When planning a trip to Punta Cana, it’s essential to consider transport options that are not only convenient and affordable but also safe.
Punta Cana, located in the eastern part of the Dominican Republic, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and exciting water activities.
To make the most of your visit without breaking the bank, take a look at our recommendations regarding the transport in Punta Cana.
Check out: Punta Cana’s Best Excusions and Beaches
Here is an overview:
Transport in Punta Cana: Public Buses
Buses are popular public transport in Punta Cana options for both long- and medium-distance travel.
Long-distance travel
As in the Dominican Republic in general, Punta Cana’s public bus network offers official information for long-distance journeys only. It is therefore possible to organize a trip from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo, or vice versa.
The “Expreso Bavaro” bus company organizes departures every 30 minutes or so, and you need to get to the bus station one hour before departure time. As it’s a 3-hour drive, we recommend that you get to one of the two bus stations 4.5 hours before your desired arrival time.
You’ll need to pay 400 Dominican pesos per person (about $8), and perhaps a little more if you’re traveling with suitcases.
From Punta Cana, you’ll need to get to one of the 2 stations (by cab or Uber):
Medium-distance travel
For this kind of public bus travel, you’ll need to ask someone on the spot, preferably a local who’s used to traveling by bus from your hotel or the surrounding area.
Don’t forget that Punta Cana is a vast hotel zone including Uvero Alto, Macao, Bavaro, el Cortecito, Cabeza de Toro, Punta Cana and Cap Cana, and that each zone has its own public transport organization.
So if you want to travel between these areas, or even to the towns of Higuey or Miches, we recommend you ask someone who lives there.
Motorcycle taxis
Motorcycle taxis, locally known as “motoconchos“, are a common sight in Punta Cana. They offer a quick and affordable mode of transportation, especially for short distances. Negotiate the fare beforehand, and you’ll find that motoconchos can be a cost-effective way to explore the town and nearby attractions.
You’ll easily recognize the motorcycles offering transportation services, as the drivers wear brightly-colored vests.
Please consider this means of transport only for very short journeys, assessing the degree of danger (traffic, speed of other vehicles). You could use this means of transport in El Cortecito, for example, where the roads are small and there are many speed bumps.
The price is very reasonable: you won’t need to spend more than 150 pesos ($3) to cover 2 kilometers.
Car rentals in Punta Cana
Renting a car can be a good alternative if you want to get around a lot during your stay in the Dominican Republic, especially if you’re used to driving abroad.
It’s important to point out that directions are often poorly signposted and that the Dominican way of driving is rather peculiar. To give you a few examples, it’s not uncommon to see drivers on a highway, driving slowly in the left-hand lane. It’s also common to see vehicles overtaking on the right.
To put it bluntly, on Dominican roads, the bigger the better.
If you’re ready for adventure, then you can rent a car.
Our recommendations: check the condition of the vehicle (tires, spare tire, brakes, etc.) and if it’s not a small agency, don’t hesitate to ask for a tour of the parking lot so you can test-drive the vehicle.)
Finally, it’s also very important to ask what the insurance covers, and to make sure it includes a cash bond of at least 1,000,00.00 pesos ($18,000.00 USD).
Buggy rental in Punta Cana
Are you ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure tour? Then buckle up, because you’re the driver of your own buggy and off you go!
This tour is a complete different kind of transportation!
Experience the magnificent colors of the Dominican Republic: sugar cane fields, picturesque villages and the majestic Chavon River.
Let’s have an unforgettable ride through the deepest hinterland – with a quad or buggy you will be able to explore it all. Be prepared to get dirty and have a lot of fun!
At the end of the day, the highlight awaits you: a relaxing ride on a platform boat across the glittering river.
Price: $119
Duration: 7-8 hours
Free cancelation
The trip to the ranch begins in the small village of Benerito, which is only a 15 minute drive from Bayahibe.
