Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Santo Domingo
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Santo Domingo
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Santo Domingo
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Santo Domingo
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.
Santo Domingo is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, offering numerous attractions and experiences. While public transport is available, hiring a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Historical Sites: With a hire car, you can easily visit historical landmarks like the Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture.
Discover Natural Beauty: Drive to nearby beaches such as Boca Chica or Juan Dolio, or explore natural wonders like Los Tres Ojos National Park, without being limited by public transport schedules.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience: Having a hire car allows you to travel comfortably and conveniently, especially if you're travelling with family or carrying luggage, making your trip more enjoyable and stress-free.
Before hiring a car in Santo Domingo, be aware of age restrictions, licensing requirements, insurance options, and local traffic laws to ensure a smooth and compliant hire experience.
Area
Approximately 104.44 square kilometres (40.32 square miles)
Population
Around 3 million residents in the metropolitan area
Time Zone
AST (Atlantic Standard Time), UTC-4
Ideal for
Sightseeing and exploring nearby regions
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic from 7 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to hire a car is typically 21 or 25, depending on the hire company. Younger drivers may incur additional surcharges.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-Spanish speakers.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage options. A security deposit is required, typically held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is preferable. Fuel policies vary, but 'full-to-full' is common.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of extra charges for additional drivers, late returns, or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
Average economy-class daily rates typically start from £20 / $25 / €23 per day.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €46 per day
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €35 per day
Classic:
from £25 / $31 / €29 per day
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €58 per day
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €70 per day
Automatic:
from £35 / $44 / €41 per day
SUV:
from £45 / $56 / €52 per day
Peak season (December to April): Increased demand leads to prices rising by 20-30%
Low season (May to November): Discounts often available due to lower tourist traffic
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To secure the best car hire experience in Santo Domingo, compare prices, choose the right vehicle, and carefully review rental terms before booking. Booking early is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. Don’t forget to bring all necessary documents when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various hire companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size and fuel efficiency.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements carefully.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking well in advance.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and passport or ID for verification.
Santo Domingo is a bustling city with a mix of historic charm and modern development. To make the most of your visit, especially with a hire car, it’s helpful to understand local traffic regulations, parking options, and fuel availability.
Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is a city rich in history and culture, offering a blend of colonial architecture and modern attractions. Hiring a car can be a great way to explore not only the city but also the surrounding regions. However, driving in Santo Domingo requires awareness of local traffic conditions, which can be congested, especially during peak hours. Familiarise yourself with the traffic rules and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Colonial Zone
Explore the historic district with cobblestone streets and colonial buildings.
Los Tres Ojos National Park
Visit the impressive caves and underground lagoons.
Boca Chica Beach
Relax on the beautiful sandy beaches just outside the city.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use public parking garages for secure and convenient parking in the city centre.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking signs and time limits when using on-street parking.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities to avoid city centre traffic.
Gas Stations in Santo Domingo
Major Brands Available
Find major fuel brands like Texaco, Shell, and Esso throughout the city.
Refuelling Guidance
Refuel before entering the city centre to avoid limited options.
Check Fuel Prices
Compare fuel prices at different stations to find the best deals.
Useful Tips for Visiting Santo Domingo
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7 AM - 9 AM and 5 PM - 7 PM) when traffic is heavy.
Be Aware of Local Driving Habits
Drive defensively and be mindful of local driving practices.
Carry Local Currency
Have Dominican pesos for tolls and parking fees.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates.
Major Bus Stations
Expreso Bavaro
Connects Santo Domingo with popular tourist destinations like Punta Cana and Bavaro.
Railway Stations
Santo Domingo Metro
Provides efficient transport within the city.
Airports
Las Américas International Airport (SDQ)
The main international airport serving Santo Domingo.
La Isabela International Airport (JBQ)
Primarily handles domestic and regional flights.
Hiring a car in Santo Domingo is generally straightforward, but you'll need to ensure you have the required documents and meet specific criteria. Here’s a breakdown of what you'll need:
A valid driver's licence from your country is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-Spanish speakers.
Typically, the minimum age to hire a car is 21 or 25, depending on the hire company.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is necessary for the security deposit.
A passport is generally required for international visitors as proof of identity.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 Santo Domingo 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.
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 13.01.2025
Santo Domingo was surprisingly efficient; great for a quick business trip!
David Lee
Reviewed: 17.04.2025
Solid, low-key vibe.
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 28.08.2024
Busy but manageable. Renting a car made getting around easy, though the airport food was underwhelming. Quick business trip accomplished.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 18.09.2024
Wonderful weekend getaway! Exploring Santo Domingo was effortless with a car.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 12.04.2025
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Pretty chill, actually.
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 06.09.2024