Santo Domingo Travel Forum

Does it make sense to rent a car there? Me and my friend are going for 4 days and want to maximize our experience. We are staying at a small hotel in Santo Domingo city, but also want to hit up the beach at Punta Cana and see other parts of the island.

Thanks a lot

Unless your hotel is in a secluded or dangerous area (and I doubt it is), I'd skip renting the car and hire a driver - that is if you don't want to take cabs or public transportation.

Going to Punta Cana, as well as other parts of the island, is easy by bus. Check out www.caribetours.com.do (Higüey is the closest town and from there you take a local bus).

Although you didn't ask for it, I think 4 days is too little to stay in Santo Domingo and go to Punta Cana AND other parts of the island. Consider that Punta Cana is about 4,5 hours by bus from Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata is 4 hours away, and so on.

However you want to do it, I hope you enjoy your time down there :)

Traffic is rather hectic in Santo Domingo, so unless you're a very experienced driver I would't rent a car to get around in SD. Instead try to talk with some of the cab drives, sometimes you can get a fair price for a whole day, but it's very important that you and the cab driver agreed on the price before you get in the cab.

Anyway - if you decide to rent a car to go to f.x. Punta Cana - there are car rental agencies at the airport (I think you can find them on the internet). Another option is "Jhon's Auto". Me and some friends used them once and had a really cheap price. The company is located 5 minutes drive from the airport, but we found a sales agent just outside the aiport, and he took us to the company.

Instead of taking the long drive to Punta Cana, you could consider the beaches at Boca Chica. Boca Chica is only 20-30 minutes drive from SD.

Enjoy your stay.

Yes, I'd definatley rent a car so you don't have to risk taxi's. :)

I rented a car this last time and was so glad I did it! I got to see so much. The prices aren't too bad either.