lounge: Available in the departures area with refreshments and comfortable seating.
- Food & beverage: A restaurant and bar in the departure lounge, plus a cafeteria before security.
- Duty-free: A reasonably stocked duty-free shop with rum, cigars, amber jewelry, and larimar.
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal.
- ATMs: Available in the arrivals and departures areas.
- Currency exchange: Exchange services in the arrivals area.
- Tour operator desks: Multiple operators have desks in the arrivals hall for immediate booking of excursions.
POP is well connected to North America and Europe, particularly for charter and seasonal flights.
Scheduled Airlines
- JetBlue — New York (JFK)
- American Airlines — Miami
- United Airlines — Newark (seasonal)
- Spirit Airlines — Fort Lauderdale
- Southwest Airlines — Fort Lauderdale (seasonal)
- WestJet — Toronto (seasonal)
Charter & Seasonal
- Air Transat / Sunwing — Multiple Canadian cities (winter season)
- Condor — Frankfurt (seasonal)
- TUI — Various European cities (seasonal)
- Eurowings Discover — Frankfurt (seasonal)
Route availability varies significantly by season. Winter (November–April) offers the most options, while summer schedules are reduced.
Make the most of your North Coast trip with these POP tips:
- Consider STI as an alternative. Cibao International Airport in Santiago is only 45 minutes from Puerto Plata by highway and may offer more flight options and better fares.
- Rent a car for Cabarete and beyond. The North Coast is best explored independently. Roads between Puerto Plata, Sosúa, and Cabarete are well maintained.
- Check charter availability. If coming from Canada or Europe, charter packages can offer excellent value and include airport transfers.
- Amber shopping. Puerto Plata is the amber capital of the Dominican Republic. You will find amber jewelry at the airport duty-free, but better prices and selection are available in town.
- Be mindful of seasonal schedules. Many routes only operate during winter season. Check flight availability well in advance for summer travel.
- The North Coast is different. Expect a more local, independent travel experience compared to the all-inclusive east coast. This is the best region for surfing, kiteboarding, and cultural immersion.
Airlines
Airlines
10 airlinesAir Transat
TSDestinations: Toronto (YYZ), Montréal (YUL)
American Airlines
AADestinations: Miami
Condor
DEDestinations: Frankfurt (FRA)
Frontier Airlines
F9Destinations: Orlando
JetBlue Airways
B6Destinations: New York (JFK), Fort Lauderdale
Spirit Airlines
NKDestinations: Fort Lauderdale
Sunwing Airlines
WGDestinations: Toronto (YYZ), Montréal (YUL)
TUI fly
X3Destinations: Düsseldorf, Frankfurt (FRA)
United Airlines
UADestinations: Newark
WestJet
WSDestinations: Toronto (YYZ)
Getting To & From the Airport
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private_transfer
$35-50 USD to Puerto Plata, $55-80 USD to Sosúa/CabaretePre-booked private car or SUV transfer with professional driver. Ideal for travelers heading to Sosúa, Cabarete, or further destinations along the coast who want a direct ride.
15-20 minutes to Puerto Plata, 30-45 minutes to Cabarete
Available 24/7 with advance booking
Book through online transfer services, Viator, or ask your hotel to arrange a private pickup.
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rental_car
$35-80 USD per day depending on vehicle typeSeveral car rental agencies operate at the airport, including international brands and local companies. A great option for exploring the north coast, from Puerto Plata to Río San Juan.
Self-drive, 15-20 minutes to Puerto Plata
Rental desks open for arriving flights, typically 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Book online in advance for the best selection and rates. A valid driver's license and credit card are required.
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shuttle
Complimentary with resort booking; $10-25 USD per person for shared shuttlesMany all-inclusive resorts along the Amber Coast offer complimentary airport shuttle service. Shared shuttles also run to popular tourist areas including Playa Dorada, Sosúa, and Cabarete.
20-50 minutes depending on destination and stops
Coordinated with flight arrivals
Confirm shuttle availability with your resort or hotel. Shared shuttles can be booked through tour operators online.
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taxi
$25-35 USD to Puerto Plata/Playa Dorada, $40-60 USD to Sosúa/CabareteOfficial taxi service from Gregorio Luperón International Airport. Fixed-rate taxis serve Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada, Sosúa, and Cabarete along the northern coast.
15-20 minutes to Puerto Plata, 30-45 minutes to Sosúa/Cabarete
Available 24/7
Purchase a taxi voucher at the official transportation counter in the arrivals terminal before heading outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Puerto Plata Airport to the nearby beach towns?
Gregorio Luperón Airport is located about 18 km (11 miles) east of Puerto Plata city. Taxis are available at the arrivals area with approximate fares of $25-35 USD to Puerto Plata, $35-45 USD to Sosúa (20 minutes), and $40-55 USD to Cabarete (30 minutes). Many all-inclusive resorts on the north coast offer airport shuttle services. Negotiate and confirm your taxi fare before getting in the vehicle.
What should I know about going through arrivals at Puerto Plata Airport?
The airport terminal is relatively small and straightforward. After landing, you will go through immigration (have your E-Ticket QR code ready), collect your luggage, and pass through customs. The entire process usually takes 20-40 minutes. The arrivals hall has a tourist information desk, a couple of ATMs, SIM card vendors, and car rental counters. Exchange a small amount of currency here if needed for immediate transport.
Are there direct international flights to Puerto Plata?
Yes, Puerto Plata receives direct flights from several North American and European cities. Airlines such as JetBlue, United, Air Canada, WestJet, Condor, and TUI fly here, though schedules are heavily seasonal. During the winter high season (November through April) there are significantly more flight options. In the off-season, you may need to connect through Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, or a US hub city.
Is Puerto Plata Airport close to the Amber Cove cruise port?
Yes, the Amber Cove cruise port is located about 6 km (4 miles) west of Puerto Plata city, roughly a 30-minute drive from the airport. Some cruise passengers fly into POP for pre- or post-cruise stays in the area. Taxis can take you directly from the airport to Amber Cove or to nearby hotels. If you are arriving by cruise and want to explore, the airport area is generally not a destination itself but the surrounding north coast beaches are popular excursion spots.
What is the best way to exchange money at Puerto Plata Airport?
There is a small currency exchange booth and a couple of ATMs in the arrivals area. ATMs usually offer better exchange rates than the booth and accept most international debit and credit cards. Dominican pesos are the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas along the north coast. It is still a good idea to have some pesos for local restaurants, colmados, and guagua (local bus) fares if you plan to venture beyond the resorts.
Facilities & Services
ATMs & Currency Exchange
ATM machines and currency exchange service available in the arrivals hall
Car Rental Desks
Several car rental companies with counters in the arrivals area for exploring the North Coast
Charging Stations
Electrical outlets and USB charging stations available at gate seating areas
Duty Free Shopping
Duty free store in the departures area featuring rum, tobacco products, amber jewelry, and local handicrafts
Free WiFi
Complimentary wireless internet accessible throughout the terminal building for all travelers
Parking Facilities
Parking lot with spaces for short-term and long-term use adjacent to the terminal entrance
Restaurants & Cafés
Dining options including a sit-down restaurant, café, and snack bar serving Dominican and international fare
Taxi & Transport Desk
Official taxi counter and shuttle services for transfers to Puerto Plata resorts and nearby beach towns
Tourist Information
Information desk providing tips and resources for visitors to Puerto Plata, Sosúa, and Cabarete
VIP Lounge
Passenger lounge offering complimentary refreshments and a comfortable waiting area for premium travelers
Plan Your Arrival
Get directions, check transport options, and explore nearby destinations.
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