airport santiago to puerto plata

Description

Here’s a comprehensive guide to Cibao International Airport (STI), serving Santiago de los Caballeros:

✈️ Quick Overview

• Name: Cibao International Airport (IATA: STI, ICAO: MDST)
• Location: Licey al Medio, ~15 km southeast of Santiago city center flydominicanrepublic.com+9en.wikipedia.org+9luisvidal.com+9
• Rank: Third‑busiest in the Dominican Republic (~2.2 million passengers in 2023) thesun.co.uk+5en.wikipedia.org+5beforeboarding.com+5

🏢 Terminals & Facilities

• Single terminal with two levels:
  • Domestic & international flights share space; international side has about 6 departure gates, some with jet bridges santo-domingo-airport.com+4flyairports.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4
• Offers restaurants, duty‑free shops, ATMs, free Wi‑Fi, and a VIP lounge supported by “Before Boarding” services cntraveler.com+3beforeboarding.com+3beforeboarding.com+3

🚗 Transport Options

• Official taxis & shared vans: You’ll find a taxi stand or Transvip counter just after baggage claim—shared vans cost around US $10–15 per person; private taxis run from US $30 reddit.com+3reddit.com+3reddit.com+3
• Car rentals & private shuttles are also available on-site beforeboarding.com
• App-based rides (Uber/Cabify): Work in the city but not permitted to pick up directly inside the airport—meet drivers outside the official zone beforeboarding.com+4reddit.com+4reddit.com+4

🛫 Airlines & Destinations

• Main carriers include JetBlue, American, and Delta, serving major U.S. cities such as New York (JFK)—with the STI–JFK route alone carrying over 1 million passengers
• Other destinations include Miami, San Juan, Panama City, plus occasional flights to Spain, Colombia, and regional charters

🔧 Expansion & Growth

• A major US $300 million expansion is underway: new terminal with 9 contact stands, extended runway, additional parking, and mixed‑use commercial spaces—expected to significantly increase capacity by mid‑2026 en.wikipedia.org+5aspiremetro.com+5luisvidal.com+5

✅ Traveler Tips

• Choose the right transport: Shared vans are budget‑friendly, but private transfers are best for off-hours or less convenience.
• Request taxi tickets early: Book at the official counter after baggage claim to avoid scams reddit.com+1reddit.com+1
• Watch meeting points: Uber/Cabify drivers must pick up outside the official arrivals zone, so coordinate in advance.
• Airport lounge: Consider the VIP lounge if you have a longer layover—clean, comfortable, with food, Wi‑Fi, and business amenities

🌄 Why It Matters

• STI is a crucial gateway for both diaspora travel and tourism in the Cibao region.
• Beautiful valley and mountain views make it one of the more scenic Caribbean airports en.wikipedia.org+8flyairports.com+8en.wikipedia.org+8

Here’s a comprehensive guide to Cibao International Airport (STI), serving Santiago de los Caballeros:

✈️ Quick Overview

• Name: Cibao International Airport (IATA: STI, ICAO: MDST)
• Location: Licey al Medio, ~15 km southeast of Santiago city center flydominicanrepublic.com+9en.wikipedia.org+9luisvidal.com+9
• Rank: Third‑busiest in the Dominican Republic (~2.2 million passengers in 2023) thesun.co.uk+5en.wikipedia.org+5beforeboarding.com+5

🏢 Terminals & Facilities

• Single terminal with two levels:
  • Domestic & international flights share space; international side has about 6 departure gates, some with jet bridges santo-domingo-airport.com+4flyairports.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4
• Offers restaurants, duty‑free shops, ATMs, free Wi‑Fi, and a VIP lounge supported by “Before Boarding” services cntraveler.com+3beforeboarding.com+3beforeboarding.com+3

🚗 Transport Options

• Official taxis & shared vans: You’ll find a taxi stand or Transvip counter just after baggage claim—shared vans cost around US $10–15 per person; private taxis run from US $30 reddit.com+3reddit.com+3reddit.com+3
• Car rentals & private shuttles are also available on-site beforeboarding.com
• App-based rides (Uber/Cabify): Work in the city but not permitted to pick up directly inside the airport—meet drivers outside the official zone beforeboarding.com+4reddit.com+4reddit.com+4

🛫 Airlines & Destinations

• Main carriers include JetBlue, American, and Delta, serving major U.S. cities such as New York (JFK)—with the STI–JFK route alone carrying over 1 million passengers
• Other destinations include Miami, San Juan, Panama City, plus occasional flights to Spain, Colombia, and regional charters

🔧 Expansion & Growth

• A major US $300 million expansion is underway: new terminal with 9 contact stands, extended runway, additional parking, and mixed‑use commercial spaces—expected to significantly increase capacity by mid‑2026 en.wikipedia.org+5aspiremetro.com+5luisvidal.com+5

✅ Traveler Tips

• Choose the right transport: Shared vans are budget‑friendly, but private transfers are best for off-hours or less convenience.
• Request taxi tickets early: Book at the official counter after baggage claim to avoid scams reddit.com+1reddit.com+1
• Watch meeting points: Uber/Cabify drivers must pick up outside the official arrivals zone, so coordinate in advance.
• Airport lounge: Consider the VIP lounge if you have a longer layover—clean, comfortable, with food, Wi‑Fi, and business amenities

🌄 Why It Matters

• STI is a crucial gateway for both diaspora travel and tourism in the Cibao region.
• Beautiful valley and mountain views make it one of the more scenic Caribbean airports en.wikipedia.org+8flyairports.com+8en.wikipedia.org+