Several car rental companies have offices in the Punta Cana area. The larger operators are National/Alamo, Budget, Dollar and Europcar.
A valid driver’s license and major credit card is required to rent a car. The driver must be at least 21 years old.
Driving Rules Punta Cana
The Dominican Republic has the largest and one of the better highway systems in the Caribbean. Dominicans drive on the right hand side and the speed limit is 60 km/h in the cities and up to 100 km//h on the highways, unless otherwise indicated. There might be pedestrians and animals on the road even in a places where you would not expect them to be in Europe or the US.
Note: Night-time driving is not recommended for visitors who are not familiar with the destination because of the lack of signage and lighting on the roads.
Additionally Dominican Republic drivers often use high-beams and don’t switch them off even when other car is approaching. If that happens try not to look directly in those lights.
Gas Stations in Punta Cana
There are only two gas stations in the entire Punta Cana area and they both accept cash only. They may take foreign currency, but the exchange rate will be well in their favour, so it is preferable to use pesos.
The gas stations are located at the Veron-Punta Cana highway, and in the Bavaro area at Av. Espana at the Friusa crossing (Av. Estados Unidos).
Travel Times from Punta Cana
These are approximate travel times from Punta Cana:
- La Romana 45 minutes
- Santo Domingo 2 hours
- Boca Chica 2 hours
- Juan Dolio 2 hours 45 minutes
- Bayahibe 2 hours
- Barahona 7 hours
- Samana 3 1/2 hours
- Santiago 6 hours
- Jarabacoa 6 hours
- Constanza 6 hours
- Puerto Plata 7 hours
List of Rental Places in Punta Cana
National Rent a Car
Beron-Bavaro Avenue
Tel: 809-688-5069
Budget Rent a Car
Veron-Bavaro Avenue
Tel: 809-985-2830
Europcar
Espana Avenue
Tel: 809-686-2861
Global Rent a Car
Friusa-Plaza Bavaro Avenue.
Tel: 809-552-6716
Dollar Rent a Car
Tel: 809-221-7368
Punta Cana Motoconcho
Motoconchos – or motorcycle taxis – are the most inexpensive (US$2 to US$4 for most trips) and fastest option for shorter distances in Punta Cana. They are also the most risky of transportation options.
Always choose a motoconcho driver with an orange vest as that shows that he is a member of the local driver union and thus has some qualification to be giving you a ride.