Real Life and Times in the Dominican Republic
Renting a car is another option but I would not recommend this, especially if you are not familiar with the island and the way Dominicans drive. You ha to be very alert and pay close attention as the drivers here do not follow the usual road usage rules. Also many routes are not marked and some roads can be very treacherous. Also when you drive you may miss many interesting things happening in the street as your eyes will always need to be focused intently on the road ahead, behind, and on both sides.
Major Car Rental Companies
Avis Contact:809-535-7191 www.avis.com
Budget Contact:809-562-6812 www.budget.com
Hertz Contact:809-221-5333 www.hertz.com
McBeal Contact:809-688-6518
National Contact:809-562-1444 www.nationalcar.com
Nelly Rent-a-Car Contact:809-544-1800
ADVENTURE AUTO RENTAL
"Closer Than Ever Wherever Your Path May Take You"
Located in all the major airports in Dominican Republic. They offer a variety of vehicles and services.
For Reservations 809-612-5494 / 809-383-5061 / 809-586-0601
Air transportation across the island is aprox.$65USD (2006 -These prices are just an average)
Takeoff Destination Service S.A., Plaza Brisas de Bavaro Local # 08
Offering flights from Punta Cana to and from Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, and Samaná. Offering sightseeing tours, shuttle service, flight school, Air signs and much more.
Bavaro - Punta Cana
Air Century Flies out of Herrera Airport and La Romana/ Casa de Campo Airport.They have sightseeing tours, charters, and more. Contact:809-566-0888 or 809-567-6778
Air Santo Domingo Contact:809-683-8020
Jimmy and Irene Butler of Air Taxi Flies out of Herrera Airport, Núñez de Cáceres 2 and Santo Domingo. They offer charter planes around the island and to some neighboring islands Contact:809-227-8333 or 809-567-1555
Caribar Flies out of Herrera Airport, Av. Luperon and Santo Domingo. They offer ambulance service, photography trips and general air service from both helicopters and planes Contact:809-542-6688
SAP Express
They fly from Punta Cana and Puerta Plata
Contact: (Sto Dgo)809-565-3927, (PP)809-586-0391,(Bavero)809-552-0127
(ALL THIS INFORMATION CAN CHANGE AT ANY TIME)
Just to give you an idea of distances and mileage:
From Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo (SDQ) to:
JUAN DOLIO (20km) about 35 min. drive
SANTO DOMINGO CITY (30km) about 35 min. drive
PUNTA CANA (200km) 3 hour drive
PUERTO PLATA (250km) 4 hour drive
SOSUA (240km) 4 hour drive
CABARETE (220km) 3 1/2 hour drive
SAMANA (245km) 4 hour drive
LA ROMANA (110km) 1 1/2 hour drive
International Airports in Dominican Republic and their codes.
Maria Montez Intl in Barahona - BRX
Punta Cana Intl in Higuey - PUJ
La Romana Intl in La Romana - LRM
Gregorio Luperon Intl in Puerto Plata - POP
Cibao Intl in Santiago - STI
Herrera Intl in Santo Domingo - HEX
Las Americas Intl in Santo Domingo - SDQ
Horse and Buggy Rides are a great way to see the Colonial Zone and Malecon area of the capital city, Santo Domingo. Arrange the price before the ride. The driver can give you a little history during the trip. Most drivers are very informative and nice people. You can ask them to make little stops along the way for a refreshment. This is a fun and can also be used as a romantic way to woo your mate. A must try for all visitors.
There are people, animals, and people on animals trying to cross when you do not expect. There are people selling on the sides of the road. There are houses along the highway and also in the grassy strip in the center of the highway. Always be aware when traveling this highway. If you do have any problems take these numbers with you to call for fast help.
Emergency numbers on Duarte Highway. This is the main highway from Santo Domingo to Santiago. This highway is in good shape but can be very dangerous traveling. There are roads entering and exiting the highway.
Ferry Service
Ferries Del Caribe DBA/ Cruceros Del Caribe
Take a Ferry/Cruise boat to Puerto Rico. They leave 3 times a week to and from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and Mayagüez in Puerto Rico. There is entertainment, food, Casino, things for the kids and much more. Sleeping rooms available. The ride is only twelve hours.
Puerto Rico 787-832-4800 Dominican Republic 809-688-4400 http://www.ferriesdelcaribe.com/
Santo Domino Dominican Republic now has a subway system called Metro. It will be in operation by mid to late 2008 (they were planning for February 2008 but it did not come to pass). The plan is to have many lines throughout the city and someday the entire country.
Line 1 is 16km (about 10 miles) long. It will have 15 stations with both underground and surface routes. Line 1 runs North to South through the city from Villa Mella (Av. Hermanas Mirabal) to La Feria (Centro de los Heroes). There is to be 57 subway cars running this route in a very modern facility. There will be elevators and escalators to access the stations. The fare is to be $20 pesos (1/08).
This image is the routes and information on the stops that will be included on this new subway system. Click the image to enlarge.
As soon as it is open we will have all the information.
