Santo Domingo to Punta Cana by Road: The Autopista del Coral Route
Many travelers combine city and beach: a few days in Santo Domingo and a few in Punta Cana. With Nelly you can pick up your car at one airport and return it at the other, so you make the trip once, with no backtracking.
The route
From Las Américas Airport (SDQ), the Autopista de Las Américas continues east to San Pedro de Macorís and La Romana. From there, the Autopista del Coral crosses inland to the Punta Cana area. It's a modern, well-signposted road.
- Travel time: 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
- Tolls: there are several along the way. Bring cash in pesos.
- Fuel: there are stations along the route, but fill up before you leave.
Stops worth making
- Boca Chica and Juan Dolio, minutes from AILA, for a first swim.
- La Romana, home to Altos de Chavón, a replica Mediterranean village above the Chavón River.
- Bayahíbe, the departure point for trips to Saona Island.
- Higüey, with the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, already close to Punta Cana.
Returning the car at the other airport
You can return the car at a different airport from the one where you picked it up; additional charges may apply, and you'll see them before you confirm. Keep the hours in mind: Las Américas is open 24 hours and Punta Cana from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tips for the drive
- Leave early so you drive in daylight.
- Respect the speed limits: there are checkpoints on the highway.
- If anything goes wrong, 24/7 roadside assistance is included: 809-544-7111 (option 3).
Pick your dates, your pickup and return airports, and book your car.