Santo Domingo Las Américas Layover Guide (SDQ)

What are you looking for in SDQ?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) is an international airport located in Punta Caucedo, near Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. It’s situated about 30 km (18.6 miles) from downtown Santo Domingo. The airport officially opened in 1959. Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic. It’s known for its rich colonial history, vibrant culture, and lively atmosphere, offering a wide variety of leisure activities and Caribbean coastal attractions.

Can you leave Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers transiting through Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) may exit the airport during short layovers, provided they clear immigration and customs. Visa requirements depend on nationality: many travelers qualify for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival, while others must obtain a tourist visa in advance. Always plan accordingly for re-entry. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Santo Domingo: Discover America’s First City

Explore the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo on a guided walking tour. Discover iconic landmarks such as Parque Colón, the Catedral Primada de América, the National Pantheon, Museo de las Casas Reales, and the Alcázar de Colón, while learning captivating legends and cultural insights. » book this tour

Discover the Colonial Zone, the Lighthouse of Columbus & Los 3 Ojos

Immerse yourself in Santo Domingo’s history and natural wonders on this half-day tour. Visit the imposing Columbus Lighthouse, stroll through the UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone, and descend into the subterranean caves of Los Tres Ojos National Park to admire crystal-clear lakes nestled within limestone caverns. » book this tour

Santo Domingo: Three Eyes National Park Guided Tour

Uncover the enchanting subterranean cenotes of Los Tres Ojos National Park on this guided adventure. Wander through the “eyes”—a series of crystal-clear lakes within limestone caves—while your local guide shares insights into the site’s geological formations, cultural significance, and indigenous Taino heritage. » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • Zona Colonial Explore historic Zona Colonial’s cobblestone streets lined with vibrant colonial architecture, boutique shops, and lively cafés. Immerse in centuries-old charm at museums, plazas, and churches amid UNESCO heritage. (Time required: 2–3 hours / Airport to here: Taxi (~20 mins) or Metro Line 1 to Centro de los Héroes + 10-min walk)
  • Alcázar de Colón Visit Alcázar de Colón, Diego Columbus’s former residence showcasing period furnishings, artifacts, and panoramic courtyard views. Museum offers insight into early colonial era and prominent Dominican history. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi (~20 mins) or Metro Line 1 to Centro de los Héroes + 12-min walk)
  • Los Tres Ojos Discover Los Tres Ojos National Park’s limestone cave lakes with crystal-clear water, lush vegetation, and dramatic stalactite formations. Ideal spot for photography, nature strolls, and serene underground exploration. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 mins))
  • Malecón Stroll along the Malecón, Santo Domingo’s scenic seaside boulevard offering ocean breezes, colorful sculptures, lively street vendors, and panoramic Caribbean Sea vistas, perfect for sunset views and people-watching. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi (~25 mins) or Metro Line 1 to Juan Pablo Duarte + 8-min walk)
  • Catedral Primada de América Admire Catedral Primada de América, the oldest cathedral in the Americas, featuring gothic architecture, ornate altars, and centuries-old relics in the heart of Zona Colonial. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: Taxi (~20 mins) or Metro Line 1 to Centro de los Héroes + 10-min walk)
  • National Botanical Garden Wander through National Botanical Garden’s 120-hectare grounds showcasing endemic plant collections, themed gardens, winding trails, and educational exhibits celebrating Dominican flora and biodiversity. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi (~30 mins))
  • Faro a Colón Explore Faro a Colón monument and museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus, housing archaeological exhibits, religious relics, and a striking cross-shaped mausoleum illuminated by sunlight on Columbus’s birthday. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi (~25 mins))
  • Mercado Modelo Browse Mercado Modelo’s bustling stalls offering handcrafted souvenirs, local artwork, traditional textiles, and fresh produce. Engage with friendly vendors for authentic Dominican crafts and flavors. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi (~20 mins) or Metro Line 1 to Centro de los Héroes + 10-min walk)

Things to Do in Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
SDQ features VIP lounges in Terminals A and B, including Sala Caribe (24/7 access post-security), Sky The Lounge (06:00–00:00), Copa Club (06:00–18:00, gate B4), and American Express Lounge (05:00–22:00). Amenities include refreshments, premium snacks and drinks, high-speed Wi-Fi, TV, workstations, relaxation zones, and smoking areas. Priority Pass and LoungeKey accepted. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels cluster within 1 km of SDQ, including the Holiday Inn Santo Domingo Airport, Radisson Hotel Santo Domingo, and Barceló Santo Domingo. All offer 24/7 front desks, complimentary airport shuttles, fitness centers, on-site restaurants, and soundproofed sleeping rooms. Reservations are recommended. Rates start around USD 80 per night, with rollaway beds available. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
While SDQ lacks dedicated sleep pods or nap zones, travelers can find cushioned benches and seating areas near gates in Terminals A and B. Quiet corners on the second floors offer low lighting for rest. No designated sleeping rooms exist; bring noise-cancelling gear and eye masks for improved comfort on layovers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Las Américas offers free unlimited Wi-Fi at SDQ in all passenger areas. After connecting to “AirportWiFi,” users must register via a quick form or social login; speeds support browsing and streaming. Charging stations with USB ports are spaced throughout. Business travelers will find power outlets and quiet workstations near departure gates.

SIM/eSIM Card: Multiple mobile carriers—Claro, Altice, and Viva—operate kiosks landside in arrivals. Travelers can purchase prepaid SIM cards or eSIM plans starting at USD 10 for 5 GB, with top-up options available. ID is required. eSIM activation instructions are provided via QR codes, enabling immediate mobile data upon landing. Local call minutes are included. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official red taxis queue at the arrivals taxi booth, offering fixed fares to central Santo Domingo (USD 25–30), Boca Chica (USD 20), and other destinations. Payments accepted in cash or card; night and holiday surcharges apply. Drivers display identification. Prebooked private transfers can be arranged online for a higher rate.

Train: No rail or metro service currently reaches Las Américas International Airport. The nearest Santo Domingo Metro stations are Haina and Centro de los Héroes, located approximately 20 km away. Passengers seeking rail connectivity must travel by taxi or bus to the city network hubs. more info: (more info).

Bus: Intercity bus operator Caribe Tours and the National MetroBus network connect SDQ with Santo Domingo’s city center. Buses depart curbside in arrivals every 30–60 minutes. Tickets cost about DOP 30 (USD 0.50) and can be purchased onboard or at the station. Schedules are posted online. (more info)

Shuttle: Many nearby hotels and resorts provide complimentary shuttle services to and from SDQ. Shuttle pickup points are clearly marked outside the arrivals hall; schedules vary by property, typically aligning with flight arrivals. Advance reservation is required. Private airport shuttles can be booked through third-party agencies for a fee.

Car rentals: Major car rental agencies—Avis, Hertz, National, Sixt, and Enterprise—operate desks landside in the arrivals terminal. Rental counters open daily from 06:00 to 22:00. Vehicles include compact, SUV, and luxury classes with unlimited mileage options. Drivers must be over 21 with a valid license and credit card. Insurance optional; rates vary. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: SDQ offers covered short-term and long-term parking lots adjacent to both terminals. Rates start at USD 0.50 per 15 minutes for short stays and USD 12 per day for long-term. Valet service is available landside. Accessible parking spaces are designated near terminal entrances. Payment via cash or card.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Official luggage storage lockers are not available at SDQ. However, a baggage hold service operates near the Terminal A arrivals information desk for a fee based on bag size and storage duration. Alternatively, third-party city services like LuggageHero, Stasher, or WeKeep offer flexible hourly and daily storage near the airport. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks