Most travelers to the Dominican Republic take guided tours or participate in organized excursions. Independent travel is easier if you rent a car…

Most travelers to the Dominican Republic take guided tours or participate in organized excursions. Independent travel is easier if you rent a car, but car rentals are expensive and signage is bad (and some working knowledge of Spanish is strongly advisable). For longer distances, buses are the best alternative, but locally, taxis are widely available in all major resort areas.harter flights direct from the U.S. East Coast and Midwest, particularly into Punta Cana; these charters are part of a package and can be booked only through a travel agent.

All U.S. citizens must carry a valid passport. Additionally, all visitors must have a valid tourist card, which costs US$10 (purchased on arrival in cash with U.S. currency only).

You can fly nonstop to the Dominican Republic from Atlanta (Delta, Southwest), Baltimore (Southwest), Boston (JetBlue, US Airways), Charlotte (American), Chicago–Midway (Southwest), Chicago–O’Hare (United), Detroit (Delta), Fort Lauderdale (Spirit), Miami (American), Minneapolis (Delta), New York–JFK (Delta, JetBlue), New York–Newark (United), Orlando (JetBlue), Philadelphia (American), and Washington Dulles (United). However, not all airlines fly to all the destinations in the D.R., and some flights connect in San Juan or airports throughout the United States.

Dominican Republic has seven international airports. Plan your air travel carefully so you don’t end up flying into Santo Domingo when you are staying in Punta Cana, a 90-minute, $150 taxi ride away. Travel between the island’s many developed tourism zones can be arduous and expensive, with few domestic flights available.