taiwan travel bus

Roaming Taiwan, accessible to everyone！

Flexible travel itinerary within 7 days.

Unlimited 3-day pass for Taiwan High-Speed Rail 3-day Unlimited rides for High-speed rail across the north, central, and south Taiwan

Choice of 1 Taiwan MRT pass Freedom without constraints, convenient exploration with the MRT

Choice of 1 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle pass Local culture, in-depth exploration with Taiwan Tourist Shuttle

Taiwan PASS Product Introduction

Unlimited 3-day pass for taiwan high-speed rail.

[For Foreign Tourists Only] With the Taiwan PASS, unlimited rides on Taiwan High-Speed Rail within 3 days.

Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited 3-Day Pass| For Non-Taiw...

Usage Instructions

Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited 3-Day Pass| For Non-Taiwanese

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, fill in the ’Passenger Information’ to obtain the ’Electronic Redemption Code.’ 2.Present the ’Electronic Redemption Code’ at the High-Speed Rail official website or station counter for ’Redemption and Reservation.’ 3.Before boarding, present your passport and the Electronic Redemption Code, valid within the expiration date, at any High-Speed Rail station counter to redeem a single-ride ticket. 4.When boarding, proceed to the station manned gate, where station personnel will check the original passport and the round-trip ticket, allowing entry for boarding. *The boarding date cannot be the same as the reservation date on the APP. (For example, if you fill in the information on the APP on 12/10, you can only board starting from 12/11.) *For reservation details, please refer to the explanation in the [ Questions ]below *This ticket is exclusively for use by foreign tourists.

Taiwan MRT - Convenient Travel, Any 1 of Your Choice

You can choose any one type from the four major Taiwan MRT systems.

FunPASS Taipei| Unlimited Transportation | 2-Day Pass

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, click on ’FunPASS Taipei | Unlimited Transportation | 2-Day Pass’ to display the QR Code. 2.Present the QR Code at the designated location to exchange for the physical ’FunPASS Taipei.’ 3.Use the physical card to tap on the card reader/gate for boarding. *For designated locations, please refer to the explanation in the[ Questions ]below

Taoyuan Metro｜Round-trip Ticket

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, click on ’Taoyuan Airport MRT | Round-trip Ticket’ to display the QR Code. 2.Present the QR Code at the designated location to exchange for the physical ’Taoyuan Metro’ round-trip ticket. 3.Use the physical ticket to tap on the gate for boarding. *For designated locations, please refer to the explanation in the[ Questions ]below

Taichung Metro｜48-Hour Tourist Pass

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, click on ’Taichung Metro | 48-Hour Tourist Pass’ to display the QR Code. 2.Present the QR Code at the designated location to exchange for the physical Taichung Metro 48-Hour ticket. 3.Use the ticket to tap on the gate for boarding. *For designated locations, please refer to the explanation in the[ Questions ]below

Kaohsiung Metro & Light Rail | 2-Day Pass

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, click on ’Kaohsiung Metro & Light Rail | 2-Day Pass,’ and a digital ride code (QR Code) will be displayed. 2.When taking the metro, simply present the QR Code near the gate’s QR Code sensor area to enter. 3.When boarding the light rail, show the QR Code to the service personnel at the gate entrance for verification to enter. *For designated locations, please refer to the explanation in the[ Questions ]below

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle - In-Depth Exploration, Choose Any 1

You can select any one route from the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle options for a round-trip journey.

Qingjing Line Round-trip Ticket

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, click on ’Taiwan Tourist Shuttle | Qingjing Line Round-trip Ticket’ to display the QR Code. 2.If there is a reservation requirement, you can make a reservation through the Taiwan PASS APP (if not reserved, you can queue for on-site boarding). 3.Present the QR Code at the designated location to exchange for the round-trip physical ticket, and use the ticket to board by queuing at the site. *For designated locations of each route, please refer to the explanation in the[ Questions ]below

Sun Moon Lake Line Round-trip Ticket

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, click on ’Taiwan Tourist Shuttle | Sun Moon Lake Line Round-trip Ticket’ to display the QR Code. 2.If there is a reservation requirement, you can make a reservation through the Taiwan PASS APP (if not reserved, you can queue for on-site boarding). 3.Present the QR Code at the designated location to exchange for the round-trip physical ticket, and use the ticket to board by queuing at the site. *For designated locations of each route, please refer to the explanation in the[ Questions ]below

Alishan Line Round-trip Ticket

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, click on ’Taiwan Tourist Shuttle | Alishan Line Round-trip Ticket’ to display the QR Code. 2.If there is a reservation requirement, you can make a reservation through the Taiwan PASS APP (if not reserved, you can queue for on-site boarding). 3.Present the QR Code at the designated location to exchange for the round-trip physical ticket, and use the ticket to board by queuing at the site. *For designated locations of each route, please refer to the explanation in the[ Questions ]below

Kenting Express Round-trip Ticket

Usage Instructions： 1.After activating the PASS, click on ’Taiwan Tourist Shuttle | Kenting Express Round-trip Ticket’ to display the QR Code. 2.If there is a reservation requirement, you can make a reservation through the Taiwan PASS APP (if not reserved, you can queue for on-site boarding). 3.Present the QR Code at the designated location to exchange for the round-trip physical ticket, and use the ticket to board by queuing at the site. *For designated locations of each route, please refer to the explanation in the[ Questions ]below

Play in Taiwan for 7 Days!

High-quality recommendations, must-visit attractions!

Historical and Cultural Expedition

Combined Transportation Package!

National Palace Museum Taipei 101

Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village Sun Moon Lake, Nantou (Gondola/ Lakeside)

Joyful Play for Kids and Adults

Taoyuan International Airport Xpark Hengshan Calligraphy Art Museum

Little Swiss Garden Qingjing Farm (Skywalk)

Cultural and Artistic Light Travel

National Museum of Natural Science National Taichung Theater

Alishan Forest Recreation Area Southern Branch of National Palace Tsou veoveoana Cultural and Creative Park

Leisurely Stroll Journey

Kaohsiung International Airport (Xiaogang Airport) Love River Gondola Ride Pier-2 Art Center Qijin

National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium Kenting Street Eluanbi Lighthouse

How to Use Taiwan PASS

Receive the gift card or purchase at the partner channels.

Download the Taiwan PASS APP.

’Redemption Code’ Expiry Date: December 31, 2024.

Choose the desired products and follow the product instructions for redemption.

Download Taiwan PASS

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Where can I buy the Taiwan PASS?

A: The ’exclusive gifts’ issued by the Tourism Administration, MOTC, can be purchased through cooperative channels. Cooperative channels： •KLOOK： https://reurl.cc/VN7a8N •KKDAY： https://reurl.cc/lglLvl •Lion Trevel： https://reurl.cc/13MQe9 •Alishan Easy Go： https://reurl.cc/xLoD7N •Trip.com： https://reurl.cc/yYoy7l

Q2: Can Taiwanese nationals use the Taiwan PASS?

A: The Taiwan PASS includes a 3-day unlimited Taiwan High-Speed Rail pass, is exclusively for use by foreign tourists. Taiwanese nationals are not able to use it.

Q3: Will I receive a physical Taiwan PASS after activation?

A: No, the Taiwan PASS is a digital pass. Please download the Taiwan PASS app and activate it by entering the ’Redemption Code.’ Once activated, you can view the included tickets . Select the ticket you want to use, and a QR code/Redemption Code will be generated.

Q4: How do I use my Taiwan PASS?

A: Please download the Taiwan PASS app from the App Store and activate it by entering the ’Redemption Code.’ Once activated, choose the transportation service you want to use, and a QR code will be generated for redemption.

Q5: Is there an activation period for the redemption code?

A: The activation period for the redemption voucher code is until December 31, 2024. Registration must be completed on the app by this date.

Q6: How long is the Taiwan PASS valid?

A: Once the redemption code is activated, it must be used within 365 days. The Pass is valid for 7days from the date of first use. For example, if the first ticket is redeemed and used on January 1, 2024, all tickets in the Pass will be valid until January 7, 2024, and expire after that date.

Q7: The Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung 2-Day Pass offers access to which transportation vehicles?

A: The ’Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung 2-Day Pass’ offers access to Taipei Metro, Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service(including the Beitou Zhuzihu Route, Muzha Pingxi Route, Crown Northern Coast Shuttle Bus, Gold Fulong Shuttle Bus, and the Coastal Keelung Route), and buses run in the three cities, excluding four-digit highway buses. •Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service Real-time Information： http://www.taiwantrip.com.tw/bus/65?x=1&y=1 •Taipei City Bus Real-time Information： https://pda.5284.gov.taipei/MQS/businfo1.jsp •New Taipei City Bus Real-time Information： https://e-bus.ntpc.gov.tw/ •Keelung City Bus Real-time Information： http://ebus.klcba.gov.tw/klebus *For specific details related to boarding (such as schedule changes, bus time, etc.), please refer to the announcements on the official websites.

Q8: Where can I redeem and reserve the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited 3-Day Pass?

