Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Dominican Republic.

National Trains [Ferrocarriles]

Passenger rail service is extremely limited in the Dominican Republic. There are no functional intercity passenger train routes for tourists or regular commuters.
Sugar cane trains — Some historic narrow-gauge railways exist in the eastern region for sugar production but are not open to public passenger travel.
Future metro expansion — The government has announced plans for rail development, but these remain largely in planning stages with no confirmed timelines.

Guagua routes — Colorful minibuses called guaguas operate throughout cities and between towns with fixed routes but flexible stops. Fares are cheap (25-100 pesos depending on distance) and paid directly to the driver.
Guaguas are often overcrowded, make frequent unscheduled stops, and rarely run on a fixed schedule. Pick-pocketing is common on crowded routes, especially during rush hours.
Long-distance buses — Companies like Caribe Tours, Metro Tours, and Expreso Bavaro operate air-conditioned intercity buses with reserved seating. Book online or at terminals for routes between Santo Domingo, Santiago, Punta Cana, and other major cities.
Intercity buses require tickets purchased in advance; no standing room is permitted on express services.

Santo Domingo Metro — The capital has a modern metro system with two lines (Line 1 and Line 2) covering major areas like Los Mina, Gazcue, and the Colonial Zone. Single journeys cost 30 pesos and are quick and relatively safe.
Contactless cards — Purchase a rechargeable MetroCard at stations for 50 pesos, then load credit for multiple journeys. Cards work on both metro lines and some bus routes.
Metro runs roughly 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM; services are less frequent after 9:00 PM. Avoid traveling alone late at night and keep bags secure in crowded cars.
Santiago expansion — Santiago is building its own metro system with partial service now operational; check current status before planning travel in that city.

Street taxis — White taxis with a D plate are legal but often operate without meters; always agree on a fare before entering. Negotiate rates beforehand or ask your hotel for an estimated price.
Uber & Indriver — Uber and Indriver operate in Santo Domingo, Santiago, and tourist areas like Punta Cana. Fares are transparent and fixed through the app, making them safer than street taxis.
Unlicensed pirate taxis (carros públicos) pose safety risks and overcharge tourists; only use official white taxis with meters or app-based services.
Hotel taxis — Request a taxi through your hotel or resort; they arrange vetted drivers and set fares in advance, though prices are higher than street hailing.
Tipping is not mandatory but 50-100 pesos for longer journeys is appreciated.

Dominican driving is chaotic with minimal traffic law enforcement, aggressive drivers, and unpredictable road conditions. Many rental tourists are involved in accidents; drive defensively and avoid traveling at night.
Rental agencies — International companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget operate at airports and major cities. Require a valid passport, driver's license, and credit card; daily rates start around 1500 pesos ($28 USD).
You must carry your original passport, valid driving license, and rental contract at all times while driving.
Police checkpoints — Police frequently stop drivers at checkpoints to inspect documents or demand bribes (coimas). Remain polite, keep documents visible, and refuse any unofficial payments.
Fuel & roads — Gasoline is available at Pricmart and Quisqueya stations; main highways are reasonable but rural roads are poorly maintained. Use GPS or offline maps as signs are minimal.
Traffic fines range from 500-5000 pesos for speeding, red lights, or document violations; fines are issued on-the-spot and payment is expected immediately.

Major airports — Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) serves Santo Domingo, Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) handles most beach tourists, and La Romana Airport (LRM) serves the east coast. Most international flights arrive at these three hubs.
Airport transfers — Book shuttles, Uber, or rental cars in advance; taxi fares from airports are fixed (typically 600-1200 pesos to city centers) and should be paid at an official booth, not street drivers.
International departures require check-in 3 hours before flight; a departure tax of approximately 20 USD is collected at check-in or may be included in your ticket.
Avoid exchanging large sums of money at airport currency booths; rates are poor. Use ATMs for better exchange rates or exchange money in the city.
Domestic flights — AirTran and JetBlue operate regional flights between Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, and Santiago; book in advance for better fares.

Ferry to Puerto Rico — The Caribbean Cruise and Ferry formerly operated a service to Puerto Rico but is currently suspended; check with local tourism offices for any resumption or alternative water transport.
Island hopping — Small private boat charters and tour operators offer day trips to nearby islands like Saona and Catalina from ports in Punta Cana and La Romana; book through tour companies or your hotel.
Unregulated boats and informal water taxis are unsafe; use only authorized tour operators with proper safety equipment and insurance.

Metro cards — Purchase a MetroCard (50 pesos) and load credit at metro station kiosks or online through partnered apps. Cards are reusable and offer slight discounts compared to single tickets.
Intercity bus tickets — Book long-distance bus tickets online through company websites (Caribe Tours, Metro Tours) or purchase directly at terminals. Round-trip packages occasionally offer modest savings.
There is no unified public transit pass covering all transportation modes; each system (metro, buses, taxis) operates independently with separate payment methods.
Tourist packages — Some hotels and resorts offer transportation packages bundling shuttle transfers and local transport credits; inquire at booking or check with your accommodation.

Mobile networks — Claro, Verizon, and Tricom are the major carriers offering prepaid plans. SIM cards cost 150-300 pesos and are available at phone shops, supermarkets, and airport kiosks.
Prepaid data plans — Purchase data bundles (1-15 GB) starting at 200 pesos for 7-30 days through carrier apps or retail outlets. Top-up via phone, store purchases, or online recharge services.
WiFi availability — Free WiFi is common in hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and the airport. Signal strength and reliability vary significantly outside major tourist areas.
Mobile networks can be unreliable in rural areas and during peak hours in cities; always have offline maps downloaded and confirm connectivity before relying on GPS navigation.