Santo Domingo City
Contents

As one of the most popular vacation spots in the Dominican Republic, there are plenty of ways to travel from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana. 

Taking an airport taxi is the most convenient and quickest option, but it can get expensive depending on the time of year. 

The Expreso Bavaro is a more budget-friendly alternative if you don’t mind taking a public bus. 

Other options include Uber, public transport, and private transfer

In this article, I’ll list all the best transport options for getting from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana, including average costs. 

How to Get From Santo Domingo to Punta Cana: 5 Transport Methods 

When traveling to Punta Cana, it’s frequently cheaper to land at Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International Airport and take transportation from there. Here are some of the best methods of transportation from Santo Domingo: 

Santo Domingo Airport Taxi

When you land at the Santo Domingo International Airport, you can book a Santo Domingo Airport Taxi through the airport itself. 

The airport hires these taxis to help travelers get to their destinations. However, the fare can be pretty expensive. The average journey cost is between $160 to $180 for a one-way drive. 

This method will take roughly 2 hours to get to Punta Cana

Local Taxi 

In Santo Domingo, you’ll find plenty of local taxis to get you to your destination. Taxi crime rarely occurs in the Dominican Republic, so it’s usually safe to take a local cab from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana. 

Taxi drivers in Santo Domingo don’t offer a flat rate to Punta Cana. But they usually charge less than the official taxi rates at Santo Domingo Airport, around $120 to $140. 

Nevertheless, you’ll have to make prices known before taking the taxi, so you know how much you’re expected to pay by the end of the trip.

VIP Transfer 

If you’re looking for a more exclusive ride from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana, you can always book a VIP transfer from companies such as Transekur Corporativo, Go Transfer, and Prestige Limousine Service. 

These transfer services usually include free Wi-Fi, GPS tracking, drinks, and the like. In addition, the drivers come appropriately dressed and in modern cars. 

As you might expect, VIP Transfers are considerably more expensive than regular taxis. Prices vary from company to company, but it’s usually around the $200+ mark. Even so, the price might be worth it for the comfort, safety, and convenience the service brings. 

Uber and Cabify 

Yes, Uber operates in the Dominican Republic! 

From Santo Domingo to Punta Cana, Uber prices are significantly lower than local taxis, with an official Uber rate of roughly $100. 

However, it’s rare to find Uber drivers willing to drive from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana at this rate, especially since they must go back to Santo Domingo after dropping you off. In addition, it’s a 2-hour drive, and gas is costly. 

Cabify is an excellent alternative to Uber. It’s the second most used mobility application in Santo Domingo, after Uber. But since it’s only available in Santo Domingo, finding a cabbie willing to drive to Punta Cana at a fixed rate is also rare. 

Air-conditioned Bus

There are plenty of bus services in Santo Domingo, but you won’t find one near Santo Domingo Airport. 

You’ll need to take a taxi from Santo Domingo Airport to Parque Enriquillo (located in Santo Domingo city center) and book a bus ride. 

You can also take a moto concho (motorcycle taxi) from the airport to Santo Domingo city center for only $1 to $5, but I don’t recommend it because you can never guarantee its safety. Also, taking a moto concho is only possible if you carry light luggage. 

From Parque Enriquillo, you can book a bus ride with either Expreso Bavaro or Parada de Higüey to Punta Cana. Both offer air conditioning. 

Tickets cost between $10 to $20, sometimes even less. Make sure to buy the key early in the day, so you can grab a seat early. 

The total journey time from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana via bus is around 2 hours and 30 minutes. 

Getting to Punta Cana by Air 

It goes without saying that the quickest and easiest method of going from San Domingo to Punta Cana is by air. 

It’s the most expensive option on this list, with tickets costing an average of $250 (one way), but if you’ve got some money to spare, this is the best way to travel. 

There’s just one problem: flights to Punta Cana are minimal. Currently, the only airline that operates from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana is TUI Fly, which only offers two direct flights per week. 

It’s always worth checking the fight times to rearrange your schedule per flight availability. 

Car Rental 

You can always rent a car for several days to avoid being dependent on transportation services to get to Punta Cana. It’s expensive but well worth the cost if you’re planning to drive around town to explore local restaurants, shops, and the like. 

Popular car rental services in Santo Domingo include Avis Rent-Car, C&C Service Car Rental, and Europcar Rent-A-Car. 

It’s an easy drive from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana. It takes two hours if you do it non-stop, but it’s worth taking in the sights and visiting the nearby cities on the route. 

On your drive, you’ll pass through La Romana, Bavaro, and Bayahibe. La Romana is the most popular city on the route and features top attractions like Rio Chavon, Catalina Island, and Altos de Chavon. 

Google Map’s directions to Punta Cana are accurate. Additionally, you’ll find a lot of road signs pointing you in the right direction, so you’ll rarely get lost. 

What’s the Distance Between Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana?

The distance between Santo Domingo’s Las Americas Airport to Punta Cana is roughly 100 miles (160 km). The distance from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana is 122 miles (196 km). With regular traffic, it should take you around two hours to arrive in Punta Cana.

Is It Safe to Take a Taxi From Santo Domingo to Punta Cana?

