Dominican Flights
There are regular flights between Santo Domingo, Santiago, Samaná, Punta Cana and Puerto Plata by Aerolineas Santo Domingo.
Public Transportation
Cheap and efficient air-conditioned bus and coach services run from the capital to other major towns. Alternatively there are several multinational car hire companies in Santo Domingo.
Santo Domingo has flat-fare bus and minibus services, and an estimated 7000 share-taxis called "Carro de Conchos". These operate a 24-hour service, stop on demand but charge higher fares. Horse-drawn carriages are available for rent in most cities for tours around parks and plazas.
Internal Travel
There is a reasonable network of roads on the island, although not all roads in the Dominican Republic are all weather, four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for wet weather. Checkpoints near military installations are commonplace; though no serious difficulties have been reported (those near the Haitian border are most likely to be sensitive).
Car Rental
Major car rental companies have airport and city locations, such as AVIS, DOLLAR, MC Auto and others. A valid driver's license and major credit card are required to rent a car for up to 90 days.
Domestic Travel Times
Two companies, Metro Tours and Caribe Tours provide good transportation between Santo Domingo and major cities:
- Santo Domingo to Puerto Plata 3 hours
- Santiago 1½hours
- Boca Chica Beach ½ hour
- Juan Dolio Beach 1 hour
- La Romana 2 hours
- Punta Cana 3½hours
- Samana 3½ hours
- Barahona 3 hours