Get The Cheapest Car Rentals In Punta Cana: Smart Tricks

Renting a car in Punta Cana can be the smartest move you make on your trip — or one of the most expensive, if you don’t know what to expect.

I’ve been to the DR a few times, and trust me, once you leave the all-inclusive bubble, having your own wheels is a game-changer. You can explore hidden beaches, go where the tours don’t go, and not worry about overpriced taxis or confusing guaguas (local minibuses).

But car rental here comes with its own “surprises.” Here’s how to avoid them — and save some serious cash in the process.

How To Get The Cheapest Car Rentals In Punta Cana? Smart Tricks

Exploring Punta Cana with a rental car is dreamy. You will love the beaches and the stretches of water during a car ride in this crown jewel of the Dominican Republic.

Furthermore, Punta Cana is one of the cheapest islands in the world to visit, and it is a major contributor to the overall tourism revenue of the Dominican Republic. Along with being a hotspot for leisure travelers, it is also enjoying a growing popularity in MICE tourism.

So, it is no wonder that Punta Cana has garnered the fourth spot as the most favorite destination of American and Canadian tourists.

Also, with a rise in the number of tourists and tourism activities in Punta Cana, the car rental industry is also growing. So, today, you will have many options while looking for car rental services for commuting and day trips.

Here is how you will pick the best one among them.

1. Don’t Book At The Airport

Yeah, it’s convenient. But it’s also usually more expensive. Airport pickups often come with extra fees and limited vehicle options. If you wait until you land, you’re at the mercy of what’s available — and during high season, that might be nothing good.

Better idea? Book online in advance and choose a company that offers hotel delivery.

2. Go Local And Read The Reviews

Local companies in Punta Cana often have better rates, more flexible terms, and less fine print. One solid example is Autodominicana.RENT. They deliver cars directly to your hotel or Airbnb, include insurance in the price, and won’t hit you with surprise fees at pickup.

Plus, they’re actually responsive on WhatsApp, which is a lifesaver.

3. Know What You’re Really Paying For And Get The Cheapest Car Rentals In Punta Cana

Some companies advertise “$25/day,” but once you get there, they’ll add:

Mandatory insurance (which may or may not be really mandatory)
Extra charges for airport pickup
Deposits that aren’t clearly explained

To help you compare, here’s a simple table with example prices and what’s included (based on real quotes as of 2025):

Vehicle Type	Daily Price (USD)	Includes CDW?	Includes Theft Protection?	Deposit Required?	Mileage
Economy (Kia Picanto)	$35	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	$200–$300	Unlimited
Compact (Hyundai Accent)	$40–45	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	$300	Unlimited
SUV (Hyundai Tucson)	$55–65	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	$400	Unlimited
Full-size (Kia Sorento)	$65–75	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	$500	Unlimited

💡 Prices from local companies like Autodominicana. Bigger chains can be $20–$30 more per day, not counting surprise fees.

4. Use Your Own GPS & Wi-Fi

Don’t pay $7/day for a GPS device when your phone does the job just fine. Use Google Maps offline or grab a local SIM card for internet — it’s much cheaper and more reliable.

5. Fuel Policy: Always Go Full-to-Full

Some companies will give you a “full tank” and ask you to return it empty, but at an inflated price. That’s a classic travel rip-off.

Look for full-to-full policies: you return the car with the same amount of fuel it came with. Simple, fair, no surprises.

6. Don’t Over-Insure Yourself To Get The Cheapest Car Rentals In Punta Cana

CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) is often included in the rental price, especially with reputable local companies. But some agents will push extra coverage — even when your credit card already includes insurance.

Before you go, check your card’s benefits. Many major cards cover rental damage abroad, saving you $10–$20/day.

7. Understand The Roads — They’re “Interesting”

Driving in Punta Cana isn’t too hard — if you stay alert. Expect:

Motorbikes cutting between cars
Potholes (some of them deep!)
Creative driving habits

But outside the city, roads are surprisingly decent. Just avoid driving at night, and you’ll be fine.

8. Choose The Right Type Of Car And Get the Cheapest Car Rentals in Punta Cana

Are you traveling solo?
Are you traveling with your partner?
Or, are you on a family trip?

Try to find answers to all these questions if you want to get the cheapest car rentals in Punta Cana. However, here you will have to focus more on accommodating your co-passengers and luggage conveniently inside the car.

You can follow the table below to understand the type of car you can choose to strike the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and budget.

Traveling Solo	Choose a car that is compact and fuel-efficient.It will be cost-effective and allow you the freedom to explore the island.
Traveling with a Partner	Here also, you need a small and compact car.
A Family Trip in Punta Cana	Go for an SUV or a minivan, especially if you are traveling with kids. It will also allow you to accommodate all the luggage conveniently.

Get The Cheapest Car Rentals In Punta Cana: Places You Can Visit In A Car

Punta Cana has many nearby attractions and scenic routes. For example, the Santo Domingo Colonial Zone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it can be your go-to destination on a day trip from Punta Cana.

Furthermore, Altos de Chavon will take you to a medieval town in Europe. The village will offer you a panoramic view of the Chavón River, and you will also love the surrounding landscape.

Another popular attraction for a car trip in Saona Island is Saona Island, which exudes a tranquil vibe with its crystal clear sand and clear waters.