Dominican Republic – Inter-Country Transportation
Modern and convenient transportation options link tourists to destinations throughout Dominican
Republic (DR), such as to the luscious green landscape along the Santo Domingo-SantiagoPuerto Plata motorway, the spectacular panoramic views of the sea and mountains along the
route towards Barahona, and the picturesque route through the Los Haitises National Park hills
leading to the Samaná Peninsula and the North Coast.
The following land and air transport options can help you travel traverse the country.
Land Transport
Car Rental
Various companies, including international rental companies such as National, Alamo, Avis,
Budget, Thrifty, Europecar, Hertz and Dollar offer their services at the main airports, tourist
destinations and towns. It is advisable to rent a vehicle to visit the destinations and attractions
that are located along the North Coast, the Samaná Peninsula, and for traveling around the
variety of beaches in Punta Cana and La Romana.
Taxis
This is a private transport service. Taxis can be found at airports and hotels and can also be
arranged in advance. Taxis are a safe and reliable option in Santo Domingo as well as in many
inland towns. Listings can be found in the telephone directory.
Santo Domingo Metro
The new modern Metro service began in 2009 from the municipality of Santo Domingo Norte up
to the La Feria sector. It crosses the Máximo Gómez Avenue in a southerly direction, then
circles around in an east-west direction along the Correa y Cidrón avenue, passing via the
Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, USAD. The route passes among important
institutions and ends at the Center of Heroes (La Feria) where the National Congress, the Town
Hall of Santo Domingo and various government offices are located. A subway card costs RD$30
with recharge starting at RD$20, the value of each trip.
Metro Buses, Caribe Tours, Terra Bus and Bávaro Express
Several private transport companies have modern and comfortable buses. The Metro Buses
and Caribe Tours cost less than US$10 for trips of up to 140 miles.
Bávaro Express departs several times a day serving the Eastern regions including Bávaro,
Punta Cana and other nearby areas. Ensure that you take a coat, as these buses tend to keep
their air conditioning on.
Terra Bus is a Dominican company that offers transport services on buses between Santo
Domingo and Puerto Príncipe.
OMSA Buses
These are large buses that travel along the main roads of Santo Domingo and Santiago, from
7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. The price of the ticket ranges between RD$5 and RD$10 depending on
whether you take one with or without air conditioning.
Similarly, there are other smaller buses called guaguas (bus) or voladoras (fliers) that travel
scheduled routes and circulate around the main streets and avenues, stopping where the
passenger asks. The price for longer trips does not go over RD$25.
Public cars or “conchos” (speedsters)
The transport mode called “concho cars” is very similar to the “guaguas” because they travel
specific routes and stop at points requested by the passengers, for an average price of RD$15.
Both in the capital and in towns and villages, you can also take a “carrera” and the price is
negotiable.
“Motoconcho” (Speed Bikes)
Motorbikes, frequently used in the Dominican Republic, are great for traveling relatively short
distances. The cost should be agreed beforehand, but should not be over RD$100 for a long
trip.
Air Transport
Helicopters
In Punta Cana helicopters are a comfortable and speedy way of getting to know the area and its
32 miles of beaches. There are helicopter companies that offer transport to Santo Domingo and
other destinations, connecting different cities and tourist points.
Domestic flights
There are local companies that fly scheduled flights throughout the country. Six main domestic
airports serve the various regions.
Distances between the towns and cities of the Dominican Republic:
SANTO DOMINGO
Barahona – 3 hours – 124 miles
Bayahibe – 2 hours – 87 miles
Boca Chica – 30 mins – 22 miles
Jarabacoa – 2 hours – 97 miles
Juan Dolia – 40 mins – 40 miles
La Romana – 1 hour 45 mins – 68 miles
Puerto Plata – 3 hours 30 mins –134 miles
Punta Cana – 3 hours 30 mins – 127 miles
Samaná – 2 hours 15 mins – 152 miles
Santiago – 2 hours – 96 miles
PUERTO PLATA
Barahona – 7 hours – 227 miles
Cabarete – 30 mins – 22 miles
Cofresi – 10 mins – 4 miles
La Romana – 5 hours 30 mins – 199 miles
Playa Dorada – 10 mins – 3 miles
Punta Cana – 7 hours 30 mins – 265 miles
Samaná – 3 hours 30 mins – 131 miles
Santiago – 1 hour 30 mins – 43 miles
Santo Domingo – 3 hours 30mins – 135 miles
Sosúa –20 mins – 16 miles
PUNTA CANA
Barahona – 7 hours 30 mins – 255 miles
Bayahibe – 1 hour 45 mins – 47 miles
Boca Chica – 3 hours – 105 miles
Jarabacoa – 5 hours 30 mins – 227 miles
Juan Dolio – 2 hours 45 mins – 93 miles
La Romana – 1 hour 45 mins – 65 miles
Puerto Plata – 7 hours 30 mins – 265 miles
Samaná – 5 hours 30 mins – 283 miles
Santiago – 5 hours 30 mins – 224 miles
Santo Domingo – 3 hours 30 mins – 127 miles
LA ROMANA
Barahona – 5 hrs 30 mins – 172 miles
Bayahibe – 20 mins – 11 miles
Boca Chica – 1 hour– 31.5 miles
Jarabacoa – 4 hours – 143 miles
Juan Dolio – 40 mins – 35 miles
Puerto Plata – 5 hrs 30 mins – 175 miles
Punta Cana – 1 hr 45 mins – 65 miles
Samana – 3 hrs 45 mins – 71 miles
Santiago – 4 hours – 161 miles
Santo Domingo – 1 hr 45 mins – 68 miles
SAMANA
Barahona – 5 hours – 158 miles
Bayahibe – 4 hours – 85 miles
Boca Chica – 2 hours – 68 miles
Jarabacoa – 3 hours 30 mins – 167 miles
Juan Dolio – 2 hours – 66 miles
La Romana – 3 hours 45 mins – 71 miles
Puerto Plata – 2 hours 30 mins – 131 miles
Punta Cana – 5 hours 30 mins – 283 miles
Santiago – 2 hours 30 mins – 110 miles
Santo Domingo – 2 hours 15 mins – 135 miles
News releases, images and the press kit also can be accessed from the official DR
Ministry of Tourism website: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com. For additional photos, broll and more specific needs, please contact Annie Holschuh ([email protected])
or AJ Trela ([email protected]), BVK Word for the Dominican Republic Ministry of
Tourism.
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