Getting Around the Dominican Republic
Your guide on How to travel in the Dominican Republic
Getting Around the Dominican Republic: My Go-To Ways to Travel
As someone with dual citizenship in the U.S. and the Dominican Republic, the DR isn’t just a vacation destination for me — it’s my second home. I travel back and forth often, and over the years I’ve figured out the easiest, safest, and most realistic ways to get around the island.
This post is part of my Dominican Republic travel series, where I share how I actually travel — from city life in Santo Domingo and Santiago to beach towns like Las Terrenas. If you’re planning a trip and wondering how to get around the Dominican Republic without renting a car, this guide is for you.
👉 If you’re heading to the Samaná peninsula, don’t miss my full Las Terrenas Travel Guide linked below.
🚗 Uber: Easy City Transportation
Uber is hands down one of the easiest ways to get around in the DR — especially in Santo Domingo and Santiago. It works just like it does in the U.S., and I use it regularly when I’m visiting family, running errands, or heading out to eat.
Uber currently operates in:
Santo Domingo
Santiago de los Caballeros
Puerto Plata
It does not reliably operate in places like Punta Cana, La Romana, or Samaná, so always check the app before assuming it’s available.
My tips:
Always confirm the license plate and driver in the app
Sit in the back seat and trust your instincts
At Las Américas Airport (SDQ), there is now a designated Uber pickup area, which makes arrivals much easier
For city travel, Uber is my go-to.
🚌 Caribe Tours: The Best Way to See the Country
If you want to explore beyond one city, Caribe Tours is one of the best transportation options in the Dominican Republic.
They connect most major cities across the island, including:
Santo Domingo
Santiago
Puerto Plata
Samaná
Barahona
The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and affordable — perfect for longer trips when you don’t want to rent a car.
Pro tip: Choose an early departure so you arrive at your destination during daylight.
🏝️ Asotrapusa: Santo Domingo → Las Terrenas
When I travel to Las Terrenas, I always take Asotrapusa.
A lot of people don’t realize that Caribe Tours only goes to Samaná city, which is still about 40 minutes away from Las Terrenas. Asotrapusa goes directly into Las Terrenas town, making it the easiest option.
Buses run multiple times a day, and the trip usually takes about two hours from Santo Domingo.
👉 For everything to do once you arrive, read my full Las Terrenas Travel Guide on the blog.
💎 Transporte Espinal (Platinum): Santiago ↔ Santo Domingo
For trips between Santiago and Santo Domingo, I love Transporte Espinal Platinum.
This is a more premium bus option — spacious seats, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a smoother ride overall. It’s perfect if you want comfort without paying for a private driver.
If you’re bouncing between these two cities, this is 100% worth it.
🏍️ Moto Taxis: A Common Local Option for Short Distances
Now, this is not ever my first option but I think it’s worth mentioning. Across the Dominican Republic, moto taxis are a common and affordable way to get around — especially for short trips within towns.
They’re widely used by locals and are often the fastest option when traffic is heavy or distances are short. In some areas, moto taxis are now also available through the Uber app, which adds convenience and upfront pricing similar to regular Uber rides.
While availability varies by location, moto taxis tend to be most useful in smaller cities and beach towns, where parking is limited and everything is close together.
Good to know:
Best for short distances
Very affordable
Helmets are usually provided
Always confirm the price ahead of time if not using Uber
In places like Cabarete, moto taxis are especially popular and can be a great, low-cost way to move around town — something I’ll be diving deeper into in a dedicated Cabarete travel guide.
✨ Final Thoughts
Getting around the Dominican Republic doesn’t have to be complicated.
Use Uber in major cities
Take Caribe Tours for long-distance travel
Choose Asotrapusa for Las Terrenas
Ride Espinal Platinum between Santiago and Santo Domingo
In beach towns like Cabarete, moto taxis make getting around quick, cheap, and stress-free.
Each option offers a different perspective of the island — and that’s what makes traveling here so special.
🎥 Watch My Dominican Republic Travel Vlogs
I share all of this in real time on YouTube — from navigating transportation to beach days, food spots, and everyday life in the DR.
👉 Watch my Dominican Republic travel vlogs here:
Anna’s Dominican Republic Playlist