Punta Cana Launching New Tourist Train To This Fascinating Cultural Destination

Last Updated 2 months ago

Punta Cana is the leading resort hotspot in the Dominican Republic, welcoming millions of sun-seeking travelers each year.

Although most travelers are perfectly content with spending an entire week exploring the sunny destination, a new project will make traveling to other parts of the country easier than ever.

This month, the country’s government announced a groundbreaking decision to construct a train connection from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo, effectively bringing these two hotspots closer to each other.

With more travelers seeking to explore the Dominican Republic beyond the resort, here’s what the decision means for travelers.

a view of beautiful palm trees in punta cana

Santo Domingo And Punta Cana To Be Connected Via New Train Link

As travel to the Dominican Republic skyrockets to new highs in 2023, government officials are contemplating new ways to diversify the country’s tourism experiences.

Thus far, travelers have tended to stay within the limits of their beachside resort in destinations like Punta Cana or Puerto Plata. But that’s set to change radically with the launching of a nationwide train network to connect some of the island’s main destinations.

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Work on the massive infrastructure undertaking is set to commence this December with the building of the first segment, dubbed the Taino Tarin, which will link Santo Domingo with Punta Cana.

The ride between the two major tourist hotspots is expected to last just 58 minutes one-way, allowing travelers to save time and money – two crucial factors when enjoying everything the Dominican Republic has to offer.

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The groundbreaking project is set to take several years to conclude and is divided into five phases. With a cost of over $3 billion, the undertaking is the largest to date in the country.

Although officials have yet to reveal concrete plans regarding the extent of the project, it is speculated that it will connect all of the country’s major cities, airports, and main touristy provinces. Meanwhile, experts have said that the first phase, which will see tracks built from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana, will wrap up before the construction of the secondary phases.

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Much like Mexico’s Maya Train (Tren Maya), the Dominican Republic’s ambitious railway project aims to transform the way tourists get around on the sun-soaked island.

Although the Dominican Republic is currently one of the most popular destinations for American travelers in the Caribbean, the sought-after island lacks comprehensive public transport options. As such, travelers rely on an outdated bus network, expensive taxis, and expensive plane tickets.

But as travel to the country soars to new records this year, it’s more important than ever for officials to invest in improving the safety of the country’s infrastructure.

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Officials have published a tentative list of upcoming train stations along the critical Taino Line, which include the following locations:

Santo Domingo
Juan Dolio
San Pedro de Marcoris
La Romana
Chavon
Higuey
Punta Cana

Santo Domingo Sees Major Construction Boom As Popularity Skyrockets

Even though Punta Cana continues to be a popular destination for travelers in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo has seen an uptick in travel numbers over the past year.

Growing demand has prompted a number of major hospitality firms to announce new hotels in the bustling capital, including Hyatt and Marriott.

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Santo Domingo is mostly famous for its stunning old town, which is officially the oldest in Latin America. Home to towering cathedrals, quaint buildings, and a unique atmosphere, Santo Domingo is also a popular destination for day trips.

Punta Cana travelers can easily reach the capital by bus or by booking a guided tour.