Airport transfers Santo Domingo – how to get to the City and to Punta Cana

While Punta Cana is the biggest airport in the Dominican Republic, it sometimes might be considerably cheaper to fly into the capital airport, Santo Domingo. When you are visiting the city, it is the best option anyway, but also if you are going for a holiday to Punta Cana or Bayahibe and need a transfer, the Las Américas International Airport of Santo Domingo is worth a closer look, especially as there are all kind of transport options, such as private transfers, Uber or public transport. In this article, I am going to explain to you the best way to get from Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana and also how you can get from Las Américas Airport to the city of Santo Domingo (incl. downtown and the Zona Colonial) and other parts in the Dominican Republic. There are always various choices, so I am giving you the best options for your way from the airport to your hotel, incl. some Santo Domingo airport shuttles and private airport transportation. You will also learn why Uber might not necessarily be the best idea at Las Américas Airport.

Table Of Contents
  1. Quick overview: the best Santo Domingo Airport Transportation options
  2. Santo Domingo Airport Transfer from Las Américas Airport to Punta Cana
  3. Santo Domingo Airport Transfer from Las Américas to the city center of Santo Domingo (incl. Zona Colonial)
  4. Santo Domingo Airport Transfers to La Romana (+Bayahibe and Casa de Campo)
  5. Santo Domingo Airport Transfer from Las Américas Airport to other destinations in the Dominican Republic

Are you looking for the transfer options from Punta Cana Airport, then check out this separate article.
If you want to travel between Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, but are not arriving or leaving from the airport, you can check out the following articles:
all transportation options from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana
all transportation options from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo
For accommodation recommendations in the city, check out this post with the most unique places to stay in Santo Domingo.
For the best excursions and activities in the city, check out
this comprehensive list of amazing things-to-do in Santo Domingo
and
the best experiences and reasons to visit the Colonial Zone

Completely UPDATED June 2023

Quick overview: the best Santo Domingo Airport Transportation options

 I know this article here covers a lot of text. This is mainly due to the aim to fully inform you of all the options you have when looking for Santo Domingo airport transfers.

 However, to make it easier for you I have filtered the most important information so you can quickly check out the best shuttles, taxis and transfers from Santo Domingo Airport (Las Américas):
– best Santo Domingo airport transfer to Punta Cana (private): check the best private airport transfer (Santo Domingo – Punta Cana) here*
– best Santo Domingo shuttle to Punta Cana (shared): check the best airport shuttle (Santo Domingo – Punta Cana) here*
– best Santo Domingo airport transfer to the city of Santo Domingo (private): check the best private airport transfer to the city here*
– best Santo Domingo shuttle to the city of Santo Domingo (shared): check the best airport shuttle to the city here*
– best Santo Domingo airport transfer to La Romana (private): check the best private airport transfer to La Romana here*
– best Santo Domingo shuttle to La Romana (shared): check the best airport shuttle to La Romana here*

 For further information about the best airport transfers from SDQ Airport, check out the extensive article below.

Santo Domingo Airport Transfer from Las Américas Airport to Punta Cana

When planning a holiday in Punta Cana, it sometimes might be considerably cheaper to fly into Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International Airport. However, you have to factor in the costs to get from the airport to Punta Cana and the accommodation you have booked. Depending on how you travel, you might save a big amount of money, but you also might end up paying more. That’s why it is important to carefully check the following options for your airport transportation from Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana.

As a rule of thumb, if your flights to Santo Domingo are at least 400 USD cheaper (return, for all passengers) than to Punta Cana, it is worth flying into Las Américas instead of Punta Cana. Check out the following sections to find the best Santo Domingo airport taxi.

Private transfer from Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana

The easiest option to get from Santo Domingo’s Las Américas Airport to Punta Cana is to book a private transfer. The driver will wait for you (usually with a sign showing your name) in the arrival hall and once you are there, you can start your journey immediately. It’s a smooth drive to Punta Cana. In two hours you should reach your final destination.

To make sure you book the right Santo Domingo airport transportation and a reliable driver, I recommend booking a private transfer from Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana with positive reviews. I made good experiences with Viator in the past and have put together a few offers here.

Please note that usually all hotels in Punta Cana are treated as the same destination (incl. if traveling from Santo Domingo Airport to TRS Cap Cana), it doesn’t matter if your destination or your all-inclusive resort is located in Bavaro, Cap Cana, Macao or Cabeza de Toro. However, Uvero Alto might be treated separately because it’s a bit further, that’s why you have a different product here. In case you have a hotel booked in Uvero Alto, check out the prices here.

Transfers from Las Américas Airport to Punta Cana are usually around 150-170 USD per vehicle per way for a group of up to 4-6 people.

In case you are not sure where your hotel is located, please use the following table as a guideline and check the prices for your corresponding Santo Domingo airport transportation.

DestinationSelected all-inclusive resortsPrice Range
(one-way)
Private Airport Transfer
(one-way and return)
Cap Cana & Punta CanaTRS Cap Cana, Sports Illustrated, Sanctuary, Secrets Cap Cana, Hyatt,
Margaritaville, Eden Roc, Club Med, Westin, Tortuga Bay
150-200 USDCheck airport transfer prices at Punta Cana Travel Blog
BavaroBe Live, Catalonia, Jewel Palm Beach, Dreams Flora , Radisson,
Serenade, Barceló, Lopesan, Melía, Paradisus, Dreams Royal Beach,
Secrets Royal Beach, Impressive, Vista Sol, Presidential Suites,
Palladium, TRS Turquesa, Occidental Punta Cana, Princess, Ocean Blue, VIK,
Iberostar, RIU, Bahía, Majestic, Occidental Caribe, Hard Rock
150-200 USDCheck airport transfer prices at Punta Cana Travel Blog
Macao & Uvero AltoDreams Macao, Ocean El Faro, CHIC, Nickelodeon, Dreams Punta Cana,
Live Aqua, Now Onyx, breathless, Sirenis, Finest, Excellence, Zoetry
170-220 USDCheck airport transfer prices at Punta Cana Travel Blog

Shared Shuttle from Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana

Shared airport shuttles are always a very good way to save on travel costs when going on vacation, especially if you are traveling in a party of just 1 or 2 people. You book a transfer to your destination and the transfer company makes sure to combine your booking with other travelers with a similar itinerary. If you are lucky, you might even get a private transfer for a considerably cheaper price (as it has happened to me various times).

Two possible shuttle options from Las Américas Airport to Punta Cana are the following:

In case you don’t find a corresponding Santo Domingo airport shuttle, you can go with one of the other options mentioned here in this article. If you would like to travel to Punta Cana on a budget, check below for public transport options.

VIP Transfer from SDQ Airport to Punta Cana

If you prefer to have a little extra in terms of personal service for your Santo Domingo airport transportation, you can book a VIP transfer to travel in style from Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana. Those services are usually operated in very modern cars (at least a Hyundai Tucson, depending on your booking also with a Chevrolet Suburban) and include drinks, WiFi and GPS-tracking. The drivers also come properly dressed. It’s worth checking the prices as these airport transfers are sometimes not much more expensive than the regular private transfers.

Uber from Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana

Theoretically, it is also possible to take an Uber from the airport, as the popular app is up and running in Santo Domingo for a few years. You can call an Uber at Las Américas Airport. Currently, the price is around 125 USD (quoted right now when I check the Uber app) but usually the Uber drivers at Santo Domingo airport are hesitant to take passengers for the official price (see explanation below in the Santo Domingo section) as they have to drive back empty and pay a hefty commission to Uber.
Long story short, taking an Uber from Santo Domingo International Airport to Punta Cana won’t work even you can try it if you want. At least you shall be prepared to negotiate via the app if you really want to use Uber.

