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Air Santo Domingo offers regular and reliable connections between Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, and Samaná, as well as a service to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Caribair flies between the capital and Port-au-Prince, Haiti, stopping at Barahona. Internal flights are much more expensive than the alternatives but useful if you’re in a hurry.

Very good value and surprisingly comfortable bus connections are provided by several companies and cover the entire country. Metro is good for North Coast destinations, while Caribe Tours has a comprehensive network of buses west and north of the capital. Nearly all buses are air conditioned, with toilets and good seats. A great way to explore the Dominican Republic.

There’s no shortage of taxis, especially in tourist areas. Your hotel will be able to recommend a reputable local firm or call a taxi on your behalf, but it is always sensible to agree the price before setting off as most are unmetered. Many drivers are friendly and knowledgeable, and can be hired as a taxi-guide for an excursion.

Públicos are private cars that act as shared taxis, plying fixed routes and normally crammed with passengers. Guaguas , on the other hand are mini-vans that start from a local bus station and are ideal for short trips without luggage.

The ultimate low-budget option, the motoconcho (see Motoconchos) is a small motorbike, where the passenger sits on the pillion. Quite speedy but also dangerous.

Car rental is widely available but quite expensive, so do book ahead with one of the more established international companies such as Hertz or Avis. Local operators Nelly are good.

You can easily hire a motorcycles at any of the main tourist areas, normally a small but still quite powerful Honda or Suzuki. Expect to pay $20-$30 per day.

Bicycles can be rented from specialist firms such as Iguana Mama (see Cycling) or from some of the beach resorts. Helmets should always be worn, and caution taken on main roads and in urban areas.

The only regular ferry service in the country, Samana Net, links the port of Samaná with Sabana de la Mar across the Bay of Samaná, but vehicles cannot be transported at present. It’s a pleasant trip across the scenic water and a good way of avoiding an otherwise long drive around the Bay, but you’ll have to use public transport at the other side.

Apart from hiking in the Cordillera Central, walking isn’t much practiced by visitors, though it’s a practical way of exploring city centers such as Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, the heart of Puerto Plata, or Santiago. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes.