Taiwan Transportation Guide is a comprehensive article for you to understand how to get around Taiwan by the best transportation options.
In this article you’ll know:
- Taiwan’s Different Modes of Transportation
- Essential Tools for Using Taiwan’s Public Transport
- Routes, Ticket Types, Fares, and Timetable Information
- Transfer Information
- Attractions Around Stations
Table of Contents
Before Exploring Taiwan…
I recommend you get two useful tools: EasyCard and 4G SIM Card.
EasyCard is a contactless smart card allowing passengers to use on a variety of public transit(MRT, High Speed Rail, Railway, Highway Buses, City Buses, Taxies, and Public Bike), convenience stores, shops, and some restaurants.
With EasyCard, you can travel easily and get discount on Taipei MRT, Taipei City Bus and Youbike.
- NT$8 discount for transferring between Taipei City Bus and Taipei MRT (both direction) within an hour.
- NT$5 off for renting Youbike by transferring from Taipei City Bus or Taipei MRT within an hour.
Exploring Taiwan with internet can be more easily to find your destination and check the latest public transport schedules, international roaming is too expensive, but with a local 4G SIM card, you’ll enjoy the fast,efficient, and unlimited Internet while traveling in Taiwan. Additionally, you can share your vacation photos or videos with your family and friends any time when experiencing the best moment!
EasyCard & 4G SIM Card (Taoyuan Airport Pick Up)
International Airlines
There are four international airports in Taiwan: Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei Songshan Airport, Taichung International Airport, and Kaohsiung International Airport.
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Taoyuan International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in Taiwan, serves 67 airlines flying to 144 destinations in 34 countries.
There are currently two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The third terminal has been being built since 2017 and planned to open in 2023.
The airport has a convenient transfer system to any city over Taiwan via Taoyuan MRT, High Speed Rail, Highway Buses, Taxies or Uber.
Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)
Taipei Songshan Airport, Taiwan’s first airport, mainly serves domestic flight as well as international airlines flying to Seoul, Tokyo, and China.
Due to the convenient location, it’s easily accessible to get around Taipei from the airport via Taipei MRT, City Buses, Taxies, or Uber.
Taichung International Airport (RMQ)
Taichung International Airport is located in central Taiwan, with flight service to China, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, and Japan.
Taichung is Taiwan’s second-largest city having many attractions. The distance between the airport and the city center is approximately 20 kilometers, you can take Highway Buses, Taxies, and Uber to get Taichung City center.
Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)
Kaohsiung International Airport, Taiwan’s second busiest airport, is located in southern Taiwan, with flight service to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore.
Getting around this coastal city, Kaohsiung, you can take Kaohsiung MRT, City Buses, Taxies or Uber.
Go to Taiwan NOW!
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
There
Taipei Metro
Taipei Metro, operated by Taipei city government-owned Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation, is the most convenient transportation system in Taipei City and New Taipei City, which fully integrates Taipei Songshan Airport, Taoyuan Airport MRT, New Taipei Light Rail, High Speed Rail, Railway, City Buses, Highway Buses , Ubike, Taxies and Maokong Gondola.
