Many people think of the Dominican Republic as a small place that you could do everything just walking around the island, but the fact is you won’t be able to, so private and public transport options are in big demand.

You will need to find your best way for your transportation to get around and will be influenced by your vacation theme, how much driving you will be doing, how much you want to spend and also your personality of getting around in a different culture.

When using public transportation, always remind yourself that Dominicans are very friendly and courteous, so most of the times you will hear a ‘Good morning or Good afternoon’ when people are getting into any form of transportation. So, don’t find yourself afraid if you hear it from somebody that you don’t know.

Driving in Dominican Republic

Driving in the Dominican Republic is not an easy task. There will be highways to connect you from one region or town to the other, and also there will be rural ways that you most likely could get lost if you don’t know where you are going.  In the most populated cities you will encounter with lights and police officers called AMET that are specially destined to control traffic and make that everybody respects the law.

If you decide to rent a car in the Dominican Republic, you must remember that is not allowed to talk on the cell phone while driving and must buckle up. Dominicans are fast drivers and the horn is honked liberally. Driving in the Dominican Republic is done on the right side.

Renting a Vehicle

Major international rental car companies are available in the Dominican located throughout the island and in the major international airports. The minimum age to rent a vehicle is 21 years old (in some cases, 25 years old). You will need to show a valid Passport, driver's License (International or from your own country) and credit card for your vehicle rental contract.

Insurance is somewhat expensive and a collision and damage waiver is necessary if you don't want to pay for the full value of repairs for damages, in case of an accident.

Taxi

Taxi fares are not metered, instead are fixed rates depending on the Taxi Company you are using. Generally, you will have to dial a telephone number and ask for a taxi to pick you up at certain location. The operator will give you details about how many minutes he will be there, the color of the car and the number ID of it. When you use a taxi for transportation, gives you the freedom of your own privacy.

Usually is ideal for you to call and order a taxi ride, but if by any chance you have to get into one without calling, make sure to ask the fare before getting in and look if it’s a cab company that look like a real one. You might want to know that cabs are not certain colors like the traditional yellow; instead it could be any brand of car or color. Taxi cabs work 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, all year long.

Gua gua (Buses)

The term Gua Gua is the local slang to call a Bus, minivan or minibuses. The “Gua guas” depart from certain regular spots. Gua Guas usually travel from one township to another and you may have to transfer to another gua gua to go further on if your route has to chance.  The Gua Guas are usually packed with people, and they will let people in as much as they can fit in the Bus.

It is wise to confirm the fare before you get in and have your money ready to pay right away. Gua guas are a economical form of transportation for Dominicans. There are regulations about the fare but usually is discussed with the syndicate and the government.

Motoconcho

Motoconchos are motorcycles used as a taxi for one or two or sometimes even three passengers, which do not count the driver. They are well used and popular in small towns and you can have it for yourself and ask where you want to go. Motoconcho run on short distances and the rates are cheap. Probably it is not the safest way to get around because of the particular way of Dominican driving, but it comes out handy to use in small towns.

Carro Publico

Carro Publicos are another type of transportation for locals. Essentially hey are public taxis that run along specific routes like the “GuaGuas”. The fee that you pay entitles you to a spot in the carro publico and you share the ride with other passengers. You can get out or stop at any point that you need to during your ride. They are way much cheaper than private taxis and are the form of transportation of many Dominicans to go to and from work on their everyday life.

Generally, there are four spots for in the backseat of the Carro Público and two in the front (that does not include the driver). If you are worried about too many people next to you or that you need some space, you can always pay for two and get the front seat just for yourself.

You will find Carros Publicos in all the major provinces of the Dominican Republic and in Santo domingo are plenty that cover most of all the areas of the city.

The Metro

On 2009 the first METRO system of the Dominican Republic opened the first line that travels on North to South on the city of Santo Domingo. It’s around 15 kilometers long and has 16 stops around Santo Domingo. The Citizens are adjusting to new Metro and is ideal because allows you to travel from the most humble areas to the metropolitan area and vice versa.

You can either purchase a Card for your travels or pay per ride on the station you start the journey. Maps are available to guide you where to go. More lines are on project to better the public transportation system of the Dominican Republic.

Station Names/Location: Line 1

North to South

Mamá Tingó                           

Neptuno

Gregorio Urbano Gilbert

Gregorio Luperón

José Francisco Peña Gómez

Hermanas Mirabal

Máximo Gómez

Los Taínos

Pedro Livio Cedeño

Peña Batlle

Juan Pablo Duarte

Prof. Juan Bosch

Casandra Damirón

Joaquín Balaguer

Amín Abel

Francisco Alberto Caamaño

Centro de los Héroes