A: The Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited 3-Day Pass can be redeemed and reserved through two methods： 【Method 1】 Use the electronic redemption code in the Taiwan PASS app, access the order management function on the Taiwan High-Speed Rail official website to redeem for the travel date and reserve a seat. 【Method 2】 Use the electronic redemption code in the Taiwan PASS app at any High-Speed Rail station ticket counter to redeem for the travel date and reserve a seat. Station information is available on the High-Speed Rail official website . *Please make advance reservations via the app and complete the reservation by the day before the travel date at the latest to be eligible for travel. (For example, if you want to take the High-Speed Rail on January 2, 2024, please complete the reservation by 23:59 on January 1, 2024.)

Q9: Where are the designated redemption locations for the ’Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung 2-Day Pass’ ?

A: Please redeem the tickets at the designated locations below： 1. Lion Travel - Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1 Arrival Hall Location: Counter on the 1st floor of Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1 Arrival Hall Phone: 03-2756-169 Business Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM 2. Lion Travel - Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2 Arrival Hall Location: Counter near the north meeting point on the 1st floor of Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2 Arrival Hall Phone: 03-2756-168 Business Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM 3. Lion Travel - Taipei Main Station Branch Location: Inside Taipei Main Station Ticket Hall, near North Entrance 2 Phone: 02-2314-1880 Business Hours: Monday to Friday 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM, Saturday to Sunday 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM 4. EasyCard Pickup Points-Unite Traveler at Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 Arrival Hall Location: Counter near the south meeting point on the 1st floor of Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1 Arrival Hall Phone: 03-399-2378 usiness Hours: Monday to Sunday 04:30 AM to 11:00 PM 5. EasyCard Pickup Points-Unite Traveler at Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2 Arrival Hall Location: Counter near the north meeting point on the 1st floor of Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2 Arrival Hall Phone: 03-399-2378 Business Hours: Monday to Sunday 04:30 AM to 11:00 PM After receiving the physical ticket card, it can be used for unlimited rides within two consecutive days from the first activation via the station ticket gates or bus ticket machines. Each ride is limited to one person’s use. (Counted by day, not by 24-hour clock.)

Q10: Where are the designated redemption locations for the round-trip tickets for the Taoyuan Metro?

A: Please redeem the tickets at the designated locations below： 1. Taoyuan Airport MRT A12 Airport Terminal 1 Station Information Counter Address: B1, No. 17-1, Hangzhan S. Rd., Dayuan District, Taoyuan City (Information Counter: Lobby Level) Phone: 03-286-8789 Business Hours: Subject to Taoyuan Airport MRT operating hours 2. Taoyuan Airport MRT A13 Airport Terminal 2 Station Information Counter Address: B2, No. 9-1, Hangzhan S. Rd., Dayuan District, Taoyuan City (Information Counter: Lobby Level near Exit 1) Phone: 03-286-8789 Business Hours: Subject to Taoyuan Airport MRT operating hours *Round-trip ticket for the Airport MRT: valid for TWO rides on the Taoyuan Airport MRT.

Q11: Where are the designated redemption locations for the round-trip tickets for the Taichung Metro?

A: Please redeem the tickets at the designated locations below： •Nantou Bus - Taichung High-Speed Rail Station (Location: Service counter at the 1st floor, 5th exit in the High-Speed Rail station area) •Phone: 04-36018665 •Business Hours: 07:30 AM to 06:00 PM(Note: Exchange services are available until 17:30) *After receiving the physical card, it allows unlimited rides within 48 consecutive hours from first automatic activation by the station ticket gate. Each ride is limited to one person’s use.

Q12: Where are the designated redemption locations for the round-trip tickets for the Kaohsiung Metro & Light Rail 2-Day Pass?

A: 1.When taking the metro, open the QR code of this product on your mobile phone. Place the phone screen near the QR code sensing area of the ticket gate, and after successfully sensing, the gate will open for entry or exit. 2.When taking the light rail, currently there is no need to use the ticket reader. If the ticket inspection personnel is on board, please cooperate by presenting the digital ride code (QR Code) screen for inspection. 3.Kaohsiung Metro/Light Rail： https://www.krtc.com.tw/

Q13: Where can I check the metro routes?

A: Please refer to the official websites for the metro routes： •Taipei Metro： https://www.metro.taipei/cp.aspx?n=91974F2B13D997F1 •Taoyuan Metro： https://www.tymetro.com.tw/tymetro-new/tw/_pages/travel-guide/road.html • Taichung Metro： https://www.tmrt.com.tw/metro-life/mapl •Kaohsiung Metro/Light Rail： https://www.krtc.com.tw/Guide/guide_map

Q14: Where are the designated redemption locations for the round-trip tickets for each route of Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service?

A: Please refer to the following for redemption of each route： • Cingjing Route, Sun Moon Lake Route： How to Redeem: Show the QR Code in the app at the counter to redeem paper tickets. Redemption Location: Nantou Bus Counter at Taichung High-Speed Rail Station (Location: Service counter at the 1st floor, 5th exit in the High-Speed Rail station area) Boarding Location: Nantou Bus Station Phone: (04)36018665 Business Hours: 07:30 AM to 06:00 PM(Note: Exchange services are available until 17:30) • Alishan Route： How to Redeem: Show the QR Code in the app at the counter in the ’Tourist Service Center’ to redeem paper tickets. Redemption Location: Tourist Service Center in front of Exit 2 at Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station Boarding Location: Platform 7 at Exit 2 of Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station • Kenting Express Line： How to Redeem: Show the QR Code in the app at the counter to redeem paper tickets. Redemption Location: Counter at Exit 2 of Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station (No. 107, Gaotie Rd., Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City) Boarding Location: Exit 2 of Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station *Once you’ve decided whichi route to take in the four routes, you can use the Taiwan PASS APP to make a reservation for Taiwan Tourist Shuttle services (reservations are avalible within the Taiwan PASS validity period). The round trip for the reservation must be the same route with the redeemed round trip ticket.

Q15: Is it possible to make a reservation before using the transportation?

A: The Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited 3-Day Pass and Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes both allow advance reservations. •For reservations for the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited 3-Day Pass, please refer to the answer to Q8 above. •For Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, you can use the reservation service on the Taiwan PASS to reserve the route you want.

Q16: Regarding ’Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service | Reservation Service

A: 1.After completing the reservation, you still need to present the ’physical round-trip ticket’ for boarding. 2.The round trip for the reservation must be the same route with the redeemed round trip ticket. (For example, if reserving a schedule for the Alishan Route, you have to use the Alishan Route round-trip ticket for verification and redeem the paper ticket.) 3.After the reservation is complete, it will be shown on the page in the app. Please show the reserved schedule to station staff/driver during ticket collection for verification.

Q17: Can I change the reserved date for using Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service?

A: Yes, but modifications must be made within the specified time frame. You can check the modification period in the Taiwan PASS APP usage instructions.

Q18: Can I give the serial number to someone else if I will not use it?

A: 1. Serial Number that Hasn’t Been Bound： You can directly give the serial number to another person for activation (the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited 3-Day Pass included. Foreign tourists use only; not applicable for locals). 2.Serial Number that Has Been Bound but Not Reserved, Used, or Redeemed for Any Item： On the app’s homepage, tap ’More,’ go to ’Contact Us,’ and provide the redemption code (12 digits) to request unbinding. 3.Serial Number that Has Been Bound and Already Reserved, Used, or Redeemed for Any Item： It cannot be transferred or provided to someone else.

Q19: What should I do if the serial number does not work or if there are problems during its usage?

A: Please click ’More’ at the bottom right corner of the app, then select ’Contact Us.’ You can input your query in the message and send it to our customer service email. Our staff will assist you in confirming your usage status. Our working hours are Monday to Saturday, 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 01:00 PM to 05:00 PM.

Q20: What should I do if I redeem the physical card or paper ticket but accidentally lost it?

A: Unfortunately, lost cards or paper tickets cannot be reissued. Please ensure you keep them safe and secure on your own.

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Taiwanese Secrets Travel Guide

Taiwan Bus Travel

One of the first things you’ll realize when you get to Taiwan is the incredible amount of buses on the roads. They are ideal if you’re looking for a cheap (the cheapest) way to travel in Taiwan. Frequent, affordable, and extremely comfy (most have fat armchair-style seats), they’ll take you almost anywhere around the island.

Even though buses in Taiwan are comfortable and affordable, I still recommend you take the train (normal or  high-speed ) to travel long distances like Taipei to Kaohsiung, Taipei to Taidong or Taipei to Tainan. The train is a much more enjoyable way to travel around Taiwan in my opinion.

Bus Stations in Taiwan

Most bus companies have offices clustered around train stations  in most Taiwanese cities. The buses usually stop in front of their offices. Keep your ticket until you get off the bus. The two main bus stations in Taipei are right outside Taipei Main Station.

• Kuo Kuang Hao  bus company has the cheapest tickets.
• Aloha and Ho-hsin  have the most comfortable seats.
• Ubus  is somewhere in between and that’s what I usually take.

Things to consider when traveling by bus in Taiwan:

• Don’t take the bus around rush hour! Between 7:00 and 9:30am and 17:00 and 19:00, traffic is frustratingly slow. Better to take the train even if you have to stand.
• Bring a really warm sweater on the bus! Buses in Taiwan are like freezers.

Taiwan Bus Travel – Fares and Journey Times

Here’s what you should expect to pay for a one way ticket with Kuo Kuang Hao Bus Company between the following Taiwanese cities:

Taipei to Taichung:  weekend – 260NT; week – 230NT Taipei to Tainan:  weekend – 450NT; week – 310NT Taipei to Kaohsiung:  weekend – 450NT; week – 370NT Taipei to Sun Moon Lake:  weekend – 465NT; week – 390NT Taipei to Alishan:  620NT every day

Taichung is the transit point for destinations in Central Taiwan such as: Caotun, Puli, Sun Moon Lake, Changhua, Lugang, Hehuan Mountain, Taroko Gorge…

Kaohsiung  is the transit point for destination in Southern Taiwan such as: Kenting, Tainan, Guanshan, Foguanshan…

To get to  Taroko Gorge  from Taipei, you should first take a train to  Hualien City or Xincheng, on the east coast.

A great website which can help you prepare your bus journey in Taiwan is  taiwanbus.tw . It lists all the different bus companies from each major city around Taiwan. They also have a section which shows you the main routes around the island. Check it out.

Return from  Taiwan Bus Travel   to  Travel in Taiwan

How to get around in Taiwan

Oct 26, 2023 • 8 min read

If you plan on traveling all over Taiwan, be prepared to use a mix of train, high-speed rail, ferry and bus © kitzcorner / Getty Images

All cities and the majority of tourist sites in Taiwan are connected by a web of safe, efficient and affordable transport.

That said, there are far more options to go up and down the island than across because of the Central Mountain Range running down the middle like a spine. If you plan on traveling all over Taiwan, be prepared to use a mix of train, high-speed rail, ferry and bus.

Steps are being taken to increase the number of electric vehicles on the road, most notably through the Blueprint for Net-Zero Emissions in 2050. Currently, only 8% of city and intercity buses are electric, but the government has vowed to introduce 1000 electric buses annually from 2023 while removing up to 11,000 diesel vehicles by 2030, with the target that all buses will run on electricity by 2030. The majority of taxis are not electric, but operators are also receiving incentives to go green. 

Take the conventional train to the east coast 

Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) has an extensive system running along both the east and west coasts, connecting all major cities. There are no services into the Central Mountains, except tourism branch lines. Trains are comfortable, safe and reliable, with few delays. 

TRA has several types of train. Zìqiáng 自強  (also Tze-chiang) express trains are fast and more expensive. All classes of Ziqiang train are priced the same for the same journey, even though, for example, the Puyuma is the fastest. Taroko Express 太魯閣 (Tàilǔgé) is a special tilting train under the Ziqiang class that takes you from Taipei to Hualien in two hours. Another tilting train under the Ziqiang class, Puyuma Express 普悠瑪 is TRA's fastest train at 150km/h (93mph). It is named after Taiwan’s Puyuma people.

Tickets can be reserved 28 days in advance online (two more days if reserving on a Friday) or on an ibon kiosk (Chinese only), found in convenience stores and at train stations. You’ll need your passport. Early reservations are strongly advised for fast trains, especially on weekends or holidays. The hottest tickets are snapped up within minutes of release for booking at midnight. 

However, most fares belong to the Jǔguāng 莒光 (also Chu-kuang) and Fùxīng 復興 (also Fu-hsing) classes. They're comfortable, slower than Ziqiang and faster than local trains. The fare is about 20% to 40% cheaper than Zìqiang. The cheap and slow Local Train (區間車; Qūjiānchē) covers short-to-medium distances and stops at all stations. There is no reserved seating.

Use the high-speed rail to save north-south travel time

Zipping between Taipei and Kaohsiung (Zuoying station) in as fast as 90 minutes, the bullet service on  Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) operates a single line along the west corridor that makes stops at 12 stations, including all major cities. Tickets are a little less than double the price of a standard train, but it takes less than half the time. Business fares are about 50% higher.

In general, there are at least three trains per hour. All stations have visitor information centers with English-speaking staff to help with bus transfers, hotel bookings and car rentals.

You can buy high-speed rail tickets up to 29 days in advance. It is advisable to book ahead if you are traveling on a weekend or holiday. Early bird discounts of 10% to 35% apply when reserving a ride on non-peak-time trains five to 29 days in advance. There are tiny discounts for non-reserved tickets, which are sold only on the day of the ride. 

You can reserve through the bilingual app TEXpress and pay electronically or in person, either at a convenience store or the HSR station. You can also reserve on the HSR website and pay at any HSR station or convenience store before the deadline for payment. Alternatively, you can reserve at a convenience store or directly at an HSR station. You'll need your passport number to make reservations.

Enjoy the scenery on a sightseeing train

Besides the TRA and HSR, a handful of small-gauge branch lines are maintained for tourism purposes. Most of these are logging lines constructed by Japanese colonialists and feature vintage trains and restored Japanese-era stations.

The highly popular Alishan Forest Railway  runs from Chiayi to the mountain resort of Alishan, though the final leg is still under repairs after being damaged in a typhoon. Day-trippers from Taipei like to town-hop along the Pingxi Line. The Jiji Line passes by a former logging village with a wood museum and a large kiln.

Stretch your budget by taking an intercity bus

There's a far-reaching network of intercity buses from Taipei to Kenting National Park and across the north as far as Yilan. Service from the west coast to the east coast is limited to a few buses a day, from Taichung across to Hualien and Kaohsiung to Taitung. Service is also limited within the east area (from Hualien to Taitung). On the west coast, there are very frequent departures (some 24-hour operations), with midweek and late-evening discounts. Most companies serve the same west coast routes. The main transit points are Taipei, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung. 

Taiwan’s long-distance buses are reliable, comfortable and cheap. Some companies offer large, cozy reclining seats. Buses are heavily air-conditioned, so pack a blanket or warm clothes. Reservations are advisable on weekends and holidays. The easiest way to buy a ticket is either from the bus station itself or from a convenience store. Most bus companies have a ticket office and stop near the main train station. Two of the biggest companies are Kuo Kuang and UBus . 

Taiwan has a wide network of rural buses, but daily departures are few and far between, except to major tourist destinations. In most cases, you're better off taking the tourist shuttle buses.

Visit Sun Moon Lake on a tourist shuttle

Taiwan has an excellent system of small shuttle buses with well-planned routes that connect major and minor tourist attractions to TRA and HSR stations in 20 cities and counties, including three offshore islands. The buses usually leave hourly on weekdays and half-hourly on weekends. At the time of writing, buses are less frequent than before, but this is expected to change when tourism picks up. 

Experience Taroko Gorge on two wheels

Long-distance and recreational cycling is huge in Taiwan and quite a lot of routes, especially in scenic tourist areas, have designated cycle lanes. The east coast is especially popular and gorgeous to cycle, so there are plenty of bike-rental places;  you can also bring your bike on public transport and can carry a foldable bike (packed in a bag or case) on the HSR. For conventional TRA trains, there is more than one way to board with a bike . You'll have no problems bringing bicycles into the country.

The cyclist’s main enemies are bus drivers and motorcyclists. Note some stretches of the east-coast highway are considered treacherous. Also, keep in mind that cyclists are banned from national highways (國道) and expressways (快速道路) but allowed on provincial highways (省道), as well as county and city highways (縣道/市道).

Rent a car and chauffeur to save time 

Having your own vehicle, either a car or a scooter, is particularly useful on the east coast, the offshore islands and in mountain areas. You will need an International Driver's Permit to drive in Taiwan. And unless you have a Taiwan scooter license, scooter rental agencies often require that your international driver's license has a motorcycle or scooter endorsement. 

By the standards of many countries, driving in Taiwan can be chaotic and dangerous. It is not advisable to drive in cities or medium-sized towns until you're familiar with the conditions. Parking is challenging in the big cities but especially frustrating in Taipei. Road signage is bilingual.

It is better to charter a car to take you sightseeing. The driver will stop at major attractions to let you take pictures and walk around, or you can work out an itinerary with them. 

Check the weather before booking a sailing to Lanyu Island

There are regular ferry routes to Penghu , Lanyu, and Green Island (and between Lanyu and Green Island as well) in summer, and to Little Liuqiu Island year-round. Sailings to Green Island, Lanyu and Matsu are subject to weather conditions, however. Expect cancellations in bad weather and winter schedules to change frequently. There is no ferry service to Kinmen, but you can fly from Taipei or Kaohsiung. 

Save air travel for trips to the outer islands

The excellent train network renders domestic air travel, except to the outer islands, a bit pointless. Domestic flights from Taipei leave from Songshan Airport and not Taoyuan. Flights to outlying islands are often canceled because of bad weather, especially in the east.

Accessible transportation

Taiwan’s train systems have made some steps towards accessibility in recent years. Almost all metro stations have elevators equipped with braille buttons, speakers, intercom and handrails. There are also waiting areas for wheelchair passengers and tactile tiles installed on platforms and near stairs. The HSR and TRA have elevators and barrier-free seating in designated carriages. All three systems have staff to help disabled passengers should they need it.

Buses are slightly less convenient. Only a fraction of intercity buses are barrier-free, although within big cities like Kaohsiung and Taipei, bus drivers will let down a ramp for elderly passengers or wheelchair users. Once on board, there’s priority seating and wheelchair parking space. You can contact the Taiwan Access for All Association for assistance. 

Service dogs are allowed on board system-wide. For more online resources for accessible travel, visit Lonely Planet's Accessible Travel Portal .

Pay for public transit with an EasyCard 

EasyCard is Taiwan’s contactless smart card that you use to pay for your ride on the metro and city buses. The card itself costs NT$100 and you can top up at any metro station or convenience store.  

