How to Get From Punta Cana to Las Terrenas
If you're ready to venture overseas again after the pandemic, Las Terrenas in the Dominican Republic is the perfect place to start! It's a small resort town nestled on the northern shores of the Samana peninsula. It offers stunning tropical beaches, major hotels, and cute bed and breakfasts.
If you're flying in from the States or Canada, you'll likely arrive at Punta Cana Airport. It's the Dominican Republic's busiest airport, handling over 50% of the country's arrivals. It's a great travel hub where you can easily find connections to Las Terrenas and other parts of the country.
Let's explore all your options for traveling from Punta Cana to Las Terrenas.
Bus Transfers to Las Terrena
The cheapest way to get from Punta Cana Aiport to Las Terrenas is by local bus. But it's also the most complicated.
You'll need to take two buses to the bus terminal in Punta Cana, followed by a bus to the capital Santa Domingo. Your final bus will take you directly to Las Terrenas.
Make sure you grab some cash from an exchange before you leave the airport - you'll need it for bus fares. You can buy a ticket in advance at the bus station or from the driver.
The Route
First, you'll need to get out of the airport and catch a bus to Cruce de Verón. They're operated by two companies, Tramabapu and Sitrabapu, and run every thirty minutes. You'll have to change and get a bus heading to Bavaro Bus Terminal.
It will take about 90 minutes to get from Punta Cana Airport to Bavaro Bus Terminal. From Bavaro Bus Terminal, take the Bavaro Express to Santo Domingo. This costs around 500 DOP and leaves at:
7 am
9 am
11 am
1 pm
3 pm
4 pm
The journey takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. If you're planning to arrive in the evening, book a hotel and take the bus the next day.
Once you're in Santo Domingo, it's one bus all the way to Las Terrenas. It's operated by Asotrapusa and takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. It costs around 400 DOP, making it a great option when you're on a tight budget.
Buses leave at:
8:30 am
9:30 am
11 am
1:40 pm
3 pm
6 pm
When you arrive in Las Terrenas, you can either walk, take a taxi, or take a local bus to your accommodation. It'll take you about 6 hours and 15 minutes in travel time, plus waiting. But you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you only spent around $20 to get there!
Uber to Las Terrenas
If that sounds like a lot of work, you can always get an Uber. It now operates in Punta Cana with some restrictions in place. It's a good idea to schedule your pickup ahead of time. Otherwise, you might have a long wait. Please note that many Ubers will reject a long trip like this once it arrives, making Uber a not-so-reliable form of transportation in Punta Cana.
You can expect to pay around 10,500 DOP for an Uber X that can accommodate four people. The advantage is that it will take you all the way to your destination in around 4 hours.
Please keep in mind that Uber drivers only get a cut of the price you pay Uber, making it so that many trips are not worthwhile. When requesting an Uber in Punta Cana and especially for such a long trip as this, expect to have to negotiate with the driver to ultimately pay more than the rate on the app.
Punta Cana Shuttle
Currently, there is no shuttle service operating between Punta Cana Airport and Las Terrenas.
Unless you schedule a private transfer, your only group travel option is to follow the directions above and travel via Santo Domingo.
Self-Transfer with Car Rental
Car rental is easy from Punta Cana Airport. Top rental car operators such as National, Alamo, Europcar, and Thrifty all operate from the airport alongside local companies. You can expect to pay around $60 per day for a basic car.
While it's easy to hire a car, driving is not for the fainthearted. You don't need a special license - you can drive on a US license for the duration of your visa. However, the road system and traffic laws will look familiar to US drivers. The problem is that the style of driving won't.
Expect challenging road conditions and erratic driving. Try to avoid driving at night, when the poor roads, wild animals, and weather can make travel treacherous.
If you choose to hire a car, it will take you around four hours to get to Las Terrenas.
Private Transfer from Punta Cana
The safest, most comfortable, and easiest way to get from Punta Cana Aiport to Las Terrenas is to get a private transfer.
After your flight, it's a relief to know that a vehicle is waiting just for you, with a driver who has a sign with your name on it. They'll provide a door-to-door service.
You won't have to worry about cash for tolls and bus fares. There's no need to stress about negotiating unfamiliar roads.
To accommodate your entire travel group, book a van transfer. This can take up to 6 people to Las Terrenas and will cost around $290 one way or $580 for a round trip. If there are six people in your party, this is less than $50 per person for a round-trip in comfort and safety.
Why Choose Las Terrenas?
It takes a little planning to get from Punta Cana to Las Terrenas. But you'll find that it's well worth the effort.
Las Terrenas Activities
The main attraction in Las Terrenas is its beaches. You can do a lot more than just soak up the rays. The beach is also home to horse riding and bachata dance classes.
Head down to Samana between December and March to see thousands of humpback whales ! There's no wetsuit required. Watch them in style and comfort from a double-decker luxury catamaran.
Drinks and a buffet are included in the whale-watching package. It's an experience not to be missed!
Travel in Style to Las Terrenas
Start and end your Las Terrenas vacation in style. At Punta Cana Transfer, we make your journey simple. Book your transfer and receive an immediate email confirmation.
We'll monitor your flight and will be waiting for you at the airport when you arrive. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful countryside of the DR on the way to your destination.
Click here to schedule your Punta Cana transfer today!