Sans Souci (also spelled Sansoucí) is Santo Domingo's cruise terminal, on the east bank of the Ozama River directly across from the Colonial Zone. Across the water you can see Fortaleza Ozama and the old walls; the historic centre is about 2 km away, a 15 to 25 minute walk over the bridge or a few minutes by taxi. Las Américas Airport (SDQ) is about 22 km away, 25 to 35 minutes.
It's the only port in the city that embarks cruise passengers. In the 2025 to 2026 season Costa Fascinosa used Sans Souci as a homeport, and MSC has used it in earlier seasons. Next door, on the west bank, the Don Diego terminal takes some ships on port calls.
Getting off the ship
The terminal is modern, with immigration and baggage areas, and handles about 3,800 passengers at a time. On port-call days some cruise lines run shuttles to the Colonial Zone. Taxis wait outside; Uber and other apps do work in Santo Domingo, though pickup right at the port gate may be restricted.
A taxi to the Colonial Zone costs around US$8 to US$15 per vehicle in 2026. Walking is possible: about 2 km over the bridge across the Ozama, with traffic and little shade. Several cruise guides recommend a taxi or shuttle rather than walking, especially in the heat or with children.
Once in the Colonial Zone almost everything is walkable: Calle El Conde, the Catedral Primada, the Alcázar de Colón and Calle Las Damas are a few blocks apart.
Popular trips from the port
| Destination | Distance | Drive time | Private car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colonial Zone | 2 km | 5 to 15 min | US$8 to US$15 |
| Los Tres Ojos caves | 5 km | 10 to 20 min | US$15 to US$25 |
| Boca Chica | 30 km | 30 to 45 min | US$40 to US$60 |
| Juan Dolio | 50 km | 45 min to 1 h | US$55 to US$80 |
| Las Américas Airport (SDQ) | 22 km | 25 to 35 min | US$40 to US$60 |
One-way prices, approximate, based on posted fares and 2025 and 2026 quotes. Confirm the final price before you book.
Airport transfers
If you embark in Santo Domingo, Las Américas Airport (SDQ) is about 22 km away on the Autopista de Las Américas, 25 to 35 minutes in normal traffic and up to an hour at rush hour. An official airport taxi costs around US$35 to US$45 and a pre-booked private transfer around US$40 to US$60 per vehicle in 2026. Uber works at SDQ, from the signed pickup area.
La Isabela Airport (JBQ), north of the city, mainly handles domestic and regional flights; it's about 20 to 30 minutes away. When disembarking, allow at least three and a half hours between leaving the ship and an international flight from SDQ: traffic on Avenida España and the highway can be slow in the morning.
Tips
- For the Colonial Zone, a taxi or shuttle spares you crossing the bridge in the sun; walking back is nicer in the late afternoon.
- If you're embarking, arrive in Santo Domingo the day before: delayed flights are the most common reason people miss a cruise.
- Uber works in the city; if pickup at the gate is restricted, walk out to Avenida España.
- Los Tres Ojos and the Faro a Colón are on the same side of the river as the port, a few minutes away by car.
Frequently asked questions
Can you walk from Sans Souci to the Colonial Zone?
Yes, it's about 2 km and 15 to 25 minutes over the bridge across the Ozama. In the heat, a US$8 to US$15 taxi is more comfortable.
How long is the transfer from Sans Souci to Santo Domingo airport?
25 to 35 minutes for about 22 km, up to an hour at rush hour. A private transfer costs around US$40 to US$60.
Does Uber work at Santo Domingo cruise port?
Uber works in Santo Domingo. Pickup right at the terminal may be limited; if so, walk out to Avenida España.