Driving in the Dominican Republic and some pointers on getting to the North Coast from Santo Domingo Airport.

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It captures the essence...


My husband now drives like a DR local, but with a fully functioning car, working head lights, blinkers and all.  But, you will need cat-like reflexes to respond to his quick indicators. I've begun to offer to drive whenever we are here in the States to avoid people in the back becoming car sick.  But, when in the DR I'm happy to let him take the wheel, because...

 A.  He seems to win the many games of "chicken" that ensue when driving the one coastal road that connects all the towns
             
B.  To the locals, it seems like a crazy fellow Dominican driver at the wheel when we cut past everyone
             
C.  I just want to give him the satisfaction and release driving like a crazy person obviously                       gives him.

And, contrary to what many might tell you...you CAN drive there. You just need to be on your toes and realize no rules apply.  For people who have driven in developing nations around the world this won't be much different.  But, for those people who have only driven in North America you should take note of the article below.  It tends to talk about the motorcycle and moped dangers, but trust me, it's all driving instances.  My biggest suggestion is never to drive at night if it can be avoided.

See full article Driving Danger in the Dominican Republic

My husband has lived in Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America and has personally driven some harrowing places.  So, as previously mentioned I think this is kind of fun for him...?  Still, we have gotten lost several times from Santo Domingo Airport to North Coast (Las Terrenas/Nagua/ Cabrera side) We've learned that you can't trust google maps to know what road you are on and you can't trust DR to put signs in logical places and from multiple directions.  So I'm posting a step by step guide to find the Samana Toll Road that takes you away from the scariest drive you'll likely to experience OR if you need to shop...and have a thrill-seeking side...then I will also break down how to get into downtown Santo Domingo, hit the IKEA, Pricesmart, la Sirena, etc. area and make it back to the Samana Toll Road.  I tried to get as many photos last time as I could. But, both phones lost batteries at some point...so I will update as I get more.

Santo Dominigo Airport (Las Americas International) to North Coast/Samana...fun, fun, fun...

Hubby makes it to/from Cabrera  (further away than LT) in early morning light traffic in 1 1/2 hours. 


Route 7 (which is the Samana Toll Road) is NOT accessible directly from Route 3 that takes you into Santo Domingo.  You leave the Airport (which is closest to Boca Chica) and head west (veering left) towards Santo Domingo.   You must have some RD cash to pay the tolls. No credit cards accepted.

Heading out of Airpot
Following "exit" lanes
On Route 3 heading West towards Santo Domingo 

Pass through toll booth (no toll this direction)
STAY TO THE RIGHT AFTER THIS
Route 7 is only indicated as SAMANA in orange sign.
If there's a truck you will NOT see it.
This is the turn off to get to Route 7 toll road heading north.
DO NOT miss it!  If you do you won't be able to exit Route 3
for over 8 miles...and the turn around is equally confusing
Turning off access road parallel to Route 3 onto Route 7 Toll Road.



List of tolls:  #1RD $57,  #2 RD $183,   #3 RD $ 215 
(driving back south reverse order obviously, plus RD $60 before airport)

End of Samana Toll Road:
Right to Las Terrenas,  Left to Cabrera/Playa Grande



Shopping in Santo Domingo and THEN driving north...even more exciting...


I put in directions to PriceSmart (essentially Costco) but this route takes you right past Galleria 360 where a La Sirena,
Ferreteria Americana are located right next to IKEA and a Corripio a bit further on route.

HEADING INTO SANTO DOMINGO
Route 3 runs along the ocean...gorgeous! But, no looking for the driver!


This particular day, we landed pretty early in SDQ from Fort Lauderdale, and had the least amount of traffic we've ever seen.  Our first trip to DR off resort put us in Santo Domingo Este on a Friday at around 5 PM.  My eyes stayed closed!  But, this time wasn't bad. My only advice once in SD...stay UP if you can...and don't assume google maps knows what elevation you are at...sorry, can't be more specific.To the right, you'll see us passing by IKEA...just before this is Galleria 360, where a good hardware store and a La Sirena are located.

 HEADING EAST OUT OF SANTO DOMINGO TO SAMANA TOLL ROAD

Coming from the city, there are lots of signs...
some even helpful

This orange sign doesn't acutally
indicate anything...you are headed
away from the city....?


Stay to the left...left lane will split for route 3 turn around
or the tunnel to Samana Toll Road

Take the tunnel...but no sign to indicate that!

Turn to the left...but stay on this side of underpass...

 Above picture gives directions to Ciudad Juan Bosch...but is actually giving you the directions to get on the Samana Toll Road (route 7) but how would anyone not from DR find it?  hmmm...  

 Picture to the right has the biggest sign indicating how you get to Juan Bosch...and a smaller sign tell you to go left for Samana.
Heading back west...but now on access road running
parallel to route 3

Go right following orange sign to Samana...start paying tolls...



PHEW!

Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 18, 2018 at 2:40 PM

    Thanks for the insight, headed there July 22nd to the 30th. Wish us luck.

    ReplyDelete

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