Cabarete is about 24 km east of Puerto Plata airport (POP), 25 to 40 minutes along Highway 5. In 2026 the airport taxi charges around US$30 to US$40 per car, a private transfer runs about US$35 to US$60 and a shared seat is roughly US$15 to US$30.
What sets this route apart is the luggage. Cabarete is the country's kitesurfing and windsurfing capital, and many people arrive with two-meter board bags that won't fit in a sedan. If that's you, book a van or confirm the car has a roof rack. Town stretches along the highway: the center on the bay, Kite Beach to the west and Encuentro, the surf beach, further west still.
Reference prices (2026)
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Official airport taxi | US$30 to US$40 |
| Shared shuttle (per person) | US$15 to US$30 |
| Private car (1 to 3 people) | US$35 to US$60 |
| Van (up to about 10 people) | US$55 to US$90 |
Approximate 2026 prices, one way. Taxi per car, cash. Private for 1 to 3 people with normal luggage; if you're bringing kite or surf boards, say so when booking, since you may need a van or roof rack and some companies charge extra. A night surcharge is possible.
One-way prices, approximate, based on posted fares and 2025 and 2026 quotes. Confirm the final price before you book.
Tolls
None.
The drive
It's the same Highway 5 that runs through Sosúa, but you keep going east. After Sosúa the scenery opens up: stretches with sea views, farmland and the turnoff for Playa Encuentro. Then comes Kite Beach with its sports-oriented hotels, and finally central Cabarete, where the highway becomes a main street lined with restaurants and motoconchos.
In the center traffic slows at night, especially on weekends, because the nightlife is on that same street. By day, the slow point is passing through Sosúa. If your hotel is east of town, toward Sea Horse Ranch or Playa Bozo, add about 5 minutes.
Which option suits you
With boards or sports gear: a van or private transfer booked with the luggage noted. A rank taxi may not have room and you'll end up paying for two cars.
No gear and in a hurry: the airport taxi is quick to get and the price is fair for the distance.
Shared: good for solo travelers. Some shared shuttles stop at Sosúa hotels first, which can add 15 to 20 minutes.
Uber: works around Cabarete and is usually cheaper than a taxi, but the cars are small and availability from the airport varies. For the return trip, from Cabarete to the airport, it tends to be easier to get.
Rental car: makes sense if you'll move between Encuentro, Kite Beach and day trips such as El Choco National Park or Río San Juan.
Hotels in the area
- Millennium Resort & Spa
- Velero Beach Resort
- Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa
- Kite Beach Hotel
- Viva Tangerine by Wyndham
- Ultravioleta Boutique Residences
- Sea Horse Ranch
Tips
- Give your board bag size when booking; some companies charge extra for sports equipment.
- If you're staying at Kite Beach or Encuentro, give the hotel name, not just 'Cabarete': they're separate areas along the highway.
- For the return, leaving Cabarete about 3 hours before your flight gives a buffer for traffic through Sosúa.
- Carry cash in dollars or pesos; many taxis don't take cards.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Puerto Plata airport to Cabarete?
Around US$30 to US$40 per car in 2026 based on reported fares, in cash. It's not per person.
Will a kite board fit in a taxi?
A small bag might, but two-meter bags usually won't fit in a sedan. Book a van or a car with a roof rack.
How long is the drive?
25 to 40 minutes for about 24 km, depending on traffic through Sosúa and which part of Cabarete you're heading to.
Does Uber work in Cabarete?
Yes, Uber has operated in the area since 2017 and lists Cabarete among its routes, though there are fewer cars than in Santiago or Santo Domingo.