Transportation in the Dominican Republic

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Spending a month in the Dominican Republic was an adventure filled with incredible moments and some interesting methods of travel. Join me as I share how I navigated through 4 different cities using various kinds of transportation in the Dominican Republic available to choose from.

Arriving at the Airport

It all started with my early morning arrival at the Cibao International Airport in Santiago. Most of the flights connecting to Santiago from the United States all arrived some time after 1:00 am. Since this arrival time is well known by most drivers, there were plenty of taxi cabs and private drivers available to bring me into the city.

Getting to My Hotel in the City

Once outside with my luggage, I quickly chose a driver and asked to be brought to the hotel for a few hours of sleep. My trip was continuing by bus which left at 10:00 am from Santiago. I chose a hotel to crash for a few hours of rest before continuing on my journey. The driver was friendly and helped carry my luggage to the lobby of the hotel.

The Different Kinds of Transportation Available in the Dominican Republic

Although I didn’t experience all of the available types of transportation you can easily access in the country, I did try most of them at least once. And some of them were so much fun! Here’s a run-down of the most common ways you can get around the Dominican Republic along with tips for accessibility.

Private Taxi

My experience with a private taxi happened at my first visit to Sosua, Dominican Republic. I was staying at a complex of rental units and my host called a private taxi to take me into town for some dinner and to see the area.

This driver was a friend of his and shared his business card with me if I needed a ride during my week there. He picked me up at the door of the complex and it was a pleasant experience. I did call him another time to get into the town for lunch and some beach time.

Just make sure to be aware of the cost before you start driving. Since I called him a second time, the cost stayed low for me and I tipped well for his excellent driving and friendly conversation.

Taxi

Taking a taxi is the same in most countries, but there are a few tips to make your ride in the Dominican Republic much easier.

Agree to the price before you get into the taxi. The taxis are not metered and you should agree to the price before setting off on your ride.
Haggle to get a better price. The first price offered is the highest and it is common to bargain the cost down a bit.
Taxis do not usually drive around looking for fares, but wait at tourist destinations for you to locate them.

Taxis are not the most economical transportation in the Dominican Republic, so reserve this for an occasional use if trying to keep costs down.

Uber

Uber is available in the Dominican Republic and works the same as everywhere else by using the app on your phone. The service is not available all throughout the country, but in the following cities.

Santo Domingo
Santiago
Punta Cana
Higuey
Puerto Plata
La Romana
San Pedro de Macorís

I do not have any personal knowledge of how the Uber drivers are since I didn’t use this service when in the country. My best suggestion is to ask people at your accommodation for their opinions and use your best judgement for deciding which method of transportation to choose.

Accessibility will vary based upon the type of vehicle chosen and the individual driver.

Coach Bus Service

The coach buses were comfortable and I used them twice. My first ride was from Cabarete to Santo Domingo and back and my second ride was from Cabarete to Jarabacoa. Seats were roomy and the buses are air conditioned. The cost was extremely reasonable for crossing more than half the country.

The main bus terminal in Santo Domingo was handicap accessible and assistance was available to board the bus. Leaving from Cabarete was another story. That bus station was quite small and you boarded the bus at the side of the road. I can assume the bus itself was wheelchair accessible, but the area where you waited was not the safest place for someone in a chair. Please be cautious here.

Minivan Bus Service (Guaguas)

This had to be my most favorite form of transportation in the Dominican Republic. Think of an extra-large minivan with 3 or 4 rows of seats crammed full of people trying to reach their destination.

I used the guagua mostly in Sosua and Cabarete on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. To get the guagua to stop, you just waved at them as they drove the main roads. They would pull over and you jump in, if there is room. At the time, the cost was usually 50-100 pesos which you gave to the driver or his assistant as you exited the minivan.

One of the funniest stories I remember is when my friends and I were sitting across the back seat. There were 4 of us. As the guagua gets busy, they close up the pathway to get to the back seat with a wooden board covered with a cushion. It was stuck behind me and the driver had to go to the back and open the rear doors to get it out from under the seat. Everyone was usually smiling and so relaxed in the guagua and I enjoyed riding around the area in them.

Because you are climbing into seats and there isn’t extra room in the guagua, this is not a good option if you have limited walking capabilities or use a wheelchair. The guagua is not wheelchair accessible.

Motorbike Taxis (Motoconchos)

The motoconchos were my second favorite method of getting around. Once again, I used this when I was in the Sosua and Cabarete area. This is just a motorcycle holding you and the driver, and a helmet was always included.

Puerto Plata had city registered motoconchos, but I often rode with one of the men that sat at the end of the hill where my accommodations were located. The prices varied, but the self-employed motoconcho drivers offered an inexpensive, safe ride to your destination. They even gave me a ride back to my rental carrying grocery bags on the handles. It was a fun, relaxed way to get around and motorcycles are common in the country as a means of transportation.

The motoconcho is obviously not wheelchair accessible and if you are not able to get onto the bike, this is not accessible for those with limited mobility.

Rented Car or Motorbike

As with most places, you can always rent your own car or motorbike to get around the area during your stay. There are plenty of car and motorbike rental places in most cities and tourist areas.

Make sure to have insurance and follow the general safe driving rules you know from your own country. Car seats are required for children and helmets are required for the motorcycles.

Tour Bus Shuttle

I signed up for a day excursion to Paradise Island and a tour bus shuttle came to pick me up outside of my small family-owned hotel. We made several stops at different resorts and hotels to pick up other passengers as we headed west toward our destination. The tour bus was included in the cost for the day. They also included a meal on shore and drinks and fruit out on the island.

