Cheap flights to Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic Travel Guide

Sugar-white beaches, beautiful landscapes, and the rhythmic sounds of Latin American music welcome visitors to the Dominican Republic. Aside from being a hospitable country with loads of opportunities for travelers—including swimming, snorkeling, and sight-seeing—the Dominican Republic is one of the cheaper destinations for travelers in North America. Airline tickets to the Dominican Republic can always be found.

The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola (Haiti occupies the west). The coastline is rich with perfect Caribbean beaches and the interior is diverse, with rainforests, 27 waterfalls, mangrove swamps, mountain ranges and savannas.

While many travelers book cheap flights to the Dominican Republic to explore the natural paradise, this country has one of the more illustrious histories of the Caribbean islands. Its history dates back to the Taino inhabitants whose cave paintings can still be seen in caves around the country. Christopher Columbus landed here too, on his first voyage in 1492, claiming the island for Spain and exploring the northern coast of the Republic.

Santo Domingo, the capital, was founded by Columbus’s brother and became the Americas’ first colonial capital. Today, it’s a city with many “firsts”—first Catholic cathedral, first monastery, oldest fortress, gilded palaces and historic squares.

Some Dominican Republic flights arrive in the capital, Santo Domingo, which is the oldest remaining European city in the New World and one of the most vibrant cities in the Caribbean. Travelers book Dominican Republic flights to walk in the footsteps of Cortés, Ponce de León, and Christopher Columbus. Santo Domingo is also home to one of the largest shopping bazaars of the Caribbean. Travelers leaving the Dominican Republic will take with them local jewelry and artifacts, artists’ renderings of landscapes, and if one is lucky enough, a hand-wrapped cigar. 

What’s the weather like in the Dominican Republic?

The Dominican Republic’s climate is great all year long. In the summer, temperatures range from 70 degrees to 90 degrees, and it only drops a bit in the winter. The weather can get much cooler in the mountains, and rainstorms are usually brief.

How long is the flight to the Dominican Republic?

Flights to the Dominican Republic vary greatly in duration. Your flight can last just a few hours or as long as one day, depending on your departure destination. If you’re flying from Kennedy Airport in New York City to Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, expect your flight to last approximately four hours nonstop. Flights from California, Washington, or any state in the West Coast of the United States last approximately eight hours and generally include at least one stop. Flights from London, Germany, Amsterdam, or France last anywhere from 18 to 24 hours and usually include a stop or two along the way. If you’re departing from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or any city in the southernmost region of the United States, a nonstop flight to the Dominican Republic lasts just a couple of hours.

Which airlines fly to the Dominican Republic?

Travelers to the Dominican Republic fly into one of six major airports, including Las Americas International, Punta Cana International, Cibao International, Gregorio Lupron International, La Romana International and El Catey International. Many major airlines fly into these airports, including American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, United and Southwest. Visitors flying into the country from England use British Airways. Air France, Air Canada and Air Berlin also fly directly into the country.

What should you pack for a flight to the Dominican Republic?

Dominican Republic is a beautiful tropical island with many sandy white beaches for you to enjoy, so be sure to pack your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen and flip-flops. The country has plenty of gorgeous landscapes and offers many opportunities for sightseeing, so bring your camera and binoculars along. Pack a light poncho and at least one umbrella, especially if you’re traveling between June and November when it rains at least once each day. Don’t forget your bug repellent, as you’ll likely see mosquitoes and a few other insects.

Getting to and around the Dominican Republic?

There are seven international airports in the country and domestic Dominican Republic flights between the main tourist regions are readily available from Air Santo Domingo. Dominican Republic flights are cheap and reliable.

Punta Cana:

Once you’ve purchased your flights to the Dominican Republic your best bet is to look into hotels that provide airport transfers that are either included in the overall price or available for an additional fee. You can also pre-arrange for a car or shuttle to collect you from the airport too. Failing that, your only real option is to hail a taxi. Prices vary depending on which resort you are going to, but make sure you agree on the fare before you set off. If anyone tries to ‘help’ you take your luggage to your vehicle, kindly refuse several times and they should leave you be. If you don’t fancy any of the above then the cheapest option is to take a bus. They aren’t usually found inside the airport but you can find them on the roads. They are cheap but you might struggle to find your way properly without researching the right lines in advance.

Santo Domingo:

There is a very unreliable bus service available, that’s very infrequent and difficult to get. It might be best to avoid altogether, unless you’re an experienced traveler who has booked flights to the Dominican Republic before. Your best option would be to hail a taxi. They are easy to find, but be warned that they do try and cram as many people into a cab as possible, so your journey might not be that comfortable. There is also a metro system you could take a taxi to and then ride the metro for the rest of the journey.

There is no train service in the DR, but—save Santo Domingo—buses are frequent, inexpensive and often air-conditioned. There is an extensive network that covers most of the country. However, be aware that services stop at 9pm, so travel throughout the night is not possible.

Tourist taxis are available in most towns, and from airports. Prices are not cheap and often more than double those of the “city taxis” which tend to be less modern cars.

Car rental is expensive and not available to under-25s. Roads are not very safe and littered with accident. Transport police are often corrupt, so if you are driving expect to pay some bribes.

The following chart gives approximate journey times from Santo Domingo (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Dominican Republic:

What are some things to do in the Dominican Republic?

