So far, in 2023, 20% more visitors than last year have visited the Dominican Republic. This Caribbean country is a top attraction for tourists due to its magnificent beaches, sophisticated hotels, tasty cuisine, and interesting sites.
It’s an excellent choice for scuba divers and nature lovers thanks to its fascinating diversity on land and sea, and it’s a wonderful place to relax in a balmy climate.
Do your vacation plans include a trip to this tropical paradise? Here’s your guide to Dominican Republic transportation during your visit.
Getting Around Town
For short trips, the Dominican Republic offers an extensive, well-run public transportation system. These modes of travel are excellent forms of vacation transportation as they absorb you into local culture and provide insights into the daily life of the DR.
These are the public transportation options available during your trip:
Taxis
You can catch a taxi in all the DR’s large towns and cities, where you’ll find them stationed in popular tourist areas. When you book your cab, be sure to ask about the estimated wait time, the color of the car, and confirmation of the fare to your destination.
Within the cities, the local taxi association sets these fares to ensure fair prices for everyone.
Minivan Buses (Guagas)
You’ll see these white vans buzzing around all over the city. They travel along designated routes, picking up and dropping off passengers along the way.
Due to these inflexible routes, it takes some time to get where you want to go using this type of transportation, and you might find the buses cramped during busy times.
If you only need to go a short distance, minivan buses offer a simple and cheap way to get there.
Be sure to have the exact amount for your fare with you when you embark on one of these journeys, the conductors rarely have enough change for larger notes.
Santo Domingo Subway
Metro Santo Domingo runs only two lines and is a popular option for locals traveling to and from work.
Line 1 covers the Villa Mella area to Centro de losHéroes along Máximo Gómez Avenue, and includes the following stops:
- Congress
- The Supreme Court of Justice
- The Department of Migration
- Casandra Damirón
- Plaza de la Cultura
Line 2 travels along John F. Kennedy Avenue and passes Ágora Mall and the Felix Sánchez Olympic Stadium.
You can take a ride on the subway between 6 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. daily. Otherwise, you could opt for one of the following transportation options:
Conchos (Shared Taxis)
These four-door sedan taxis operate like buses, driving along specific routes and stopping to pick up passengers. They’re common in big cities, towns, and villages.
Fares are relatively inexpensive when you travel in a concho, and they’re often a little cramped, with passengers in both the back and front of the vehicle.
Motoconchos (Motorbike Taxis)
Locals enjoy buzzing around on motorbikes to get from A to B, and motoconchos are the cheapest, fastest way to get around.
Every small town has a motoconcho hub if you’d like to try this mode of transport, and your hotel’s receptionist can most likely give you directions to the nearest one.
Cabify and Uber
Uber and Cabify offer cheaper alternatives to conventional taxis in the three major cities, but it’s wise to take all the usual precautions when you hire these services.
These services work the same way that they do in every other country, and the apps are safe to use in the DR.
Using the corresponding app eliminates any potential language barriers when reserving transportation and is a convenient way to book your ride. You could even pick up a reduced fare if you travel during off-peak hours.
Long-Distance Dominican Republic Transportation
Although it’s an excellent choice for local trips too, hiring a car is one of the best types of transportation for traveling around the Dominican Republic countryside.
A rental car gives you the freedom to explore as you please, and a chance to admire the scenery as you go along.
Most major highways are in good condition, although the secondary roads are often riddled with potholes and ruts.
In general, you’ll find that street lighting and directional signs fall far short of what you’re accustomed to at home. So be sure to give yourself plenty of time when planning your route and avoid traveling at night.
Renting a car is an expensive option in the Dominican Republic, although you can often pick up better rates when you opt for smaller, local car rental companies, rather than global brand names.
Domestic Airplane Travel in the DR
If you’re traveling between major centers, you can book a flight relatively easily on one of the DR’s domestic carriers. Shuttle flights operate on demand between Santa Domingo and the following destinations:
- Puerto Plata
- Punta Cana
- La Romana
- Samaná
- Santiago
On arrival, it’s easy to find excellent airport transfer services for onward travel to your accommodation. The best airport transfer service providers will offer a range of vehicles to choose from according to your requirements.
If you’d like to book domestic flights in the DR, it’s best to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Enjoy Ease and Convenience During Your Vacations
Whether you plan to spend your vacation lazing on one of the country’s gorgeous beaches, exploring the rugged hinterland, or going in search of local delicacies, Dominican Republic transportation won’t let you down.
This small country has a thriving tourist infrastructure to ensure you enjoy every moment of your stay. Would you like to explore more little-known travel options? Browse our website for all the best ideas.