Taxis from Santo Domingo Las Américas Airport to Punta Cana

As in nearly all airports in the world, SDQ airport taxis are readily available. Compared to other Latin American countries, taxi crime is rarely existent in the Dominican Republic. However, for the long way to Punta Cana, I would not recommend taking an airport taxi as they most likely will be more expensive. While there are official taxi rates at Santo Domingo Airport, they are not signposted, which is why I guess they will charge you around 200 USD or more for this journey while the fair price is somewhere around 160-180 USD for the trip from the airport to anywhere in Punta Cana.

However, if you haven’t had time to prebook your Santo Domingo airport transportation, you can take a taxi from Santo Domingo Airport without a problem.

Travel resources

Punta Cana Airport Transfers: Info | Book It*
Santo Domingo Airport Transfers: Info | Book It*
All-Inclusive Resorts: Info | Book It*
Apartments & Villas: Info | Book It*
Excursions: Info | Book It*
Rental Car: Info | Book It*
Road-Trips & Self-Drive Tours: Info | Plan It

Public transport from the airport Santo Domingo to Punta Cana

To get from Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana by public transport is possible, but not easy nor convenient.

First, you have to get from Las Américas International Airport to Santo Domingo, which can be done in two different ways.

The first option (which is your only option if you are traveling with luggage) is to take a taxi from Las Américas Airport to Santo Domingo, an Uber or a prebooked private transfer* to Parque Enriquillo in the center of Santo Domingo. This is where the busses are leaving. The ride should cost you around 30-35 USD per vehicle per way. Calling an Uber would be cheaper, but be prepared that they will decline the official app price and charge you a higher fee (see explanations further below).

The second transportation option is to take a Motoconcho (motorcycle taxi) out of Santo Domingo International Airport to reach the Highway “Autopista Las Américas”. That’s around 3 USD (150 DOP) per person. From here, you can take any guagua bound for Santo Domingo, just ask if they go to Parque Enriquillo. This bus costs you around 1 USD (60 DOP). Please note that this option is only possible if you travel with backpacks and light luggage. No suitcases are possible for this public transport option from the airport.

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Once you arrive at Parque Enriquillo, you can take the direct bus from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana. The bus is traveling six times a day between 7 am and 4 pm. Make sure to be at the bus station around 45 minutes before as tickets sell out quickly.

As the last bus from Parque Enriquillo leaves at 4 pm, your flight must arrive before 1 pm to make this option work. If you arrive later, you have to spend a night in Santo Domingo, which, however, is not the worst thing to do as there are so many historical sights to explore.

Find more information on where the bus station is located, how much the ticket is, the bus schedule and what you should pay attention for when traveling by public transport in my guide about all transportation options between the city of Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.

TOP 12 Punta Cana Excursions

Isla Saona: Saona Info | Book it*
Private Saona Island Tour: Private Tour Info | Book it*
Dune buggy and ATV excursion: Buggy Info | Book it*
Punta Cana Ziplining: Zipline Info | Book it*
Party boat & booze cruise: Party Boat Info | Book it*
Best Nightlife Show: Coco Bongo Info | Book it*
Scape Park Cap Cana & Blue Lagoon: Blue Lagoon Info | Book it*
Los Haitises National Park: Los Haitises Info | Book it*
Santo Domingo: Santo Domingo Info | Book it*
Samaná (Salto El Limón & Cayo Levantado): Samaná Info | Book it*
Helicopter & airplane tours: Helicopter Info | Book it*
Whale watching (Jan-Mar only): Whale watching Info | Book it*

Looking for more inspiration? Check out the 40+ best Punta Cana tours!

Renting a car at SDQ Airport (to go to Punta Cana)

You can also rent a car when arriving at Las Américas International Airport. While I would not recommend renting a car when going from the airport to the city of Santo Domingo, it’s well worth it if you are planning to head eastward (Punta Cana, Bayahibe & other towns), as it is an easy drive along a well-maintained 4-lane highway. In general, the area in Punta Cana is easy to navigate with a rental car, so why not adding some flexibility to your vacation in the Dominican Republic.

If you are not sure if you shall rent a car, you can check out this article, as the same recommendations apply for getting a rental car at Santo Domingo Airport.

