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.
Whatโs the driving distance from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo?
The driving distance from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo is 121 miles (195 km).
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 Cotubanamรก 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 Republicโs 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 Bรกvaro. 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 donโt 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 Cotubanamรก 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 Marรญa 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 Ladiesโ Street
If you seek more historic โfirstsโ, 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 Alcรกzar de Colรณn, 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, รgora 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.
* Mangรบ: 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 79ยฐF to 82ยฐF (26-28ยฐC). 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.
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Higuey
The heart of this bustling city is one of the world's most unique Brutalist churches.ย The Brutal Maryย
Cueva del Puente
Hike to this large cave to find bats, stalagmites, and Taino pictographs.ย Bridging Nature & Historyย
Cueva de Chicho
Take a dip in a cave filled with Taino carvings.ย Wetroglyphsย
VegaFina Factory
See how award winning smokes are made in this intimate cigar factory and shop.ย Fine Stogiesย
Cave of Wonders
Along with beautiful natural formations, this marvelous cave is filled with hundreds of paintings made by the islandโs indigenous inhabitants.ย Eclectic Decorย
The Three Eyes
These vibrant subterranean pools bring a slice of primordial natural beauty to Santo Domingo Este.ย Eyes of the Jungleย
Columbus Lighthouse
Part mausoleum, part museum, this massive monument is a controversial commemoration to colonialism.ย Discovery and Disputeย