EasyCard can be used on some intercity buses and taxis, plus the majority of TRA trains. Exceptions to the latter include the Puyuma Express, the Taroko Express and tourism trains. Passengers paying with the EasyCard get 10% off for train journeys under 70km (43 miles).

This article was first published November 2022 and updated October 2023

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Taiwan Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 23, 2023

Taiwan is one of the most underrated budget destinations in Asia. It offers a beautiful — and super affordable — mix of east and west, blending the culture and cuisines of mainland China , Japan , and Hong Kong . And all with a fraction of the crowds.

I don’t think enough people visit Taiwan. I spent time here as an English teacher and have revisited the country since. There is a lot to do there: hiking the mountains, eating at night markets, drinking at tea houses, lounging on beaches, and enjoying the country’s amazing nightlife. No matter your interests, Taiwan won’t disappoint — especially if you’re a foodie. The food here is some of the best in the region!

This travel guide to Taiwan can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this underrated island!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Taiwan

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Taiwan

1. Visit Jiufen

Jiufen is one of Taiwan’s most popular tourist destinations. Founded during the Qing dynasty, Jiufen boomed as a gold mining town in the 1890s. Here, you can find all kinds of historic tea houses built into the hillside. The center of the city and its historic streets and buildings are all preserved and look as they did 100 years ago. Try the snacks on offer, visit one of the many tea houses, and do some hiking if you have time. It’s a pretty easy day trip from Taipei but you should aim to come early to beat the crowds. If your itinerary allows for it, consider spending a night here so you can experience it without the daytripper crowds.

2. Soak in the Hot Springs

Especially fun to visit in winter, the Beitou Hot Springs are just 30 minutes from downtown Taipei and you can get there on the MRT (you need to go to Xinbeitou station). There are lots of resorts, spas, and inns in the area which, with a vast array of wildlife and fauna, really feel like you’ve traveled much further afield. Visit the Hot Springs Museum, the Xinbeitou Historic Station, and Thermal Valley (a sulfurous lake nearby that has walking trails) while you’re here. There are also some really cool temples here, including the tiny wooden Puji Temple.

3. Explore Taroko National Park

Located southeast of Taipei, this national park offers visitors a chance to hike through beautiful mountainous terrain and gorges. It spans almost 250,000 acres and is one of only nine national parks in Taiwan. With loads of cliffs and waterfalls to explore, it’s a really stunning place to visit. Head to the Zhuilu Suspension Bridge for some amazing views and to the Eternal Spring Shrine or to the Changing Temple for a bit of culture and history. Some suggested walking trails include Shakadang, Changchun, Swallow Grotto, and Lushui-Heliu. Entrance to the park is free.

4. Visit Taipei 101

Formerly known as Taipei World Trade Center, this was the tallest building in the world from when it opened in 2004 until 2010 (when the Burj Khalifa took its place). Standing 508-meters (1,667-feet) tall, it towers over Taipei. There is an observation platform on the 89th floor (at 382-meters high). You can also go up to the 91st floor for an outdoor platform. If you’re needing some retail therapy (and can fit anything else in your bags), there’s a shopping mall at the bottom.

5. Explore the night markets

Taipei is home to dozens of night markets. Shulin Night Market, Raohe Night Market, Tonghua Night Market, Snake Alley, and Ningxia Night Market are all worth spending some time exploring but there are over 30 to choose from in Taipei alone. The food at these markets is the best (and cheapest) in the city. So much so that a few have even been given Michelin Bib Gourmands!

Other Things to See and Do in Taiwan

1. visit taipei.

Taipei is the epicenter of the country. Here there are sprawling food markets, a wild nightlife, spacious parks, and all kinds of interesting and quirky museums. Plus, the nearby mountains are full of easy and accessible hikes. Be sure to take a free walking tour, visit the National Palace Museum, see some temples (especially Confucius Temple and Bao-an Temple), and visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. I can’t sing the praises of this city highly enough (I lived here when I taught English). For even more on the city, here’s my full list of things to do in Taipei!

2. Go island hopping

The Pescadores Islands (known locally as Penghu) is an archipelago off the west coast between Taiwan and China. There are 90 islands in the region, perfect for exploring on a day trip. You can take a boat tour that visits several islands in the region, allowing you to snorkel, see sea turtles, and wander through traditional aboriginal villages and explore temples galore. Expect to pay around 1,500 TWD for a one-day multi-island tour.

3. See Tianhou Temple

Located in Taipei, this is one of the oldest temples in the city. Tianhou (also known as Mazu Temple, after the deity Mazu, goddess of the sea) was built in 1746 and is one of three major temples in Taiwan from the Qing period. It’s a beautiful Taoist temple filled with mythological creatures, incense, lucky goldfish, and people paying respect to the gods. Admission is free.

4. Hit the beach

The beaches of Kenting on the southern tip of the island are the best place to enjoy the summer weather. White Sand Bay is the most popular beach and a great place to swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun. Other beaches worth checking out are Fulong Beach, South Bay, Dawan Beach, Laomei Beach, and Little Bali Bay.

5. See the Lantern Festival

The famous Taiwan Lantern Festival is held every February/March and involves releasing hundreds of paper lanterns into the sky. There’s also a huge parade with floats, most of which relate to the year’s animal (from the Chinese zodiac). Thousands of people gather to watch and take part. To ensure the environment is protected, make sure you use a biodegradable eco-friendly lantern.

6. Hike Jade Mountain

Jade Mountain (also known as Yushan), the highest peak in Taiwan and East Asia with its peak at almost 4,000 meters above sea level, is a popular hike. If you don’t hike, there’s a special train that takes you to the peak before dawn (150 TWD). Most people do the hike over a couple of days, however, you can do it in a single day if you wake up super early and hike but that will mean over 10 hours of hiking. You’ll also need permits in advance so talk to your hotel or hostel staff as they can help you arrange those.

7. Tour Fo Guang Shan Monastery

This Zen monastery in Kaohsiung is a massive complex with eight towering pagodas that flank the monastery’s Big Buddha (which, at 36-meters tall, is the highest seated bronze Buddha in the world). Built in 1967 and spanning over 74 acres, the complex has a spacious outdoor walkway lined by manicured gardens as well as the huge pagodas. There are also over 14,000 statues of the Buddha here. Admission is free (donations are welcome) and there’s a delicious vegetarian restaurant inside with a huge buffet.

8. Visit the National Palace Museum

This museum, located in Taipei, has a collection of over 70,000 artifacts from Imperial China. Most of the collection was brought to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War (1929–1947). In addition to their permanent exhibits, there are also rotating exhibits throughout the year as well as a section for children. There are free daily tours in English as well as a detailed audio guide if you’d rather explore yourself. Admission is 350 TWD.

9. See the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Officially known as Liberty Square, this national monument was built in 1976 in honor of Chiang Kai-shek, former president of the Republic of China. He ruled mainland China from 1928 to 1949, and then in Taiwan from 1949 until his death in 1975. The memorial also houses a library and a museum that documents Chiang Kai-shek’s life and career. Tours in English are available daily but must be booked in advance. Admission is free.

10. Take a cooking class

Taiwan is a foodie’s dream and I always overindulge while I’m here. Noodle soups, incredible rice dishes, amazing buns, dumplings, and scallion pancakes are just some of the tasty local offerings. While cooking classes here are a little pricey, I think they are worth it if you really want to learn about the food. The cooking skills (and recipes) make a great souvenir to take home too. Expect to pay around 2,000 TWD for a class.

11. Go hiking

Taipei has plenty of hiking trails just outside town that are easily accessible. There are easy, moderate, and challenging trails, as well as both short and full-day hikes. Some suggested trails to check out are Xiangshan (easy, 45minutes), Bitoujiao (moderate, 2-3 hours), Jinmianshan (easy, 1.5 hours), Huang Didian (hard, 5 hours), and Pingxi Crag (moderate, 2-3 hours).

12. Visit Orchid Island

Located 64 kilometers (40 miles) off the southeastern coast, this lush, volcanic island offers hiking, swimming, diving, and amazing hot springs. There are also underground houses here, built to avoid the numerous typhoons that ravage the region. The island is home to only 5,000 people too. Visit the Lanyu Flying Fish Cultural Museum to learn about local culture. Flights from Taipei take just over an hour and cost around 4,500 TWD.

13. Hike Wuling Peak

For more hiking, head to Wuling Peak on Hehuan Mountain. Located in Central Taiwan, it stands 3,275 meters (10,744 feet) above sea level and makes for a good day trip for anyone looking to spend more time outdoors. The peak here is so high you can actually look down into a sea of clouds below. A round-trip hike takes around 2-3 hours. Be sure to bring a raincoat as well as water and sunscreen.

14. Explore the Northern Coastline

Head to the coast to see the otherworldly lunar-like landscapes at Yehliu Geopark. There are all kinds of unique rock formations here, including one that looks like Queen Elizabeth (which took over 4,000 years to form). It’s a popular tourist attraction so try to get here early to beat the crowds. Admission is 120 TWD.

15. Visit Tainan

This is Taiwan’s oldest urban area, established by the Dutch East India Company in 1624. Located in the south near Kaohsiung, Tainan was the capital of Taiwan from 1683-1887. There are all kinds of temples to visit here (don’t miss the Confucius Temple), several night markets, a historic old town, and a massive department store reminiscent of the Ginza district in Tokyo. There is also a nearby mangrove and wildlife reserve (it’s part of Taijiang National Park) just 30 minutes away by car.

