Transportation
Schedules and fares are subject to change.
Airport to City Access
Train, bus, taxi, and other options to the city center
From Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) it is about 30 km into central Santo Domingo, best reached by official airport taxi, a hotel shuttle or Uber. From Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), most travellers reach their resort by pre-arranged hotel shuttle or taxi. Agree the fare or use an app before setting off, as there is no train link.
- SDQ
- ~30 km to Santo Domingo
- Options
- Official taxi, shuttle, Uber
- PUJ
- Resort shuttle or taxi
- No train link; use taxi, shuttle or Uber
- Agree the fare or use an app before setting off
Public Transportation
Metro, bus, tram, and how to use them
Santo Domingo has a modern Metro (two lines) plus the Teleférico cable car and the OMSA public bus. Most locals also use guaguas (shared minibuses) and conchos (shared taxis on fixed routes), which are cheap but informal and can be crowded. Outside the capital, guaguas and buses are the mainstay of local travel.
- Santo Domingo
- Metro, Teleférico, OMSA bus
- Everyday
- Guaguas and conchos
- Note
- Informal, can be crowded
- Metro and Teleférico are the modern options
- Guaguas/conchos are cheap but informal
IC Cards & Travel Passes
Discount passes and rechargeable transit cards
The Santo Domingo Metro and Teleférico use a rechargeable prepaid card (Tarjeta) that you tap at the gates; buy and top it up at station machines and booths. Guaguas and conchos are not part of this system, so pay the fare in cash on board. Keep small pesos handy for those shared rides.
- Metro/Teleférico
- Rechargeable Tarjeta
- Buy
- Station machines and booths
- Guagua/concho
- Cash on board
- Tap the Tarjeta at the metro gates
- Keep small pesos for guaguas and conchos
Car Rental & Driving
License requirements and traffic rules
The Dominican Republic drives on the right and most visitors can drive on their home licence or an International Driving Permit. Take real care: rural roads can be rough and poorly lit, night driving is best avoided, and motoconchos (motorbike taxis) and unpredictable traffic are common. A car is great for exploring the coast, but not needed if you stay at a resort.
- Drives on
- The right
- Licence
- Home licence / IDP
- Watch for
- Motoconchos, night roads
- Avoid night driving on rural roads
- Not needed if you stay at a resort
Intercity Travel
Long-distance buses, trains, and ferries
There are no passenger trains between cities, so long-distance travel is by road. Comfortable coach lines such as Caribe Tours and Metro Servicios Turísticos link Santo Domingo with Santiago, Puerto Plata and other towns at low fares. Guaguas cover shorter routes. Book popular coaches ahead in busy periods and allow extra time for traffic.
- No trains
- Travel is by road
- Coaches
- Caribe Tours, Metro
- Routes
- SD–Santiago–Puerto Plata
- Coaches are comfortable and cheap
- Guaguas cover shorter routes
Domestic Flights
Budget airlines and booking tips
Scheduled domestic flights are limited because the country is compact, so most travel is by road. Small aircraft and charters do serve destinations like Punta Cana, Samaná and La Romana, which can save time to remote coasts, but for most trips a coach or private transfer is simpler and cheaper.
- Coverage
- Limited scheduled flights
- Charters
- Punta Cana, Samaná, La Romana
- Usual choice
- Road (coach/transfer)
- Small aircraft/charters serve some coasts
- Road travel is simpler and cheaper for most
Transportation Tips
Advice for safe and efficient travel
Carry small pesos for guaguas, conchos and small vendors, and use Uber or inDrive in the cities for clear pricing. Agree taxi fares before you set off, avoid unmarked cars, and be cautious with motoconchos, especially at night. Allow extra time for traffic and rough rural roads, and let your resort arrange transfers for peace of mind.
- Cash
- Small pesos for shared rides
- Apps
- Uber/inDrive in cities
- Safety
- Caution with motoconchos
- Agree taxi fares before setting off
- Allow extra time for traffic