A Guide on Public Transport from Santo Domingo to Cabarete
Traveling through the Dominican Republic offers a rich tapestry of culture, landscapes, and vibrant experiences. If you’re planning to make your way from the bustling Santo Domingo to the laid-back paradise of Cabarete, navigating the public transportation system can be an adventure in itself.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to easily make your way to the north of the island.
1. Starting Point: Santo Domingo
Your journey begins in the city center: Head to the Caribe Tours Bus Terminal, located at Av. 27 de Febrero, close to the corner of Leopoldo Navarro. You can easily reach this point finding a driver via the Uber app. You can share your pick up point, destination and pay in advance. Specially useful to use if you have heavy carry on.
Caribe tours is one of the hubs for long-distance buses departing for various destinations across the country.
2. Choosing the Right Bus Company
Several bus companies operate services between Santo Domingo and Sosúa, the closest town to Cabarete. Caribe Tours, Metro Bus and Asdotrapusa are among the most reliable and reputable options. However, they have different location points and destinations. To go north, the only one recommended in this case is Caribe tours.Buses typically depart multiple times throughout the day, providing flexibility for your travel plans, but it is useful to call the company itself with the provided number on their Instagram platform or about page, to ensure yourself of schedule, specially on holiday dates.
3. Ticket Purchase and Boarding
Upon reaching the Caribe Tours Bus Terminal, head to the ticket counter and purchase your ticket to Sosúa.
IMPORTANT! There are two ways to get to Sosúa: The express bus or the regular one. The express route will take you almost directly to the north while the regular one will have several stops and a much longer journey to reach the final destination, so make sure to purchase your express bus ticket and ask the driver about route and duration before boarding.. It’s also advisable to buy your ticket in advance, especially during peak travel times.
The journey usually takes around 4 to 5 hours, so plan accordingly.
Budget for a ticket ranges from 500 to 600 pesos per person, an estimated equivalent of 10 USD, which should be paid in Dominican currency.
4. Enjoy the Scenic Route
Taking the guagua is usually a steady experience when it comes to departure times and the usual stop for a snack/drink break at a “colmadito” on the way to your destination. The fun reality of this local experience is that every bus is it’s own world when it comes to the people on board: locals from all over, as tourists from different places. The guagua is also famous for playing local music, so be ready to travel to the tunes of the Dominican bachateros, some spicy merengues or salsa.
BEWARE – with capital letters with the strength of the air conditioning of the bus!
There may be close to 30 degree celsius outside the guagua, but during your ride you could experience a very cold capsule for your whole travel time. It is highly recommended to bring a sweater, protective cozy jacket or even a scarf or if you’re really committed to the comfort… a blanket!
Aside from these variables, the best part is that the scenery does not disappoint.
The route offers glimpses of local life, picturesque landscapes, and the gradual transition from cityscape to coastal beauty. Get ready for the views!
5. Arrival in Sosúa
Upon arrival in Sosúa, you’re just a short distance away from Cabarete. Sosúa serves as a transportation hub for travelers heading to various destinations in the North Coast. From the bus terminal, you can easily find taxis or local guaguas (small buses) that will take you to Cabarete.
Depending on the timeframe, our most recommended is to get on a guagua: usually white small bus with a banner that will read Puerto plata – Rio San juan. You can always ask the bus if they are heading or passing by Cabarete.
Once you get on the guagua, let the driver know your destination drop off and remind them about it when you are reaching the point: to get to the center you can ask for Cabarete center and drop off at the Bon Ice cream shop, next to the watersport Liquid blue kitesurfing and wingfoiling school.
If you arrive late at night: In this case it is advised to get on a taxi car, and ask to take you to Cabarete for an approximate price of 200 or 300 pesos (prices are higher at night).
A cheaper though longer alternative is to get on a taxi and ask to take you to the carrito stop in Sosúa. For this ride you would pay aprox 100 or 150 pesos. At the carrito station, you can get on a car with a taxi signal on the roof: These are public cars taken by all citizens that drive around at all hours of the day and night. From carrito stop in Sosúa to Cabarete center, you should pay around 50 to 75 pesos.
Note: There are taxi motos called “moto chonchos” always driving around and waiting for potential customers at bus stops, markets and other busy points in town. This is also an easy travel alternative from point to point everywhere in Cabarete. However, this choice is less reliable as their prices vary according to their criteria, hours of the day and or night, and can also carry less baggage on board.
6. Final tips for a smooth journey.
- Timing is Key: Be mindful of the bus schedules and try to plan your journey during daylight hours.
- Comfort Essentials: Pack snacks, water, and entertainment for the bus ride to ensure a comfortable trip.
- Cash is King: Have some Dominican Pesos on hand for bus tickets, taxis, and any unexpected expenses.
Embarking on this public transport adventure from Santo Domingo to Cabarete allows you to soak in the local culture and witness the diverse landscapes of the Dominican Republic as well as the company of other locals getting from point A to point B, just like yourself.
Embrace the journey, and let the anticipation of reaching Cabarete fuel your excitement for the adventures that lie ahead. Safe travels!
