travelling from Punta Cana to Puerto Plata

Francoise

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Mar 1, 2003
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Can someone tell me if there is a way other than airplane to go from Punta Cana to Puerto Plata , what is the distance , and can it be done by car (how long would it take) or by train?
Thanks
 

eboy

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Feb 26, 2003
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By bus, boat, no train yet

Others will be more helpful about long-distance buses, but I can say that you can get anywhere you want to, at least by shared mini-van or taxi, at least during the day. These gua-guas are often slower, more crowded and hot, very cheap, very frequent and seem to go simply everywhere.

I did not cover your exact route in my recent two-week trip, but there is very likely an express air-conditioned bus route all or part of the way from PC to Santo Domingo. (what is that, like 150km?)
I would be astounded if Metro or Caribe bus lines could not take you the rest of the way to PP (~200 km?). Others can confirm the companies (and where the stations are, but you should be able to do PC to SD in three or so hours, and SD-PP in another three or so. If no-one here puts you straight, try the the lonelyplanet.com thorntree board for additional DR regulars.

By car? I didn't dare rent a car-- the local road rules take time to get to know, and Lonely Planet advises that foreigners are at great risk of being found guilty if any collision occurs, whether or not they are at fault. Regular posters can comment on that.
The risk of collision is definitely real-- two-lane roads west of Punta Cana (until you get half-way to Santo Domingo) are very busy and can be rough in parts. Lots of motorcycles and risky passing. Wide toll roads much of the rest of the way, though others can confrim what the roads are like on the last part of the route, Santiago to PP.

If speed is not the essence, and I wanted to see the countryside, and get to know the locals, I would go the less direct way via gua-guas and the ferry between Sabana de la Mar and Samana ("el barco/el bote" takes about an hour, not far from currently whale-infested waters -- a great side-trip until mid-March when the humpbacks head out)

You're talking a couple days there, with maybe 4-6 hours of bus/gua-guas a day. Three days would be more leisurely.
After just a two week trip, I now trust that a gua-gua goes where you want to go, and that it is waiting very close to you, ready to fill up and leave. The only problem is finding it -- the stations and routes are not always clearly marked, and if your Spanish is not great, there will be some confusion and frustration until you realize how extensive the system is. Not available later in the evening, from my experience.

It will be a few years, if ever, for the new train route from Santo Dgo. to Santiago to be built.

Does that help?
:glasses:
 

PJT

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Jan 8, 2002
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You can travel there in a day. The Bavaro-Santo Domingo bus and I believe Caribe Tours bus. If you leave Punta Cana/Bavaro on the 7 AM bus you will arrive in the capital to catch the bus to Puerto Plata. Both bus fares should be under RD$500 combined.
Regards, PJT
 

mistyjade

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Jun 30, 2004
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By Boat??

Is there a way to go to POP from Punta Cana by boat, and who would I contact? That would beat the heck out of taking a taxi, and surely be more interesting than flying... :confused:
 

mistyjade

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Jun 30, 2004
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I Missed the Boat

gee, uh the second post...kinda indicates that there may be a way to travel by boat. Read the title.
Thanks for the swift and uh "smart" reply. You have my :rolleyes: unending gratitude. ;)
 

FireGuy

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Aug 21, 2002
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www.polaris-fs.com
Hi mistyjade,

Greetings from Atlantic Canada.

The boat (it's actually a ferry) is a small part of what is described as a three day "Three days would be more leisurely" trip vs. about 8 hours by bus or 6.5 hrs. by car. You must read all of the info, selective reading of part only won't get you from POP - PUJ or viceversa in a reasonable fashion.

And F.Y.I., Hillbilly is Dominican - "smart", well beyond your ability to know.

Have a great trip.

Gregg