STI to Puerto Plata is about 90 km, 80 to 110 minutes depending on the road and traffic through Santiago. In 2026 a private transfer costs around US$80 to US$140 and the airport taxi is negotiated at around US$50 to US$75.
Why land in Santiago if you're going to Puerto Plata? Because there are many more daily flights to STI than to POP from New York, New Jersey, Miami and other US cities, often at lower fares. For many travelers the extra hour and a half in a car is worth it. If you find a direct flight to POP at a similar price, it's still the easier option: Puerto Plata's airport is 20 minutes from the city.
Reference prices (2026)
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Official airport taxi | US$50 to US$75 |
| Private car (1 to 3 people) | US$80 to US$140 |
| Van (up to about 10 people) | US$120 to US$190 |
Approximate 2026 prices, one way, per vehicle, to central Puerto Plata or Playa Dorada. The airport taxi is negotiated; recent guides put it at US$45 to US$60, and we widened that because it varies with the exact drop-off. Cofresí or Costa Dorada cost a bit more. Online booking platforms tend to quote at the top of the range.
One-way prices, approximate, based on posted fares and 2025 and 2026 quotes. Confirm the final price before you book.
Tolls
If the driver uses the Circunvalación Norte de Santiago bypass, there's a toll that cost RD$100 per car when it opened (about US$1.60); the current rate isn't confirmed. Through the city or via the Carretera Turística there's no toll.
The drive
First you cross or bypass Santiago, the least predictable part: at rush hour it can add 20 minutes. From there, two routes cross the Cordillera Septentrional.
The Navarrete route: you continue west to Navarrete and take the Navarrete to Puerto Plata road, through the Altamira tunnel and Imbert. Much of it has been widened to four lanes; it's the main route for trucks and buses and usually what a transfer driver picks. The Imbert to Puerto Plata stretch has had landslides in the rainy season.
The Carretera Turística: it leaves northern Santiago and climbs straight over the mountains, passing La Cumbre, an amber mining area. It's shorter in kilometers and scenic, but narrow, very curvy and often foggy; with luggage and at night, the Navarrete road is usually the better choice. Both end on Highway 5 at the entrance to Puerto Plata.
Which option suits you
Private transfer: the most common choice for this trip, especially with family or on late flights. Fixed price and a driver who waits if your flight is delayed.
Airport taxi: cheaper than many platforms, but agree the price to your exact hotel before leaving.
Uber: you can request UberX from STI and, since it's a busy intercity route, the price is sometimes good. Confirm with the driver that they'll do the full trip and that your luggage fits before you leave the airport.
Bus: Caribe Tours and Metro Tours connect Santiago and Puerto Plata from their city terminals, for roughly RD$200 to RD$350 depending on season (check before). You first need a taxi or Uber from the airport to the Santiago terminal, so it only pays off if you travel light.
Rental car: makes sense if you'll tour the north coast. The Navarrete road is the easiest for a first-time driver.
Fly into POP: if there's a direct flight to Puerto Plata at a similar price, you save an hour and a half on the road.
Hotels in the area
- Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada
- VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort
- BlueBay Villas Doradas
- Viva Heavens by Wyndham
- Senator Puerto Plata Spa Resort
- Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort & Spa
Tips
- If you land at night, ask the driver to take the Navarrete road rather than the Carretera Turística.
- Compare the full cost: a flight to STI plus transfer versus a direct flight to POP plus a short taxi.
- For the return, leave Puerto Plata about 4 hours before an international flight from STI, because of Santiago traffic.
- After heavy rain, ask about conditions on the Imbert to Puerto Plata stretch.
Frequently asked questions
How long from Santiago airport to Puerto Plata?
Between 80 and 110 minutes for about 90 km. Getting through Santiago is the biggest variable.
How much is the transfer?
Around US$80 to US$140 per car for a private transfer in 2026, and US$120 to US$190 by van. The airport taxi is negotiated at around US$50 to US$75.
Which road is better, the Turística or Navarrete?
The Navarrete road is wider and more predictable, especially at night. The Turística is shorter and prettier, but narrow and curvy.
Is it worth flying into Santiago instead of Puerto Plata?
If the STI flight is much cheaper or better timed, yes. If the difference is small, POP saves you an hour and a half on the road.
Everything about getting to Puerto Plata
Other airports to Puerto Plata
- Puerto Plata Airport (POP) to Playa Dorada20 to 30 min
- Puerto Plata Airport (POP) to Punta Rucia2 h to 2 h 30 min