Getting to Las Terrenas: airports, transfers and car rental
The closest airport to Las Terrenas is El Catey (AZS), about 25 minutes away on a recent highway. Santo Domingo, 2 h to 2 h 30 by road, is the other main gateway. Here is how to choose your airport, your transfer and, if needed, your vehicle.
Which airport should you choose?
Five international airports can serve as a gateway, but they are not equal. El Catey (AZS), on the Samaná peninsula, is the best choice whenever there is a flight. Santo Domingo (SDQ) is the most common alternative. Puerto Plata, La Romana and Punta Cana mean long drives: keep them for truly good airfare deals.
| Airport | Drive to Las Terrenas | Private transfer, 1 to 5 people | Private transfer, 6 to 8 people |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Catey (AZS), Samaná | About 25 min | US$85 | US$115 |
| Las Américas (SDQ), Santo Domingo | 2 h to 2 h 30 | US$190 | US$240 |
| Puerto Plata (POP) | About 3 h | US$245 | US$305 |
| La Romana (LRM) | About 4 h | US$235 | US$295 |
| Punta Cana (PUJ) | About 4 h | US$270 | US$330 |
Indicative 2026 rates for a private transfer, per vehicle and per trip, in US dollars.
Direct flights
From Canada, seasonal direct flights reach El Catey in about 4 h to 4 h 20. From Europe, you will most often land in Santo Domingo: Paris, Madrid, Frankfurt and Rome have direct connections, for about 9 hours of flying. From the United States, New York, Miami and several East Coast cities fly nonstop to Santo Domingo. Airlines and departure cities change from season to season: check what is available when you book.
The drive from the airport
A pleasant surprise on arrival: the highway linking El Catey to Las Terrenas is recent, well maintained and lit at night. Allow about 25 minutes. The road climbs into the hills and offers lovely views of the coast. If you arrive in daylight, ask your driver to stop at one of the lookouts, or at the stalactite cave that opens right by the roadside.
From Santo Domingo, allow 2 h to 2 h 30 on the Northeast highway, which has several tolls: bring pesos if you are driving. From downtown Santo Domingo, traffic can stretch the trip to 3 hours.
Private transfer, taxi or guagua?
| From El Catey | Price | Time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer booked in advance | US$85 per vehicle (1 to 5 people) | 25 min | Your driver waits for you at arrivals, door to door |
| Taxi found on site | About US$80 to US$100, to be negotiated | 25 to 35 min | Agree on the price before you get in |
| Guagua (minibus) via Sánchez | Under US$10 per person | 2 to 3 h | Connections, not practical with luggage |
Our advice: book a private transfer with a recommended driver before your flight, and the return trip at the same time. It costs no more than a taxi found on site, you avoid haggling as you step off the plane as well as overly sporty driving, and your driver adapts to the amount of luggage.
We can arrange your transfer. Send us your flight number and the number of guests on WhatsApp: your driver will be waiting for you outside the airport.
Arrange my transfer on WhatsAppIndicative private transfer rates
| Airport | 1 to 5 people, one way | 1 to 5 people, round trip | 6 to 8 people, one way | 6 to 8 people, round trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Catey (AZS) | $85 | $150 | $115 | $210 |
| Santo Domingo (SDQ) | $190 | $360 | $240 | $460 |
| Puerto Plata (POP) | $245 | $470 | $305 | $590 |
| La Romana (LRM) | $235 | $450 | $295 | $570 |
| Punta Cana (PUJ) | $270 | $520 | $330 | $640 |
2026 rates per vehicle, in US dollars, given as a guide and to be confirmed when you book.
Should you rent a car?
In the village, not really: from our Punta Popy villas, the beach, restaurants and grocery stores are all within walking distance. For our Cosón villas, or for excursions (Morón, El Portillo, Playa Rincón), a vehicle becomes useful.
What we recommend: arrive by transfer, then rent a car, an ATV or a scooter in the village only on the days you need one. You avoid driving at night on unfamiliar roads on arrival day, and you only pay for a vehicle when you use it. For short trips, motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) are everywhere: agree on the price before you set off.
El Catey airport in practice
El Catey is a small airport, and that is an advantage: few flights, so little waiting, on arrival as on departure. The flip side is that schedules are limited and you rarely get to choose your arrival time. Keep this in mind when planning your first evening at the villa.
Our arrival tips
- Book the outbound and return transfers at the same time: your driver waits for you outside, and your departure is as relaxed as your arrival.
- Stay connected: an eSIM activated before you leave saves you the line at the counter and works as soon as you land.
- Carry a few pesos for tips, tolls and your first purchases.
- Arriving in daylight? Enjoy the lookouts along the road: a lovely start to your stay.
Once you have settled in, see our guides The beaches of Las Terrenas and Village life.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport is closest to Las Terrenas?
El Catey (AZS), Samaná international airport, about 25 minutes by road on a recent highway. Santo Domingo (SDQ), 2 h to 2 h 30 by road, is the main alternative.
How much does a transfer from El Catey airport cost?
As a guide in 2026, a private transfer costs about US$85 one way for 1 to 5 people (US$150 round trip) and US$115 for 6 to 8 people (US$210 round trip), per vehicle. A taxi found on site usually costs between US$80 and US$100 after negotiation, so booking a transfer in advance costs no more.
How long does it take from Santo Domingo to Las Terrenas?
Allow 2 h to 2 h 30 by road from Las Américas airport (SDQ). From downtown Santo Domingo, traffic can stretch the trip to 3 hours.
Do you need a car to stay in the village?
No. In the village, the beach, restaurants and grocery stores are within walking distance. A car, an ATV or a scooter can be rented on site for excursion days.
