Which route to SD - POP or PUJ?

ent · #1 07-18-2007, 04:16 PM

Hi,

I'm looking to see if travelling from Punta Cana or Puerto Plata to Santo Domingo is better with a family with a 4 year old and an infant. Basically which is safer and easier on kids (first time to the DR but we are used to travelling where there are bikes and animals and the highway and people don't use their car lights at night).

Our travel agent has told us that the trip from Punta Cana would be better with young kids but I've not seen anything on these forums or elsewhere that would indicate that (nothing that compares the two options at least).

We will be flying into the DR one-way in order to catch a cruise ship so we only have a choice of POP or PUJ as airports without being faced with insane one-way ticket prices. We hope to spend a few days in Santo Domingo and perhaps a couple of days around whichever airport in order to get some beach time. If we didn't have the kids we would take something like Caribe Tours to get to Santo Domingo, but we may opt for one of the taxis recommended here.

thanks very much in advance

drloca · #2 07-18-2007, 07:11 PM

Both cities are almost equidistant from Santo Domingo...would you be hiring a driver or renting a vehicle?
If you are using the services of a driver, you can get to relax (yikes, 2 small kids) or keep your kids entertained and allow the driver to do his job...I would recommend that.

Good luck.

Dre Broeders · #3 07-18-2007, 07:57 PM

The road from Puerto Plata is much better.

ent · #4 07-18-2007, 11:15 PM

Thanks ... I know we're crazy going with two kids.
We'll get a car with a driver most likely (rather than try to coordinate ourselves to get onto a big bus).
The travel agent seemed to think the Puerto Plata road was crazier but from what I've seen it's Carretera Santiago-Puerto Plata with the tunnel followed by divided highway/motorway (Autopista Duarte) from Santiago. Nice to hear that the road isn't as bad as he thinks.

Is the Carretera Santiago-Puerto Plata fairly low-lying (ie cliff-free)? (I almost got run off a cliff by two 18 wheelers passing each other on a blind mountain corner while abroad so I'm none too fond of them when others are driving)

thanks

drloca · #5 07-19-2007, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ent

Thanks ... I know we're crazy going with two kids.
We'll get a car with a driver most likely (rather than try to coordinate ourselves to get onto a big bus).
The travel agent seemed to think the Puerto Plata road was crazier but from what I've seen it's Carretera Santiago-Puerto Plata with the tunnel followed by divided highway/motorway (Autopista Duarte) from Santiago. Nice to hear that the road isn't as bad as he thinks.

Is the Carretera Santiago-Puerto Plata fairly low-lying (ie cliff-free)? (I almost got run off a cliff by two 18 wheelers passing each other on a blind mountain corner while abroad so I'm none too fond of them when others are driving)

thanks

I have travelled both routes...I guess there's not much difference but I guess I would tend to agree with your TA. For great service, try Silva Travel Services, Travel Services in Dominican Republic. (can be arranged/paid in advance).

ent · #6 07-19-2007, 12:54 PM

Hmmm ... it seems to be one vote for each route (not counting my TA). Is there a particular reason one is better than the other?

drloca · #7 07-19-2007, 01:24 PM

I guess I have done the Punta Cana to SD a lot more frequently so maybe am just more "accustomed" to it...I really dont think there is a lot in it in terms of your decision-making.
( I know it was mentioned in another post regarding a lot of construction/road blocks in the Santiago area which could slow things done if you travelled from Puerto Plata, but not sure of any adverse conditions coming from Punta Cana).

Good luck, you guys will be fine!

ent · #8 07-19-2007, 01:29 PM

Great ... the Puerta Plata route means we can spend an extra 2 days in the DR since the flights aren't every day. Thanks for the feedback.

drloca · #9 07-19-2007, 01:34 PM

Well there you have..of course that should influence your decision to have 2 extra days there...enjoy!

Hillbilly · #10 07-19-2007, 05:29 PM

Definately POP-SD!! No two wqys about it. Better highway, by far.
Timewise, probablyabout the same.

By far the easiest way--depending on you arrival time--would be airport taxi to POP proper Metro Station--Metro air conditioned bus to Santo Domingo--taxi to hotel or where ever. Total cost less than RD$1500 I'll bet. Versus RD$5 or 6,000 for a car and driver....

HB