Santo Domingo's airport is on the coast east of the city. The Zona Colonial is half an hour away, Boca Chica beach ten minutes the other direction.
The options#
| Option | Time to Zona Colonial | Cost (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport taxi | 25–40 min | US$35–45 | Set fare; confirm before boarding |
| Uber | 25–40 min | US$20–30 | Order inside, walk past the taxi rank |
| Hotel transfer | 25–40 min | Varies | Easiest late at night |
| Public bus / guagua | 60 min + | Under US$2 | Stops on the highway, no luggage space |
Taxis#
Drivers wait outside arrivals and quote a set fare by zone. Agree it in dollars or pesos before you get in. Card payment is rare; have cash.
Uber#
Works well. Order from the terminal and meet at the pickup area; walking a few metres from the taxi rank avoids arguments. Confirm plate and name.
On to the rest of the country#
- Punta Cana: driver from SDQ, about 2 hours (US$120–180); or Uber into the city then an Expreso Bávaro coach, about 3 hours. Santo Domingo to Punta Cana.
- Boca Chica: 10 minutes east by taxi, the capital's beach.
- Samaná: 2.5 hours north-east by motorway. How to get to Samaná.
Then#
Where to stay in Santo Domingo, Zona Colonial guide, is Santo Domingo safe?, things to do.
A Dominican on day one#
A Santo Domingo Local Friend can tell you today's fair taxi price, meet you in the Zona Colonial and show you where to eat first. They set their own rates and message you before you meet.
Start your trip with someone from Santo Domingo.
Meet a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
How far is Santo Domingo airport from the Zona Colonial?
About 30km east along the Las Américas highway: 25–40 minutes, longer in the evening rush.How much is a taxi from SDQ to Santo Domingo?
Airport taxis quote a set fare, roughly US$35–45 to the Zona Colonial, Gazcue or Piantini in 2026. Agree the price before you get in. Uber is usually US$20–30.Does Uber work at Santo Domingo airport?
Yes. Order from the terminal and meet at the pickup area outside arrivals; taxi drivers may object, so walk a little away from the rank. Confirm the plate.How do I get from Santo Domingo airport to Punta Cana?
A private driver from SDQ is about 2 hours on the Coral motorway (US$120–180). Cheaper: Uber into the city, then an Expreso Bávaro coach to Punta Cana (about 3 hours). Flying into PUJ is simpler if Punta Cana is your only stop.Is there a bus from Santo Domingo airport?
Public buses and guaguas run along the Las Américas highway into the city for very little, but they stop on the main road outside the airport, are crowded and aren't suited to luggage. Fine for experienced travellers in daylight.