Before you start, you will receive a safety briefing and then the adventure begins! You will cross the sugar cane fields and stop at the weighing station where the guide will give you interesting information about the sugar industry. You will even have the opportunity to taste a piece of fresh sugar cane.
Afterwards, you will continue through the small typical village “Batey” where mainly Haitian workers live. After a short break, you will go for a swim in a river before discovering different species of tropical plants.
In the house of a local resident on the riverbank you will be served local products such as manioc or plantains. Then, after a final stretch of land, get ready for lunch right on the jungle’s shore with traditional Dominican food and a panoramic view of the lush natural scenery!
After lunch you will go to the boat platform to go downstream and take in the breathtaking scenery. At the end, there is an opportunity to swim in the river for a while. There is even a rope to swing on so you can test your Tarzan skills!
Included is:
- Transportation from hotels in the Bayahibe – Dominicus area / Extra costs the transportation from Punta Cana, Bavaro, Uvero Alto, Bahia La Romana, Juan Dolio and Boca Chica
- Buggy or four wheels to be chosen at time of booking
- English speaking guide with Dominican attitude
- Mechanic for safe adventures
- Beverages: Coca Cola, Sprite, water and rum during the second part of the day
- Helmets
- Protective bags for your personal belongings
- Snack at the resident’s house
- Typical meal in the jungle
- Platform boat ride on the Chavon River
Group transportation / Minibus or van rental
If you’re traveling with a group, consider renting a minibus or van with driver. By dividing the costs between several people, you’ll reduce your transportation budget considerably.
Many car rental agencies offer special rates for groups.
Uber
The use of ride-sharing apps like Uber has become increasingly popular in Punta Cana. These services offer competitive rates compared to traditional cabs and are often more convenient to use.
Just make sure you have a reliable Internet connection to access these applications.
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Taxi
For journeys to the airport, or any other journey you need to make with a specific arrival time, we recommend using a cab. It’s the most expensive form of transport, but you can be sure of arriving at the right place on time.
You’ll find a cab price list at every hotel. To book, simply ask at reception or guest service.
Safari Truck
An unconventional way to travel and explore the Dominican Republic is to take a safari truck tour.
With a small group and a local guide, you will be immersed in authentic local life. You will visit Higuey, a charming town with a market, cigar factory and sugar cane plantation. For lunch you will be served typical Dominican food – simply delicious!
The afternoon will be spent on the Chavon River with a relaxing ride on a platform boat.
An unforgettable experience!
Price: $84
Duration: 6-7 hours
Free cancelation
The tour begins in the town of Higuey, where you will discover the most colorful market in the Dominican Republic. Here you will find an abundance of fruits and vegetables as well as typical Dominican meats.
Next you will visit a family-owned cigar factory with a presentation, explanations and for the connoisseurs or those who want to be: a tasting.
On your way you will pass sugar cane fields and take the opportunity to learn more about its cultivation and its history in the country. Of course, you won’t leave without tasting the sweet juice! The machete will always be with you!
Before the adventure ends, you will go to the river in the middle of the jungle to enjoy a traditional Dominican meal with lush natural scenery.
After lunch, a platform boat will take you downstream through stunning scenery before the highlight follows: Swimming in the river including rope access like Tarzan!
Included:
- Transport from hotels in Bayahibe – Dominicus / Extra costs the transportation from Punta Cana, Bavaro, Uvero Alto, Bahia La Romana, Juan Dolio and Boca Chica
- Friendly team, ready to make you have a great time
- An English-speaking guide
- Drinks: Coca Cola, Sprite, water, and rum
- Typical Dominican meal
- Ride on a platform boat on the Chavon river
All in all, Punta Cana offers plenty of transportation options for the safety-conscious traveler. Whether you opt for public transport, car rental, ride-sharing apps or the classic cab, you’ll be able to make the most of this magnificent destination by planning your journeys before you leave.
So get ready for an unforgettable experience in Punta Cana by planning ahead!
