Getting around the Dominican Republic is easy in some places and confusing in others, and what works in Santo Domingo often doesn't work in Punta Cana. Here's how each option actually works.
Uber: great in cities, patchy on the resort coast
- Santo Domingo and Santiago: Uber is the easiest way to get around. You see the price before you ride, which removes the biggest headache for visitors.
- Punta Cana and Bávaro: Uber exists, but drivers can be scarce, the app sometimes assigns one from far away (and the price shows it), and many resorts restrict app pickups at the gate. Plan on hotel taxis or pre-booked transfers.
Intercity coaches: the best-kept secret
The DR's long-distance coaches are air-conditioned, reliable and cheap.
- Caribe Tours and Metro Tours link Santo Domingo with Santiago, Puerto Plata, Sosúa, Samaná and other main cities.
- Expreso Bávaro runs Santo Domingo to Punta Cana; see Santo Domingo to Punta Cana.
Buy your ticket at the company's own terminal and arrive early at weekends and on holidays.
Guaguas: cheap, crowded, very Dominican
Guaguas are shared minibuses that run fixed routes and stop anywhere someone waves. They're how most Dominicans get around.
- Good for: short hops along the coast, if you're up for it
- Watch out for: crowding, keeping your phone out of sight, and knowing where to get off (ask the cobrador, the conductor, who collects the fares)
Taxis
Hotel and rank taxis are everywhere. They don't use meters, so agree the fare before you get in, and whether it's per car or per person. See common scams in the Dominican Republic for the usual tricks.
Motoconchos
Motorbike taxis are the fastest way through traffic and the most common transport in small towns. They're also the most dangerous option on this list, because of traffic, not crime. If you use one: short trips only, in daylight, agree the price first, and hold on.
The Santo Domingo metro and cable car
The capital has a metro and a teleférico (cable car) serving the north of the city. Clean, cheap and fast for crossing the city, though most visitors stay around the Zona Colonial and use Uber.
Renting a car
Possible, and freeing on the eastern highway, but Dominican driving takes nerve. Read driving in the Dominican Republic before you book.
The easiest option of all
Someone who lives there. A Local Friend knows which guagua goes where, what a fair taxi fare is, and often drives. Browse Local Friends in Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata or Samaná, or read rent a local friend in Santo Domingo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Uber work in the Dominican Republic?
Yes. It works well in Santo Domingo and Santiago. In Punta Cana it's available but less reliable, drivers can be far away, and pickups inside resorts are often restricted.Is public transport safe in the Dominican Republic?
The intercity coach companies are safe and comfortable. Guaguas are generally fine but crowded, so keep your phone and wallet close. Motoconchos carry the most risk, mainly from traffic accidents.How do I get between cities in the Dominican Republic?
By intercity coach: Caribe Tours and Metro Tours cover the main cities, and Expreso Bávaro runs Santo Domingo to Punta Cana. Private transfers or a rental car are the other options.Does Santo Domingo have a metro?
Yes. Santo Domingo has a metro system and a cable car (teleférico) serving the north of the city. They're clean, cheap and useful for crossing the city, though most visitors stick to the Zona Colonial and use Uber.Should I rent a car in the Dominican Republic?
Only if you're a confident, defensive driver and avoid driving at night. For most visitors, coaches plus Uber or transfers are easier.