16. Explore Taichung

Taichung is located in west-central Taiwan and is the second-largest city in the country. Spend some time walking the Parkway (a corridor of greenery perfect for walking and exploring), visit the Feng Chia Night Market, see the botanical garden, and explore the massive National Museum of Natural Science. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss the Taichung Folklore Park which is home to several traditional Taiwanese homes and buildings that showcase the country’s history.

Taiwan Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels dorms with 6-8-bed cost between 300-700 TWD per night. A private room costs anything from 1,000-3,000 TWD. Every place has free Wi-Fi and most hostels have self-catering facilities and include free breakfast.

Budget hotels start at 950 TWD for a small room with a double bed. Most rooms have AC but free breakfast is rarely included.

Airbnb is available around the country with private rooms starting at 650 TWD per night, though they average at least triple that. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 1,000 TWD (though prices average triple that). Book early to find the best deals.

Wild camping is generally prohibited but there are lots of campgrounds around the country. Expect to pay at least 300 TWD for a basic plot without electricity.

Food – Taiwanese cuisine is a mix of influences, from Chinese, Japanese (owing to the Japanese occupation), and Western traditions. Seafood is a huge staple, with squid, crab, and shellfish being especially popular. Braised pork, oyster omelets, fish balls, and stinky tofu are just some of the many dishes you can find around the country.

Food at the outdoor markets costs around 35-100 TWD depending on what you get. An order of dumplings costs around 100 TWD. Noodle soup or a basic rice dish costs around 70 TWD.

A meal at a simple sit-down restaurant serving local cuisine costs around 120 TWD.

Western food costs between 100-400 TWD. Burgers (often made with pork rather than beef) are on the lower end while pizza is on the higher end.

Fast food is pretty popular here. MosBurger (the best fast food joint in the country) costs around 165 TWD for a combo meal. Sushi, one of the most popular food options, costs 300–450 TWD for a meal. (Plates at the conveyor belt places are around 30 TWD each.

A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs 500 TWD. A beer or a latte/cappuccino costs around 80 TWD while a bottle of water costs 21 TWD.

For a week’s worth of groceries including staples like rice, seasonal produce, and seafood, expect to pay 2,000-2,500 TWD.

Backpacking Taiwan Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 1,050 TWD per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, eat some street food, cook some meals, limit your drinking, do free walking tours, and take public transportation to get around.

On a mid-range budget of 2,700 TWD per day, you can stay in an Airbnb, enjoy some Western food, drink more, take the bus between cities, and do more paid activities like museum visits and cooking classes.

On a “luxury” budget of 5,600 TWD per day, you can stay in a hotel, rent a car or take the train between cities, take guided tours to the islands, go diving, eat out at any restaurant you want, and visit as many attractions as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in TWD.

Taiwan Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Taiwan is an affordable country so you don’t need to worry about breaking the bank here. As long as you stick to local cuisine and limit your drinking, it’s hard to spend a lot of money. Here are a few tips to keep your spending in check:

• Skip the high-speed trains – The high-speed trains in Taiwan are super convenient but expensive. Stick to the slower local trains, which are about 50% cheaper than the HSR.
• Eat at the food markets – The food in Taiwan is world-class and the best food is at the night markets that dot all the cities.
• Avoid Western food – Western food is twice the price of Taiwanese food. It’s also not amazing so stick to the local cuisine to save money.
• Take free walking tours – Taipei, Jiufen, Tainan, and Kaohsiung all have free walking tours from companies like Like It Formosa . They’re my favorite walking tour company in Taiwan. Their tours are fun, informative, and free. Just remember to tip your guide at the end.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here needs to be boiled before drinking so bring a bottle with a filter to ensure you have safe drinking water. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to you can be sure you water is safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Taiwan

Taiwan has plenty of fun and affordable hostels. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Formosa 101 (Taipei)
• Star Hostel (Taipei)
• T-Life Hostel (Taichung)
• Fuqi Hostel-Heping (Tainan)

How to Get Around Taiwan

Public transportation – All of the major cities have public transportation that is fast, safe, and reliable. Fares start at 15 TWD and go up depending on how far you travel. Taipei and Kaohsiung both have metro systems with tickets costing between 20-65 TWD. A single-day pass in Taipei costs 150 TWD, while a day pass in Kaohsiung costs 180 TWD.

Bus – The bus is the cheapest way to get around Taiwan. Intercity coach buses are available to all major cities around Taiwan, including Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. They are comfortable, modern, safe, and have air conditioning (too much, usually, so bring a sweater). The two main intercity bus companies are Ubus and Kuo-Kuang Bus. For fares and timetable information, visit taiwanbus.tw.

A bus from Taipei to Kaohsiung takes around five hours and costs 600-1,000 TWD while the three-hour trip from Taipei to Taichung costs as little as 90 TWD.

Train – The high-speed trains (HSR) in Taiwan are super convenient, however, they only go down the west side of the island and are very expensive. For example, a ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs around 1,500 TWD.

The “local” trains are much more affordable, often 50% cheaper. The trip from Taipei to Kaohsiung on a local train costs just 845 TWD. It’s also just 515-800 TWD from Taipei to Tainan and 675-800 TWD from Taipei to Taichung via the local train.

The HSR line doesn’t pass through city centers, so you either need to take a bus or train from the HSR station, which also costs more time and money.

Flying – Domestic flights are relatively affordable, however, they are much more expensive than the bus or train. The two-hour flight from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs more than 4,000 TWD.

Flights to neighboring Hong Kong start at 3,600 TWD and take five hours (they can be as much as 6,500 TWD so it’s best if you’re flexible with your dates) while flights to Singapore take five hours and cost around 3,500 TWD.

Car Rental – Driving here is safe, however, car rentals here are expensive, usually costing at least 1,500 TWD per day. You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a vehicle here. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Taiwan

July and August are the hottest months in the country and the most popular time to visit. Temperatures often hit 35°C (95°F) and prices are a little higher as well. It’s a great time to visit if you want to hit the beach.

The shoulder months of May-June and September-October offer the best balance of crowds, weather, and price. It’s still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors and do some hiking without getting rained out.

Winters in Taiwan are a little rainy but still warm, with daily highs around 18–20°C (65-68°F). Prices are a bit lower and it’s the perfect time to visit the relaxing (and relatively empty) hot springs. Expect big crowds in Taipei in December-January for the Chinese New Year.

How to Stay Safe in Taiwan

Taiwan is very safe, consistently ranking well on the Global Peace Index as one of the safest destinations in the world. Crimes against tourists are super rare. Overall, you are unlikely to encounter any problems in Taiwan and I never felt unsafe in the country. There are no scams here, everyone is super nice, and crime is super rare. It’s a great place to visit. My friends who live here also never have problems.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here for all those reasons. However, the standard precautions you take anywhere apply here too (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). There are numerous solo female travel blogs that can provide more specific tips.

Earthquakes are common in the region so make sure you’re familiar with your accommodation’s emergency exits. Between July and November, typhoons can occur so make sure you stay up to date on the latest weather — especially if you’re near the coast or out hiking.

110 is the emergency number for police while 119 is the emergency number for fire and ambulance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Taiwan Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Taiwan Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on China travel and continue planning your trip:

The 23 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Itinerary: What to Do in 4 (or More) Days

My Favorite Restaurants in Hong Kong

What Hitchhiking Solo as a Female in China Taught Me

7 Lessons Learned from 3 Months in China

How to Travel the Trans-Siberian Railway

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• Skip to main content

Destinations

• Plan Your Trip

Spotlight: East Coast Scenic Route

Take one of Asia’s ultimate road trips

Hualien Starts Here   Tantalizing Taroko Gorge   Taiwan’s Best Beaches   Is Yilan Worth Visiting?   Renting a Car in Taiwan   The Truth About Taitung  

Spotlight: East Coast

Asia’s ultimate road trip

Hualien Starts Here   Tantalizing Taroko Gorge   Taiwan’s Best Beaches   Is Yilan Worth Visiting?   Renting a Car in Taiwan  

On the hunt for inspiration—or just information—for your next trip to Taiwan? My name is Robert Schrader, and you’ve arrived in the right place. I’m a veteran Taiwan traveler with half a dozen years under my belt—and I’m delighted you’re here.

Feel at home in Taiwan’s cozy capital

See the famous Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Take a delicious journey back in time

Whether you need tips on top Taiwan destinations, Taiwan trip ideas or travel advice about topics like Taiwan SIM cards and trains in Taiwan, my Taiwan travel blog is where you need to be. I’ve circled the island dozens of times—I’ve lived in Taipei for over a year!—and my posts combine the wisdom I’ve gained with insightful, informative personal anecdotes.

Enjoy a Whirlwind Week in Taiwan

Taiwan proves that big adventure comes in small packages—so small, in fact, that you can see everything in a week if you budget your time right. After a couple of nights in Taipei, rent a car and drive clockwise along the island’s wild east coast, ending in the southern metropolis of Kaohsiung before heading back north via the futuristic high-speed rail line.

A Whirlwind Week

Taiwan proves that big adventure comes in small packages—you can see everything in a week if you budget your time right. After two nights in Taipei, drive along the wild east coast, ending in Kaohsiung.

