La Isabela International Airport (JBQ), which everyone calls El Higüero airport, is north of Santo Domingo, about 20 km and 30 to 45 minutes from the Colonial Zone in normal traffic. Boca Chica is much farther, about 50 km and 50 to 80 minutes, because you have to cross or skirt the city. By our estimates an Uber to the Colonial Zone cost around RD$700 to RD$1,100 (about US$11 to US$17) in 2026.
It is not the capital's main international airport, which is Las Américas (SDQ). JBQ handles small aircraft: Air Century, which is based here, flies to Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Cartagena, with Bonaire seasonally. There are also domestic flights, for example to Cabo Rojo in Pedernales, plus private flights and general aviation. If you are coming from the United States, Canada or Europe, you will almost certainly land at SDQ.
Routes from JBQ
| Destination | Distance | Drive time | Private car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colonial Zone | 21 km | 30 to 45 min | US$40 to US$60 |
| Boca Chica | 50 km | 50 min to 1 h 20 min | US$60 to US$85 |
One-way prices, approximate, based on posted fares and 2025 and 2026 quotes. Confirm the final price before you book.
After landing
On international flights you fill in the same E-Ticket as at any other Dominican airport. With small aircraft, immigration, baggage and customs are usually quick. Outside, whoever is meeting you is a few steps from the door; private transfer drivers wait with signs. There is a taxi service at the terminal. On domestic flights there is no immigration or customs and you walk straight out.
Taxis
There is a taxi service at the terminal, with no meters and a price agreed before you get in. We found no published table for JBQ. We estimate around US$25 to US$40 to the Colonial Zone, Gazcue or Piantini, and around US$50 to US$70 to Boca Chica. Pay in cash, pesos or dollars, and ask whether the price includes tolls.
Uber and ride apps
Uber's official JBQ page says pickups can be requested at the airport, with UberX, UberXL, Comfort, Black and Uber Select among the options. Because it sits inside the Santo Domingo metro area, where Uber coverage is good, drivers are usually nearby. Request the ride once you have your bags and follow the app's meeting point. We have no verified information on inDrive at the airport, though inDrive operates in Santo Domingo.
Terminals
A single small two-level terminal with shops, a café, a food area, airline offices and parking. You can walk it in a few minutes. The runway is short, about 1,660 meters, suited to regional aircraft rather than the large jets that use SDQ.
Practical details
Money: bring some cash. We could not confirm an ATM in the terminal; ATMs are in every shopping plaza in Santo Domingo.
Phone: set up an eSIM or roaming before you fly. We found no SIM sales point at JBQ; Claro and Altice have stores in most city malls.
Hours: most regional flights depart and arrive in daytime. If you arrive on a private flight at night, book transport ahead.
Tips
- Check the airport code on your ticket: JBQ (El Higüero) and SDQ (Las Américas) are almost an hour apart.
- For the Colonial Zone, Uber is the cheapest option and drivers are usually nearby.
- If you're heading to Boca Chica or Juan Dolio, leave before 4 p.m. to avoid city traffic.
- Ask whether the taxi price includes tolls before you get in.
Frequently asked questions
Is El Higüero Santo Domingo's main airport?
No. The main one is Las Américas (SDQ), to the east. El Higüero (JBQ) handles regional Caribbean flights, domestic flights and private aviation.
Which airlines fly to JBQ?
Mainly Air Century, which is based here, to Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Cuba and Cartagena, with Bonaire seasonally. There are also domestic flights and charters.
Does Uber work at El Higüero airport?
Yes, according to Uber's official JBQ page, pickups can be requested at the airport.
How long from JBQ to the Colonial Zone?
About 30 to 45 minutes in normal traffic, via the Autopista Duarte or Avenida Máximo Gómez. At rush hour it can exceed an hour.