Santiago Airport Car Hire (STI)

Cibao International Airport (STI) outside Santiago de los Caballeros has 17 rental companies and is the best option for exploring the Dominican Republic's interior and north coast. The airport is approximately 12 km south of Santiago city center and approximately 55 km south of Puerto Plata. With a rental car directly from STI, you can quickly reach the entire Cibao region.

STI serves the Cibao Valley, one of the Caribbean's most fertile agricultural regions known for tobacco, cocoa, and rum. From the airport it's approximately 50 km to Jarabacoa in Cordillera Central – a paradise for adventure sports with whitewater rafting on Río Yaque del Norte and hiking to Pico Duarte, the Caribbean's highest peak at 3,098 meters. Book an SUV if you're planning driving in the mountainous region around Jarabacoa and Constanza.

Autopista Duarte northward toward Puerto Plata is in excellent condition and takes about 1 hour. Bring cash – gas stations in rural mountain areas don't always accept cards. How many rental companies are at Cibao Airport and which are the largest?

There are 17 rental companies at STI, including Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, and several local operators that often offer lower prices. How long does it take to drive from STI to Puerto Plata? Puerto Plata is approximately 55 km to the north via Autopista Duarte, which normally takes 50–65 minutes depending on traffic.

Can I reach Pico Duarte with a rental car? You can drive to La Ciénaga village (the hiking trail starting point) approximately 80 km to the south – the final stretch requires 4WD. The mountain peak itself is only accessible on foot via a 2–3 day hike.

We compare prices from all major providers at Santiago Airport so you can see the total cost upfront — including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.