Taroko Gorge

Hike through enchanting grottos to forlorn shrines

Visit the home of high-mountain Oolong tea

Bask on Taiwan’s most beautiful beaches

Taiwan is a place I always think I know completely—then I get on a train or bus to somewhere seemingly random, and I’m blown away. As you’ll see browsing through my Taiwan travel blog posts, this capacity for spontaneous adventure is precisely what makes Taiwan such a joy to discover. In fact, I love it so much I decided to move here!

See All of Taiwan

If there’s one word I could use to describe Taiwan, it would be “harmony.” Taiwan’s cities are a pastiche of East-meets-West cosmopolitanism, while the larger culture perfectly mixed stoic Japanese traditions with wilder elements that might be more at home in Southeast Asia. To say nothing of the food—I could write a Taiwan blog just about that!

See Authentic Taiwan in Just Two Weeks

The longer you devote to Taiwan, the more authentically you can experience its culture. Whether you sip delicate oolong tea amid the emerald fields of Alishan, embark on exciting hikes from rough-and-tumble Hualien or discover history in the former capital city of Tainan, Taiwan is definitely worth a deep dive.

Taste Authentic Taiwan

The longer you devote to Taiwan, the more authentically you can experience its culture. Sip delicate oolong tea atop the emerald peaks of Alishan, or discover history in the former capital city of Tainan—Taiwan is definitely worth a deep dive.

Enjoying Taiwan is easy, but planning a trip to Taiwan can be a nightmare. Commission a custom Taiwan itinerary—and let me sweat the details. Get a personalized video consultation, detailed day-by-day itinerary and more!

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THE 10 BEST Taiwan Bus Tours

Bus tours in taiwan.

• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full-Day Private Custom Taipei City Tour

2. Full-Day Private Northern Taiwan Tour from Taipei with Pickup

3. Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern

4. Thousand Island Lake and Pinglin Tea Plantation from Taipei

5. 5-Day Best of Taiwan: Sun Moon Lake, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Lukang

6. Private Tour to Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Pingxi

7. Shared Full Day Tour of Hualien Taroko National Park from Taipei

8. Classic Taipei Landmarks Day Tour

9. 7-Hour Jiufen Night View, Shifen Waterfall & Raohe Market Tour

10. Beitou and Yangmingshan Day Tour from Taipei

11. Taroko Gorge Day Tour from Taipei by Train

12. Taipei City Tour with National Palace Museum Ticket

13. Private Custom Taipei Airport Layover Tour

14. Private Car: 8 Hour Highly Customized Taipei City Exploration!

15. One-Day Private Guided Tour in Taroko Gorge from Hualien

16. Private Yangmingshan Volcano Tour

17. Private Custom Kaohsiung Day Tour

18. Keelung Shore Excursion Private 8-Hour Taipei Urban Adventure!

19. Pinglin Tea Culture & Maokong Day Tour from Taipei

20. Taipei's Ningxia Night Market Tour with Michelin-starred Cuisine

21. Taipei Private Car Charter Tour

22. Small-Group Tour: Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Shifen from Taipei

23. Private Jiufen & Pingxi Day Tour with English-Speaking Guide

24. Yamingshan Volcano, Beitou Thermal Valley, Danshui Private Tour

25. 9 Hour Northeast Coast Bay View Tour in Yilan

26. Full-Day Private Guided Tour in Kaohsiung Port Shore

27. Private Night Tour of Taipei

28. Taiwan Multi-Day Classic Tour

29. Full-Day Private Custom Keelung Shore Excursions

30. Taroko From Taipei In A Day by Train

What travelers are saying.

Navigating Taipei: Public Transport Made Easy

Taipei is blessed with a very good public transportation system, with a number of options to choose from, and great connectivity to both airports.

Within Taipei, you’ll find yourself using the MRT system the vast majority of the time – it’s clean, reliable and above all, very cheap!

If you’re looking to travel to another city, or to more rural areas, then the Taiwan High Speed Rail is the quickest and best option.

Transport Passes

Taoyuan airport, taoyuan airport mrt, airport bus.

• Songshan to Taipei
• Taipei to Songshan
• Taipei City Buses

Sightseeing Buses

Taxis and uber.

• Walking in Taipei

Outside Taipei

• High Speed Rail (HSR)

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Buses

The Taiwanese government have introduced an incentive scheme to attract more tourists. They’re giving handouts of NT$5,000 ($165) to 500,000 tourists from May 2023. Click here to read my guide on the Lucky Land Giveaway

One thing I would strongly recommend before using any public transport in Taiwan is to get a transport pass.

Firstly, an EasyCard is an extremely handy contactless smartcard that is accepted on most types of public transportation, and can even be used to purchase goods at convenience stores and shops. Furthermore, you can get discounted travel on the MRT system in Taipei.

This costs only NT$100, but you’ll also need to add credit to use it. These can be purchased from Taoyuan airport, or if you’re coming from Songshan airport, you can get one from a machine in the Songshan airport MRT station (see Songshan section below for a photo of the machine).

You can also purchase these from Klook, and can get a SIM card bundle that also comes with an EasyCard for an extra saving.

Click here to read my guide about the EasyCard

A good alternative to an EasyCard is the Taipei Fun Pass .

There are actually four variants of the fun pass:

• Unlimited  – Free entry to many top attractions and free public transport
• Exploring  – Free entry to many attractions (but not top attractions like Taipei 101). This can be used as an Easycard
• Classic  – Free entry to 3 attractions, can be used as an Easycard
• Transport  – Free use of MRT, city buses and tourist shuttle buses

If you’re coming to Taipei for the first time, and intend on visiting most of the top attractions, then the Unlimited fun pass does offer great value, as you’ll also get free MRT and city bus travel. They’re valid for between 1 and 3 days (depending on the one you buy).

If you prefer to keep your options open, then the Transport fun pass will give you free use of the MRT and city buses for either 1 or 2 days, plus you could add on the Maokong Gondola too, which is a fantastic cable car ride into the mountains that’s right next to Taipei Zoo .

To find out more about the Taipei Fun Passes, click here

Taoyuan airport (TPE) is Taiwan’s main international airport and is located a few miles west of Taipei. It has two terminals, both of which are connected to Taipei Main Station by the Taoyuan Airport MRT (Airport Express).

For details and maps of all services, shops and booths, take a look at the Taoyuan Airport PDF guide.

The Taoyuan Airport MRT (sometimes called the Airport Express) is the best way to travel to the city from Taoyuan Airport.

The Airport MRT is the most comfortable and quickest way to travel between Taoyuan Airport and Taipei Main Station, with trains running   every 15 minutes and taking only 35 minutes to travel in either direction.

A single fare (no returns available) costs only NT$160. Tokens can be purchased at the entrance to the airport MRT, otherwise you can pay with an EasyCard (see my Taoyuan Airport MRT post for locations of these).

You can also purchase a token for cheaper on Klook beforehand, and even get a return for an extra saving.

When returning to Taoyuan Airport at the end of your trip, there is a very handy Early Check-In facility at Taipei Main Station which allows you to check in to your flight and even leave your checked-in luggage there. This is restricted to certain airlines however, which I’ve detailed in my post below.

Note that there is a commuter train that runs on the same line as the express train, so ensure you take the express train as they’re much quicker yet the cost is exactly the same. Read my full guide below for further details about this and departure times.

Click here for my full guide on the Taoyuan Airport MRT

The Airport Express is much quicker and more convenient than taking the bus, so I would only recommend taking a bus if your flight arrives late in the day.

The Airport Bus runs 24/7 and connects both Taoyuan Airport terminals to Taipei Main Station.

• Terminal 1: B1 Arrivals Zone
• Terminal 2: At the northeast arcade of the 1st floor Arrivals lobby.

Bus stations at both terminals are within 5 minutes walk of the arrivals halls.

There are a few buses that take you to different destinations but the 24 hour bus is the 1819 to Taipei Main Station.

Cost and Times

The bus runs 24 hours a day every 15 or 20 minutes and takes approximately 55 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station.

The airport bus costs NT$125  for a single journey. You will need to purchase a ticket from the correct ticketing booth (just look out for 1819 bus on the signs above the booths).

Songshan Airport

Songshan airport (TSA) is smaller than Taoyuan but is located much closer to the city. Although it has two terminals, only terminal 1 is used for international flights.

It does have far fewer services than Taoyuan. If you need to purchase a SIM card, your only option here is a Chunghwa Telecom SIM (see SIM Card page for details).

For details and maps of all services, shops and booths, take a look at the Songshan Airport passegner guide .

Songshan Airport to Taipei

Songshan Airport is located just three stops from the centre of Taipei on the brown line of the MRT.

Should you wish to travel to Taipei Main Station, you can change at Zhongxiao Fuxing and take the blue line in the Dingpu direction. The journey time from Songshan airport to Taipei Main Station is approximately 25 minutes.

You can purchase single tickets to your desired destination, however it’s better to get an EasyCard first, as these offer discounted travel.

You can purchase one from a machine located just outside the MRT entrance.

See the Easycard page for further details

Taipei to Songshan Airport

You simply need to make your way to the brown line and travel north to the Songshan Airport MRT station. The airport is a 5 minute walk from here.

Any money left on your Easycard can be refunded at the MRT information desk immediately after leaving the MRT station.

