Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic

An extensive network of over 20,000 kilometers of highways and secondary roads and airports throughout the country link major cities and ports. Visitors will find all areas of the country accessible through the use of taxis, car rentals, buses, ground tour operators or light aircraft charters.

Local Transport
Most hotels have taxis available 24 hours a day; radio taxis operate in Santo Domingo, Santiago and Puerto Plata around the clock. Public taxis (carros públicos), buses, and motoconchos are inexpensive ways to travel along busy thoroughfares within the cities. Rental cars are available everywhere if you wish to drive yourself.

Car Rentals
Major car rental companies have airport and city locations including National, Avis, Budget, Hertz, McDeal, Honda, Nelly, Dollar, Thrifty as well as over 10 local companies. A valid driver's license and major credit card are required to rent a car for up to 90 days. Driving is on the right hand side and the speed limit is 60 kph in the cities and 80 kph on the highways, unless otherwise indicated. Many companies require a minimum two-day rental for unlimited mileage, otherwise single day renters pay additional per distance traveled.

Limousines Airport pickup, city transport and sightseeing is now available by limousine. On call 24 hours a day you may request optional services such as cellular phones, faxes and bars in the limos which seat up to 10 persons.

Buses
The country has an excellent bus system providing scheduled transport between Santo Domingo and major cities. Those privately-operated companies include Metro Tours and Caribe Tours.

Ground Tours
A wide range of sightseeing, shopping and overnight tours can be arranged through local tour operators who have tour desks in most hotel lobbies. Tours vary from the standard general interest to those tailor-made to suit individual needs.

Domestic Flights
Air Santo Domingo operates flights between Santo Domingo (Herrera Airport) and principal tourism regions of the Dominican Republic. Light aircraft charter companies rent single- and twin-engine planes and helicopters with a pilot for flights to domestic and international airports within the country.

Driving Times
Getting around the Dominican Republic is easy given the fine roads and
highways that connect the cities and towns. Following are the projected travel times between Santo Domingo and major tourist destinations.