Puerto Plata's Airport: An Essential Gateway To The City

Puerto Plata, located in the Dominican Republic, is served by the Gregorio Luperon International Airport. The airport is approximately 19km from the city centre and is accessible via shuttle, minibus, taxi, or car. It is named after General Gregorio Luperon, a Dominican military and state leader. The airport is capable of handling planes of all sizes and is the fourth busiest airport in the Dominican Republic.

Gregorio Luperón International Airport

Puerto Plata, located in the Dominican Republic, is served by the Gregorio Luperón International Airport, also known as Puerto Plata Airport. The airport is named after General Gregorio Luperón, a Dominican military and state leader.

The airport, which opened in 1979, is located in an area known for its beautiful beaches, which are popular among charter airline passengers. The city's vibrant culture and history, historic sites, and lively entertainment also attract many visitors. The airport is capable of handling planes of all sizes and is the fourth busiest airport in the Dominican Republic by passenger traffic and aircraft movements, with over 704,000 passengers.

American Airlines is the primary international operator serving Gregorio Luperón International Airport. The airport has a reputation for being a decent arrival airport, with reasonably quick baggage collection. However, passengers have noted that they should be prepared to wait while paying for their visa.

Airport facilities

Puerto Plata does have an airport, known as the Gregorio Luperón International Airport (IATA: POP, ICAO: MDPP). Located in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, the airport is named after General Gregorio Luperón, a Dominican military and state leader.

The airport has a runway that is 3,081 metres long and 46 metres wide, capable of handling planes of all sizes. The main terminal building has 10 gates, with 5 boarding bridges on the satellite concourse and 2 boarding bridges and 3 without in the frontal concourse. The terminal has been remodelled and now includes new floors, escalators, an immigration hall, a departure hall, duty-free areas, and restaurants. The terminal can support 4 Boeing 747-400s simultaneously after renovations made in 2013/2014. The airport also has a private aircraft area for private jets, airplanes, and helicopters.

In addition to the basic facilities, the airport offers:

• 2 VIP lounges
• Flight information screens
• Public telephone services
• Baggage protection services
• Retail stores and duty-free shops
• A post office
• Visitor parking
• An information desk
• Restaurants and fast food options
• Free luggage carts
• Ground transportation
• ATMs and banking services
• A departure lounge

Transport to/from the airport

Puerto Plata International Airport (POP), also known as Gregorio Luperón International Airport, is located near Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The airport handles both domestic and international flights, providing easy access to destinations like Sosúa, Cabarete, and Playa Dorada.

There are several transport options available to and from Puerto Plata Airport. Here are some of the most popular choices:

• Taxis and Shuttles: Various companies offer taxi and shuttle services between the airport and your destination. These include private transfers, shared rides, and deluxe transfers with air-conditioned vehicles. Some recommended companies are Amstar, GO, and R.V. Private Tours.
• Private Car Services: Premium car services like GO provide private airport transfers with professional drivers and a range of vehicle options, including minivans, private vans, executive vans, and mini-buses.
• Public Transportation: While not extensively mentioned, public transportation options like buses may also be available for transport to and from the airport.
• Cruise Ship Transfers: For those arriving or departing by cruise ship, transportation services are available between the Amber Cove cruise port and the airport.
• Car Rentals: Puerto Plata Airport offers car rentals, providing the option to drive yourself to and from the airport.

When planning your transportation, it is advisable to book in advance to ensure availability and a smooth travel experience. Additionally, consider factors such as comfort, safety, and cost when choosing a transport option that best suits your needs.

Nearby airports

Puerto Plata is served by Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP/MDPP), also known as Puerto Plata Airport. The airport is located in Silver Port province, 18km (11 miles) or a 25-minute drive from the city of Puerto Plata on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. It is capable of handling planes of all sizes and features a runway that is 3,081 meters long and 46 meters wide. The airport opened in 1979 to boost tourism in the North region and is the country's fourth busiest airport by passenger traffic, with over 704,000 passengers. American Airlines is the primary international operator.

There are several other nearby airports to Puerto Plata, including:

• Santiago Municipal Airport (STI/MDST) - located 74km or 27.8 miles from Puerto Plata, this airport offers international flights from Santiago, Dominican Republic.
• Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS/MDCY) - situated 172km from Puerto Plata.
• JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT/MBGT) - located in Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos, 191km away from Puerto Plata.
• South Caicos Airport (XSC/MBSC) - positioned 212km from Puerto Plata in South Caicos, Turks and Caicos.

Airport history

Puerto Plata, located in the Dominican Republic, is served by the Gregorio Luperón International Airport. The airport is also known as Puerto Plata Airport and is named after General Gregorio Luperón, a prominent military and political figure in Dominican history.

The airport opened in 1979 with the purpose of boosting tourism in the North region. It is located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic and acts as an entrance to the beaches, scenery, and cultural history of the area. The airport is capable of handling planes of all sizes and has a runway that is 3,081 meters long and 46 meters wide. It is the fourth busiest airport in the Dominican Republic by passenger traffic and aircraft movements, with over 704,000 passengers annually.

The main terminal building has 10 gates: 5 with boarding bridges on the satellite concourse and 2 boarding bridges and 3 without in the frontal concourse. The terminal has been remodelled with new floors, escalators, an immigration hall, a departure hall, and duty-free areas, along with restaurants. Renovations were made in 2013/2014, after which the terminal can support 4 Boeing 747-400s simultaneously. The airport offers a range of services for passengers, including shops, restaurants, car rental services, and currency exchange.

Several airlines operate flights to and from Puerto Plata Airport, including American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Sunwing Airlines, and Condor. The airport serves as an important entrance to both the Dominican Republic and the global community, offering convenient connections to various destinations, including Brussels, Frankfurt, Miami, and New York.

Frequently asked questions