Is it safe to drive in the Dominican Republic?

Question

Me and a friend will be travelling to the Dominican Republic this weekend. I will fly into Santo Domingo and the next day I have to be in Punta Cana. I would like to drive, I have experience with driving in foreign countries, and in bad conditions but I don't know if a bus would be a better idea?

Answer 1

I go to DR every winter, but I don't drive. You can rent cars, but you had better have good insurance lined up before you go. Driving is awful. There is no regard for traffic laws. Trucks and buses have large steel bumpers and will run you off the roads. The roads are terrible, washouts and pot holes. And that's not the worst of it. A tourists may be looked at as money, and you will be held responsible for damage to others. I strongly suggest taking the bus.

Answer 2

Dear guest,

You have to drive because there is no bus to Punta Cana. Just at your arrival at the airport, rent a car and take a good hotel in Santo Domingo. Next day drive to Punta Cana. If you need more info for hotel in Santo Domingo and how to drive to Punta Cana just let me know. Happy To help you

Happy Feet

Answer 3

We were in DR in February and would not recommend your driving. The roads are almost totally washed out in some areas and travelers are not necessarily safe on some of the less populated roads.

Taxi travel is relatively inexpensive and the best part is, you have a better chance of arriving at your destination unscathed.

Answer 4

I would not recommend driving in DR.  The drivers are crazy and careless. You can also get easily lost... I just got back from Punta Cana two weeks ago and I had a taxi drive me from La Romana to Punta Cana. The drive is about 2 hours and from Santo Domingo it is a 4 hour drive.  Please don't get yourself in that mess.  Try taking a public bus or a charter plane.  You will be better off.

Good luck!!!

Answer 5

espi9500 is right...as for swelltimes, I think you are answering an entirely different question :-)

There was no insult here...

Enjoy your trip! Be smart and be safe. If ever in doubt, then don't. Always a good principle to follow...especially when in an unfamiliar area. And if you are not too familiar with Spanish, it's best to travel in groups and in safety.