Getting Around the Dominican Republic: A Complete Transport Guide

Trains and metro

The Dominican Republic has no intercity passenger trains, so all long-distance travel is by road or air. Santo Domingo does have the Metro de Santo Domingo, the Caribbean's largest. Two lines cover the capital and a single ride costs around 20 pesos using a rechargeable Tarjeta del Metro. It is clean, air-conditioned and the fastest way to avoid the city's notorious traffic.

Buses and guaguas

For intercity travel, comfortable coach companies dominate.

• Caribe Tours and Metro Servicios Turísticos run reliable air-conditioned buses from Santo Domingo to Santiago, Puerto Plata, La Romana and more, often for 300 to 500 pesos.
• Expreso Bávaro links the capital with Punta Cana.
• Guaguas are local minibuses that stop anywhere along a route. They are cheap and authentic but cramped; pay the cobrador in cash.

Car rental

Renting gives you freedom to reach beaches and mountain towns. Major firms operate at SDQ and Punta Cana (PUJ) airports. Expect 35 to 60 USD per day plus mandatory local insurance. Drive defensively: lane markings are loosely observed, motoconchos weave constantly, and rural roads can be unlit. An international permit is recommended.

Ride apps and taxis

• Uber works well in Santo Domingo, Santiago and Punta Cana, usually cheaper than street taxis.
• InDrive is also popular and lets you negotiate fares.
• Traditional taxis rarely use meters, so agree the price first.
• Motoconchos (motorbike taxis) are everywhere for short hops, but skip them if you value safety.

Intercity travel tips

• Book Caribe Tours seats early on weekends and holidays.
• Carry small peso notes for guaguas, tolls and tips.
• Traffic in and out of Santo Domingo peaks at rush hour; leave early.
• For Samaná or remote beaches, combine a bus to the nearest hub with a local taxi.
• Keep your passport copy handy at occasional highway checkpoints.

Stay connected in the Dominican Republic

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online for maps, translation and last-minute bookings with no roaming bills, so you can navigate guaguas and book your next bus without hunting for Wi-Fi.