When we recommend leaving Sosúa
We recommend a lobby pickup 3.5 hours before your flight from Sosúa. The route runs through Puerto Plata and then climbs the Gregorio Luperón highway over the Cordillera Septentrional back to Santiago, so the 75–95 minute range already accounts for the pass; what varies is the stretch through El Batey and Puerto Plata town at busier hours. STI clears quickly once you arrive, so this buffer is mostly about the drive and hotel checkout, not a long airport process. Add 20–30 minutes for a group of six or more or a villa checkout with a manager walkthrough.