Santo Domingo Metro Information
As an integral part of the National Master Plan, the Santo Domingo Metro was built to improve transport in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. It is a relatively young metro, having not yet celebrated its tenth anniversary. However, it is considered to be one of the largest metros in the Dominican Republic. The network officially opened for commercial use in 2009, after operating for non-commercial use for almost a year. It runs on 2 lines, serving a total of 30 stations and covering a track length of 27.4 km. Despite its comparatively small size, its annual ridership was still 61,270,054 in 2021.
The Santo Domingo Metro map provides a visual layout of the city’s public transport system. It supports a significant number of commuters, with around 200,000 passengers per day. A single trip costs 20 Dominican pesos.
Although the system does not operate 24 hours a day, it does provide air conditioning for a comfortable ride. However, passengers cannot walk between platforms, and there are no driverless trains or screen doors at the platforms.
The average speed of the trains is 65 km/h, with a maximum speed of 80 km/h. The metro is operated by OPRET. In terms of operating hours, from Monday to Friday, including holidays, the service is available from 8:00 to 17:00. On Saturdays, the service operates from 8:00 to 12:00.
Santo Domingo Metro Map
Map of Santo Domingo Metro showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Santo Domingo Metro map in PDF format.
Overview of the Santo Domingo Metro System
The Santo Domingo Metro currently consists of two active lines and thirty stations, a mix of elevated and underground, with a total length of 48.5 km. Trains run at speeds of up to 80 km/h. The first line of the system, which covers a north-south route, became unofficially operational in 2008. The second line, bridging the city from east to west, became operational in 2013.
Details on Line 1
Line 1 of the Santo Domingo Metro, known as the “Blue Line”, has 16 stations and runs for 14.5 kilometres from the north to the south of the city.
This line has been instrumental in alleviating traffic congestion in the area. Prior to its construction, residents faced significant difficulties and inconveniences due to long commutes, especially towards the city centre. Its implementation has led to a significant reduction in traffic congestion in the area.
A notable aspect of this line is its proximity to a wide range of entertainment and leisure facilities along its route. These include restaurants, which are highly praised by locals, as well as cafes, shopping centres, museums, parks, hotels and theatres, among others.
Details on Line 2
Line 2 of the Santo Domingo Metro, known as the “Red Line”, crosses the city from east to west, covering a distance of 34 km. It includes major avenues such as Autopista Duarte, John Fitzgerald Kennedy Avenue, Expreso V Centenario and Padre Castellanos Avenue. This line has 14 passenger stations, surrounded by a variety of businesses, sports facilities, hotels and other accessible points of interest.
Operating Hours and Train Frequency
The Santo Domingo Metro operates seven days a week due to high passenger demand. To ensure seamless connectivity with other modes of transport, both public and private, the Metro operates from 6:00 am to 22:30 pm, Monday to Sunday. The frequency of trains may vary depending on the line and day of the week, but passengers can expect to wait approximately 5-10 minutes.
Fare Information
The Santo Domingo Metro offers two payment options for commuters: the Santo Domingo Metro Single-charge Card and the Santo Domingo Metro Rechargeable Card.
The Santo Domingo Metro Single-charge Card is a single use card. It can be purchased at any metro station ticket office for RD$15 ($0.31 USD). The card can then be recharged (once) with a different amount depending on the travel option chosen. A single trip costs RD$20 ($0.042 USD), a round trip RD$40 ($0.83 USD) and an all-day pass, valid for 24 hours from the first use, RD$80 ($1.66 USD).
The Santo Domingo Metro Rechargeable Card is a reusable plastic card that can be used in all metro stations. The card can be purchased for RD$200 ($4.15 USD), which includes the cost of the card (RD$60) and seven rides (RD$140). The rates are as follows: a single trip costs RD$20 ($0.42 USD); a round trip costs RD$40 ($0.83 USD). Bundles are also available, with 10 trips costing RD$185 ($3.84 USD) and 20 trips costing RD$360 ($7.48 USD).
Both types of cards can be easily purchased at any ticket office within the Santo Domingo Metro station network. Certain conditions and time limits may apply, but these do not involve extensive paperwork. All relevant information can be found at the stations.