Santo Domingo Airport Transfer from Las Américas to the city center of Santo Domingo (incl. Zona Colonial)

If you just want to go from Las Américas Airport to Santo Domingo, it’s a much quicker journey than to Punta Cana. It’s just a 17-mile ride and doesn’t take more than half an hour, at least if you travel outside of the rush hours (which can be quite long … ). Check out the various options you have in terms of Santo Domingo airport transportation when going from Las Américas International Airport to the city of Santo Domingo.

Private transfer from Santo Domingo Airport to the city center of Santo Domingo

A private airport transfer is the easiest way to get from Las Américas to Santo Domingo. You can prebook it, your driver will wait for you in the arrival hall and your journey will start immediately once you arrive. The typical cost of a private transfer from Santo Domingo Airport is around 35-45 USD.

Shared airport shuttle to the city of Santo Domingo

A shared Santo Domingo Airport Shuttle is the best way to get from Santo Domingo Airport to the city center and the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo the cheap way. A shared airport shuttle from Santo Domingo can be as low as 19 USD per person. While this is a great price, I have to note that the savings are not as big as in other destinations, so it’s up to you if you book a shared airport shuttle in Santo Domingo or if you go with one of the other options. Actually, it is only worth booking if you are traveling alone, otherwise, I would recommend booking one of the private airport transfers mentioned above.

VIP Transfer from the airport to the city of Santo Domingo

If you would like to book an airport transfer the elegant way, you can book a VIP airport transfer in Santo Domingo. Drinks and WiFi are included, same as a well-trained and properly dressed driver and a modern and slightly luxurious car. Check out these options here for a luxury airport transfer* from Las Américas to the city center of Santo Domingo.

Uber from SDQ airport to the Colonial Zone and downtown

As mentioned above, Uber is running in Santo Domingo, which doesn’t mean Uber is the best solution to get from Las Américas Airport to the city. The problem is that many Uber drivers want to charge higher rates than what the app suggests. That’s why they will tell you – once you request a ride – that they can only accept cash and at a higher fare than quoted. While this might not be the case for every driver, it happened to me various times at Las Américas. Therefore, be prepared to either pay more or to choose one of the alternative options mentioned in this guide about Santo Domingo Airport Transportation.

Taxi from Las Américas Airport to the city center of Santo Domingo

Taxis are quite reliable at Santo Domingo Airport and I have used them various times to get into the city center or the Colonial Zone. There is no official rate, but it is somewhere around 30-35 USD per ride, depending on where exactly you go. If you speak Spanish and are good at negotiating, you can get it down to as low as 1500 DOP, which is around 27 USD.

Public transport from the airport Santo Domingo to the city center

Same as at Punta Cana Airport, there is a way to get from the airport to the city by public transport and it is similar to the options I have described above when traveling from Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana. However, it only works if you are adventurous, arrive during daylight hours and travel with a backpack only, so it is the most complicated way of all options regarding Santo Domingo airport transportation.

When you walk out of the airport, take a right turn where you soon will see some motorcycle taxis (motoconchos) waiting. Let them take you for 150 DOP (around 3 USD) to the “Autopista Las Américas”, which is a 5-minute ride. If they are offering to bring you all the way to Santo Domingo, you can decline friendly, as this would be a hazardous and dangerous option due to the crazy traffic.

Once arriving at the “Autopista”, wait in the westbound direction for busses passing, flag them down and ask if they head towards Santo Domingo. If so, you can enter and pay around 60 DOP (around 1 USD) for a ride. Make sure you know in which area you go as the driver might ask you. Most of the busses passing are terminating at Parque Enriquillo, which is a good spot if you want to get into the amazing and historic Zona Colonial. Some of the busses will bring you right into the Colonial Zone, so make sure to ask the driver or assistant before hopping off.

Again, this is only for the adventurous travelers as the bus will drop you at a slightly shady area (which is ok though during daylight).

