Transportation from Santo Domingo's Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) to Cabarete

After passing through Customs & Immigration and picking up your luggage, you'll exit the Arrivals Terminal. It's here that you'll be met with warm tropical air and the hustle & bustle of people looking to help you with luggage or taxi service. If you would like luggage assistance, the going rate is US$1.00 per piece of luggage. If you do not wish for assistance, just firmly say 'No thank you', or even better, in Spanish, 'No gracias'. From here you have four transportation options to reach Cabarete.

Taxi
Cost: About US$100
Travel Time: 4 hours

Traveling by taxi is usually the fastest and most reliable form of transport from Santo Domingo to Cabarete. Finding a taxi outside the airport to drive to Cabarete is not a problem, but it can be a little more expensive to make the journey at night. If you are traveling during the day, and not in a hurry, ask your driver to take the 'Carretera Touristica' route. Once you reach Santiago, this route will take you over the country's northern mountain chain, Cordillera Septentrional, to Sosua. You'll enjoy beautiful views of the lush mountains and valleys that separate the fertile Central Valley of the Dominican Republic and the golden shores of the North.

Bus Transport
Cost: About US$25
Travel Time: Up to 7 hours

This is the least expensive transportation option but it can be quite a long journey after hours of flight travel. First you will have to take a taxi from the Santo Domingo Airport to the Bus Station, which is located in downtown Santo Domingo. The cost of the taxi is about US$20 to US$30 and if traffic is smooth, the ride is about 30 minutes. Of the 3 big bus companies, Caribe Tours and Metro are recommended. This is because the other one finishes its route in Puerto Plata, and Caribe Tours and Metro brings all the way to Cabarete. The bus ride from Santo Domingo can take up to 5 hours. The buses are air-conditioned so bring a sweater or light jacket for the ride.

If you plan on taking this form of transportation, make sure you consider your time table to ensure you will meet the bus schedule. It can take anywhere from 1 - 2 hours after arriving, to pick up your luggage, go through Customs & Immigration, and then travel by taxi to the Bus Station. If you aren't able to reach the last bus, there are hotels in Santo Domingo. Relax and take in the sights of the capital city and then arrange to take the bus the following day.

Air Transport
Cost: Around US$160
Travel Time: about 2 to 3 hours

There is no direct scheduled flight between Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata. There is one regular airline that fies between Santo Domingo and Punta Cana and between Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. Fortunately the schedule is such that you can first take the plane from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana and a few minutes later it flies on to Puerto Plata. If you have a lot of luggage, or heavy sporting equipment, make sure you obtain permission for its transportation before purchasing your ticket.

Check here for airlines.

Remember with any flight, you'll still have to arrange transportation from Puerto Plata International Airport to Cabarete.

Rental Car
Cost: About US$70 (with gasoline)
Travel Time: 5 - 6 hours

A long drive after a long flight is not recommended. Driving in this country in the dark on unknown roads can cause a lot of stress – not something you should experience on vacation! But if you prefer to drive, there are car rental companies located at each international airport. The car can be rented directly from the airport and driven to Cabarete. Daily rental ranges from US$40-$80, depending on the type of car, and insurance is available. Make sure you contact the car rental service a few days before your arrival.

Click here for car rental companies.