Boca Chica is about 10 km from Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), 10 to 15 minutes by car. It is Santo Domingo's beach: a shallow bay sheltered by a reef, with a town of short streets behind it. Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial is about 35 to 45 minutes away.
Because it is so close to the airport, it is a popular choice for the first or last night of a trip, especially with very early or very late flights.
Nearby airports
| Airports | Distance | Drive time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDQ · Las Américas Airport | 10 km | 10 to 15 min | Very close, to the west along the Autopista Las Américas. Taxi, Uber or transfer. |
| JBQ · La Isabela Airport (El Higüero) | 45 km | 45 min to 1 h 10 min | On the far side of the city. Only if your domestic or regional flight uses it. |
| PUJ · Punta Cana Airport | 175 km | 2 h 10 min to 2 h 40 min | About 2 to 2.5 hours by toll highway. |
Which airport to fly into
Fly into Las Américas (SDQ). Boca Chica is 10 to 15 minutes east on the Autopista Las Américas, without going through the city, so capital traffic barely affects you. It is the shortest airport-to-beach transfer in the country.
La Isabela (JBQ) is north of Santo Domingo and means crossing the city: 45 to 70 minutes. Punta Cana (PUJ) is 2 to 2.5 hours away; it only makes sense if you are combining Boca Chica with the east coast.
Transfer routes to Boca Chica
- Las Américas Airport (SDQ) to Boca Chica10 to 20 min · US$25 to US$40
- La Isabela Airport (JBQ) to Boca Chica50 min to 1 h 20 min · US$60 to US$85
Areas and transfer times
Central Boca Chica, between Calle Duarte and the beach, is 10 to 15 minutes from SDQ with almost everything walkable. To the east, near Andrés and the marina, there are quieter hotels and apartments at a similar distance from the airport. La Caleta, to the west, is right next to the airport (5 to 10 minutes) and more residential.
Transfer differences are minimal; choose based on whether you want the beachfront with nightlife or a quieter area.
Hotels in Boca Chica
Pick your hotel to get a transfer quote from the airport.
Boca Chica
- Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach
- Be Live Experience Hamaca Garden
- Whala Boca Chica
- Don Juan Beach Resort
- Hotel Zapata
Las Américas
Getting around
Boca Chica is walkable: Calle Duarte, parallel to the beach, has the restaurants and bars, and most hotels are a few blocks away. Uber works in Boca Chica as part of the Santo Domingo area and is the cheapest way to get to the airport or the capital. Local taxis charge fixed fares; confirm the price first.
Guaguas running along the Autopista Las Américas link Boca Chica with Santo Domingo, Juan Dolio and San Pedro de Macorís for a few pesos, though they are not comfortable with luggage. Motoconchos are everywhere for short hops; at night or on the highway, skip them.
Tips
- With a flight before 8 a.m., sleeping in Boca Chica avoids capital traffic.
- Leave for the airport 2.5 to 3 hours before international flights; the drive is short, the airport lines are not.
- On weekends the beach fills with visitors from the capital; weekdays are quieter.
- Carry pesos for guaguas and beach food.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Boca Chica from the airport?
About 10 km from SDQ, 10 to 15 minutes by car.
Does Uber work in Boca Chica?
Yes, as part of the Santo Domingo area. It is the cheapest option to the airport and the capital.
How long from Boca Chica to the Zona Colonial?
35 to 45 minutes without traffic, longer at rush hour.