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Renting a car at Santo Domingo Airport (to go to Santo Domingo)

All major car rental companies have offices at Santo Domingo Airport and they are all located within the small rental car center opposite of the arrival hall. However, due to the chaotic traffic in Santo Domingo, I would not recommend renting a car when heading towards the city center especially when it is your first time visiting the Dominican Republic. It is better to use one of the options described above to get from Las Américas Airport to Santo Domingo. If you are on a road-trip through the county, you can also get to the city without a rental car, spend 1-2 nights in the historic Colonial Zone and then rent a car once you leave Santo Domingo. That’s much easier as you won’t need a car while in the city.

Santo Domingo Airport Transfers to La Romana (+Bayahibe and Casa de Campo)

 If you want to go from Santo Domingo Airport to La Romana, there are also many options for getting there. It also depends a bit if you want to go from SDQ Airport to La Romana, Bayahibe or Casa de Campo.

In case you arrive in Punta Cana, check all the options for getting from Punta Cana to La Romana and Bayahibe here.

From Santo Domingo Airport to La Romana

 If you’re looking to go from Santo Domingo to La Romana City – mainly probably because of the cruise ship terminal – your best option is a private transfer. It is the quickest option and particularly the one without hassle as it will bring you straight from Santo Domingo Airport to the La Romana cruise ship terminal.

 For a better overview, here are all the different methods of getting from Santo Domingo Airport to La Romana.

Private transfer from SDQ Airport to La Romana:
Easiest option, quick and reliable, usually around 100 USD. Check the best transfer option here*.

Shared shuttle from SDQ Airport to La Romana:
There are shuttles available from Santo Domingo to La Romana here*.

Public Bus from Santo Domingo Airport to La Romana:
This is possible, but only recommended if you have time. Refer to the sections above to read how you can get from Santo Domingo Airport to the bus station of Santo Domingo. Head to the bus station of “SICHOEM” at Parque Enriquillo or Avenida Venezuela. Sichoem is the bus company that connects Santo Domingo and La Romana. The bus leaves every 20-30 minutes.

Uber from Santo Domingo Airport to La Romana:
As indicated above, Uber drivers most likely won’t accept the price given by the app, hence you have to negotiate with them, which usually turns out more expensive than a pre-booked airport transfer. Therefore Uber is not recommended for Santo Domingo Airport Transfers.

Taxi from Santo Domingo Airport to La Romana:
It is possible to take a taxi at the airport spontaneously if you haven’t pre-booked anything. Still, be prepared to negotiate.

From Santo Domingo Airport to Bayahibe

 If you’re planning an all-inclusive vacation in Bayahibe and land at Santo Domingo Airport, you have similar options to the above. Bayahibe is located approx. 20 minutes behind La Romana, hence make sure that your picked transfer takes you all the way to Bayahibe and not only to La Romana. All the options presented in the following section are for the entire way from SDQ Airport to Bayahibe.

Private Transfer from Santo Domingo Airport to Bayahibe:
This is the easiest option for getting from Las Américas to Bayahibe. You can pre-book a comfortable and reliable service here*.

Shared Shuttle from Santo Domingo Airport to Bayahibe:
As Bayahibe is reachable from both main airports of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, shared shuttles are usually available from Santo Domingo to Bayahibe. They are usually only a great option if you’re traveling alone, as with 2 people, a private airport transfer is nearly the same price. Check out the shuttle option to Bayahibe here*.

Public transport from Santo Domingo Airport to Bayahibe:
You have to change the mode of transport at least two times, hence it is not super recommendable – especially not with luggage as the last part from La Romana to Bayahibe is a very small and crowded Guagua (local minivan). If you want to try it, follow the instructions for heading to La Romana as above and tell the assistant of the driver (“Cobrador”) that you would like to get out at the Bayahibe transfer point. From here, take the local minivan to Bayahibe.

Uber from Santo Domingo Airport to Bayahibe:
Uber doesn’t work as reliably as you might be used from the app at the airport, hence I would recommend the other options of Santo Domingo airport transportation as indicated above.

Taxis from Santo Domingo Airport to Bayahibe:
Taxis are readily available at the airport in Santo Domingo, but you might have to negotiate for your transfer to Bayahibe.

