Getting There & Getting About

International Airports

• Santo Domingo (SDQ): 30 km from the city.
• Puerto Plata (POP)
• Punta Cana (PUJ): 10-30 minutes travel time to Punta Cana and Bavaro resorts.
• Full list of airports in Dominican Republic with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

There are domestic flights between Santiago, Samaná, Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, and planes may also be chartered.

Drivers over the age of 25 may hire a car; there are several companies in Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic has a reasonable network of roads; however, not all are all-weather and 4-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended during wet weather. Driving at night is not recommended due to poor lighting and signage. There are a number of good highways, including the Duarte Highway running north and west from Santo Domingo to Santiago and to Monte Cristi on the northwest coast; the Mella Highway extending eastwards from Santo Domingo to Higuey in the southeast; and the Sanchez Highway running westwards from Santo Domingo to Elias Pina on the Haitian frontier. The speed limit is up to 60 kph (38 mph) in cities and 80-100 kph (50-63 mph) on motorways.

Inexpensive and efficient air-conditioned coach and bus services run from the capital to other major towns. Visitors may also use tourist taxis or radio taxis to travel between cities; however, unmarked taxis should be avoided.

In Santo Domingo, there is a flat-fare minibus and bus services, along with share-taxis known as Carro de Conchos. These share-taxis are also available in Santiago and Puerto Plata.