Your driver will meet you at your address in Punta Cana.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
Youâll travel in comfort for 2 h 20 min.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Santo Domingo.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
195 km2 h 20 min
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo
What is the fastest way to get from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo?
If you are looking for a quick Punta Cana to Santo Domingo transfer, opt for a private car service, such as Daytrip, which will take you to Santo Domingo in 2 hours and 20 minutes.
What is the easiest way to get from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo?
The most effortless way to get from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo is by a door-to-door car service. Opting for Daytrip services means zero worries. You'll be picked up at your accommodation and taken on a nearly 2.5-hour journey to Santo Domingo.
Are there any flights available from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo Airport?
Although both cities have an airport, they are not that far away from each other, so there are no direct flights connecting them.
How much is a taxi from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo?
The taxi prices vary but for the route from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo expect to pay starting from $140.
Is there a train from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo?
Currently, there is no train connecting Punta Cana and Santo Domingo.
Whatâs the driving distance from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo?
The driving distance from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo is 121 miles (195 km).
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,600+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries theyâre visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
Overview: car trip from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo
The Dominican Republic is a paradise on earth, famous for its turquoise, crystal-clear beaches, and creamy white to golden-hued velvet sand. And after having your hair soaked in the pristine beaches of Punta Cana, it is now time to see the Dominican Republic from a different perspective. Santo Domingo is like no other city on this island country. As you weave along the southern coast from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo, make sure you explore other jewels scattered along the way.
If you are feeling adventurous, discover one of the caves you can encounter en route. Cueva del Puente, located in the CotubanamĂĄ National Park, is famous for the Taino pictographs. And while Cueva de Chicho also has evidence of the Taino Indians, it offers a very unique place for swimming worth exploring. As you are visiting the cigar country, you also cannot miss the opportunity of taking a tour of the VegaFina Factory which will be intriguing even for non-smokers!
About Santo Domingo
Are you looking for an authentic Dominican culture experience? Then Santo Domingo is for you! Unlike other famous cities in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is not known for its paradisiac beaches. As a result, many visitors often skip exploring Santo Domingo, using it solely as a gateway to the stunning coastal towns, missing out on fully appreciating the capital city's unique charm.
The Caribbean city was founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, the brother of Cristopher Columbus, and to this day, Santo Domingo is renowned for being the very first colonial city. It is also home to the oldest university in the Americas. The most visited place in Santo Domingo is the Ciudad Colonial (Colonial City), a UNESCO-listed neighborhood steeped in history where you can wander through the cobblestoned streets and explore the colonial architecture that has been well-preserved to this day.
While Santo Domingo is rich in colonial-era architecture, it surprises with its blend of historical charm and modernity. As a metropolitan city, Santo Domingo offers a diverse array of options for everyone: entertainment, restaurants, lively nightlife, outdoor activities, and much more.
Speaking of outdoor activities, the Dominican Republicâs main sport is baseball (or pelota, as locals call it), which comes as a surprise, knowing that most Latin American countries are passionate about football. Although attending a baseball game at the Quisqueya Stadium in Santo Domingo might not be a popular tourist activity, it surely is one of the best ways to learn about the local culture.
From Punta Cana to Santo Domingo: travel tips
Ensure a hassle-free trip from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo with these travel hacks up your sleeve:
Stay hydrated
As the weather in Santo Domingo (just like in other parts of the Dominican Republic) is warm, make sure you drink enough water. While it might be tempting to bring a reusable bottle, unfortunately, tap water should not be consumed. However, bottled water in the Dominican Republic is relatively inexpensive compared to other countries.
### Have some cash in your pocket
Make sure you carry some Dominican pesos with you. While it's convenient to have cash for tipping at restaurants, you may also encounter situations where locals ask for a propina (tip) after giving directions. This practice isn't unique to Santo Domingo. You may have already experienced it in Punta Cana or other parts of the Dominican Republic.
How to get from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo
While the route is popular, the cities are not that far from each other. Nevertheless, your Punta Cana to Santo Domingo transfer should flow like a river, so make sure you find the most comfortable and convenient mode of transportation:
### From Punta Cana to Santo Domingo by bus
The cheapest way to get from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo is by bus, with the journey time around 3 to 4 hours. The most popular bus company amongst travelers is Expreso BĂĄvaro. However, bear in mind that you cannot purchase the tickets online, so you will have to arrive at the bus station earlier to secure a seat.
### From Punta Cana to Santo Domingo by taxi
As there are not many transportation options available on this route and you donât feel like taking a bus, you can also opt for a taxi. Nonetheless, it is not the most convenient way to move between these cities. Expect the drive to cost starting from $140. If you would still like to reach Santo Domingo without compromising your comfort, keep on reading!