The welcome sign of Bayahibe in the Dominican Republic

From Santo Domingo Airport to Casa de Campo

 Another destination in the La Romana area you can reach conveniently from Santo Domingo Airport is Casa de Campo. The exclusive community is not only home to the rich and famous but also to many amazing luxury villas and an elegant resort.

Private Airport Transportation from Santo Domingo to Casa de Campo:
Your easiest and best option to get to Casa de Campo is to book this airport transportation here*.

Shared Airport Shuttles:
There are no shared airport shuttles from Santo Domingo Airport to Casa de Campo.

Public Transport:
There is no public transport available from SDQ Airport to Casa de Campo.

Uber:
Ubers are not allowed in Casa de Campo.

Taxis:
You can take a registered taxi from the arrival area in Santo Domingo, but most likely have to negotiate the price.

Santo Domingo Airport Transfer from Las Américas Airport to other destinations in the Dominican Republic

Are you arriving in Santo Domingo but neither want to go to Punta Cana nor to Santo Domingo? Continue reading for your possible options regarding Santo Domingo airport transportation and shuttles, as the city is the perfect getaway for transfers to all corners of the Dominican Republic – especially if your destination is along the south coast or the Samaná peninsula.

Private Transfer from Santo Domingo Airport to all destinations in the Dominican Republic

Private transfers are possible to nearly all destinations in the Dominican Republic. The advantages are already listed above: quick, safe, reliable and private. Especially if you are going to Samaná or the south coast of the Dominican Republic – for both Santo Domingo is the best destination airport – you can check the following airport transfer options.

Most major roads and highways are starting or ending in Santo Domingo, so it is the perfect starting point for your journey through the country. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for airport transportation from Santo Domingo to Samaná, Cabarete, Puerto Plata or the Southwest, you will find it here.

DestinationSelected all-inclusive resortsPrice Range
(one-way)
Private Airport Transfer
(one-way and return)
Boca ChicaBe Live Hamaca, Bellevue, whala Boca Chica and surrounding20-30 USDCheck airport transfer prices at Punta Cana Travel Blog
Juan DolioEmotions, Hemmingway, Guayacanes and surrounding40-65 USDCheck airport transfer prices at Punta Cana Travel Blog
La RomanaBahía Principe La Romana, Bougainville, La Romana City and La Romana Cruise Port70-100 USDCheck airport transfer prices at Punta Cana Travel Blog
BayahibeCatalonia, Hilton, Iberostar, Be Live, Viva Wyndham, Dreams, whale, Miranda90-120 USDCheck airport transfer prices at Punta Cana Travel Blog
SamanáLas Galeras, Las Terrenas, El Portillo, Cayo Levantado, Santa Barbara de Samaná170-210 USDCheck airport transfer prices at Punta Cana Travel Blog
North CoastNagua, Cabrera, Rio San Juan and surrounding villages180-220 USDCheck airport transfer prices at Punta Cana Travel Blog
Cabarete & SosuaSabaneta de Yasica, Cabarete, Viva Wyndham Tangerine, Encuentro, Perla Marina, Sosua190-230 USDCheck airport transfer prices at Punta Cana Travel Blog
Puerto PlataPlaya Dorada, Costa Dorada, Puerto Plata, Cofresi, Amber Cove, Maimón, Imbert190-230 USDCheck airport transfer prices at Punta Cana Travel Blog
SantiagoSantiago de los Caballeros and surrounding120-200 USDCheck airport transfer prices at Punta Cana Travel Blog
SouthwestBarahona, Pedernales and surrounding350-500 USDCheck airport transfer prices at Punta Cana Travel Blog

Shared shuttle from Santo Domingo Airport

The shuttles from Punta Cana Airport to all places around Punta Cana and from Santo Domingo airport to the city center and Punta Cana are the most common shared airport shuttle options.

