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.
This guide walks you through the route section by section, how to plan the day around each airport's hours and which stops are worth making along the way.
The route
From Las Américas International 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.
From AILA to San Pedro de Macorís
The first stretch follows the Caribbean coast. You pass near Boca Chica and Juan Dolio, and the scenery mixes sea, sugarcane and small towns. There's local traffic, so watch for motorbikes and for speed bumps, known locally as "policías acostados," when you pass through populated areas.
From San Pedro de Macorís to La Romana
The highway continues east. San Pedro de Macorís and La Romana are busy cities: if you're not stopping, follow the highway signs and stay out of the town centers.
On the Autopista del Coral to Punta Cana
From La Romana, the Autopista del Coral leaves the sea behind and crosses the interior to the Punta Cana area. It's the quietest stretch of the trip. When you arrive, the hotel areas are split between Cap Cana to the south and Bávaro, Arena Gorda and Uvero Alto to the north; our guide from Punta Cana Airport to Bávaro, Cap Cana and Uvero Alto helps you find your way.
How to plan the day
The drive itself takes 2 to 3 hours, but it's worth setting aside the whole day if you want to make stops.
- Leave early. You drive in daylight, in cooler hours, with time to stop without rushing.
- If you're leaving from Santo Domingo, avoid the morning and afternoon rush hours when you head out of the city.
- Plan your arrival time. If you're returning the car in Punta Cana, keep in mind that the counter there is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- One or two stops are enough. With more, you end up driving after dark.
Three ways to do the trip
- Straight through: leave AILA and reach your Punta Cana hotel by mid-morning or mid-afternoon, with no long stops.
- With a swim: stop in Boca Chica or Juan Dolio to swim and have lunch, then continue in the afternoon.
- As a day out: visit Altos de Chavón or Bayahíbe and reach Punta Cana before sunset.
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.
Practical notes for each stop
- Boca Chica: its calm, shallow beach is ideal for families. It fills up on weekends; on weekdays parking is easier.
- Juan Dolio: wider, quieter beaches, with restaurants for a long lunch.
- Altos de Chavón: check the opening hours and access conditions before you go, and wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets.
- Bayahíbe: if you want to go to Saona, book the excursion ahead; it takes up the whole day, so it works better as a day trip from Punta Cana.
- Higüey: a city with heavy traffic and lots of motorbikes downtown; park near the Basilica and walk.
At every stop, lock the car and leave nothing in sight, especially if your luggage is in the trunk.
What to keep in the car
- Cash in pesos, in small bills, for tolls, parking and food.
- Water and something to eat for the road.
- A power bank for your phone and the offline map downloaded.
- A swimsuit and towel within reach, if you plan a beach stop.
- Your license, passport or ID card and your booking details.
Your car has room for five passengers and three suitcases; load your luggage into the trunk before you leave so nothing is in sight.
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.
Remember to return it with the same fuel level you received it with, or take the prepaid full tank. If you need to review your booking, go to Manage my booking.
The other way around
The route works the same from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo. If you end your trip in the capital, the AILA counter is open 24 hours, and you can take the chance to see the Colonial Zone before your flight.
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).
Driving on the highway and through towns
- Lanes: use the left lane to pass, then move back to the right. Watch for slow vehicles and motorbikes on the shoulder.
- Speed bumps: "policías acostados" appear as you pass through populated areas and aren't always painted.
- Roundabouts: enter slowly and keep an eye on traffic already in them. Don't assume other drivers will signal.
- At night: outside the cities there are poorly lit stretches, and there may be animals or motorbikes without lights. That's why it pays to leave early.
- Fuel: ask whether they take cards before filling up.
Safety and courtesy
- Make your stops in busy places with parking.
- Make sure everyone buckles up, and keep your phone in a holder.
- Take breaks if you feel tired; the drive isn't long, but sun and heat wear you out.
- Be patient with local traffic: a honk is usually a heads-up, not a complaint.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive?
2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
Are there tolls?
Yes, there are several along the way. Bring cash in pesos.
Can I pick up the car at one airport and return it at the other?
Yes. Additional charges may apply, and you'll see them before you confirm.
What if I reach Punta Cana after 8:00 p.m.?
The Punta Cana counter is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Plan your day to arrive within those hours. If you see you won't make it, call the Punta Cana counter (809-726-0471) before you set out.
What do I do if the car breaks down on the road?
Call 24/7 roadside assistance, included in your rental: 809-544-7111 (option 3). More details in our guide to coverage and card holds.
Pick your dates, your pickup and return airports, and book your car.
