Cibao International Airport (STI): The Complete Guide for Travelers
Cibao International Airport (IATA: STI) is the main gateway to Santiago de los Caballeros and the Cibao region — the Dominican Republic’s agricultural and cultural heartland. Located 15 km from the city center, it is the country’s third-busiest airport, handling over 2.2 million passengers in 2024, and is currently undergoing a major transformation to become one of the most modern airports in the Caribbean.
Whether you’re arriving for the first time or a regular visitor, this guide covers everything you need: airlines, terminals, transport options, parking, and the latest on the ongoing expansion.
Airlines flying into STI
STI connects the Cibao region to the US east coast, Europe, and the Caribbean. The STI–JFK route is the busiest international route in the country, handling over 1.4 million passengers annually.
Terminals and facilities
International Terminal (Gates B1–B6)
The main terminal handles all commercial passenger flights. Six gates (B1–B6), five equipped with jetbridges — Gates B1 and B2 were recently upgraded with new boarding docks. You’ll find duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange, car rental desks, and a 24/7 VIP lounge in both the arrivals and departures areas. Free WiFi throughout the terminal.
General Aviation Hall (Gates A1–A3)
Originally built for domestic flights, this hall now serves private charter operations. If you’re arriving on a charter flight, this is where you’ll process arrivals.
Getting from the airport to Santiago
The airport is 15 km from the city center — roughly 20 minutes in normal traffic. Here are all your options:
Available immediately outside the arrivals exit. Always use the official taxi stand inside the terminal — not drivers who approach you inside. Agree on the fare before getting in.
Uber operates in Santiago and picks up at the airport. Fixed price before you confirm — no negotiation needed. A convenient and often cheaper alternative to the official taxi stand.
Most Santiago hotels offer airport pickup. At Hotel Platino, guests can arrange a transfer directly through our front desk — contact us at least 24 hours in advance with your flight details.
Hertz, Budget, and Avis have desks in the arrivals hall. Best option if you’re planning to explore beyond Santiago — day trips to Jarabacoa, Puerto Plata, or Constanza are all within easy reach.
A driver meets you in arrivals and takes you directly to your hotel. Most comfortable option for groups and families. Arrange through your hotel before you land.
Parking at Cibao Airport
STI has on-site parking directly in front of the terminal. Short-stay parking works for pickups and drop-offs. If you’re leaving a car for multiple days, use the long-term lot. Rates are posted at the entrance barrier. As with any airport, don’t leave valuables visible in your vehicle.
What’s nearby when you land
Once you clear arrivals, Santiago and the wider Cibao region are at your doorstep:
- Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración — 20 min, Santiago’s iconic landmark
- Santiago’s best restaurants — excellent Dominican dining in the city center
- Jarabacoa — 1 hour south, waterfalls and mountain adventures
- Puerto Plata — 1.5 hours north, beaches and the famous cable car
15 minutes from STI · central Santiago location · contact us to arrange your transfer.
Frequently asked questions
The IATA code is STI. When searching for flights, always use STI to confirm you’re booking into Santiago — not Santo Domingo (SDQ) or Puerto Plata (POP).
Approximately 15 km southeast of downtown Santiago. In normal traffic this is around 20 minutes by taxi or Uber. Allow 30–40 minutes during rush hour (7–9 AM and 5–7 PM weekdays).
JetBlue (up to 20 flights daily to JFK, Boston, and Fort Lauderdale), American Airlines (Miami and JFK), and Delta (JFK and Atlanta) all operate direct routes. The STI–JFK route is the busiest international route in the Dominican Republic.
Yes. Uber operates in Santiago and picks up at the airport. It’s often cheaper than the official taxi stand and gives you a fixed price before you confirm. Open the app when you land and request a ride from the arrivals area.
Yes. STI is undergoing a USD $200 million transformation to double its capacity. Key upgrades include runway extension to 2,920 meters to accommodate wide-body aircraft, new departure gates, expanded commercial areas, and upgraded security systems. The project is being completed in phases through 2026.
Yes. Contact our front desk before your arrival to arrange pickup. See our airport transfers guide for full details on getting from STI to the hotel.
Comfortable rooms, on-site restaurant and casino, airport pickup available.
