How to Get From Punta Cana to Puerto Plata

2020 aside, the Dominican Republic has had more than 7 million tourists each year recently. It's one of the hottest tourist destinations on the planet for people wanting to enjoy beaches, nightlife, and lots of R&R.

There are two main destinations that people visit; Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. If you're flying into either, you need to know how to travel back and forth to maximize your time and value.

Here's what you should know about getting from Punta Cana to Puerto Plata.

Take a Flight to Puerto Plata

Booking a direct flight is one of the best ways to travel from Punta Cana to Puerto Plata. These cities are close to 400 km apart, with Puerto Plata to the north and Punta Cana all the way to the southeast.

Depending on the airline, a direct flight from Punta Cana to Puerto Plata can take a little less than an hour. This is a short timeframe for anyone looking to maximize their time on the island.

Study up at Punta Cana International Airport and figure out what you can do to expedite your time getting through the airport and onto your plane. If you are planning a Dominican Republic trip in advance, book your mid-trip flight to Puerto Plata as early as possible to lock in a great price.

Get on a Public Bus

You can use the bus system in the Dominican Republic to get from Punta Cana to Puerto Plata. With stops, it'll take you about 8 hours to travel by public bus.

While you're in Puerto Plata, board the bus at Bávaro-Punta Cana Estación 2. You will get on the bus at this stop and travel roughly 3 hours until you get to the Santo Domingo Estación 1 stop. From here, take the subway at Joaquín Balaguer briefly until you get to the Profesor Juan Bosch stop.

Come above ground and walk roughly 10 minutes toward the Santo Domingo bus depot. In about 2 hours, you will connect at La Vega. Take the bust at La Vega for another 2 hours until you get to the Puerto Plata station.

Keep in mind that these are all forms of public transportation, so timing is everything. A delay at any leg of the trip can push back your connection. Understand how frequently these buses and trains circulate and at what times of the day.

All in all, taking the trip on public transportation will cost you between $15 and $18. This, by far, gives you the best bang for your buck as long as you're willing to take the scenic route and share space with others.

Book a Private Transfer

When you book a private transfer, you will have the benefit of being on your own time and without having to share space with other passengers. You can get a private transfer in vehicles of all types, and these transfers often come with refreshments, Wi-Fi, and other amenities that you will enjoy.

In traveling a straight shot in a private vehicle, you can expect the trip to take roughly five and a half hours. These drivers will gladly stop for the bathroom, food, and stretching breaks. You will typically pay for this by the person, so consider how many people you have in your travel group.

Grab a Car and Drive

If you like taking matters into your own hands, there's nothing stopping you from grabbing the keys and making the trip yourself. There are plenty of rental car companies you can book with, both onsite at the airport and throughout the surrounding area.

Figure out what size and type of vehicle you need, making sure that you have plenty of room for storage and legroom. Choose a vehicle that gets excellent fuel economy, reliability, and features. Make sure to opt for insurance on the vehicle as well to cover you for any liabilities or other issues.

Hail a Taxi or Rideshare

Finally, consider hiring a driver in a taxi or rideshare. Punta Cana to Puerto Plata is a common trip that people take, so you can typically get a flat rate. The cost might go up during peak seasons or times when traffic is particularly dense.

You will find plenty of taxis and Ubers outside of the airport. 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.

Make sure to also consider additional money for tips, fuel surcharges, and other considerations.

Traveling to Puerto Plata

These tips are helpful when you're traveling to Puerto Plata for any reason. The Dominican Republic is a beautiful country that attracts visitors year-round. Do business with a company that can help you with all of your travel needs.

Punta Cana Transfer can help you get where you're going. Book online now and receive an immediate email confirmation or pick up the phone and dial +1 (516) 908-0820.