Buses Schedule: Santo Domingo – Punta Cana
Attention! We would like to clarify that our company does NOT deal with bus transportation. You should contact the companies listed below directly. In this article, we share information to make your search easier. Also, in the article, you will find the contact details of these companies, where you can contact them directly.
Bus transport in the Dominican Republic
How to get from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana? Where can you find the bus schedule? How long does it take, and how much does the ticket cost? What are buses like? We will discuss all this here.
The bus journey time between Santo Domingo and Punta Cana is around 2h 30m and covers a distance of around 183 km. The fastest bus normally takes 1h 44m. Operated by Expreso Bavaro and APTPRA, the Santo Domingo to Punta Cana bus service departs from Santo Domingo Estación 2 and arrives in Punta Cana Airport. Typically, 42 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance.
Buses at Punta Cana Airport
It is best to take a bus stop on Juan Sanchez Ramirez Street (Santo Domingo), which is next to the Joaquin Balaguer metro station on the L1 line (blue). However, there is a peculiarity. The bus stops at Punta Cana Airport and hotels. Tell the driver your hotel, they will tell you whether they are staying nearby or not.
The cities are connected by the Oscar de la Renta motorway, also known as Autopista del Coral (Coral Road). Now it is a modern four-lane highway. The road between Santo Domingo and Punta Cana is named after fashion designer Oscar de la Renta. It is unlikely that anywhere else you can find a road that is named after the couturier. The renaming took place recently – in March 2019.
What companies run services between
Santo Domingo and Punta Cana?
1. APTPRA transport company
It is an excellent private transport company with first-class services that offers bus transportation all over the country. The ride on this comfortable bus will last 2h 30mins. Pricing starts at 193 or 400 Dominican pesos for a one-way ticket.
The schedule of APTPRA buses: Santo Domingo – Punta Cana
- In the morning: 7:00am / 9:00am / 11:00am
- In the evening: 1:00pm / 3:00pm / 4:00pm
How to contact APTPRA? First of all, you can find more information on its official website. There are also numbers you can call to contact the company directly. Here are main of them, Santo Domingo: +809 686 0637, Estación Bávaro: +809 552 1678.
2. Expreso Bavaro transport company
Expreso Bavaro operates a bus from Santo Domingo Estación 2 to Punta Cana Airport every 4-3 hours. Tickets cost 193 or 400 Dominican pesos for a one-way ticket. The journey takes 1h 44m.
The schedule of Express Bavaro buses: Santo Domingo – Punta Cana
- In the morning: 7am / 9am / 11am
- In the evening: 1pm / 3pm / 4pm
The Expreso Bávaro and APTPRA buses are comfortable and well cared for, with air conditioning and a bathroom. During the journey between Bávaro and Santo Domingo, you will be shown a movie of approximately 2 hours.
How to contact Expreso Bavaro? You can contact the company on the number: +809 682 9670. And you can also visit its official website.
Some important tips for your bus trip
These small yet significant steps can significantly enhance your journey, from purchasing tickets and planning for flexible stops to bringing essentials like toilet paper and snacks. Additionally, while initially captivating, the scenic views may become monotonous, so bringing entertainment is highly recommended for longer trips.
6 tips for traveling by bus
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Buy your ticket | Purchase tickets at the bus station for guaranteed seats, or directly from the driver for last-minute plans. |
| Flexible stops | Drivers may drop passengers off at requested locations in Santo Domingo or Bávaro, along with scheduled stops. |
| Bring toilet paper | Restrooms are available on buses, but they often lack essentials like toilet paper and soap. |
| Entertainment | Scenery can get repetitive—download movies, music, or e-books in advance, or browse travel blogs for tips. |
| Dress comfortably | Air conditioning on buses can make it chilly—bring a light jacket or sweater for longer trips. |
| Snacks and water | Long trips may not include food breaks; pack snacks and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and nourished. |
As a conclusion
Traveling by bus in the Dominican Republic offers a unique and affordable way to explore the country while immersing yourself in its vibrant local culture. Whether you’re heading to Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, or smaller towns, the bus system provides a practical alternative to private transportation. However, as with any travel, preparation is key to ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
The Dominican bus system combines convenience with cultural immersion, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. By following the tips and advice outlined in this article, you’ll be ready to make the most of your bus journey, whether a short ride between towns or a longer adventure across the island. Safe travels!
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