Fastest way to get from Santiago to Las Terrenas?

[vmhatup]

We drove from Santiago to Las Terranas a few weeks ago and it took us 4 hours to get there.

When we drove back to Santiago we realized that there's apparently another faster way to get there. Is this true?

Thanks.

[vmhatup]

From another post:

The quickest way to Samaná (from Santiago that is) is down Duarte Hwy to the turn off for San Francisco de Macoris, through SFM to Nagua-> Sanchez->Samaná

Much more direct and generally speaking good roads...

Is this still true?

[whirleybird]

Originally Posted by vmhatup

We drove from Santiago to Las Terranas a few weeks ago and it took us 4 hours to get there.

When we drove back to Santiago we realized that there's apparently another faster way to get there. Is this true?

Thanks.

Which route did you take?

[El Tigre]

I read on this site that when you get to Villa Riva there is a connection to the Santo Domingo - Samana (new) high way. It's supposed to cut 45 mins off your trip. I haven't tried it but when I am there next definately will.