Shared truck rides are a normal part of daily life on rural roads here — a reminder of how differently people get around outside the tourist areas. Having your own rental means you're never relying on someone else's schedule.
The north coast rewards travelers who can move on their own schedule. Here's how to rent a car — at the airport or locally in Sosúa — and what to actually expect once you're behind the wheel.
Puerto Plata, Sosúa, and Cabarete sit close enough together that a rental car turns the whole coast into your backyard. Instead of booking a separate tour and driver for every waterfall, beach, or market, you can leave when you want, stay as long as you like, and take the coastal road at your own pace.
Below are the two ways we've actually rented — picking up right at the airport, and renting locally through the villa community in Sosúa. Both work well; which one makes sense depends on your itinerary.
Shared truck rides are a normal part of daily life on rural roads here — a reminder of how differently people get around outside the tourist areas. Having your own rental means you're never relying on someone else's schedule.
Renting directly at Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) as you land. The major international brands (Avis, Europcar, Alamo) all operate desks at or near the terminal.
Renting through Residencial Hispaniola, a gated villa community in Sosúa where car rental is available on-site for guests and visitors — a more personal, locally-run alternative to the airport counters.
Check rates across multiple rental companies at Puerto Plata's airport and around the north coast before you land — often the easiest way to see what a fair price actually looks like.
Compare Rental CarsPrices update in real time — compare before you book at the airport.
What to expect once you're actually behind the wheel.
A rental car isn't the only option. These are the everyday ways locals — and plenty of visitors — get from place to place.
Motorcycle taxis are everywhere and by far the cheapest, fastest way to cover a short distance in town — flag one down on the street, agree on a price before you get on, and hold on. Great for quick hops (a few minutes to the beach, into town for dinner), not for longer trips or if you're carrying luggage.
Shared minivans run set routes along the main roads between towns — Puerto Plata, Sosúa, and Cabarete are all connected this way. They're slow and can be crowded, but they're a genuinely cheap way to travel the coast if you're not in a rush and want a more local experience.