Getting to Las Galeras
Bus, Taxi, Car Rentals & Driving

Guide > Transportation

How to get from Santo Domingo to Samaná & Las Galeras by Bus

Bus Santo Domingo ↔ Las Galeras

SANTO DOMINGO → LAS GALERAS:
• Times: 6:00 AM - 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
• Board at: Parada Asotrapusa (Santo Domingo).
• Also stops at: Parada Las Américas (on the highway, near the airport, about 30 min after departure), and Samaná.
• Duration: ~4 hrs | Price: 500 DOP
LAS GALERAS → SANTO DOMINGO:
• Times: 5:30 AM - 1:15 PM - 3:15 PM
• Board at: Parada (Las Galera s).
• Stops at: Parada Samaná and parada Las Américas.
• Duration: ~4 hrs | Price: 500 DOP
Slower than Caribe Tours, with sometimes many stops along the way, but goes all the way to Las Galeras, no transfer needed.
Bus Santo Domingo ↔ Samaná

SANTO DOMINGO → SAMANA:
• Times: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
• Board at: Terminal Caribe Tours Av. 27 de Febrero (Santo Domingo)
• Also stops at: Parada Las Américas (on the highway, near the airport, about 30 min after departure).
• Duration: ~3 hrs | Price: 500 DOP
SAMANA → SANTO DOMINGO:
• Times: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Board at: Terminal Caribe Tours (Samaná)
• Stops at: Parada Las Américas (about 30 min before arriving at the terminal in Santo Domingo).
• Duration: ~3 hrs | Price: 500 DOP
Caribe Tours goes from Santo Domingo to Samana, but not all the way to Las Galeras (however, Asotrapusa does).
I recommend to check updated itineraries directly on the official website of Caribe Tours.
You can find intermediate itineraries on Caribe Tours’ website, but keep in mind they can take up to twice as long.
The Local Guagua: Connecting Samaná and Las Galeras

The "Guaguas" are the local minibuses that act as the connective tissue of the Dominican Republic.
At the parada in Samaná (mercado), you can take a guagua to Las Galeras for 150 DOP per person (last one around 4:00 PM and usually crowded).
• Terminus Station: Parada Mercado Público in Samaná.
• Frequency: Approximately every 15 minutes (no fixed schedule).
• Duration: ~1 hour | Price: 150 DOP
• Tip: You can wave these down anywhere on the road between Samaná and Las Galeras.

Private Taxis, Driving & Car Rentals

Private Taxi from Santo Domingo Airport to Las Galeras

While prices may vary, guests at Villa Caribana in Las Galeras pay 9,000 DOP (as of March 2026) for a private taxi with Martin from Santo Domingo Las Américas Airport. The journey usually takes around 3 hours.
I recommend Taxi Martin. Tell him Thomas sent you.
Martin’s WhatsApp: +1 (829) 533-5208
I can also recommend Taxi Tony. Tell him Thomas sent you.
Tony’s WhatsApp: +1 (809) 953-2931
Santo Domingo to Las Galeras By Car

Driving from Santo Domingo to Las Galeras usually takes about 3.5 hours.
You can take the Autopista del Nordeste (Highway 7), a modern toll road that leads to the Samaná Peninsula. There are several toll booths along the way (tolls are free for motorbikes). Once you leave the highway, you’ll head toward Santa Bárbara de Samaná and continue east along the coast until you arrive in Las Galeras. The last part of the drive is on smaller, scenic roads winding through villages and lush countryside.
It's important to take it slow and stay cautious. Expect a few potholes, animals and creative driving styles. Having some Mario Kart experience definitely helps!
Car Rental

Renting a car is a great option if you want flexibility to explore the region at your own pace.
I strongly recommend renting directly at the airport and choosing a well-known international rental company. This generally ensures clearer contracts, properly maintained vehicles, transparency, and proper insurance coverage.
Make sure that insurance is included.
Moto Taxi (Motoconchos)

Motoconchos are a convenient and affordable way to get around in the Dominican Republic. You’ll easily find motoconchos available almost everywhere.
I highly recommend using official moto taxis. They are easy to recognize: they usually ride traditional motorbikes, wear a bright green vest, and carry a personal and official badge.