“Notice: Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum on the Metro and inside stations, people who violate the rule will be subject to a fine of NT$1,500 to 7,500 ($50~250)”
Wenhu Line
Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center – Taipei Zoo
Things to do near the Brown Line
- Taipei Zoo
- Maokong Gondola
- Songshan Airport Observation Desk
- Miramar Ferris Wheel
Tamsui – Xinyi Line
Tamsui – Xiangshan
Things to do near the Red Line
- Xiangshan
- Taipei 101
- Yongkang Street
- Dongmen Market
- Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
- Zhongshan Shopping District
- Ningxia Night Market
- Yangmingshan
- Shilin Night Market
- The National Palace Museum
- Beitou Hot Spring
- Tamsui Old Street
Songshan – Xindian Line
Songshan – Xindian
Things to do near the Green Line
- Wulai Hot Spring and Old Street
- Gongguan Shopping District
- Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
- Ximending Shopping District
- The North Gate – historic gatehouse
- Dihua Street
- Ningxia Night Market
- Zhongshan Shopping District
- Raohe Night Market
Zhonghe – Xinlu Line
Luzhou / Huilong – Nanshijiao
Things to do near the Orange Line
- Yongkang Street
- Dongmen Market
- Xingtian Temple
- Dihua Street
Bannan Line
Dingpu – Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center
Things to do near the Blue Line
- Longshan Temple
- Ximending Shopping District
- Taipei East Shopping District
- Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station
- Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
- Taipei Xiangti Avenue Plaza
Circular Line
New Taipei Industry Park – Dapinglin
Things to do near the Circular Line
- Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park
Metro Tickets
Check the Latest Fare and Timetable HERE
Danhai Light Rail (New Taipei Metro)
Danhai Light Rail, operated by New Taipei City government-owned New Taipei Metro Corporation, is the first light rail transit (LRT) system in Northern Taiwan, which mainly servicing in Tamsui District and is planned to extend to Bali District and Sanzhi District.
Passenger can transfer to Danhai light rail from Taipei Metro’s Hongshulin Station [R27] of Red Line.
“Notice: Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum on the Metro and inside stations, people who violate the rule will be subject to a fine of NT$1,500 to 7,500 ($50~250)”
Green Mountain Line
Hongshulin – Kanding
Things to do near the V Line
- Hongshulin Ecological Park
- Wuji Tianyuan Temple
Metro Tickets
Fare Information
Check the Latest Timetable HERE
Taoyuan Metro
Taoyuan Metro, also call Airport MRT, operated by Taoyuan city government-owned Taoyuan Metro Corporation, which connects Taipei City, New Taipei City, and Taoyuan City with Taoyuan International Airport.
There are two types of train available: purple express train and blue commuter train. The express train takes 35 minutes to arrive at Taipei Main Station from the Taoyuan airport, and the commuter train takes 50 minutes and stops at all stations.
When arriving at A1 Taipei Main Station from the airport, you can easily transfer Taipei MRT, Railway, and High Speed Rail to get around Taiwan.
They offer In-Town Check-In (ITCI) service so that airline passengers can check-in at MRT stations (A1 Taipei Main Station) in advance.
“Notice: Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum on the Metro and inside stations, people who violate the rule will be subject to a fine of NT$1,500 to 7,500 ($50~250)”
Commuter
Taipei Main Station – Huanbei
Express
Taipei Main Station – Airport Terminal 1&2
Things to do near the Airport Line
- MITSUI Outlet Park Linkou
- Modern DaFuDi
- Gloria Outlets
- Blue Pond Park
Metro Tickets
Fare Information
Check the Latest Timetable HERE
Tips:
Book the Taoyuan Airport MRT Ticket and Exclusive Shopping Coupon and 4G SIM Card just only $4.59 ($7.55)
Kaohsiung Metro
Kaohsiung Metro, operated by the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation, is the first MRT system in Southern Taiwan, which fully integrates Kaohsiung International Airport, High Speed Rail, Railway, City Buses, Highway Buses,
“Notice: Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum on the Metro and inside stations, people who violate the rule will be subject to a fine of NT$1,500 to 7,500 ($50~250)”
Red Line
Gangshan South – Siaogang
Things to do near the Red Line
- Taroko Park
- 85 Sky Tower
- Urban Spotlight
- Shinkuchan Shopping District
- Dome of Light
- Liuhe Night Marke
- Heart of Love River
- Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
- Ciaotou Sugar Refinery
Orange Line
Sizihwan – Daliao
Things to do near the Orange Line
- Dadong Arts Center
- Dome of Light
- Love River
- Pier2 Art Center
- Takao Railway Museum
- Qi Jin Old Street
- Shoushan LOVE Lookout
- Sizihwan Scenic Area
- Kaohsiung City Shou Shan Zoo
Circular Line (LRT)
Lizihnei – Hamasen
Things to do near the Circular Line
- Dream Mall
- MLD Shopping Mall
- Kaohsiung Exhibition Center
- Glory Pier
Metro Tickets
Check Fare Information HERE
Check the Latest Timetable HERE
HSR (High Speed Rail)
Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) is a 349.5 km (217 mi) high-speed rail line that runs along the west coast of Taiwan.