Check to see if your flight is on time from their flight departure web page .

The underground MRT system, otherwise know as the Taipei Metro, is the best way to get around Taipei.

I would honestly say that the Taipei Metro is the best underground system I’ve ever used, being clean, reliable, efficient and easy to use. Signs and announcements are in English too.

Above all, it is also very cheap, with most journeys costing only $NT20 (about US$0.66).

All of Taipei’s main attractions, with the exception of the National Palace Museum , are easily accessible via the MRT. These include Taipei Zoo and the Maokong Gondola , which are located outside of the city centre.

The MRT also allows for easy access to more rural areas such as Beitou , known for its hot springs, and Danshui , known for its beautiful sunsets.

The only downside to using the MRT is that is can become busy during peak periods, but nothing like the chaos seen in places such as Hong Hong.

I’ve listed all the attractions that can be found on each of the 6 MRT lines in my post below.

Click here for my full guide on the Taipei MRT

City buses are another good option to travel in Taipei.

Generally it’s faster to take the MRT, but on occasion you’ll find it more convenient to take the bus, and there a few attractions that aren’t located near an MRT station.

Although you can pay for rides with cash, it’s much more convenient to use an Easycard on buses.

The City Buses have recently changed the way you pay from them. Previously, you needed to pay either when boarding or leaving, but this proved to be confusing. They have since simplified payment, so now you always need to tap your Easycard when boarding and leaving .

Most of the time, you’ll only need to pay the lowest amount of NT$15.

If you are travelling further afield, say to the National Palace Museum, then you may need to pay NT$30 or up to NT$45.

Useful Information

• Much like the MRT, all notices and announcements have English
• You should also try to avoid sitting in the dark blue seating
• You can get on and off a bus from either the front or back door
• The best way to determine your route when taking buses is to use Google Maps .

YouBikes are a great way to get around Taipei if you’re feeling active.

With hundreds of YouBike stations, and thousands of bikes available, this is a nice option if you want to explore the city at a more personal level. Bike lanes can be found on most major roads, and even extend all the up to Danshui in the north.

The first 30 minutes of rental costs only NT$5, then NT$10 per 30 minutes for the next 4 hours. There are also discounts if you hire a bike within 60 minutes of using the MRT or city bus.

To rent a YouBike, you will need two things:

• Taiwanese SIM card

For further details on how to rent these, please visit my post below.

Click here for my full guide on YouBikes

Sightseeing Buses are the most convenient way to see many of the main attractions and areas in Taipei.

There are just 2 routes:

The blue route circles around central Taipei, and has around 20 stops located close to top attractions such as Taipei 101 and Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall , and buzzing areas like Yongkang Street , Ximending and the Xinyi Shopping District .

The red route travels north, with the final destination being the National Place Museum , but also goes past the largest night market in Taiwan, Shilin Night Market .

For full details of the pricing and routes, please read my detailed guide below.

Click here for my full guide on Sightseeing Buses

Tickets for the sightseeing bus can also be purchased on Klook for an extra saving.

Uber has recently been reinstated to operate in Taipei, so you can book one via their app as you normally would.

Taxis are everywhere in Taipei, so you won’t find it difficult to flag one down. Driver’s though probably won’t speak English, so you’ll need to have Google Maps at hand to show them your destination.

First 1.25km will cost NT$70, with every additional 200m charged at NT$5.

The fares will rise during late nights/early mornings.

Walking in Taipei City

If you enjoy walking, Taipei has a few locations where you’ll find many attractions and places to eat in close proximity of each other.

Be aware that bicycles and sometimes scooters will use pavements, so always be vigilant.

I have devised a few nice walks on my Routes page , which are probably best taken during the cooler months.

I’ve also created a post on the best areas to walk in Taipei .

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)

The Taiwan High Speed Rail service is the best way to travel outside of Taipei.

With just two lines (Northbound and Southbound), it travels to every major city on the West side of the island, reaching as far south as Kaohsiung in under 100 minutes.

There are free shuttle buses that will take you from every THSR station into each city, and Tourist Shuttle buses near most stations should you want to visit more scenic locations such as the beautiful Sun Moon Lake or the exquisite mountainous region of Alishan.

Furthermore, the THSR has some excellent deals for foreign travellers, to encourage tourists to see as much of the island as possible. Read my post below to find out more.

Click here for my full guide on the High Speed Rail

With over 60 routes that journey all over Taiwan and travel to all major scenic and cultural spots, including many of Taiwan’s islands, Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Buses are a nice option if you don’t want to fork out extra cash for a private hire vehicle or guided tour. By comparison, their cost is only a fraction of that of a tour coach.

Although there are only 3 routes that are directly accessible from Taipei’s MRT system, there are around 25 further routes that can be taken from many of the High Speed Rail Stations. I have summarised the best of these in my high speed rail post .

Some of the routes have also been designed in such a way that the final destination of one route is close to the starting location of another route, so you can in effect hop off one bus and onto the next one. Other routes circle around and will take you back to your starting location.

There are five routes that are free as part of the Unlimited & Travel versions of the Taipei Fun Passes. Click here to read more about the Fun Pass

If you have brought your bicycle with you, there are about 30 routes specifically designed for cyclists, although it needs to be a foldable bike.

There are also around 15 routes aimed at senior citizens or the disabled, with seat reservations possible and easy access on and off the bus.

How to Use the Tourist Shuttle Buses

• Choose your preferred route. You can do this from their website , or if that’s too confusing then there’s a nice PDF file with all the routes
• Timetables for all buses can be found by locating your route on their website (or by scanning the QR Code on the PDF) and selecting the Fare & Timetable button
• The departing bus stop can also be found using the above method. Look out for the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus Stop sign when you arrive (pictured above)
• You can pay for the ride using your EasyCard. You must tap it when you get on and off the bus each time
• Most buses operate similar to the Sightseeing buses in Taipei, so when you get off at a stop, the bus will depart and you’ll need to wait for one of the next buses. However, there are some cruise-style buses that will wait for you, meaning you’ll remain on the same bus throughout

Cost & Timetables

You can either pay for day pass to make use of a bus route for the entire day, or on some routes it’s possible to pay per stop if you only want to travel part of the way. This will be automatically calculated when using your EasyCard.

The cost of using a Tourist Shuttle Bus per day varies between NT$50 and NT$1,000 depending on the length of the route, although the majority of the buses cost between NT$100 and NT$250 per day.

It is also possible to get two or three day passes on some routes.

The frequency of the buses also varies per route, with some routes as frequent as every 20 minutes, while others can have intervals of up to 3 hours. The number of buses per route can vary from as few as 4 buses per day to as many as 28 per day.

Some routes operate only on weekdays, while others only operate during weekends and holidays – these are all detailed on their website or the PDF file .

If you have found the information on this page helpful, please take a minute to share this post. Your support would be greatly appreciated :)

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Intercity Buses

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From Taoyuan International Airport, passengers may take a freeway bus to any of the major cities in Taiwan

Taipei Songshan Airport City Bus

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle

Web:  Taiwan Tourist Shuttle

Freeway Bus

Taiwan's long-distance freeway buses are mostly run by private companies such as Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport, Ubus, Aloha Bus, Ho-hsin Bus and Solar bus. These buses take passengers to all parts of Taiwan through national and provincial highways.

Many buses depart daily, traveling among the country's major cities. It is therefore a convenient transport to take. Some routes even operate 24 hours a day. Besides, the cost is usually cheaper than taking a flight or a train. All such makes freeway bus a heavily utilized transport means in Taiwan. For safety reasons, however, please do not take any bus offered by an unregistered company.

A freeway bus trip allows one to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way, and even get to know the local lifestyle more. Generally speaking, no reservations are needed for non-rush hour buses. During holidays, including the New Year vacation, as well as when freeway traffic gets congested, it is recommended to book tickets in advance or simply choose another transport, just to save time.

City and County Bus

Taipei Taichung Tainan Kaohsiung

Bus Station

Taipei Bus Station Ticket Booth(s)

Taipei City Hall Bus Station Ticket Hall

Taipei Bus Station

Add: No. 209, Sec. 1, Civic Blvd., Datong Dist., Taipei City Tel: +886-2-77335888 Web:  Taipei Bus Station  (Chinese version only) Transfer among MRT, city bus and freeway bus is provided.

Taipei City Hall Bus Station

Add: No. 6, Sec. 5, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Xinyi Dist., Taipei City Tel: +886-2-87806252　 Web:  Taipei City Hall Bus Station  (Chinese version only) Transfer among MRT, city bus and freeway bus is provided.

Other Bus Station

• Yuanshan Bus Station
• Nangang Bus Station
• Banqiao Bus Station
• Yilan Bus Station
• Luodong Bus Station
• Jiaoxi Bus Station
• Suao Bus Station
• Jingguo Bus Station
• Hsinchu Bus Station
• Xiangshan Bus Station
• Taichung Bus Station
• Yuanlin Bus Station
• Xiluo Bus Station
• Chiayi Bus Station
• Pozih Bus Station
• Tainan Bus Station
• Madou Bus Station
• Sinying Bus Station
• Kaohsiung Bus Station
• Pingtung Bus Station
• Chaozhou Bus Station

Last update time：

TPASS Transportation Card Guide

Last Updated: 11/07/2023

Published: 07/10/2023

I may make commissions from purchases made through links.  Read here for more information. And as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This is an overview of Taiwan’s TPASS public transportation pass.