### From Punta Cana to Santo Domingo by private car service
Undoubtedly, the most convenient, comfortable, and flexible way to travel from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo is by a door-to-door private car service. Daytrip will assign a driver who will happily pick you up from your accommodation in Punta Cana. Expect a comfortable, clean, and well-air-conditioned car (perfect for the Dominican climate) which will take you on a scenic drive of 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Nothing beats what Daytrip can do for you. Apart from your comfort, you will also be granted the flexibility to make the trip yours by adding any sightseeing stops along the way. Are the Punta Cana beaches not enough? Dive into the Chicho Cave tucked in the CotubanamĂĄ National Park. This cave is famous for the indigenous Taino carvings, giving your relaxing stop a hint of history. Make sure you don't miss out on visiting the famous Three Eyes National Park, where you can admire three underground lakes (known as "eyes").
Things to do when you get to Santo Domingo
Although the car trip from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo is less than 2.5 hours long, you are probably eager to finally explore the colonial yet modern Santo Domingo. Even if you already have a plan on what to do, make sure these recommendations are on your list:
### Admire the oldest cathedral
As the Colonial City neighborhood is surely on your itinerary, definitely visit the Cathedral of Santa MarĂa la Menor which is known for being the first and oldest cathedral in the Americas. This impressive cathedral was built in Gothic style, and it used to house the remains of Columbus until they were transferred to Seville.
### Walk down the Ladiesâ Street
If you seek more historic âfirstsâ, Santo Domingo is the ideal destination. Calle de las Damas, named after Diego Columbus' wife, is the oldest paved street in the Americas. The street is lined up with colonial architecture, including the AlcĂĄzar de ColĂłn, originally the home of Christopher Columbus' son Diego, now transformed into a museum.
### Go on a shopping spree
Santo Domingo has the best shopping malls in the Dominican Republic, Ăgora Mall being the most famous one. Located near the heart of the city, this mall features four floors filled with a wide selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering visitors a comprehensive shopping and dining experience.
### Dive into the local gastronomy
Discovering local cuisine is the gateway to understanding local culture, so you should definitely sample some of the local dishes. Here are three of our recommendations:
Sancocho: a meat and vegetable stew that locals usually serve on special events.
Habichuelas con Dulce: sweet cream made of beans, coconut milk, sweet potato, raisins, and cookies on top.
* MangĂș: a breakfast dish which is made of mashed plantains. It can be served with meat, cheese, and eggs.
When is the best time to visit Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is an ideal year-round destination, thanks to its tropical climate that offers warmth and sunshine throughout most of the year. If you are seeking pleasant weather, consider visiting from November to March, when temperatures typically range from 79°F to 82°F (26-28°C). During these months, the humidity is lower, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.
If you plan to travel in May, be prepared for occasional rain showers. From June to October, Santo Domingo experiences higher temperatures and increased humidity, along with the possibility of hurricanes. Nevertheless, the off-season period offers advantages such as lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.
Visit these sights on the way
Higuey
The heart of this bustling city is one of the world's most unique Brutalist churches. The Brutal MaryÂ
Cueva del Puente
Hike to this large cave to find bats, stalagmites, and Taino pictographs. Bridging Nature & HistoryÂ
Cueva de Chicho
Take a dip in a cave filled with Taino carvings. WetroglyphsÂ
VegaFina Factory
See how award winning smokes are made in this intimate cigar factory and shop. Fine StogiesÂ
Cave of Wonders
Along with beautiful natural formations, this marvelous cave is filled with hundreds of paintings made by the islandâs indigenous inhabitants. Eclectic DecorÂ
The Three Eyes
These vibrant subterranean pools bring a slice of primordial natural beauty to Santo Domingo Este. Eyes of the JungleÂ
Columbus Lighthouse
Part mausoleum, part museum, this massive monument is a controversial commemoration to colonialism. Discovery and DisputeÂ
âI used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.â
âWe were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, weâd especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.â
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Daydream20046758137
âWe absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. Itâs worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. Itâs 5 star rating is well deserved.â
âWe traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortableâ
âGonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.â
âWe were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.â
âUsed the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.â
âUsed Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.â
âWe did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.â
âWe used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.â
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Omar
Good to know
Children
If youâre traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isnât included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If youâre traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Donât worry if you donât know your exact address at the time of booking - youâll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select âReturnâ when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select âOne Wayâ or âReturnâ to change the type of trip you need. Itâs a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you donât see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
