Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Puerto Plata
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Puerto Plata
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Puerto Plata
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Puerto Plata
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, offers stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes. While public transport is available, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Discover hidden gems and enjoy the beauty of the north coast without being tied to schedules.
Flexibility and Freedom. With a rental car, you can easily visit attractions like the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, Ocean World Adventure Park, and the Isabel de Torres cable car, all on your own timetable.
Explore Beyond the City. Public transport may not reach remote beaches or scenic viewpoints. A rental car allows you to discover secluded spots and enjoy the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic.
Comfort and Convenience. If you're travelling with family or carrying sports equipment, a rental car provides the space and convenience you need for a comfortable journey.
Before renting a car in Puerto Plata, be sure to check the minimum age requirements, licensing regulations, insurance options, and deposit policies. Also, understand mileage and fuel conditions and any potential extra fees.
Area
Approximately 600 square kilometres (232 square miles)
Population
Around 350,000 residents
Time Zone
Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC-4
Ideal for
Exploring beaches and natural attractions
Rush Hours
Expect traffic congestion in Puerto Plata during peak hours, especially between 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsGenerally, the minimum age to rent a car is 21, though some companies may require renters to be 25 or older. Young driver fees may apply for those under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver's licence from your country of residence is usually sufficient. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence is not in English or Spanish.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is often included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is typically required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Check the fuel policy, as many require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, optional GPS, child seats, or one-way rentals.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11
Peak season (December to April): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to November): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To book a car in Puerto Plata, compare prices from different rental companies, choose a vehicle that suits your needs, and carefully review the rental terms. Booking early can help you secure the best rates, especially during peak seasons. Ensure you have all the necessary documents when picking up the car.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental agencies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that matches your travel needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring rougher terrain.
3. Check Rental Terms - Pay attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices and vehicle availability by booking well in advance.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental car.
Puerto Plata is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and adventure activities. Renting a car offers the flexibility to explore the region, but familiarising yourself with local traffic rules and parking regulations is essential.
As a major tourist destination on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata offers a mix of historical charm and modern attractions. While taxis and local buses are available, renting a car provides the best way to discover the diverse landscapes and hidden gems in and around the city. However, it’s important to be aware of local driving conditions, including traffic congestion and road quality, particularly in rural areas. Before setting out, make sure to understand local traffic laws, fuel station locations, and parking options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
An adventurous experience involving hiking and swimming through a series of stunning waterfalls.
Ocean World Adventure Park
A marine park offering interactive experiences with dolphins, sea lions, and sharks.
Fortaleza San Felipe
A historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and ocean.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in the city centre, but can be limited and expensive during peak times.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available, but be sure to check time limits and restrictions.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer free parking for guests; inquire when booking your accommodation.
Gas Stations in Puerto Plata
Major Brands
Look for Texaco, Shell, and Esso stations along major roads and highways.
Availability
Gas stations are generally easy to find along main routes, but less common in remote areas.
Payment
Most stations accept cash and credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Puerto Plata
Driving Conditions
Be aware of potholes and uneven road surfaces, especially in rural areas.
Traffic
Expect traffic congestion in Puerto Plata during peak hours.
Road Signs
Many road signs are in Spanish, so familiarise yourself with basic traffic terms.
Local Customs
Dominicans tend to drive assertively, so be prepared and drive defensively.
Bus Stations
Metro Tours and Caribe Tours
Provide long-distance bus services to Santo Domingo and other major cities.
Airport
Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP)
Serves international and domestic flights, located a short drive from Puerto Plata.
Renting a car in the Dominican Republic is relatively straightforward, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before you can drive off.
A valid driver's licence from your country of residence is typically sufficient. However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence isn’t in English or Spanish.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although some may have additional fees or restrictions for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit. Some rental agencies may only accept credit cards for deposits.
You will need to provide a passport or other form of official identification for verification.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Puerto Plata as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Quick business trip, but Puerto Plata charmed me! Easy to get around.
David Lee
Reviewed: 19.03.2025
Family vacation in Puerto Plata was amazing! Exploring was so easy.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 02.09.2024
Pretty chill, overall
Maria Rodriguez
Reviewed: 08.11.2024
Heard great things about Puerto Plata, and they were right! Having a car made exploring so easy, and the beaches were stunning. Definitely recommend a visit!
Evelyn Martinez
Reviewed: 25.03.2025
Loved my quick trip to Puerto Plata! Meeting friends there was so easy with a rental car; we explored so much.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 01.11.2024
Such a fun reunion in Puerto Plata! Getting around with a car was super convenient, allowing us to easily explore the beaches and mountains. Highly recommend!
Chloe Wilson
Reviewed: 21.12.2024
Absolutely stunning beaches and lush landscapes! Exploring Puerto Plata by car was a breeze.
Olivia Brown
Reviewed: 11.02.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe.
Ben Taylor
Reviewed: 19.10.2024
Perfect coastal escape! Exploring Puerto Plata by car was effortless and so relaxing.
Karen Davis
Reviewed: 28.08.2024
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Puerto Plata was even better than I remembered! Going back after all these years, having the freedom of a car made exploring the beaches and mountains so easy. Absolutely loved it!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 04.06.2025