However, if you are digging a little bit deeper, you can also find Santo Domingo airport shuttles to other destinations in the Dominican Republic. Right now, besides Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, there are shared airport shuttles bookable from Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) for very low prices to Juan Dolio, La Romana and Bayahibe. If you are traveling the Dominican Republic on a budget, you can definitely consider these options.

Even better: here you can find a full overview of all shuttles, busses and transfers from Santo Domingo*, which helps you enormously to plan your trip through the Dominican Republic.

VIP Transfers from Las Américas to all destinations in the Dominican Republic

Airport Transfers with VIP vehicles such as Chevrolet Suburban or a Hyundai Tucson are available for all destinations in the Dominican Republic. If you want a quote from Santo Domingo Airport, please check the following page and select the premium or SUV options.

Uber from SDQ airport to other destinations

For all regional and long-distance Uber rides from Santo Domingo airport, the same limitations as described above for Punta Cana are applying. Even Uber is officially available at Santo Domingo Airport, drivers most likely won’t take you to a destination considerably outside of Santo Domingo. Boca Chica and Juan Dolio, the nearest beach towns, might be an exception, but apart from that, better choose another method of transport or be prepared to negotiate with the Uber drivers.

Public transport from Santo Domingo Airport to Samaná, Bayahibe, Puerto Plata & more

If leaving Santo Domingo Airport by public transport, you can follow the same advice as listed above. Take a motorcycle taxi (motoconcho) from outside of the arrival area to the highway, where you can either catch buses westbound to reach Santo Domingo with onward connections (mostly with Caribe Tours) to all destinations in the Dominican Republic or you head eastbound with busses to Juan Dolio, San Pedro de Macorís and La Romana. A few of the buses can be pre-booked here.

The only exception is if you are heading to Samaná. In this case, ask your motoconcho or Uber driver to drop you at the “Parada Samaná”, the bus station for all northbound busses (Nagua, Santa Barbara de Samaná, Las Terrenas, Las Galeras). This bus station is approximately 5 miles away from Las Américas Airport, so it should cost you around 250 Dominican Pesos (1 USD is approx. 55 DOP). Due to the traffic along the highway, I would recommend taking an Uber or a taxi for this 10-minute ride, even it might be slightly more expensive.

If going from Las Américas International Airport to Bayahibe, there are two options:
The cheap and dirty option is to take the motoconcho to the Autopista Las Américas and wait for a La Romana bound bus from the “La Sichoem” company. You have to flag them down, which is not always the easiest option. From La Romana take a minibus straight to Bayahibe. The total journey from Santo Domingo Airport to Bayahibe shouldn’t cost more than 400 DOP (ca. 7 USD), but you need to travel with hand luggage only and be able to speak at least some basic Spanish.

The more relaxed option is taking an Uber or a taxi to the city center of Santo Domingo. From here, catch a bus to Bayahibe. There are two to three direct busses each day from Santo Domingo to Bayahibe. If no direct bus is available, you can also take a La Romana bound bus from “La Sichoem” and change there for Bayahibe bound minivan.

Rental Car from Las Américas Airport to explore the Dominican Republic

Exploring the Dominican Republic by rental car is always a good idea, especially as so many hidden gems and off-the-beaten-track experiences are awaiting you here. When booking a rental car for your road-trip in the Dominican Republic, you can check prices here*. Make sure to include all insurances in the filters, so that you can get around fully protected. For further recommendations and thoughts when renting a car in the Dominican Republic, check out this separate article here. If you want to get a first impression of how your road-trip in the Dominican Republic can look like, you can check out this 3-day Samaná itinerary from/to Punta Cana or Santo Domingo, this 8-day Punta Cana itinerary or this 10-day to 2-week Dominican Republic itinerary.

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The face behind Punta Cana Travel Blog: Chris

CHRIS

Author, Travel Coach & Punta Cana based digital nomad

Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean Soul. Since 2011 I have been living in the Caribbean, among them 5 years in the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana is my home-base here in the country and I’d love to tell you more about how to experience Punta Cana off-the-beaten-track and give you all the advice you want to know for your vacation in Punta Cana.

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