Tips for Metro Use
Users of the Santo Domingo Metro are advised to follow certain guidelines to ensure a smooth journey:
- Do not cross the safety line on the platform; stay behind it until the train has come to a complete stop.
- Allow alighting passengers to disembark before boarding to avoid unnecessary delays.
- For your own safety, do not attempt to board or disembark once the door closing alarm has sounded.
- Behave in a manner that respects the comfort of other passengers.
- Avoid carrying large or potentially dangerous objects on the train.
- Smoking is prohibited on trains and in other underground facilities.
- Do not enter the conductor’s cab.
- Avoid falsely triggering the train’s alarm systems as this may cause unnecessary delays.
- Pets are not allowed, except for service animals such as guide dogs.
- Respect the rules and instructions given by metro staff.
Security Measures
The safety of the Santo Domingo Metro is overseen by a special police unit, CESMET. Its mission is to ensure the safety of passengers and to constantly monitor the operation of the transport system.
The robust security measures implemented by the railway system ensure its effective operation, as it is one of the most frequently used means of transport by the residents of the Dominican Republic’s capital.
Airport Connectivity
The Santo Domingo Metro does not have a direct connection to the city’s main airport, Las Americas International Airport, as it is located about 30 minutes from the capital. Passengers can, however, take the metro to the station where airport-bound buses are available.
If you’re travelling from the north or south of the city, you can get on at any station on Line 1 and get off at Pedro Livio Cedeño station. From there you can change to line 2 and get off at Horacio Vásquez station. Nearby, taxis are available to take you to the airport via Autopista Las Americas, a journey of approximately 27 minutes, depending on traffic. This route involves taking Calle Josefa Brea in the direction of Calle Luis Reyes Acosta. After about 1.4 kilometres, you’ll come to a corner where you turn towards the Juan Pablo Duarte Bridge. After another 750 metres, turn left onto Carretera 3. The exit from this motorway will take you to Las Americas International Airport.
Alternatively, if you’re coming from the western part of the city, you can take the train at any station on Line 2 and get off at either Ramón Cáceres or Horacio Vásquez stations. Taxi services to the airport are available from both stations.
Intra-City Connections
Santo Domingo Cable Car
The Eduardo Brito station on Line 2 of the Santo Domingo Metro is close to the city’s cable car line. Modifications are underway to create a direct link between the two systems, eliminating the need for additional transport to reach the Santo Domingo cable car line. Walking from the metro station to the cable car station takes about an hour (6.1 km), following the flat route of Los Restauradores Avenue. Some people prefer this option for exercise. Alternatively, a taxi along the same route takes about 21 minutes, depending on traffic.
Connectivity to Santo Domingo’s Sans Souci Terminal
The most efficient way to get to the Sans Souci Terminal from the Santo Domingo Metro is to travel north towards the Hermanas Mirabal station on Line 1. Get off at the Profesor Juan Bosh station, from where you can take a bus to the terminal. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which will take approximately 30 minutes.
Future Expansion Plans
The design for the Santo Domingo Metro includes the development of six railway lines. OPRET, the company responsible for the project, has confirmed that the project, known as the Master Plan for the Regulation of Transport in Santo Domingo, will be carried out in three phases of varying duration.
The main objective of this expansion project is to rationalise the city’s main transit routes. This will involve a comprehensive study of all the routes in Santo Domingo and its municipalities, and the subsequent design of the system’s main routes through underground passages running from east to west and north to south.
The timeframe for completion of this project is no more than 20 years. However, significant aspects are expected to be completed within an estimated period of 3 years.
Line 2 Extension
Plans have been drawn up for the extension of Line 2 of the Santo Domingo Metro in 2015. The extended line will cross the Ozama River via a railway bridge, which will run parallel to the Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Bridge for 1000 metres.
The line will then continue along Avenida San Vincente de Paúl until it intersects with Carretera Mella at a distance of approximately 3.25 kilometres. This extension of Line 2 will result in four additional stations being opened for metro service.
Excavation for the construction of the tunnel under San Vincente de Paúl Avenue began in March 2014, followed by the construction of the bridge over the Ozama River in April. This bridge will link the National District with the eastern part of the city.
