The Dominican Republic's
bus
companies provide an excellent, inexpensive service over much of the country. Lines at the stations move quickly, there's plenty of room for luggage on the vehicles and trips are relatively pleasant. Even more extensive, and cheaper, is the informal network of
guaguas
- ranging from fairly decent minibuses to battered, overcrowded vans - that cover every inch of the DR; in most cases, you should be prepared for some discomfort - and you'll have a hard time fitting in much luggage.
Taxis
are another option for getting around the cities, and by foreign standards are relatively cheap; reputable operators are listed throughout the section.
Car rental
is common as well, but the cost is generally high.
Domestic airlines
, on the other hand, are reasonably economical, and can make sense if you're not exploring much beyond the main centres. Finally, a number of
tour operators
in Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata and the all-inclusive resorts organize individual itineraries and packages with transport included.
By bus
Caribe Tours
(in Santo Domingo tel 809/221-4422) boasts by far the most extensive bus network, while
Metro
(in Santo Domingo tel 809/566-7126) can get you from the capital to the Cibao, Puerto Plata and the Samaná Peninsula. Both have...
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By guaguas, públicos and motoconchos
The informal system of
guaguas
, an unregulated network of private operators, is a distinctive Dominican experience that you should try at least once. Aside from the local colour, they're worth using because they're incredibly cheap and cover...
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By car
Car rental
is expensive in the DR, though you can cut your costs a bit - and avoid a lot of hassle - by booking in advance with an international operator. Rates start around US$45-50 per day, with unlimited mileage but no discount for longer rental...
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By plane
If you're travelling across the country, say from Santo Domingo to Samaná, and aren't especially interested in what lies in between, it's worth considering a
domestic flight
. Air Santo Domingo (tel 809/683-8006,
) is a good local...
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