public buses

[wader]

How often do buses stop at Playa Dorada entrance to go to Sosua and how much is it?

[Jane J.]

You can stand on the side of the highway and a gua-gua will be by, oh, about every 10 mins. or so. These are not buses so much as mini-vans and they get quite packed. I believe Playa Dorada to Sosua is 5.00 RD pesos (pretty cheap).

If the gua-gua is not for you, you could take a carro publico (public car) which is like a shared taxi. These can get quite crowded too but are somewhat more comfortable than the gua-gua. The carro publico should cost around 8-10 pesos per person.

[Ken]

The public cars are easy to spot. They are automobiles with a red sign on top that says Sosua-Puerto Plata. There are many more of them than there are guaguas.

Drivers or their assistant (in case of guaguas) are always on lookout for potential passengers. If you are standing along road looking like you need a ride to Puerto Plata, chances are they will at least toot.

Remember, the public cars have a red sign on top. The guaguas are vans, usually old.

What you don't want is a taxi, unless you want to spend the money. They are usually vans, often cream color, and in better condition than the guaguas.

There are also old, beat up buses. They have a letter of alphabet on a sign mounted in windshield. But they go different directions and you could find yourself on one that bypasses Puerto Plata. The public cars and guaguas will take you to center of city.