Trial runs of trains on the stations that make up the extension of Line 2 were scheduled for April 2016. It is worth noting that an estimated $385 million has been invested in this construction, with $70 million allocated to the construction of the Ozama River bridge.
Line 3
Another planned development for the Santo Domingo Metro is the creation of a third line, starting at Los Abos de Haina. This line will cross two of the city’s major rivers: the Haina and the Ozama. Two large bridges will be built over these rivers, similar to the one over the Isabela River that leads to Villa Mella.
The first station of Line 3 of the Santo Domingo Metro will be located near the Haina Port, and the last station will be in the Isabelita area, to the east of the city. The line will cover a distance of 20 km and include 21 stations.
Line 3, according to the plans, will be built under the Carrretera Sánchez through excavated tunnels. It will cross Avenida Luperón, also known as Plaza de la Bandera, and continue to Avenida 27 de Febrero until it reaches the River Ozama. The Ozama River will be crossed by an above-ground canal before the line returns underground to terminate in Isabelita. The project includes the connection of this line to Lines 1 and 2 of the Santo Domingo Metro.
Popular Tourist Destinations
Ciudad Colonial
Ciudad Colonial, also known as the “Colonial Zone”, is one of the most visited areas by tourists due to its vibrant atmosphere, historical significance and recreational attractions. As the first area of Santo Domingo to be colonised by the Spanish, it is a popular tourist destination that offers a unique blend of historical and recreational attractions.
In Ciudad Colonial, visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the old pavements, visiting various colonial buildings and sites of great historical interest such as the Alcazár de Colón and the Museo de las Casas Reales. Due to its attractiveness to tourists, the Colonial Zone has a wide range of national and international hotels that offer visitors a comfortable stay.
Using the Santo Domingo Metro to Reach Ciudad Colonial
To get to Ciudad Colonial via the Santo Domingo Metro, you have three options, all starting from Line 1. The quickest is the Ensanche Kennedy line. Get off at Kennedy station and take a taxi, which should take you to Ciudad Colonial in less than 15 minutes. The second option is to take Avenida 27 de Febrero. You’ll need to get off at the Profesor Juan Bosh station on Line 1 and then take a taxi to your destination, which will take about 14 minutes. The third way is along George Washington Avenue; to do this, take line 2 to the Juan Ulises García Saleta stop and then take a taxi which will take you along George Washington Avenue to the Colonial Zone in about 15 minutes.
Museo del Hombre Dominicano
The Museo del Hombre Dominicano (Museum of the Dominican Man) was inaugurated on 12 October 1973 during the presidency of Joaquín Balaguer. Located in the Plaza de la Cultura, it’s one of the city’s main attractions. The museum hosts a variety of artistic exhibitions that display antiquities and artefacts of great cultural interest, which are particularly valued by the Caribbean people and especially by the inhabitants of the island of Hispaniola. This popular tourist destination offers a comprehensive overview of the characteristics of the Dominican people.
Getting There via the Santo Domingo Metro
Getting to the Museo del Hombre Dominicano from the Santo Domingo Metro is quick and easy. Take line 2 and get off at the Juan Ulises García Saleta station. From there, a taxi or bus will take you to the museum in less than 10 minutes.
National Zoological Park
The National Zoological Park is one of the largest zoos in Latin America and is highly recommended by those who’ve visited it. Its creation was inspired by the need for a leisure facility that would meet modern demands. Designed by the architects Manuel Valverde Podestá and Eugenio Pérez Mantás, the zoo was inaugurated on 5 July 1975. From the beginning, it housed species native to Africa and the United States.
Getting to the National Zoological Park via the Santo Domingo Metro
The closest metro station to the zoo is Juan Ulises García Saleta, on line 2. From there, you can either take a taxi to the zoo – a journey of around 9 minutes via John F. Kennedy and Tiradentes avenues – or walk. Many visitors choose the latter option, as it is a relatively flat and pleasant route that is also a good way to get some exercise. The walk from Juan Ulises García Saleta station to the National Zoological Park takes approximately 48 minutes.