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Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS/MDCY) opened in 2006 to serve the Samaná Peninsula and northeastern Dominican Republic. Located near El Catey, it is about 30–45 minutes from Las Terrenas and roughly an hour from Samaná town, handling seasonal international charters and scheduled flights mainly from Canada, the United States, and Europe. Its single terminal and long runway make it a convenient alternative to Puerto Plata or Santo Domingo for beach destinations such as Las Terrenas, Las Galeras, and Playa Rincón.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors know to sit on the left side of the plane when arriving from the north for views of the Cordillera Septentrional and Samaná coastline, and to have small Dominican pesos ready for tips since airport ATMs and currency exchange can be unreliable.
🚖 Getting There
Pre-arrange a private transfer or rental car before arrival, since AZS is in a relatively remote area and taxis may be limited outside flight times. Taxis and hotel shuttles are the most straightforward options; expect fixed fares to Las Terrenas, Samaná, and Las Galeras. If driving, the Samaná highway connects the airport to the peninsula, but allow extra time at night and for winding mountain sections.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What airlines fly to Samaná El Catey International Airport?
A: AZS is served mainly by seasonal and charter carriers from Canada, the United States, and Europe, with routes varying by season. Check current schedules, as service is often not year-round.
Q: How far is the airport from Las Terrenas and Samaná town?
A: Las Terrenas is roughly 30–45 minutes by road, while Samaná town is about 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact destination. Las Galeras is typically 1–1.5 hours away.
Q: Is there public transportation from AZS?
A: Public bus service is not reliable at the airport. Most travelers use pre-booked private transfers, taxis, or rental cars; some hotels also offer shuttle pickups.
Q: Do I need to pay a departure tax?
A: The Dominican Republic's departure tax is normally included in your airline ticket. Confirm with your airline, but you generally do not pay it separately at AZS.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 30, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash