Car Rental
Is it safe to drive in the Dominican Republic as a tourist?
Yes — but you must drive defensively and stay alert, especially in cities or rural areas. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar places.
Car rental in the Dominican Republic
When it comes to renting a car in the Dominican Republic, there are a variety of options to choose from, but U-Save stands out as a top choice for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, U-Save provides a wide selection of quality vehicles that cater to various preferences and needs. Whether you require a compact car for solo adventures or a spacious SUV for a family trip, U-Save has you covered. Additionally, our rental rates are highly competitive, ensuring that you get the best value for your money.
Moreover, U-Save boasts excellent customer service, with a friendly and knowledgeable team ready to assist you throughout the rental process. We prioritize customer satisfaction and go the extra mile to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. With U-Save, you can expect reliability, affordability, and unbeatable service, making it the best choice for renting a car in the Dominican Republic.
Car Rental in Dominican Republic – See our locations
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Luxury Car
Indulge in opulence and cutting-edge technology with luxury vehicles that redefine elegance and deliver an unparalleled driving experience
Compact
Nimble, fuel-efficient, and perfect for urban life, offering practicality without compromising on style and modern features
Mini Van
Spacious, versatile, and family-friendly, minivans offer comfort and convenience for on-the-go adventures and seamless daily commutes
Standard SUV
Explore the comfort and versatility of standard SUV rentals. Perfect for family trips or any adventure, our reliable SUVs are ready to hit the road
Pickup Truck
Unlock the power of pickup trucks for your hauling tasks. Rent a sturdy pickup truck for versatile cargo transportation. Efficient and dependable
Sprinter
Marrying style with practicality. Great for road trips or business ventures. Spacious, efficient, and highly adaptable. Start your adventure now!
Why Rent a Car in the Dominican Republic?
While public transportation exists, it’s often limited, informal, and time-consuming — especially for tourists heading off the main tourist trail. Renting a car is the best way to:
- Travel between resort areas, towns, and natural attractions
- Discover hidden beaches, rural villages, and national parks
- Visit multiple destinations without relying on guided tours
- Navigate the island on your own schedule
You’ll especially appreciate a rental car if you’re staying outside of an all-inclusive resort or if you want to explore more than one region during your stay.
The best car rental in Dominican Republic
We have a great collections of high-quality cars and vans. Whether you're looking for mini van, a large sprinter, pickup truck, SUV or even e luxury car – we got you!
Choosing the right rental vehicle depends on your travel needs, whether it’s comfort, space, or terrain capability. SUVs are great for long road trips, offering a mix of comfort and versatility, especially if you're traveling through mixed terrains or unpredictable weather.
Vans are ideal for larger groups or cargo transport, perfect for family trips or business needs. MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) are a practical choice for urban driving with extra passenger space, making them a great middle ground between sedans and vans.
Pickup trucks excel in handling heavy loads and rugged environments, ideal for work or outdoor adventures. If you're tackling off-road trails or harsh conditions, a 4x4 provides the traction and durability needed for a safe and reliable drive. Choosing wisely ensures a smoother and more comfortable journey.
Check our booking system to see which car types are currently available!
Driving in Dominican Republic – Good to know when renting a car
In the Dominican Republic, driving is on the right-hand side of the road. A valid driver’s license from your home country is required, and most travelers do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) unless their license is not in Latin script. All rental cars come equipped with mandatory safety items, including a warning triangle and a reflective vest.
The Dominican Republic’s road network includes modern highways, coastal roads, and scenic mountain routes. Main highways are generally well-maintained, but rural roads can be rough, and urban driving (especially in Santo Domingo and Santiago) may be challenging due to heavy traffic, motorcycles weaving through cars, and limited lane discipline. Expect congestion during rush hours, particularly from 7–9 AM and 4–7 PM.
Speed limits in the Dominican Republic:
50 km/h in urban areas
80 km/h on rural roads
100 km/h on highways
While speed limits are posted, local drivers often exceed them, and enforcement is inconsistent. However, police checkpoints and mobile patrols are common, so tourists should follow all limits carefully and carry identification and vehicle documents at all times.
When parking in Dominican cities, look for marked parking zones or guarded lots. In many areas, informal attendants (known as “guachimanes”) will guide you to a spot and watch your car in exchange for a small cash tip. Hotels and shopping centers usually offer private parking, and in busy areas, it’s wise to avoid parking on yellow curbs, near corners, or where signage says "No Estacionar."
Fuel stations are easy to find in cities and along main roads, though they may be less frequent in rural areas, so plan ahead when traveling longer distances. Most stations are attendant-operated and accept cash or major credit cards, though small denominations of Dominican pesos are often preferred.
If you’re planning to visit top attractions like Punta Cana, Jarabacoa, Bahía de las Águilas, or Samaná, always consider road conditions, travel time, and fuel stops in your plans. Some remote areas may be best accessed with a 4x4 vehicle, especially during the rainy season.
If you need assistance while in the Dominican Republic, don’t hesitate to contact us! In case of an emergency, the national number for police, medical, or fire services is 911.
Enjoy your journey and experience the vibrant culture, lush landscapes, and hidden gems that the Dominican Republic has to offer!
FAQs About Driving and Renting a Car in Dominican Republic
Are toll roads common in the DR?
Yes. The DR has several toll highways, especially between Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, and Santiago. Fees range from RD$60 to RD$400 depending on distance. Most toll booths accept cash only (Dominican pesos).
Can I drive to Haiti or other countries?
If you're planning regional travel, speak with us before-hand. Cross-border travel might be possible, but always requires additional paper work and fees.
What’s the best car for road trips in the DR?
Compact cars are fine for cities and resort towns SUVs or 4x4s are better for mountain regions or rural roads (e.g. Jarabacoa, Bahía de las Águilas)
What should I do if I’m stopped by police?
Remain calm. Present your license, passport copy, and rental agreement. Do not offer bribes. If you’re unsure of a fine, ask to contact your rental agency.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
Not if your license is in English, Spanish, or another Roman alphabet language. An IDP is only required if your license is not readable by local authorities.