There are 12 stations: Nangang, Taipei, Banqiao, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan and Zhuoying, some of which have connecting services with MRT, Railway and Taxies.
It’s the fastest intercity transport in Taiwan but is also more expensive than other transportation.
HSR Tickets
- Regular Tickets / Adult Tickets
- Concession Tickets
- 50% off for Children >115cm & <12 yrs old
- Non-Reserved Seat
- 3% off and free to find a seat in cars #10~12
- It also works with Easycard and iPASS
- Group Tickets
- 5% off for groups with 11 or more passengers
- More Information
HSR offers the limited early bird ticket discount of 35% off, 20% off, or 10% if you order 5~28 days before the day of departure.
Check the Latest HSR Tickets Fare and Timetable HERE
Tips:
Book the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) consecutive unlimited 3 days pass just only $66.10 ($72.05)
Railway
Taiwan railway was constructed in 1891, the main line runs around Taiwan island that connects many major cities and small town.
There are several types of trains for you to choose from depending on your time, budget and destination: Local train, Fu-Hsing semi-express, Chu-Kuang express, Thz-Chiang limited express, Taroko express, and Puyuma express. It also works with Easycard and iPASS.
Check Fare Information HERE
Check the Latest Train Schedule HERE
City Bus
City Buses are a cheap option to get around the city. Every single ride is NT$12~18 ($0.4~0.6) depending on different cities, in addition, Taichung City Buses are free for the first 10 kilometers ride.
You can get on and off a bus from the front or back door. And it works with EasyCard and iPASS.
Check Bus Real Time Information
Download Bus+ APP: Android、iOS
Highway Bus
Besides the city buses, there are also buses you can take for longer distance.
Highway buses are ubiquitous in all of Taiwan’s cities and towns, some routes even have 24-hour service, and fares are usually cheaper than flight, HSR, and railway. Therefore, highway buses are the most popular choice for Taiwanese. Also, you can buy tickets from stations, online and convenience stores.
Most of the bus companies are located near train stations, there are Kuo-Kuang Bus (國光客運), U Bus (統聯客運), Ho-Hsin Bus(和欣客運), and Aloha Bus(阿羅哈客運).
- Ubus and Kuo-Kuang Bus: Both have the cheapest price, and Ubus has more bus station than Kuo-Kuang Bus.
- Aloha and Ho-Hsin Bus: Both have the most comfortable seats but with the high-end price.
Taxi / Uber
Taxi
It’s easy to hail a taxi anywhere in Taiwan, also you can reserve taxi via convenience stores.
Most drivers don’t speak English so it is best to ask a hotel staff to write down the destination or address in Chinese.
Usually taxi drivers will use taximeter, you can check the estimated fares HERE.
Recommended Taxi Services
Uber
Although finding a taxi is very convenient in Taiwan, the price is not cheap. Luckily, Uber is available in most cities of Taiwan, the price of Uber is lower than taxies during
Get the Discount on your First Ride!
Bike
When you are in the city, you can lease a public bike in one place and return the bike in another place near your destination.
Youbike (Ubike)
Youbike is the largest bike rental in Taiwan, service stations spread out Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu City, Taichung City, Changhua County, and Miaoli County. It works with Easycard, iPASS and Credit Card.
Check Ubike Station Map HERE
Rates
| District \ Rates for per half hrs \ Time of use | within 30min | 30min ~ 4 hrs | 4 hrs ~ 8 hrs | over 8 hrs |
| Taipei City | NT$5 | NT$10 | NT$20 | NT$40 |
| New Taipei City | FREE | NT$10 | NT$20 | NT$40 |
| Taoyuan City | FREE | NT$10 | NT$20 | NT$40 |
| Hsinchu City | NT$10 | NT$10 | NT$20 | NT$40 |
| Taichung City | FREE | NT$10 | NT$20 | NT$40 |
| Changhua County | FREE | NT$10 | NT$20 | NT$40 |
| Miaoli County | NT$5 | NT$10 | NT$20 | NT$40 |
Tbike
Tbike is only available in Tainan City. It works with Easycard, iPASS and Credit Card.
Check Tbike Station Map HERE
Rates
NT$10 per 30 minutes, the daily charge maximum is NT$100.
City bike (Cbike )
City bike is only available in Kaohsiung City. It works with Easycard, iPASS and Credit Card.
Check Cbike Station Map HERE
Rates
| District \ Rates for per half hrs \ Time of use | within 30m | 31min ~ 60min | 61min ~ 90min | over 90min |
| Kaohsiung City | FREE | NT$5 | NT$10 | NT$20 |
The rental is free for the first 30 minutes, and you can get another 30 minutes free ride as soon as you transfer from Kaohsiung MRT.
Pbike
Pbike is only available in Pingtung City. It works with iPASS and Credit Card.
Check Pbike Station Map HERE
Rates
NT$10 per 30 minutes for iPASS cards and NT$20 per 30min for credit cards.
Car / Scooter Rental
*You must have valid IDP (International Driver’s Permit), native driver’s license and passport to rent a car or scooter*
Car rental
If you prefer to drive on your own, you can find car rental agencies from all airports, HSR stations, and some train station.
Recommended Car Rental Agencies
- KKday
- Daily Rate: NT$1,399+ ($45+)
- Klook
- Daily Rate: NT$1,500+ ($48+)
- Good Cars 固得租車
- Daily Rate: NT$2,300+ ($74+)
- EasyRent 和運租車
- Daily Rate: NT$2,400+ ($80+)
- CarPlus 格上租車
- Daily Rate: NT$2,500+ ($83+)
- Budget Taiwan 百捷租車
- Daily Rate: NT$2,500+ ($83+)
- Avis Taiwan 安維斯租車
- Daily Rate: NT$2,800+ ($93+)
Scooter Rental
If you want to try scooter, you can rent a scooter(50cc, 100cc, or 150cc) from scooter rental agencies or repair shop near most all train stations.
Some rental agencies will allow you to rent with an IDP, while others require a Taiwan scooter license.
A scooter rental usually goes for around NT$100~800 ($3.2～$25.7) per day.
Let’s Go To Taiwan
There are many ways to get around Taiwan, whichever way you choose, you will definitely get so much fun!
I hope you enjoyed reading this post. If you have any questions on your trip to Taiwan, please leave in the comments below, I will be more than happy to help you out:)
I’ve been thinking about a potential holiday to Taiwan. This article has been informative, and if I get to save a bit of money through your tips, I’m most grateful!
Think cycling around the city will be a great way to see some sights.
Hi Andy,
I’m so glad that you like my post, if you have any questions about transportation in Taiwan, plz feel free to ask me, thanks;)
Wow, thanks for putting so much work into this! This is an amazing source of information. I sometimes find it challenging to work out public transportation in another country. Especially if I don’t speak the language, let alone when I can’t even read the signs. This is so helpful.
You have given me a great list of all possibilities and I’m going to take my time to get to know them. This is an article that I’m going to bookmark, because I know I want to use it when I go to Taiwan. And I love how it includes the warning not to eat or drink or chew gum in the metro. Otherwise I’d be fined in no time, haha, always walking around eating. Thanks!
Hi Bianca,
Thank you for loving my post, I’ll update Taiwan’s public transport information often for everyone who is going to Taiwan.
Also if you have more question, just feel free to contact me, I’m more than happy to help you out:)
Hi Charles,
What a great post. It was so interesting and really made me long to go on a trip to Taiwan.