From my experience, taking a taxi from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana is perfectly safe as long as you take suitable precautions

  • Always call for a taxi instead of hailing. 
  • Use the taxi provided by the airport or the hotel
  • Never take a taxi alone at night or if you’re drunk. 
  • Before entering the taxi, look for a meter, a badge, a radio, and a door handle. Don’t get into the vehicle if you don’t see any of those.
  • Always sit in the backseat, not the passenger seat. 
  • Keep expensive items hidden. 
  • Send your live location to a close friend or family member.

Conclusion 

You can take several transportation options from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana, including taxis, Uber, buses, and VIP transfers. At Punta Cana Adventures, we specialize in arranging activities such as excursions and tours and VIP airport transfer services.

Taking an Uber/VIP transport is the easiest and most convenient, but it can be expensive. On the other hand, taking a bus is cheap and safe, but it takes about 30 minutes longer than regular transport.

Pre-book Your Punta Cana Adventures & Tours

Plan your Punta Cana adventure with us. We offer direct pick-ups from your resort. Secure your spot today!
Speedboat and Snorkeling Excursion in Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Speedboat and Snorkeling Adventure from Punta Cana (Shared)

Rev up your visit to Punta Cana by piloting your very own speedboat along the pristine Dominican coastline...
UTV Solo Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Honda UTV Off-Road Tour from Punta Cana (Solo)

A powerful UTV buggy, which will drive you and your family easily and safely through the natural landscapes...
Saona Natural Pool
Book Now, Pay Later

2 Day Combo: Saona Island & ATV Off-Road Buggy

Take two of the most popular tours in Punta Cana in one multi-day package....
The best things to do in punta cana. The ATV ride
Book Now, Pay Later

Four Wheeler ATV tour in Punta Cana (Shared)

Ride a four-wheeler deep in the countryside in Punta Cana to sample the area’s local produce, coffee, cocoa,...
Zipline Splash, 4×4 Polaris Off-road & Horseback Riding Combo
Book Now, Pay Later

Mega Combo: Zipline, 4×4 Off-road Polaris & Horseback Riding

Dive into Punta Cana's ultimate adventure with a 7-line zipline, Polaris 4x4 off-roading, and serene Blue Lagoon visits....
Whale watching Samana
Book Now, Pay Later

Cayo Levantado Tour from Punta Cana

This whale-watching excursion from Punta Cana takes you off the coast of the Dominican Republic to observe humpback...
Private boat in Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Small Group Private Party Boat

Private boat charter in Punta Cana. Explore the ocean, drink coconuts at a virgin beach, and party in...
Cayo Lenvantado Salo El Limon Main
Book Now, Pay Later

Salto el Limón Waterfalls & Cayo Levantado Tour

Marvel at the El Limon Waterfalls, swim in an island pool Cayo Levantado. Discover the wonders of the...
real estate punta cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Free Real Estate Tour from Punta Cana

If you ever wondered what it is like to have a property in the Caribbean, here is your...
Party Boat tour from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Party Boat and Snorkeling in Punta Cana

Punta Cana Party Boat & Snorkeling excursion is for people who love great music, friendly people, delicious tropical...
Scape Park and Dune Buggies Combo
Book Now, Pay Later

2 Day Combo: Scape Park & Dune Buggy Tour

Enjoy many incredible activities at Scape Park, a natural theme park with a variety of attractions including, Hoyo...
Tour to Saona Island from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Saona Island Day Trip From Punta Cana with Lunch and Open Bar Included

Enjoy a full-day tour to the beautiful Saona Island (Isla Saona)! Relax on the pristine beaches, swim in...
Dune Buggy tour from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Dune Buggy Off-road Tour from Punta Cana (solo)

Explore the beauty of Punta Cana's countryside behind the wheel of a dune buggy in this adrenaline-packed, five-hour...
Monkeyland tour from Punta Cana by Punta Cana Adventures
Book Now, Pay Later

Monkeyland tour from Punta Cana

Monkeyland tour from Punta Cana. A guided tour that allows you to interact in close proximity to our...
All Terrain Eco ATV tour by Punta Cana Adventures
Book Now, Pay Later

Honda UTV Off-Road Tour from Punta Cana (Shared)

A powerful UTV buggy, which will drive you and your family easily and safely through the natural landscapes...

Latest posts

Cabeza de Toro
Discover Cabeza de Toro in Punta Cana

Nestled along the Dominican Republic’s eastern coastline, Cabeza de Toro Punta Cana beckons visitors with its pristine shores, crystal-clear waters, and an air of serenity

Cabeza de Toro
Discover Cabeza de Toro in Punta Cana

Nestled along the Dominican Republic’s eastern coastline, Cabeza de Toro Punta Cana beckons visitors with its pristine shores, crystal-clear waters, and an air of serenity

Coming to Punta Cana?

Schedule your Excursions &
Tours before arriving.

Our activities include roundtrip transportation from every Punta Cana resort!
ATV Tour from Punta Cana

Coming to Punta Cana?

Did you know you can plan and schedule your activities before arriving? Doing so will save you time & money!

Enter your email below & we’ll show you how: