- Thread starter DR fan1990
- Start date
Punta Cana to Santo Domingo: which bus station
When I was working in a hotel in SD, we had an American guest who really wanted the authentic Dominican experience and wanted to get the guagua to Boca Chica from the capital - evening time. And he decided to walk to Parque Enriquillo to get this guagua. Everyone told him this was not a good idea, but he was adamant, he wanted to live like a local. A few hours later he was back, the big gold chain he had been wearing around his neck had been ripped off him, he took a photo of the guys who did it as they fled on a moto, and he said the police had told him they needed him to leave his phone with them as it was evidence. And obviously the police subsequently "lost" the phone.
The truth is that things in DR don't work the same as they do in the US and until you know how they do work, the safe bet is always the best bet.
The truth is that things in DR don't work the same as they do in the US and until you know how they do work, the safe bet is always the best bet.
I take that guagua a lot. Never had a problem. Maybe things were different then. Also, I don't have any gold chains and would never buy one.
That’s exactly my point. We live here, we know how things work, people on the street probably know our faces, and we know where we are going. Speaking Spanish also helps enormously. I’ve never found Dominicans to be aggressive and have always felt safe. But it’s not the same for people who are visiting, don’t speak the language, don’t know where they’re going, don’t know how things work. And I think it’s important that the DR1 community tailors its advice because the advice you give someone who is new, tired, travelling with luggage and doesn’t know his way around is very different to the advice I would give a guy like you who has been here years.
That sounds like any major city anywhere. Taveling by boat you always hit a marina or at the least an anchorage in port. Often customs comes out to investigate, take care of business. Sometimes not and you go ashore. Advice is often given as to what to areas to avoid ... maybe. Reversing the senario is going to be different for me. Starting inland and going to the coast.
Simple rule, don't look like a victim.
You will need to travel to the Veron or Friusa bus station by taxi ( approx US$ 30-40 ) to acquire the services of Expresso Bavaro. A middle to late afternoon air arrival may put you at risk of not reaching the bus on time for its last afternoon departure around 4 pm to Santo Domingo. You should have a backup plan to overnight in Punta Cana should you miss the same day bus travel opportunity. Tickets are sold first come first served at station on day of departure. Weekends find the buses full.
Regards,
PJT
So I landed in PUJ and took the cab to the Friusa parada as planned. All the taxis drivers I asked told me the ride would cost 30 USD or 1700 pesos. Seems like a universally established price to drive to that bus stop.
Then I took the bus to Santo Domingo, 400 pesos.
Also at PUJ, I was asked for either the QR code or the paper form. I had the QR code filled out already so exiting the airport was quick.
Then I took the bus to Santo Domingo, 400 pesos.
Also at PUJ, I was asked for either the QR code or the paper form. I had the QR code filled out already so exiting the airport was quick.
Its not even about the money, I just don't like getting scammed because they think I'm a clueless gringo.
guagua ( est 18 ppl + driver) and publico taxi (6 ppl max + driver)
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Somewhere along the line you are going to get scammed, hustled or outright robbed, its just a fact. This one is minor trust me.