Getting around the DR
From international airports to local guaguas, here's everything you need to navigate the Dominican Republic like a pro.
International airports
The Dominican Republic has 8 international airports. The busiest ones for tourists are:
Punta Cana International
Punta Cana
Busiest airport. Most resort tourists arrive here
Las Américas International
Santo Domingo
Main airport for the capital city
Cibao International
Santiago
Serves the north-central region
Gregorio Luperón International
Puerto Plata
Gateway to the north coast
La Romana International
La Romana
Close to Casa de Campo resort
Juan Bosch International
Samaná
Convenient for Samaná Peninsula
Taxis & ride-sharing
Official Taxis
Available at airports, hotels, and major tourist areas. No meters: always agree on the fare before getting in. Airport to Punta Cana resorts: ~$30-50 USD.
Uber & InDriver
Uber works in Santo Domingo and Santiago. InDriver is popular nationwide. Both offer transparent pricing and are generally cheaper than taxis.
Motoconchos
Motorcycle taxis are cheap and fast for short distances. Popular with locals but riskier for tourists. Negotiate fares beforehand.
Hotel Transfers
Most resorts offer airport shuttle services (often included or ~$25-40 per person). Book in advance through your hotel.
Rideshare Apps
Uber
RecommendedAvailable in Santo Domingo and Santiago. Best for tourists who want transparent, app-based pricing.
$3-$20 per ride
Santo Domingo, Santiago
Works well in urban areas. May have limited availability late at night.
InDriver
RecommendedPopular ride-hailing app where riders can negotiate fares. Works in most cities across the DR.
$2-$15 per ride
Santo Domingo, Santiago, Punta Cana, La Romana, San Pedro de Macoris
You set the price and drivers accept or counter. Great for negotiating lower fares.
Taxi Services
Aerodom Taxi (Airport Taxis)
RecommendedOfficial taxi service at Dominican airports. Fixed-rate fares to hotels and destinations.
$30-$60 to hotels
Punta Cana Airport, Santo Domingo Airport, Puerto Plata Airport
Use only the official taxi counters inside the airport terminal. Avoid solicitors outside. Fixed prices are posted at the counter.
Tecni Taxi
RecommendedOne of the largest and most established taxi companies in Santo Domingo. Radio-dispatched service.
$5-$25 per ride
Santo Domingo
Reliable and professional. Agree on the fare before starting the ride, or ask the dispatcher for an estimate.
Apolo Taxi
Well-known taxi service in Santo Domingo with a large fleet. Available for airport transfers and city rides.
$5-$30 per ride
Santo Domingo
Another reliable Santo Domingo taxi option. Good for hotel-to-airport transfers.
Shuttle Services
Cocotransfers
RecommendedPrivate airport transfer service operating across all major DR airports. Popular with tourists for reliable pickups.
$25-$80 per transfer
Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, La Romana, Samana
Pre-booking takes the stress out of airport arrivals. Prices are per vehicle, not per person.
Dominican Airport Transfers
Affordable shared and private airport shuttle service. Shared shuttles available for budget-conscious travelers.
$15-$60 per transfer
Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata
Shared shuttles may make multiple hotel stops. Private transfers go direct.
Public transportation
Caribe Tours & Metro Bus
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach buses connecting major cities. Santo Domingo to Santiago takes about 2.5 hours and costs around $7 USD. Book tickets at the station or online.
Guaguas (Local Buses)
The most affordable option: minibuses that follow set routes between towns. Very cheap (RD$50-150) but can be crowded and slow. A great way to travel like a local.
Santo Domingo Metro
The Caribbean's only metro system! Two lines covering major areas of Santo Domingo. Clean, fast, and just RD$20 per ride (~$0.35 USD). Great for avoiding traffic.
Bus Companies & Transit
Caribe Tours
RecommendedThe largest and most popular intercity bus company in the DR. Air-conditioned coaches with comfortable seating.
$5-$12 USD
Nationwide
The most reliable option for long-distance travel. Buses are punctual and well-maintained.
Metro Bus (Grupo Metro)
RecommendedMajor intercity bus service operating comfortable coaches throughout the country. Strong competitor to Caribe Tours.
$5-$12 USD
Nationwide
Similar quality and pricing to Caribe Tours. Choose based on route and schedule convenience.
Expreso Bavaro
RecommendedDirect bus service connecting Santo Domingo with Punta Cana and Bavaro. Perfect for tourists heading to the east coast.
$7-$10 USD
Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Higuey
One of the best options for reaching Punta Cana on a budget. The ride takes about 3-4 hours.
Metro & Urban Transit
Santo Domingo Metro (OPRET)
RecommendedThe only metro system in the Caribbean. Two lines covering key areas of Santo Domingo, including the Colonial Zone area.
RD$20 per ride (~$0.35 USD)
Santo Domingo
Clean, safe, and the fastest way to avoid Santo Domingo traffic. Get a rechargeable card at any station.
Renting a car
Renting a car gives you maximum freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Rates start from $25-40/day for a compact car.
Good to Know
- •Major agencies (Hertz, Avis, Budget) at all airports
- •Local companies (Nelly, Payless DR) often have better rates
- •International driver's license not required (but helpful)
- •Must be 25+ with most agencies (21+ with surcharge)
- •Gas is priced per gallon, similar to US prices
Watch Out For
- •Aggressive driving culture: stay alert
- •Motorcycles weaving through traffic
- •Speed bumps without warning signs
- •Poor road lighting outside cities at night
- •Always take photos of the car before driving off
Car Rental Companies
Nelly Rent a Car
RecommendedPopular local car rental company with competitive rates. Locations at major airports and tourist areas.
$25-$60/day
Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Santiago, Puerto Plata, La Romana
One of the best local options. Often cheaper than international chains. Good vehicle condition.
MC Auto Rental
Local Dominican car rental service with locations across the country. Known for good customer service.
$30-$65/day
Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Santiago, Samana
Full insurance options available. Ask about weekly discounts for stays over 5 days.
Avis Dominican Republic
International car rental brand with locations at all major airports and cities in the DR.
$40-$80/day
Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Santiago, Puerto Plata, La Romana, Samana
Higher prices but reliable service and newer vehicle fleet. Good for those who prefer international brands.
Ferries & boats
The DR offers some scenic boat routes, particularly for reaching islands and coastal areas:
- Samana to Cayo Levantado - short boat ride to a beautiful island beach
- Bayahibe to Isla Saona - popular catamaran day trips to Saona Island
- Whale watching boats - from Samana Bay, January through March
Ferry & Boat Services
Ferries del Caribe
RecommendedFerry service connecting Santo Domingo to San Juan, Puerto Rico. A unique way to travel between the islands.
From $99 one-way
Santo Domingo, San Juan (PR)
The trip takes about 12 hours overnight. Cabins available. You can bring your vehicle for an additional fee.
Quick cost comparison
| Transport | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Guagua (local bus) | $0.50-$2 | Budget travelers |
| Metro (Santo Domingo) | $0.35 | City commuting |
| Caribe Tours bus | $5-$12 | City-to-city travel |
| Uber / InDriver | $3-$15 | Short-medium city trips |
| Taxi (negotiated) | $10-$50 | Airport transfers, convenience |
| Car rental | $25-$40/day | Exploring at your own pace |
Need more travel tips?
Check out our local insider tips to make the most of your Dominican Republic visit.