Getting Around the Dominican Republic Without a Car: Uber, Motoconchos & Guaguas Explained

Driving in the Dominican Republic can be intense. Traffic is fast, motorbikes come from every direction, and lane markings are more like suggestions than strict rules.

The good news? Getting around the Dominican Republic without a car is absolutely possible—and for many travelers, it’s actually less stressful and more budget-friendly.

In this guide, we’ll walk through your main options: ride-sharing apps like Uber and Indrive, inter-city buses such as Caribe Tours and Expreso Bávaro, local guaguas, motoconchos, and private shuttles. Before you even worry about buses and taxis, make sure you’ve already completed your Dominican Republic E-Ticket so your entry QR code is ready to scan.

Quick Comparison: How to Get Around Without a Rental Car

Bottom line: You can mix “comfortable/private” options (shuttles, Uber, luxury buses) with “local/budget” options (guaguas, motoconchos) depending on your budget and comfort level.

Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber & Indrive

If you’re wondering about getting around the Dominican Republic without a car, your easiest starting point is ride-sharing apps.

Where Uber Works Best

Uber is very reliable in Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Puerto Plata. You open the app, request a ride, and pay by card or cash, just like back home.

In these cities, Uber is often cheaper than traditional taxis and removes the stress of haggling over prices in Spanish.

Is There Uber in Punta Cana?

Yes, there is Uber in Punta Cana—but it’s not as simple. There is tension between ride-sharing apps and the local taxi unions, and that impacts where your driver can pick you up.

Drivers will usually message you inside the app or on WhatsApp to explain exactly where they can stop. This is especially true for popular resort areas.

Indrive in the Dominican Republic

Indrive is another popular app in the DR. Instead of a fixed price, you suggest what you want to pay and drivers accept or counteroffer.

Indrive is widely used in many towns—especially outside the most touristy areas—and is often more common than Uber in smaller places.

• Most rides are paid in cash.
• It’s great when you know roughly what a ride should cost.
• Indrive can be very useful in places like Las Terrenas, Bávaro, and Cabarete.

The “Luxury” Buses: Caribe Tours, Metro ST & Expreso Bávaro

For longer distances between cities, the most comfortable option is the network of inter-city coaches: Caribe Tours, Metro ST, and Expreso Bávaro (APTPRA).

Why Use These Buses?

• Assigned seats so you’re not standing in the aisle.
• Strong A/C (often very cold—bring a light sweater or hoodie).
• Wi-Fi on many routes, though speed can vary.
• Professional drivers and a strong safety record.
• Ticket counters usually have staff who can help non-Spanish speakers.

They’re ideal for routes such as:

• Santo Domingo ↔ Puerto Plata
• Santo Domingo ↔ Santiago
• Santo Domingo ↔ Samaná / Las Terrenas (via connections)
• Punta Cana ↔ Santo Domingo via Expreso Bávaro

When looking up schedules, search for terms like “Dominican Republic bus schedule” or compare Caribe Tours vs Metro to see which company serves your route.

How Much Do They Cost?

Prices are surprisingly low: usually between $5 and $10 USD for a cross-country journey.

For example, a bus between Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata often costs under $10, which is much cheaper (and safer) than trying to drive yourself if you’re not comfortable with DR traffic.

The “Guagua” Experience: Local Minivans

If you want to travel like a local and keep your budget very low, you’ll eventually meet the famous guaguas.

These are small minivans or microbuses that run set routes but don’t always have fixed timetables or obvious bus stops.

How Guaguas Work

• You stand on the side of the road on the route and wave your hand when a guagua approaches.
• The driver or cobrador (the helper who leans out the door) will flag you in.
• You pay the cobrador in cash (pesos) during or after your ride.
• They stop frequently to pick up or drop off passengers.

Inside, expect loud music, people squeezing into every available seat, and no air conditioning. It’s not luxurious—but it’s authentic and extremely cheap.

The “Hot Potato” Method

Depending on where you’re going, you might need to change guaguas along the way. You’ll ride one until a main intersection or town, then hop off and wait for another going in your next direction.

