Known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and luxury all-inclusive resorts, Punta Cana is an idyllic Caribbean destination that attracts over 6 million visitors per year. While relaxing at an oceanside resort is tempting, renting a car opens opportunities to discover secluded beach coves, scenic outlooks, vibrant villages, jungle waterfalls, and more across the Dominican Republic’s eastern shoreline. This guide covers everything you need to know to rent and drive a car in Punta Cana for maximum freedom and adventure.
Benefits of Having a Rental Car in Punta Cana
Having your own wheels unlocks key perks:
Freedom
Explore Punta Cana’s endless beaches, eateries, and attractions on your schedule, not someone else’s. Go wherever your whims take you.
Flexibility
Change plans on a whim. Follow tips from locals. Spend more or less time at each destination. A rental car allows complete flexibility.
Money Savings
With a car, shopping at grocery stores and budget-friendly restaurants helps lower overall vacation costs for families and groups versus pricey all-inclusive dining.
Cultural Immersion
Cruise colorful villages and bustling markets to immerse yourself in Dominican culture instead of remaining isolated in all-inclusive resort bubbles.
Where to Rent a Car in Punta Cana
Punta Cana International Airport
Rental agency counters for global companies like Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar, Budget and Sixt are conveniently located right in the airport terminal building.
Bávaro
Numerous rental car outlets cluster around Bávaro’s resort heavy neighborhoods to cater to vacationers, including smaller Dominican agencies which sometimes offer lower rates.
Uvero Alto
Poised at the northern end of Punta Cana, rental cars picked up in laidback Uvero Alto provide easy access to spots like Macao Beach.
Punta Cana Marina
Charter a luxury rental car right at the exclusive Puntacana Marina for cruising servi-carretera Juanillo or discovering Los Corales Beach.
What to Look For When Renting a Car in Punta Cana
Vehicle Types
Available rental options range from compact sedans to 12-15 passenger vans to exotic sports cars. SUVs work well for rough roads while convertibles amplify beachfront adventuring.
Insurance Needs
Punta Cana’s roads pose hazards like pedestrians, animals, and difficult road conditions. Purchase extra insurance for maximum protection against accidents, injuries, theft, vandalism or third-party claims.
Age Requirements
In the Dominican Republic, drivers must be at least 21-25 years old depending on the rental company. Drivers under 25 often incur daily surcharges. Check fine print carefully.
Driving Packages
Carefully weigh mileage limits, manual vs automatic transmission, child car seats, GPS rentals, liability waivers, roadside assistance options and other add-ons.
Driving Safety Tips for Visiting Punta Cana
Adhering to these essential driving safety practices ensures a smooth rental car experience around Punta Cana:
Obey Speed Limits
While limits reach 110-120 kph on highways, drastically reduce speeds on narrow village roads and blind curves heeding all posted signs.
Practice Defensive Driving
Dominican driving involves navigating animals, pedestrians, bicycles, motorbikes and vehicles all over the road. Drive cautiously and defensively at all times.
Stay Completely Sober
Strict zero tolerance DUI laws forbid driving with any trace alcohol or drugs in your system, with violations involving jail time and serious fines.
Keep Doors Locked & Valuables Hidden
Theft unfortunately still plagues certain areas. Keep rental car doors locked at all times with valuables completely out of sight to avoid becoming a target.
Stick to Main Roads at Night
Bandits occasionally stage roadblocks after dark in remote inland areas. Stick to better traveled main highways at night. Consider reaching lodging before sunset.
Let Someone Know Your Itinerary
Share your daily rental car plans and route details with a contact at home to maximize safety in unforeseen circumstances. Check in with them regularly.
Soaking up Punta Cana by rental car promises an unparalleled window into the Dominican Republic’s vibrant culture, mouthwatering cuisine, incredible terrain and welcoming people. Arm yourself with knowledge before hitting the road for optimized safety and enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Car in Punta Cana
Here are answers to 5 of the most commonly posed questions from travelers about arranging a rental car for exploring in and around Punta Cana:
1. Is Renting a Car or Taxi Better for Sightseeing in Punta Cana?
For maximum flexibility, convenience and affordability, especially for families, renting a car reigns superior to taxis for Punta Cana sightseeing. Taxis limit destinations and quickly become costly for day use or visiting multiple scattered sites.
2. What Documents Do I Need to Rent a Car in Punta Cana?
Bring a valid driver’s license from your home country, a passport as ID and the credit or debit card used to book the rental for verification. Some agencies also require a small cash deposit on pick-up.
3. Is Driving in the Dominican Republic Difficult?
While chaotic at times, driving Punta Cana itself and the coastal roadway heading east poses few problems for those paying attention. Practice extra caution venturing into rural zones or Santo Domingo’s congested capital.
4. What Side of the Road Do Cars Drive on In the Dominican Republic?
Traffic in the D.R. drives on the right, as in America. Be extra mindful through roundabouts where cars already circulating have right of way. Use signals consistently and avoid tailgating.
Conclusion
Renting a car opens Punta Cana’s doors for exploration beyond beaches and buffets by providing freedom and flexibility to cruise along scenic coastal routes and winding jungle backroads. Comparing rental options meticulously helps travelers select the perfect vehicle for adventuring needs and budget. Savvy road trip planning combined with adhering to local driving laws ensures safe, smooth island cruising. Fasten seat belts securely for the ultimate ride across the dramatic Dominican landscape gliding by outside your rental car windows.
