From Las Américas to Bayahíbe is about 120 km, 85 to 115 minutes via the eastern highway, the La Romana bypass and the Autopista del Coral. The official taxi costs around US$110 in 2026 and a private transfer US$100 to US$150 per car.
Bayahíbe has two parts worth telling apart when you book: the village, with its boat pier for Saona Island and small hotels, and Dominicus, the neighboring beach where almost all the all-inclusive resorts are. They are about 5 minutes apart by car, but a driver who doesn't know the area can drop you at the wrong one.
Punta Cana airport (PUJ) is a similar distance away and La Romana airport (LRM) about 25 minutes, so it is worth comparing flights into all three.
Reference prices (2026)
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Official airport taxi | US$110 to US$120 |
| Private car (1 to 3 people) | US$100 to US$150 |
| Van (up to about 10 people) | US$130 to US$180 |
Approximate one-way prices in 2026. Sichala publishes US$110 to Bayahíbe. Private transfers per vehicle for 1 to 3 people: 2025 and 2026 listings run about US$100 to US$150, and a van for up to 10 people from about US$130. Round trip is roughly double. Confirm the price goes all the way to Bayahíbe or Dominicus and doesn't stop at La Romana.
One-way prices, approximate, based on posted fares and 2025 and 2026 quotes. Confirm the final price before you book.
Tolls
One or two: depending on the route, the La Romana plaza and the Coral 1 plaza on the Autopista del Coral, near Bayahíbe. Coral 1 has charged RD$100 for cars since January 2025; budget about RD$100 to RD$200 (US$1.60 to US$3.20) each way.
The drive
The first stretch matches the La Romana run: Autopista Las Américas east, Boca Chica, Juan Dolio and San Pedro de Macorís. Before entering La Romana the route takes the bypass and joins the Autopista del Coral north of the city. About 15 to 20 minutes later you take the exit for Bayahíbe, a narrower road dropping to the coast through dry scrub and limestone walls.
The last part is slow: speed bumps, motoconchos (motorbike taxis) and gated entrances at some Dominicus resorts. Between about 7:00 and 9:00 am the village approach fills with excursion buses heading to Saona from Punta Cana and La Romana hotels; arrive then and allow a few extra minutes.
At night the final stretch toward the coast is dark with the odd loose animal; local drivers know it well.
Which option suits you
For most people a pre-booked private transfer is the practical choice: it is a long ride and the driver needs to know whether you're going to the village or Dominicus. Many Dominicus resorts sell a transfer from SDQ; compare it with an independent one.
The fixed-fare official taxi works if you haven't booked. Uber isn't reliable for this route from the airport, and Bayahíbe has very little coverage for the return, so arrange your ride back with your hotel.
Shared transfers exist, but for two people the saving over a private car is small; they only pay off if you travel alone. The cheapest option, for backpackers with light bags and some Spanish, is a bus from Santo Domingo to La Romana and then a guagua (local minibus) to Bayahíbe; it is slow and involves several changes. A rental car makes sense if you want to visit Altos de Chavón, Cueva de las Maravillas or Higüey on your own.
Hotels in the area
- Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus
- Dreams Dominicus La Romana
- Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham
- Catalonia Royal La Romana
- Catalonia Gran Dominicus
- Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Family Resort
- Secrets La Romana Resort & Spa
- Dreams La Romana Resort & Spa
Tips
- When booking, say whether you're going to Bayahíbe village or Dominicus; they are two different areas.
- Compare flights to SDQ, PUJ and La Romana (LRM): all three are a reasonable distance away.
- If your Saona trip is the day after you arrive, relax: boats leave from the village, minutes from your hotel.
- Carry a few RD$100 notes for a tip and in case the driver needs to pay a toll not included.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a transfer from SDQ to Bayahíbe?
Around US$100 to US$150 per private car in 2026, and about US$130 to US$180 by van. Sichala's official taxi fare is US$110.
How long from Santo Domingo airport to Bayahíbe?
Between 85 and 115 minutes for about 120 km, depending on traffic and whether you're going to the village or Dominicus.
Which airport is closest to Bayahíbe?
La Romana (LRM), about 25 minutes away, but with few flights. Punta Cana (PUJ) and Santo Domingo (SDQ) are at similar distances, 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours.
Everything about getting to Bayahíbe
Other airports to Bayahíbe
- La Romana Airport (LRM) to Bayahíbe20 to 35 min
- Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) to Bayahíbe50 min to 1 h 10 min