A trip to the Dominican Republic wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach. Thankfully, the country offers many for visitors to choose from. Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana is a popular with tourists. It has soft powdery sand that feels great between your toes, and there are small huts throughout Bavaro Beach where visitors can sit back and enjoy a cool tropical beverage when they’re not enjoying the water. Isla Saona is another beautiful beach on the island. This gorgeous beach has clear water and white sand, and it doesn’t attract as many tourists as Bavaro, making it a great choice for visitors seeking a more peaceful beach experience. Isla Saona Beach is close to many great restaurants, so you can easily grab a bite to eat and get right back to relaxing. Other popular beaches in the country include Macao Beach, Bayahibe and Dominicus. All of these beaches offer a variety of activities, including fishing, snorkeling and boating.

The Dominican Republic offers many other activities for visitors to enjoy. To learn a bit about the country’s history, visit the Zona Colonial museum in Santo Domingo, and walk along Calle de las Damas to retrace the steps of the first Spanish conquistadors. If  you enjoy nature and love sightseeing, visit The Dominican Alps, a gorgeous mountainous area with pine forests and national parks with serene streams and valleys. If you want a taste of the city life, visit the thriving metropolis of Santiago, which is the country’s second largest city. There, you’ll find plenty of small shops, theaters, malls, art galleries and other amenities to enjoy. If you love adventure, contact Canopy Adventures Zipline Tours in Punta Cana, where you can enjoy a day of zip lining and hiking.

Tips for your stay in the Dominican Republic?

• If you’re not sure where to go in the Dominican Republic then look no further than the amazingly beautiful Punta Cana. It’s a tourist hot spot with idyllic beaches and year-round hot weather.
• Some natural wonders in the world need no explanation; they just need to be seen. Los Tres Ojosis no exception. It’s a spectacular lake and cave system that has undergone thousands of years of erosion to create a magical environment that shouldn’t be missed.
• There are more than 1,000 miles of coastline surrounding the country, nearly all with golden sand, palm trees and warm clear waters, so finding the perfect beach isn’t difficult. The western region is generally less explored, so if you’re after solitude, travel to the beaches on the southwest coast.
• One of the world’s largest populations of American crocodiles can be found at National Park Isla Cabritos, an island in the middle of Lake Enriguillo. The best time to see the crocs is early morning or evening, when they warm themselves in the sun. To get the best view, take a boat trip on the lake, which will cost about $60 per boat.
• The Punta Canaregion is the most visited by tourists. Beaches are made up of white sand, there is a bustling nightlife and many of the all-inclusive resorts are based in the area. A popular day trip for children is to see displays of Taino dancing and the wildlife (including dolphins) at Manati Park.
• The largest of the DR’s national parks is Jaragua: more than 560 square miles. It is home to more than 130 species of bird, including a large population of pink flamingos.
• The country is often listed as one of the best in the Caribbean for diving. The waters on the south are warm and protected, those on the north boast centuries-old shipwrecks. Also on the north coast is Cayo Arena, a circular sand island with stunning coral reef.
• Santo Domingois the capital and one of the most vibrant cities in the country. It is the oldest continually inhabited European city in the Caribbean and was founded by Bartholomew Columbus, Christopher’s brother.
• Sosua, on the Dominican Republic’s north coast, has a fascinating history. In the 1930s, in a great humanitarian gesture, Dictator Rafael Trujillo, welcomed Jewish refugees. The Sosua to which the refugees arrived is a far cry from the tourist town today. Traces of the old Jewish settlement have survived. The synagogue is one of only two in the republic, the original school is still there, and there is a Jewish Museum that tells the story of the community in Sosua. The beach is Sosua’s greatest attraction; a sweep of soft sand, and turquoise waters backed by towering cliffs.
• The Dominican International Film Festival takes place in Puerto Plata. The festival has an emphasis on first-time filmmakers. The Dominican Republic Global Film Festival takes place in Santo Domingoand seeks to raise awareness and deepen understanding of global issues through stories.
• Santo Domingohas many “firsts” to boast about. It was, for one thing, the first seat of Spanish colonial rule in the New World and it is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. Among the many stunning buildings in Santo Domingo is the governor’s mansion. Nicolas de Ovando, Governor of the Indies between 1502 and 1509, built his magnificent residence here in 1502 on Las Damas, the first paved road of the New World. It’s a World Heritage Site today, its central building part of a carefully restored compound of the Sofitel Nicolas de Ovando.
• The Dominican Republic produces the most cigars in the world and claims to make superior varieties, even to Cuba. Its most famous brand is Romeo y Julieta. If you’re planning on bringing some back, however, make sure you check the customs limits permitted.

Finding Flights from the Dominican Republic?

Since so many major airlines depart from the various airports in the Dominican Republic, finding flights from the country to virtually any destination you choose is quite easy. Choose JetBlue, American, United or Southwest Airlines to fly from the Dominican Republic into any major city in the United States. Qantas Airways offers flights from the Dominican Republic to Australia, and Delta offers flights to Tokyo, Japan. If you’d like to head to Africa after your tropical vacation, book a flight on South African Airways, which flies out of the Punta Cana International Airport. Emirates also flies out of Punta Cana International and offers flights to the exciting city of Dubai. There’s no limit to where you can go.