Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), also called AILA, sits on the coast east of Santo Domingo, about 29 km and 30 to 45 minutes from the Colonial Zone, about 10 minutes from Boca Chica and about 30 minutes from Juan Dolio. In 2026 an airport taxi to the Colonial Zone cost around US$35 to US$45, and an Uber a good deal less.
It is the country's second airport by passengers and the main one for the capital, Las Terrenas and anywhere along the south coast. Aerodom runs it, Arajet is based here and JetBlue is the largest operator. Unlike Punta Cana, many arrivals are Dominicans living abroad, so at the exit you will see families waiting as well as hotel drivers. Since 2025 Uber has operated at the airport under an arrangement with Aerodom and the airport taxi union.
Routes from SDQ
| Destination | Distance | Drive time | Private car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boca Chica | 10 km | 10 to 20 min | US$25 to US$40 |
| Zona Colonial | 30 km | 30 to 50 min | US$35 to US$60 |
| Juan Dolio | 32 km | 25 to 40 min | US$40 to US$65 |
| Piantini | 36 km | 35 min to 1 h 15 min | US$40 to US$65 |
| La Romana and Casa de Campo | 100 km | 1 h 10 min to 1 h 40 min | US$85 to US$130 |
| Bayahíbe and Dominicus | 122 km | 1 h 25 min to 1 h 55 min | US$100 to US$150 |
| Las Terrenas | 150 km | 2 h 5 min to 2 h 45 min | US$150 to US$220 |
| Punta Cana and Bávaro | 190 km | 2 h 10 min to 2 h 50 min | US$150 to US$220 |
One-way prices, approximate, based on posted fares and 2025 and 2026 quotes. Confirm the final price before you book.
After landing
Fill in the E-Ticket for immigration and customs before you fly and keep the QR code. After landing you clear immigration (Dominicans and residents have their own lines), collect your bags and pass customs, which scans luggage.
In the arrivals area people wait behind a rail. Private transfer and hotel drivers wait there with signs. The airport's authorized taxis have their dispatch point near the exit, and drivers also approach passengers. Inside the building, don't accept ride offers from people without identification.
Taxis
The airport's tourist taxis are run by the union that holds the contract with Aerodom and the Ministry of Tourism. They have no meters: the dispatcher or driver quotes a fixed price per car by destination. As a guide, 2026 quotes were around US$35 to US$45 to the Colonial Zone or Gazcue, a bit more to Piantini and Naco, and around US$20 to US$30 to Boca Chica.
We found no official published table, so ask the price before you get in and agree whether it includes tolls. Payment is in cash, US dollars or pesos. Toward the city, the Autopista Las Américas has a toll booth that has charged cars RD$100 since January 2025.
Uber and ride apps
Uber can pick up at SDQ. In May 2025 Uber, Aerodom and the airport taxi union announced an arrangement with separate pickup zones by service type, with airport taxi drivers joining Uber Select. Uber's SDQ page lists UberX, UberXL, Comfort, Black and Uber Select among other options.
Request the ride once you have your bags, follow the app's directions to your terminal's meeting point and check the plate and driver name before you get in. An UberX comfortably fits about two suitcases; with more luggage, choose UberXL. The app price includes tolls on the route. We have no verified information on inDrive at the airport.
Terminals
SDQ has two passenger terminals, A and B. Each airline operates from one of them, so check your boarding pass. Arrivals are on the ground floor and departures upstairs. If someone is picking you up, tell them the terminal: the arrival exits are separate, and at busy times the curb fills up with cars.
Practical details
Money: there are ATMs and exchange counters at the airport, though rates in the city are usually better. US dollars are enough for the taxi or a tip.
Phone: 2025 and 2026 guides mention Claro and Altice sales points in arrivals. An eSIM bought before you travel works on landing and skips the line. The airport has free wifi.
Late arrivals: many flights from New York, Miami and Europe land at night or after midnight. Taxis wait for them and Uber runs 24 hours, but there are fewer drivers at that hour. If you're heading to Juan Dolio or farther, a booked transfer is the calmest option.
Tips
- If you're staying in Boca Chica you're about 10 minutes away, so there is no point paying for a long-distance transfer.
- Ask whether the taxi price includes the Autopista Las Américas toll.
- With more than two suitcases, choose UberXL or a taxi; a small UberX may not close the trunk.
- On Friday afternoons and Sundays, the drive into the city can add 20 to 40 minutes.
- For Las Terrenas or Punta Cana, book the transfer ahead: they are two-hour-plus trips and a fixed price makes sense.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Las Américas to the Colonial Zone?
Around US$35 to US$45 per car in 2026, at a fixed price from the dispatcher. An Uber usually costs a good deal less. Ask whether the price includes the toll.
Does Uber work at Santo Domingo airport?
Yes. Since 2025 Uber has had pickup zones at SDQ, agreed with Aerodom and the taxi union. The app shows the meeting point for your terminal.
How far is Boca Chica from the airport?
About 10 km, around 10 to 15 minutes along the Autopista Las Américas. It is the closest beach town to an international airport in the country.
Are there ATMs and SIM cards at Las Américas?
There are ATMs and exchange counters, and recent guides mention Claro and Altice sales points in arrivals. An eSIM set up before you fly is the quickest option.