HELP! PETRIFIED! - Traveling from Santo Domingo to Puerto Plata

[waverider]

Traveling from SD to POP

You have nothing to be concerned about, when you come out of the airpot just neogiate with a taxi driver who has air condition and maybe it is a van, you will hire the whole van,, set the price up front,,,, now there could be others on here that can recommend a special driver but if that does not develope you have a backup plan,,,,, you will not have any problems I have done it many times from Santo Domingo and Santigao, with wife and without wife and even at nights and I am white GRINGO! Please do not fret,,, this is a no brainer,, maybe someothers can give you an estimated price for the cab,,, Please these are good people! Trying to make an honest living just like you and I.

 

[francoisatl]

Just Stay Home

 

[waverider]

last comment

Now if you can change your flight for $100 then that is the best option,, just in the big picture less hassle and you will be at your hotel or resort within minutes,,, but if that is not an option,, Tambora or Chirimoya suggestion should be followed,, personaly I would not take the bus,, just a pain when you get to POP and get off with the luggage and it maybe dark,, you have landed in a strange place and people will be approching you to hire them to take you to your final destination,, chill,,, act like you are in total control make the little feel comfortable that you are in control,, and keep in mind the taxi driver will have to stop and get gas, so when he says something in spanish do not panic,, he will stop at a gas station on the roar to POP and he may bring another fellow with him to help with the driving, it is about 3 1/2 hour drive,,, sit back and relax,, he will protect you at all cost,, you are his customer!

 

[DavidZ]

If the OP is still following this thread:

If you feel you are a confident driver, rent a car, use one of the International companies and you can probably drop off the car at or near your resort...you should be at your hotel in PP well before sunset...absolutely do not worry about being carjacked or mugged, and the specific route you will be taking is in excellent condition with very little traffic...and great scenery for a good part of it.

At the rental counter in SDQ they will give you a map, and should draw the route for you, but basically the directions are REALLY this simple:

Leave Airport and follow signs towards Santo Domingo (NOT BOCA CHICA)

Start looking for the sign for the Highway to SAMANA

Bear right at the exit and take the ramp to the brand new Highway (you are actually on an access road parallel to the highway for about 2 miles, before the actual highway entrance)

About halfway along the new highway is a parada/cafeteria where you can have something decent and reasonably priced (and safe) to eat if you'd like.

At the end of the highway make a left towards NAGUA

Stay on the highway through the center of town (Nagua), continue on this highway along the ocean, towards Puerto Plata

In approximately 90 minutes, (after passing through Cabrera, Rio San Juan, Gaspar Hernandez, Sabaneta de Yasica, Cabarete, and Sosua - all decent stops if you want)...Playa Dorada will be on your right, there is a large sign about 1/2 mile before the HUGE entrance.

Total travel time about 3 Hours, with a leisurely pace.

Or take the bus..it's not THAT bad...