Santiago Airport to Puerto Plata Help

[afred23]

Hi all,

My boyfriend and I are flying into STI on a really late flight and need to get to our hotel in Puerto Plata. (Gran Ventana) We get in at 3:35AM. (We saved close to $400 flying into STI instead of POP)

Being that we are getting in at such an odd time, what is the best way to get to our hotel? Should we set something up beforehand? Or will cabs available?

Right now we're thinking that we'll take a cab. (I've read that it will be about $70) But, I want to make sure that is the best way to go.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Amy

 

[drloca]

I think you should try and set something up ahead of time just to be on the safe side...in view of the fact of your estimated arrival time!

 

[Tamborista]

Send Bachata a PM and he will set you up with a trustworthy driver to meet your flight @STI with a sign at a fair price.

tambo'

 

[Alyonka]

Right now we're thinking that we'll take a cab. (I've read that it will be about $70) But, I want to make sure that is the best way to go.

I did the same thing - arrived to Santiago airport and took a cab to a hotel in POP. This is the best way to go, because I don't think there are any buses going that wat at this time. And it is a good idea to have a driver you can trust, because road is kind of scary, especially at night. I wish I had done it then.

 

[afred23]

Thank you for your responses!!! I really appreciate it!!

 

[TW1]

Can you still get a taxi from STI to Puerto Plata for $70? All the quotes online seem to be for $110US and up, which seems insane. We've got a similar situation coming up in a few weeks and I'd rather not rent a car if at all possible, but I'm not paying $110US for a taxi (some sites like ResortHoppa.com wanted 110Eur per person!!).

 

[reese_in_va]

definately set up your arrangements ahead of time. Late at night is no fun being stuck at some airport looking for a ride on one of the most hellish roads on the North coast, especially any time after dusk.
I would suggest taking Tamboristas advice

 

[Naptime]

Can you still get a taxi from STI to Puerto Plata for $70? All the quotes online seem to be for $110US and up, which seems insane. We've got a similar situation coming up in a few weeks and I'd rather not rent a car if at all possible, but I'm not paying $110US for a taxi (some sites like ResortHoppa.com wanted 110Eur per person!!).

yes. depending on the time of day.

tambo mentioned above about bachata's friend.

i now refer to him as my friend as well.

i take a horrible spiritair flight into sti in the middle of the night, and i now use our mutual friend regularly.

daytime sti to sosua is 70 bucks. and nighttime is 80 bucks.

i would imagine that pop MAY be a hair bit cheaper.


but, i will say that his car is top notch quality. not a beat up piece of crap. its a nice 4 door honda sedan. perfect white paint, perfect seats, stereo, air conditioning, etc... he is EXTREMELY trustworthy, knows the road (has been providing service for this trip./route for a number of yeas now) and is very prompt.

when he picks me up at sti, he is there waiting for me when i come out.

when he picks me up in sosua to return to sti, i simply tell him when and where, and he is ALWAYS 10-15 minutes EARLY.

i've had him transport me on 4 trips now. and in 20 days we'll be doing it again.

i have also given his numbers and email address to roughly 10 different people who have had the same experiences as me, and all have been happy.

 

[corsair74]

$70 was the price that's listed on the board next to the taxi stand the last time that I caught a cab from STI. So I wouldn't pay much more than that.

However, I don't advise you letting the driver take the mountain route. That **** is downright scary at night. Make him take rte 1 to rte 5. It'll take a little longer, but your nerves will be intact once you get to Puerto Plata.


Vince.

 

[RacerX]

Yea you re going to need a cab, bachata has some friends who run for some syndicates all over town. You should call 1st so he will be waiting for you at the airport. I know a guy but I ll have to look for his number and post it.

 

[Hillbilly]

Take the advice of the people who have posted recently..They have it right.

There is a second option, if you are young and somewhat adventerous:
Take a taxi to Santiago Metro or Caribe Bus station on Maimon St. Wait an hour or so for the first bus to POP, and then take a bus (200 pesos) to POP and then a local taxi to your hotel...or go on to Sos?a and then take a taxi to the hotel whichever is closer...

A bit more adventureous, but some fun.

If you got in really early you could ask the people at the bus station to watch your luggage and go over to Supermercado Central and have breakfast with the casino crowd....

Santiago is just full of nice things to do early inthe morning.

HB

 

[hollytravel]

New visitor!

Send Bachata a PM and he will set you up with a trustworthy driver to meet your flight @STI with a sign at a fair price.

tambo'

Is there still a contact available, with whom I could make arrangements with for a trip coming in November? I'm traveling with one person and we prefer to book to arrive to STI and cab it to Puerto Plata. Many thanks!

 

[RV429]

English speaking honest Taxi Driver Elias 809-842-5557. Fare is $100 to PP.

 

[Hillbilly]

Send a PM to
Bachata, he still is kind enough to provide information on good drivers in the dawn hours. I suspect you are coming down in Jet Blue?

If you look a some of the previous posts, I also made a suggestion on how to go by bus. But I think that Jet Blue and Spirit arrive much too early to try that these days, so the taxi is by far your best and fastest option.

Good Luck, and please tell us how it goes.

HB