How long does it take to get to Bonao from SD? What's the best mode of transportation to do it?
I drove from SD to Bonao in just under one hour & fifteen minutes each way. As for the best mode of transportation, it all depends. For speed, driving yourself is of course the fastest since a bus is much slower moving and makes a lot of stops.
Many people advise against driving, especially for new visitors, but I disagree. This last trip was my second one, and I drove both times. The first time I spent five days in the DR in the Sosua and Puerto Plata area. I drove all over and loved it.
My last trip that I returned from on August 4th, I spent 8 days in the DR. I flew into Santo Domingo, rented a car, drove all over the capital city for three days with the day trip to Bonao on the second day.
On the fourth day I drove from SD to Sosua, stopping in Bonao again and also stopping in La Vega and Santiago. I then spent the last half of my trip in Sosua, once again driving all over, to Cabarete and Puerto Plata numerous times.
Although I'm sure accidents happen in the DR, I have yet to see one in all the driving I've done there. However, in South Florida where I live, I see traffic accidents EVERY DAY.
If you can handle the traffic in places like NYC, Miami, L.A, etc., then you'll do fine in the DR. Rent a car and enjoy the freedom it'll give you.