Think of it as passing a “hot potato” from one route to another—you keep moving in steps until you reach your final destination.

Motoconchos (Motorcycle Taxis)

Motoconchos are motorcycle taxis and are one of the most common ways locals move around short distances, especially in smaller towns and beach areas.

You’ll recognize them as men on bikes, often wearing neon vests or standing at busy corners calling out destinations.

When to Use a Motoconcho

• Only for **short distances** (for example, from your hotel to town).
• Only if you’re **traveling solo**—these aren’t meant for couples or families.
• Never with **large bags or suitcases**; it’s unsafe and uncomfortable.

Safety Tips for Motoconchos

• Always agree on the price before you sit down.
• Watch your right leg around the muffler to avoid burns.
• If a helmet is offered, wear it. Many drivers don’t have spares, but if they do, use it.
• Avoid motoconchos for long rides or on busy highways.

Used well, motoconchos are a quick and very cheap way to get around places like Las Terrenas, Cabarete, and smaller neighborhoods.

Private Shuttles & Tourist Taxis

If you’re not on a super tight budget and want maximum comfort, private shuttles and official tourist taxis are your best friends.

Tourist Taxis (Hotel & Resort Taxis)

At hotels and resorts, especially in Punta Cana, you’ll find official tourist taxis parked outside or available through the front desk.

• They usually operate with fixed rates by zone.
• They are very safe and convenient, especially if you don’t speak Spanish.
• They are also often 10x more expensive than an Uber would be for the same route.

Still, for families with kids, late-night arrivals, or travelers nervous about negotiating, the higher price is often worth the reduced stress.

Private Airport Transfers

For airport-to-hotel transportation, a pre-booked private shuttle is one of the most comfortable options.

You can book these in advance online or through your hotel. The driver meets you at arrivals with a sign, helps with luggage, and takes you straight to your accommodation.

Tip: Booking ahead is usually better than trying to haggle for a taxi in the arrivals area when you’re tired and still getting used to the currency.

Getting Around Popular Hubs (Quick Breakdown)

Santo Domingo

• Best options: Uber, Indrive, and the Metro subway system for certain routes.
• Ideal for exploring neighborhoods and moving between the Colonial Zone and modern parts of the city.

Punta Cana

• Best options: Private shuttles and tourist taxis.
• Uber exists, but pickups are often at the resort gate or outside the airport area, which can be tricky if you’re new or carrying lots of luggage.
• Most resort guests rely on pre-booked shuttles and organized tours.

Las Terrenas & Cabarete

• Both towns are quite walkable within their central areas.
• Motoconchos are the default for short trips, especially from hilltop villas or further-out neighborhoods.
• Some travelers organize taxis or shuttles through their hotels for longer trips.

5 Essential Tips for Public Transport in the DR

To make getting around the Dominican Republic without a car easier, keep these basics in mind:

1. Carry Small Cash (Pesos)
   Guaguas, motoconchos, and some local taxis only take cash. Having coins and small bills makes everything smoother.
2. Download WhatsApp
   Most drivers and tour operators confirm pickups and share locations through WhatsApp. It’s practically part of the transport system.
3. Learn Basic Spanish Phrases
   Simple phrases help a lot:
   • “Cuánto cuesta?” – How much?
   • “Aquí, por favor.” – Here, please.
   • “Voy a …” – I’m going to …
4. Use Google Maps Offline
   Download offline maps of the area before you arrive. Even without data, you can still track your location and make sure you’re heading the right way.
5. Be Patient – Island Time Is Real
   Buses can run late, guaguas leave when they’re full, and traffic jams happen. Build some buffer time into your schedule and keep expectations flexible.

Comfort vs. Control: Should You Still Consider Driving?

After reading about all these options, you might still be curious about renting a car. If you do choose to drive, it’s important to understand how traffic actually works in the DR and what to expect on highways and in cities.

Before making your final decision, check out our full guide on Driving in the Dominican Republic: Essential Road Safety Tips. It covers things like night driving, speed bumps, and how to share the road with motorbikes.