Is Uber in the Dominican Republic?
Why transportation choices matter when traveling in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is one of the most visited destinations in the Caribbean, with millions of travelers arriving every year to enjoy Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, La Romana, and other hotspots. One of the most common questions visitors ask before arriving is:
“Is Uber available in the Dominican Republic?”
The short answer is yes — Uber does exist in the Dominican Republic. However, its service is not as developed or widespread as in the United States or Europe. Depending on where you are, Uber can be a convenient option — or an expensive and unreliable one.
In this article, we’ll break down where Uber operates, its advantages and limitations, how it compares to taxis and private transfers, and what you should know before deciding how to move around in the Dominican Republic.
Where is Uber available in the Dominican Republic?
Uber first launched in the Dominican Republic in 2015, starting in Santo Domingo. Over the years, the platform has expanded, but it still mainly operates in larger urban areas.
Main cities where Uber is available
Santo Domingo (the capital)
Santiago (the country’s second largest city)
La Romana (with limited coverage)
Puerto Plata (in some neighborhoods)
Limited coverage in tourist areas
In Punta Cana and Bávaro — the heart of Dominican tourism — Uber’s presence is much less reliable. You may find a driver occasionally, but availability is inconsistent.
👉 Important: If no driver is nearby, the app may assign one from another city. In that case, the fare can skyrocket, because Uber charges not only the ride itself but also the distance the driver traveled to reach you. That often makes Uber more expensive than a local taxi in less-covered areas.
Is Uber cheaper than taxis in the Dominican Republic?
It depends heavily on where you are.
In Santo Domingo or Santiago: Uber is usually cheaper than taxis, with more transparent pricing. You avoid haggling over fares, which is common with street taxis.
In Punta Cana, Bávaro, La Romana: Uber can actually be more expensive, because drivers may come from outside the tourist zone. That “dead mileage” is added to your final bill.
Taxis in the Dominican Republic
Taxis remain the most common form of transport in the Dominican Republic, especially in tourist areas.
How taxis work
You’ll find taxis at airports, hotels, and main streets.
Many are part of taxi associations with fixed rates between popular points (e.g., from Punta Cana Airport to Bávaro hotels).
Others are independent drivers, where the price must be negotiated in advance.
Advantages of taxis
✔️ Always available in tourist zones.
✔️ Direct service without waiting for an app to find a driver.
✔️ Airport taxis are regulated and authorized.
Disadvantages of taxis
❌ No taximeters — prices must be agreed on beforehand.
❌ For tourists, fares are often higher than for locals.
❌ Quality of vehicles and service can vary.
Private transfers: the safest alternative
For many visitors, especially those coming on vacation, the most convenient option is to book a private transfer with a licensed transportation company.
Why private transfers are a good choice
Fixed price — no surprises or hidden fees.
Professional drivers experienced with international travelers.
Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles.
Punctual and reliable — your driver waits for you at the airport or hotel.
Perfect for families, groups, or travelers with luggage.
At Tropical Evasion, we provide private, door-to-door transfers exclusively for clients who book our excursions or travel packages. This means your transport is fully taken care of as part of your trip, offering you comfort and peace of mind without having to arrange anything separately.
For many travelers, this option combines the best of Uber (convenience, booking in advance) with the best of taxis (immediate service in tourist areas) — but with more security, comfort, and reliability.
Tips for using Uber in the Dominican Republic
If you decide to use Uber during your trip, here are some essential tips:
Check availability before relying on it
Open the app and see how many cars are around. In Punta Cana, you might find none.
Compare the fare to a taxi
Sometimes, an airport taxi or a hotel-arranged taxi will be cheaper and faster.
Use Wi-Fi or mobile data
You’ll need Internet to order. Many hotels and airports offer free Wi-Fi. Or, get a local SIM card (Claro/Altice) or an eSIM like Holafly.
Avoid late-night rides in unfamiliar areas
Stick to official transportation if you’re unsure of your surroundings.
Always confirm the car and driver
Just as in other countries, double-check the license plate and driver profile before entering the vehicle.
What about airport transfers with Uber?
Uber operates from Las Américas Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, but not officially from Punta Cana Airport (PUJ).
In Santo Domingo, you can order Uber from the airport parking lot.
In Punta Cana, the airport has exclusive agreements with taxi associations. Uber drivers often cannot pick up passengers inside the terminal, making it unreliable.
That’s why most travelers choose private transfers or airport taxis instead of Uber.
Conclusion: Should you use Uber in the Dominican Republic?
Yes, Uber is available in the Dominican Republic, but it’s not always the best option.
Best for: Santo Domingo and Santiago, where service is consistent and cheaper than taxis.
Not ideal for: Punta Cana, Bávaro, and La Romana, where availability is low and fares can end up higher than taxis.
For most tourists, especially families or groups, the safest and most comfortable way to move around is with a private transfer service booked in advance.
This guarantees a fixed price, punctuality, and a professional driver waiting for you — no stress, no surprises.
Who are we?
Tropical Evasion is a local agency specialized in Tailor-made private tours across the Dominican Republic.
We offer authenticity, comfort, and safety, with tailor-made itineraries and personalized support.
📞 WHATSAPP CONTACT:
+1 (829) 424-1391
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Explore the Dominican Republic with Tropical Évasion
Whether you’re passionate about nature, cultural discoveries, or sea adventures, the Dominican Republic is full of treasures waiting to be explored. From the paradise beaches of Saona to the breathtaking peaks of Montaña Redonda, every excursion is an invitation to escape.
With Tropical Évasion, enjoy an exclusive and immersive experience in small groups, aboard luxury boats or off-road vehicles, for unforgettable moments far from traditional tourist routes.
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