E PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

GUAGUAS

A common means of transport are the 'Guaguas'.

They run fixed routes on the island, connecting the towns and cities. The short-distance costs a dollar or less.

Often the mini buses are very crammed with passengers. It can happen that you share the back seat with eight people and even some chickens. The ride in the 'Guagua' is not comfortable, but unique and exciting! And it takes time because they stop every few meters.

TIP: Once you should take part, something like that can only be experienced here.

CARRITOS PUBLICOS

In every big city are collective taxis, the “pulicos”. The taxi drivers have their fixed routes, where they load and unload people.

But you have to share the back seat with several people. This is not comfortable, but cheaper than an ordinary taxi.

And it is faster than using the Guaguas because they do not stop as much. In addition to the driver there are two people sitting and at the back of the rear seat 4 people.

Each track section has its fixed price. Find out about the price in advanced and have the right change ready.

The Carritos work 24 hours, and you just have to wave and already you will be taken.

Some also offer CARERAS, which means they bring you to the place where you want to, without taking other passengers.

Negotiate the price beforehand, this price is usually cheaper than the normal taxi.

The Carritos have their fixed taxi station next to the public hospital in Puerto Plata. From there they go to Sosua, where they have their second taxi station and from there back to Puerto Plata, once through the center to the taxi station. But you can get on and off at any time on their route.

There are two turns, the day shift from 6am until 7pm, the night shift 7pm til 6 am.

TIP : All taxi drivers have hanging an ID card in the interior rearview mirror, confirming that they belong to this route. Always check this before entering.

A ride during the day costs 50 pesos from Puerto Plata to Sosua and at night after 7pm 60 pesos.

TAXI CENTRAL CARRITOS IN SOSUA

from/to Puerto Plata

In Sosua is the biggest taxi station of the Carritos. You come from Puerto Plata to Sosua and you want to continue to Rio San Juan, then you need to change the carritos here to the other route. However, these two stations are side by side. This station Sosua a Rio San Juan is located right next to that of Puerto Plata.

from/to Rio San Juan- Cabarete

The Carritos from Sosua to Rio San Juan has also a day and night shift. The day shift has a blue dome on the roof, the night shift a yellow illuminated dome.

These Carritos have the same rule as that of Puerto Plata. You can get in and off anywhere. The price will depend on the route, prices are fixed..

Sometimes you have to change again in Gaspar Hernandez, when you want to continue to Rio San Juan, which depend on the passengers. But this goes smoothly.

MOTOCONCHOS

The most common and often fastest means of transportation is the 'Motoconcho'. The moped or motorcycle taxi brings you (often in pairs on a moped!) very fast to the desired destination for some pesos.

Ideal and cheap for short distances such as the evening visits in a bar, to go shopping or for a trip to the Internet Cafe.

A 'Motoconcho' you recognize by the signal vest worn by the driver. Or they have a sign in front of the handlebar that distinguishes them as Montoconcho.

By simply waving you can call one of these fresh-air taxis and climb on. You’ll enjoy the ride if you are not too afraid.

In every town or village you will find Motoconchos. Make sure you negotiate the prices before you get on, otherwise you will end up paying too much at the end.

TIP: At night, it is not recommended to take a Motoconcho outside the city. Since then take rather a Carrito or a regular taxi.

In the center the Motoconchos usually cost 25 or 30 pesos. The price always depends on the route.

It is recommended that you talk to others who have already used Motoconchos and find out what they paid.

Have a lot of fun when driving around!

GENERAL:

On the North Coast there are several possibilities to use public transportation wherever you go,

There are for example:

the collective taxis - called carritos or carritos público

the collective buses - called guaguas

the mototaxis - called motoconcho.

While the taxi centers have their permanent location in every city and in every hotel, they are also accessible by phone, you can stop the collective taxis and collective buses anywhere on the street. The taxis drive a certain route but you are able to get in and out anywhere on that route. Moto taxis can be found at every corner.

The transportation by carritos, guaguas or motoconchos is cheaper than by the normal taxi or by bus. But it is always good to negotiate the fare in advance. You need to know the prices and have the right change to give the driver because in most cases they will not have change to give you.

Additionally, there are the big bus companies such as Caribe Tours or Metro available, which cover the big cities. You may want to look at the bus companies before choosing your method of transportation.

You want to know how much is a trip, what would you ask?

"? Cuánto cuesta un viaje a Puerto Plata ? "

How much is a trip to Puerto Plata?

Would you like to learn more Spanish, then take a look on the website according to Andrea Beach School Cabarete. If you don’t understand Spanish and need help translating, or just need general advice or information please call 829 -865 -2557 for help.