The transport that I would love to use is the scooter as it would be such fun.
It was interesting to read that one could not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum on the train.
Jolly good. I agree with those rules.
Taiwan looks to be very organized and beautiful.
Hi Jill,
You can see many people ride scooter everywhere in Taiwan, actually scooter is my commute tool, you should try scooter when you are in Taiwan:)
Hi Chas,
Wow! What an amazing post. This is a really thorough and comprehensive guide to Taiwan. Brilliant work Chas! Anyone who is thinking of going for a trip would be crazy not to read your review.
My partner and I are heading to Seattle and Canada next month and I have now pencilled in Taiwan for a visit next year. Thanks so much for a really wonderful post!
Kev
Hi Kev,
I’m so glad you like my post. If you wanna come to Taiwan next year, plz feel free to contact me, I’ll offer more information to you;)
Ok! I want to go to Taiwan…Now!!
This site is an authority on Taiwan. So much detail. With this article you can never get lost.
In this artlice alone i have learned so much about Taiwan, that i did not before. The Governement Tourism Department should take note of this great work.
Thanks Patrick, I’ll often update this post for everyone:)
Thank you very much for this information!! Taiwan is on my list for a future trip and with your post I’ll be able to travel all around the country with the right tools and it won’t be too expensive. You really know this country well, it’s awesome that you share all this with us!
Hi Audrey,
I’m living in Taiwan, the transportation information is piece of cake for me, so if you have any question on your future trip to Taiwan, you can contact me, I’ll give you more information;)
I lived in Taiwan when I was a young kid. I’ve been wanting to travel back there again one of these days. When I do I will certainly be taking your travel suggestions into account. Thanks for the great tips!
Hi, if you have more question about your trip to Taiwan, please let me know:)
I really don’t know what to say here.
I can’t believe how much travel information you have laid out for us in this article.
Not only have you provided travel information, but you have also given us booking info, great images, and even the rules.
What an excellent reference for anyone travelling in Taiwan.
At the moment, I haven’t got any plans to visit Taiwan, however should this change, at least I know where to look before I go.
Thanks,
Michael.
Thanks for comment, if you have opportunity to visit Taiwan, please let me know I’d offer you more information:)
Oh my gosh, I wish I’d had something like this when I was traveling around Turkey. I will admit that when I think of Eastern vacations, I usually think of Thailand, but holy cow the pictures were beautiful! It also sounds like a not-as-expensive place to visit. I love spending quiet days in sacred places, and I noted temples all along the route. Is it common and appropriate for visitors to quietly visit the temples? Also, I’m going to look around a bit more to see what other info you have. Thank you!
I’m pretty sure you’d have much fun in Taiwan. most temples are famous here and always draws many tourists coming for, even though is not a quiet place but worth to visit. If you have more question about the trip to Taiwan, please let me know:)
This a well comprehensive guide! You have explained every detail clearly and it is very helpful for travellers in Taiwan. Bike seems to be fun. It is a great option to explore.
Thanks for comment:)
Wow, I am so glad I stumbled upon your post. It was well written and researched. My preparations towards arranging a visit to Taiwan is now easy, thanks to your article. The informations you provided are all detailed and easy to understand.
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us.
If you have any question about your trip to Taiwan, please feel free to ask me;)
Hi Chas Lu, thanks for the very detailed information. Taiwan looks beautiful from the photos.
Getting around in a foreign city can be confusing this transport info will be of great help to visitors to your country.
Thanks,
Fred
Thanks for the comment, I’m so glad that this information help you out:)
I feel very helpful with sharing this taiwan public transportation information with us .If Can add more details.. Like how to transit one place to another places, is from taoyuan to taichung use with transportation or from taichung to chiayi.
Actually I am planning to Taiwan by next year n looking for all prosiblility n easy way to around in Taiwan island. Good job! !!
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for your good opinion, I’ll do my best to make this website more complete. Moreover, if you have any question about your next year Taiwan trip, welcome to send us an email, good day:)