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The informal system of guaguas, an unregulated
network of private operators, is a distinctive Dominican
experience that you should try at least once.
Aside from the local color, they're worth using because
they're incredibly cheap and cover far more of the country
than the bus companies. To catch a guagua , either
ask for the location of the local station or simply stand by
the side of the road and wave your arms at one as it passes.
For longer trips, you'll often have to transfer guaguas
at major towns, but even the longest leg of the trip will
cost no more than RD$40; more often, you'll be paying
RD$5-10.
Santo Domingo
to the southeast and the Barahona region are often served by
far more comfortable, air-conditioned minibuses ;
along the Silver Coast, the vans are augmented by private
cars called públicos , which charge RD$5 and only go
to the next nearest town and wait to fill up before heading
off. Públicos also make up part of the city
transport system in Santo Domingo, and dominate it in
Santiago. City routes rarely cost more than RD$2. In Puerto
Plata and other smaller towns, city transit is instead in
the form of motoconchos , inexpensive, small-engine
motorbikes that ferry you from place to place; they're
faster than the públicos but can be dangerous.
 By Car
Car rental
is expensive in the DR, though you can cut your costs a bit
- and avoid a lot of hassle - by booking in advance with an
international operator. Rates start around US$45-50 per day,
with unlimited mileage but no discount for longer rental
periods; you should also get full collision insurance, an
extra US$10-12 per day. Even with collision, though, you're
contractually responsible for any damage up to RD$25,000.
You should therefore take special care to note all
dents, scratches and missing parts before signing off.
Dominicans drive on the right-hand side of the road ,
often at a breakneck pace. You'll have to keep a careful eye
out along the highways, as large commercial buses and cargo
trucks constantly veer into the opposite lane to pass slower
vehicles.
 By Plane
If you're traveling across the country, say from Santo
Domingo to Samaná, and aren't especially interested in what
lies in between, it's worth considering a domestic flight
. Air Santo Domingo (phone 809/683-8006, ) is a
good local carrier, affiliated with Air Europa, offering
fast, fairly priced connections between Puerto Plata, Punta
Cana, El Portillo (near Las Terrenas), La Romana, Santiago
and Santo Domingo. Flights cost RD$500-1000 and last no more
than an hour.
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 By Bus
Caribe Tours
(in Santo Domingo phone 809/221-4422) boasts by
far the most extensive bus network, while Metro (in
Santo Domingo phone 809/566-7126) can get you
from the capital to the Cibao, Puerto Plata and the Samaná
Peninsula. Both have comprehensive brochures available in
their stations, listing destinations and departure times. In
addition, you'll find several regional bus companies, though
vehicles and drivers tend to vary more in quality. Unless
it's a public holiday, you won't need advance
reservations , but you should arrive at least an hour
before the bus leaves to be sure of getting a seat. As the
bus companies strive to stay in competition with guaguas
, rates are extremely cheap. Even a cross-country trip from
Santo Domingo to Samaná or Monte Cristi will set you back no
more than RD$70, while shorter trips fall in the RD$40-50
range.
BY GUAGUAS, PÚBLICOS AND MOTOCONCHOS
The informal system of guaguas , an unregulated
network of private operators, is a distinctive Dominican
experience that you should try at least once. Aside from the
local color, they're worth using because they're incredibly
cheap and cover far more of the country than the bus
companies. To catch a guagua , either ask for the
location of the local station or simply stand by the side of
the road and wave your arms at one as it passes. For longer
trips, you'll often have to transfer guaguas at major
towns, but even the longest leg of the trip will cost no
more than RD$40; more often, you'll be paying RD$5-10.
Santo Domingo
to the southeast and the Barahona region are often served by
far more comfortable, air-conditioned minibuses ;
along the Silver Coast, the vans are augmented by private
cars called públicos , which charge RD$5 and only go
to the next nearest town and wait to fill up before heading
off. Públicos also make up part of the city
transport system in Santo Domingo, and dominate it in
Santiago. City routes rarely cost more than RD$2. In Puerto
Plata and other smaller towns, city transit is instead in
the form of motoconchos , inexpensive, small-engine
motorbikes that ferry you from place to place; they're
faster than the públicos but can be dangerous.
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Dominican
Republic
travel guide
Dominican Republic
Where to go
 When
to go
Getting there
Entry requirements
Money and costs
Getting around
 Food
and drink
 Communications
Crime and safety
 Brief
history
Best of DR
Info and maps
 Diving,
surfing
 Festivals,
holidays
Explore
Dominican Republic
Barahona
Barahona
The City
East of Barahona
San
Cristóbal
San José de Ocóa
West of Barahona
Bayahibe
Bayahibe
Travel info
Boca Chica
Boca de Yuma
Cabarete
Cabarete
Windsurfing
Restaurants
Sports outfitters
Cibao
Cibao
Explore Cibao
Cordillera Central
Explore Cordillera Central
Jarabocoa
Jarabocoa
Arrival & accommodation
Restaurants,
tour operators
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La Vega
La Vega
Pico Duarte, Cordillera
Central's Nat'l Parks
San José de las Matas
Santiago
Arrival and getting around
Places to eat
Nightlife
El Castillo and La Isabela
El Limón
Hato Mayor and
Sabana de la Mar
Juan
Dolio
La Romana and
Casa de Campo
Practicalities
Las Galeras
Eating options
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