Spending a day with a shuttle bus full of strangers was one of the best days I had during my stay. The tour staff were entertaining and made sure we were all comfortable, even stopping at a coffee stand for a morning treat. Everyone was relaxed and enjoying themselves and this atmosphere is one of the special features of visiting the Dominican Republic.

Check out this tour to Paradise Island.

Walking

Depending on where you are staying, walking is always an option. Take the usual precautions of watching for traffic and paying attention to your surroundings. I walked frequently around the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo and felt safe. If you wish to venture out after dark, then an Uber or a taxi might be a better idea, especially if you wish to drink.

How to Get to the Dominican Republic

Airports

The Santiago airport is just one of the airports in the country and where I flew into from the United States. There are 4 main airports serving international travelers.

✈️Cibao International Airport (STI)

Located in Santiago, in the northern part of the country, this is a key entry point for travelers visiting the northern regions of the Dominican Republic. This was the area I was staying in for the first 2 weeks of my month-long stay. I chose to fly into this airport because it had the best prices at the time of my visit.

✈️Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP)

Located in Puerto Plata on the northern coast, Gregorio Luperón International Airport serves as an important gateway for tourists visiting the Puerto Plata region and other nearby resorts. I actually passed this airport on my way to my first accommodation but chose to land in Santiago to save a bit of money.

✈️Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)

Located in the eastern region of the country, Punta Cana International Airport is one of the busiest and most well-known airports in the Dominican Republic. It serves a vast number of tourists visiting the country’s eastern resort areas.

✈️Las Américas International Airport (SDQ)

Situated near the capital city, Santo Domingo, Las Américas International Airport is the primary airport serving the southern coastal region of the country and handles a substantial portion of international flights to and from the Dominican Republic.

Boat

Since the Dominican Republic is a country that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, arriving by sea is also an option. Here are a few choices.

⛵️Private Yacht Charter

For a more personalized and flexible experience, private yacht charters are an option. You can rent a yacht or sailboat and arrange your own itinerary. This would include sailing yourself if qualified, or hiring a yacht with a crew.

However, this choice requires more planning, as you’ll need to consider entry regulations, customs, and docking locations in the Dominican Republic. Several companies offer charter services that cater to different needs and at different price points.

Sailing Options

Some companies organize sailing adventures or yacht tours, allowing you to join a group or guided trip. These could range from day trips to longer journeys along the Caribbean, offering a chance to visit the Dominican Republic while enjoying a sailing experience.

⛴️Ferry Services

While less common, there might be ferry services available from neighboring islands, though these options can be limited and may require research and planning in advance depending on where you are traveling from.

🛳️Cruise Ships

Major cruise lines frequently include the Dominican Republic as a port of call in the Caribbean. The major cruise ports are Puerto Plata, Santo Domingo, La Romana, and Samana. Cruise itineraries are plentiful throughout the cruise lines that sail in the Caribbean. Check for sailings that include a stop in the Dominican Republic or contact me for further assistance to book a Caribbean cruise.

If you are considering a cruise that includes a stop in the Dominican Republic, make sure to have a valid passport before you leave. Most cruise itineraries will include options for shore excursions or you can research and find one of your own to suit your tastes. Explore the country in the time you have available and have fun.

Is It Safe to Use Uber as Transportation in the Dominican Republic?

Although I didn’t personally use Uber during my stay, my best friend visited the Dominican Republic for 2 months and used Uber services frequently. She, along with her 2 children, never experienced any problems.

As is normal in any country when using car services, be aware of your surroundings and stay alert. Using common sense is one of your biggest tools to staying safe in most situations.

There have been situations where tourists have been robbed or attacked in areas close to the Haitian border. I recommend only using Uber or taxis in the main cities and resort areas, and keep any valuables out of sight for additional precautions.

Do I Have to Use the Dominican Peso to Pay for My Rides?

The currency is the Dominican peso, so you will either pay with cash or use your credit or debit card. I did not find any transportation service in the Dominican Republic that accepted my US dollars, so make sure to have local money with you.

Is It Easy to Use the Different Transportation Methods in the Dominican Republic?

Using the different modes of transportation in the Dominican Republic was easy for me, excluding the language barrier. My Spanish is bare minimum and I was grateful a few of the drivers spoke a little English to help me out. The process worked the same as in the United States and I managed to travel by bus, taxi, guagua, motoconcho, and private car successfully.

Don’t feel embarrassed to ask for help if you need it. At a small bus station in Cabarete I needed to get help because I wasn’t sure of the timetable. But another passenger heard me asking and helped me figure everything out. Slow down, read everything, and ask for help if needed. You can do this.

Are the Roads Safe in the Dominican Republic?

Road conditions can vary depending on which part of the country you are traveling through. The main roads were multi-lane highways with clear driving lanes and generally safe. Once off the main thoroughfares, the roads can change to dirt or rocky pathways and can be difficult to navigate. They are also poorly lit at night and can be hard to get around if you don’t know the area well.

The Dominican Republic has a very high rate of road accidents, so keep this in mind if you wish to rent a motorbike or car during your stay. I experienced no major issues during my stay with the transportation methods I used and got around easily and safely on the main roads.

In Conclusion: Transportation in the Dominican Republic

As in most of our travels, getting there and getting around is part of the adventure. There are various modes of transportation in the Dominican Republic and you should choose the one that best suits your needs.

Remember, not all of the transportation methods are accessible to everyone. Be mindful of your physical limitations and choose wisely. Explore the country and get around in one of the ways I mentioned. Don’t forget to try the guagua if you can!