Santo Domingo Forum: Santo Domingo VS Puerto Plata Airports to Caliente Caribe???

I always flight to SDQ, then i took a taxi to Caliente. i spent one day in Boca Chica, then I go to Caliente. You should contact: josedrconcierge@gmail.com

They have the best price.

While I agree with benforpeace, that it is best to fly to POP when coming to the north coast, I have been checking ticket prices and it seems that flying into SDQ is, at times, half the price than flying to POP lately.

If it is just you and your vacation days are limited, it is definitely not worth it, but if there were 2-3 traveling together, it'll make sense financially despite the additional 2.5 hours or so of travel time (by cab from SDQ taking the new highway to Samana).

Also, since Caliente Caribe is in Abreu, you need to take into account that a cab from POP will cost you $110 one way, travel time a bit over 1 hour.

Happy travels,

Silvia

I, too, have the same dilemna. We are staying at the Lifestyle Tropical Beach in Puerto Plata. We have to fly into Santo Domingo but probably will be able to fly out of Puerto Plata.

Anyone know how far it is from the Puerto Plata airport?

I've heard it will take 3 - 6 hours from Santo Domingo. Why such a discrepency? There's a big surcharge for drop off of a rental car in a different location. Is it worth it to rent a car and see the sights as we go or find a cab or transfer company?

Lifestyle is in Cofresi. I never drove there from the airport but it shouldn't be more than a 35-45 minute cab drive. The taxi fare from and to POP from Lifestyle is US$45.

If you do fly into Santo Domingo, you can take a bus to the Caribe Tours bus station. Take the bus to Puerto Plata but let the driver know that you'll be getting off at Lifestyle. I would usually recommend Metro bus, but Metro does not make stops on the way to Puerto Plata.

The bus ride by Caribe Tour should around 3 hours, depending on the time of the day that you take the bus. Some times they have a hard time getting out of Santo Domingo during peak hours but they tend to catch up along the way.

I don't know at what time of the year you're coming, but whether winter or summer here, bring a light sweater or jacket for the bus ride. It's freezing inside those buses. Try seating close to the front (not as cold).

About renting a car, I do not recommend it. Traffic is not just crazy but very few respect any rules, not to mention motorcycles every where passing you even on your left when you're ready to make a left turn. It's just ways too dangerous and in my view, not worth the risk of ruining your vacation.

Happy travels,

Silvia

low_key_travelerNY

Silvia's advice is right on however remember the following. You will need a cab from the airport to the bus terminal ($30-40 or so). then waiting for the bus. The bus ride is closer to 6 hours and then may very well need a cab to the resort ($30 or so). The total time will ber over 6 hours if you you are not waiting too long for the bus. Cab will take about 3.5 hours and cost $200 or so. For your fist time here DO NOT RENT A CAR. Driving here and especially in the SD area is crazy.

Is flying to SD worth a day of your vacation and is the cost difference when you include your expense of getting from SD to PP worth it??????

BObK

Bob,

Thank you for pointing out that I was incorrect in quoting 3 hours for the bus ride.

I actually meant to say around 4 hours to Cofresi. I know it is not 6 hours for a fact because I've done this trip many, many times. It takes me 4.5 hours from Sosua by Metro, leaving at 8:20am arrives in Santo Domingo at 12:40pm. From Sto Domingo leaving at 4:00pm, arriving Sosua at 8:20pm.

Caribe Tours takes longer because it has three stops (instead of one) in Santiago and Puerto Plata; and some times it stops on the way just to let passengers down, not wait time. Sosua is obviously a longer ride from Santo Domingo than getting off in Cofresi.

Silvia

wish we could fly direct to puerto plata but we are coming from puerto rico in late april and the only flights are to santo domingo. I didn't realize it was such a hassle to get from santo domingo to the cofressi area. We are going to New York from there so we can leave out of Puerto Plata. Thanks for all the advice.

American Airlines flies daily from Puerto Rico to Puerto Plata. Call them up. They are flying at least now, because I've been trying to book a flight to Miami from POP and the least expensive fares are through San Juan.

You'll also have Air Turks and Caicos directly from San Juan to POP, starting to fly some time this month I believe.

Silvia

Silvia the 6 plus hour were including all the waiting time and the two cab rides.

Can'[t wait for air turks and caicos to start as it will be a gatway to the rest of the islands

BObK