The majority of visitors arrive at Aeropuerto Internacional Las Américas (tel 809/549-0858), the country's largest, located 13km east of the city proper. The airport is far enough away from the city centre to make a taxi the most efficient way into town if you're not renting a car; you shouldn't pay more than RD$300.

A fairly sophisticated bus system links Santo Domingo to the rest of the country. If arriving by bus , you'll have no trouble finding a taxi or public transport from your terminal, including Caribe Tours at Av 27 de Febrero and Navarro (tel 809/221-4422); Metro at Máximo Gómez 61 and Av 27 de Febrero (tel 809/566-7126); and Terrabus at Guarocuya 4 (tel 809/531-0383).

There is no official public transit system in Santo Domingo, but the informal network of públicos and guaguas manage to cover every inch of the city and can get you pretty much anywhere for under RD$10. Just stand on the corner of a major street and wave your arms at the first car with a taxi sign. More comfortable are private taxis ; reputable operators include Atupal (tel 809/554-0922), Cristiano (tel 809/594-2049) and El Refugio (tel 809/687-1572).