I’ve been living in Taiwan for over 5 years and want to find the most efficient ways of navigating the country. Upon the release of the TPASS, I want to know whether it’s worth getting.

Get the Taiwan TPASS if you stay in Taiwan for at least a month and will be traveling throughout a specific region . Or, if you’re a long-term stayer in Taiwan and frequently take public transportation.

The TPASS is only worth getting if you frequently take public transportation . Mostly those who work and live in Taiwan will benefit from it. Tourists won’t.

Don’t rule out getting a TPASS, though.

If you’re a tourist, plan all your public transportation throughout each region and estimate its total cost. From there, see whether you’ll save more from getting the pass or paying as you go.

• TPASS gives unlimited usage on certain public transportation in different areas in Taiwan.
• There are 3 passes for each region: North, South, & Central.
• Passes cost NT$299 through NT$1,200 per month (varies by area).
• Buy a TPASS from MRT or TRA stations.

What is TPASS?

TPASS is a public transportation card that targets locals or long-term stayers that’ll give folks unlimited usage on the following public transportation methods:

• Taiwan Railway Association (TRA): Local train
• YouBike : Not actually unlimited
• Intercity & city buses
• Light rail transit (LRT): Above-ground transit
• Mass Rapid Transit (MRT): Subway
• Certain ferries : Boats to outlying islands

This pass lasts for 30 days , after which, you must renew it. Each pass you purchase is only usable in the region you purchase it in.

The “T” in TPASS represents “Taiwan” and “Transport.” Why not call it TTPASS, then?

I digress. The Ministry of Transportation released the card on July 1, 2023. It supports 11 cities and counties where the most commute happens. They’re working on adding more areas to enhance the cards’ coverage.

Let’s compare the different regions.

Northern Taiwan TPASS

Purchasing a TPASS up North will give you access to unlimited transportation throughout Taipei, New Taipei , Keelung, and Taoyuan.

The Northern TPASS costs NT$1,200 for 30 days of usage . And you can only add it to an EasyCard .

Here’s what the North TPASS will work with:

Southern Taiwan TPASS

The Southern TPASS is usable throughout Pingtung County, Tainan City, and Kaohsiung City.

The Southern TPASS costs NT$299–999 . Actual price varies by city you use the card in and whether you’re a resident.

And here’s where you can use the South TPASS card:

Central Taiwan TPASS

The Central TPASS will work in Miaoli, Nantou, and Changhua counties along with Taichung City .

Pass prices will range from NT$299–999 . They’ll vary based on residency status and whether you’re visiting a specific city.

Use the Central TPASS on the Love Gold Card (special icash 2.0), One Card, and EasyCard.

And here are its applications:

Taiwan TPASS pricing in different regions

Here’s the pricing for the TPASS throughout different areas:

It took 20 minutes for me to wrap my head around the pricing, but it does seem practical. Considering it’s for commuters and not tourists.

The North’s card may seem expensive, but it’s much cheaper than the previous model (NT$1,280), which had unlimited MRT and bus rides in only New Taipei and Taipei cities. Plus, with the TPASS, you get the TRA access.

You can purchase a TPASS outright or connect it to one of the following value-added cards:

• Samsung Wallet Easy Card
• icash 2.0 (Love Gold Card): Must buy a specific icash card for this [ 1 ]

To get the TPASS Easy Card, One Card, or icash 2.0, you must pay NT$100 for an empty card before paying one of the rates in the above table.

Where to Buy Taiwan TPASS

Here’s where you’ll find the TPASS:

You can only pay for a TPASS using cash. The stations won’t allow credit cards for purchasing it.

How to Add Money to a Taiwan TPASS

Refill your TPASS’ balance by visiting customer service counters or kiosks at metro, train, and bus stations.

How to use a TPASS

Upon activating the TPASS, touch your card against an IC card sensor at MRT stations, on buses, or in other public transportation stations . From there, the gate will open and let you in. If you have trouble finding the gate, ask one of the security guards how to enter. If they don’t speak English, use a translation app.

FAQs: Taiwan TPASS

Keep reading to find frequently asked questions about Taiwan’s TPASS.

Can I Upgrade or Change my TPASS Plan?

You cannot upgrade or change your TPASS plan type . You must buy a new card or wait until your current plan expires.

Additional Guides for Expats in Taiwan

• How To Immigrate to Taiwan
• Pros and Cons of Moving to Taiwan
• Can You Live in Taiwan Without Knowing Mandarin?
• Taiwan’s Living Costs
• What Is the Best City in Taiwan To Live In?

Even More Guides

Taiwan Delicacies to Bring Home

What to Buy in Taiwan Supermarkets

Things to Buy in Taipei for Souvenirs

Sing Ren Garden Night Market – A Visitors Guide

Taiwan Packing List

Keelung Night Market – Visitors Guide

Tonghua Night Market – Visitors Guide

Taiwan Hot Springs: An Overview

Theodore began first experienced the wonders of traveling when visiting Vietnam. Afterward, he went crazy and ventured to at least… More about Theo

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Tainan travel blog — the fullest tainan travel guide for first-timers.

Tainan is a small city located in southern Taiwan and also the oldest city, is the old capital of Taiwan with a rich and long-standing culture, cool climate, excellent cuisine, suitable for who want to explore the ancient cultural traditions, rituals and Taoism of the island nation. Initially, when the Dutch ruled, Tainan was established as a ruling and trading base. After that, in the 17th century, General Koxinga defeated the Dutch, regained Tainan and turned it into the capital for a long time. There is still a Confucius Temple built in the 17th century, and Tainan people are always proud because they still retain more ancient temples than anywhere in Taiwan. So when visiting Tainan, covering the city is a quiet nostalgic feeling, easy to see ancient and old architecture in everywhere, the mossy street corners, peaceful, vintage, slowly lifestyle, gentle life.

• Top night markets in Taiwan — 11 most famous, must-go & best night markets in Taiwan
• What to eat in Tainan? — 10+ best food in Tainan & famous food in Tainan
• Tainan itinerary 2 days — How to spend 2 days in Tainan perfectly?
• Taiwan itinerary 10 days — What to do & How to spend 10 days in Taiwan perfectly?

Explore Fenqihu old street — What to do in Fenqihu in a day trip?

So, is Tainan worth visiting, what to do in Tainan and how to plan a budget trip to Tainan for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Tainan travel blog (Tainan blog) with the fullest Tainan travel guide (guide to Tainan, Tainan tourist guide, Tainan city guide, Tainan guide) from how to get Tainan, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Tainan to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Tainan blog — When is the best time to visit Tainan?

Tainan weather is relatively warm, the summer is often heavy rain, the best time to visit this city is in fall or spring.

In the Spring (February to April), the temperature is usually around 20 degrees Celsius, with little rain, dry, suitable for visiting tourist destinations such as national parks or museums. And this is also the time of the traditional New Year, and the Spring Festival, so the city scenery is more colors, more beautiful and more fun.

Autumn (September – November) with dry weather and cool climate so it is very convenient to travel, sightseeing. Autumn has beautiful scene, green color gradually change to yellow and red of Maple leaves.

Winter weather is colder, not favorable for traveling. But if you are a snow lover and winter activities, this is not a bad time.

Tainan travel blog — How to get to Tainan?

From Vietnam you can fly directly to Tainan or from other provinces of Taiwan to Tainan by train or by HSR high speed train. Normally in cities, train stations, high-speed trains and main bus stations are close together, so you can buy tickets at the central stations of cities/provinces. (In Taipei will be Taipei Main Station; Taichung station is Taichung station, Kaohsiung will be Zuoying station).

Tainan travel guide — Getting from Tainan Airport to the city

To getting from Tainan Airport to the city center, visitors have two public transportation options: bus and taxi.

Bus: There are two bus routes that visitors can travel from Tainan Airport to the city center: NO.5 Tainan City Bus and R3 Bus (Go through the Tainan Train Station – HSR train station – Tainan Airport). This is a type of city bus so travelers need to determined the area of their hotel located near the stop point to reach and down. Ticket price is around 20 TWD ($0.65)/trip.

Taxi: Taxis are available 24/24 at the airport so you can catch one at anytime to go to the city center. However, picking up the car at night will cost more than 20% more daytime.

Tainan blog — Getting around Tainan

Most of Tainan’s main tourist attractions are located near an area around the city center so you can walk to explore. Visitors who do not want to walk can contact and ask their hotel staff for a bicycle rental service or ask for a nearby bicycle rental. You can rent a bike from T-Bike: Phone: 0800-527527 (Local) / 06-2436668 (Mobile). Email: [email protected] . Website: http://tbike.tainan.gov.tw/Portal/en-US.

Tainan blog — Where to stay in Tainan?

Here are some good hotels in Tainan you can refer to:

Silks Place Tainan

Silks Place Tainan is the perfect place to feel Tainan and its surroundings. Only 58.6 km from Tainan Airport, so this 5-star hotel can be easily accessed from the airport. With the good location, from hotel you can easily to reach the popular attractions of the city. Whether you are a fun person or just want to relax after a busy day, you will feel comfortable when using the hotel facilities such as fitness room, outdoor swimming pool, children’s playground, kids club. Silks Place Tainan is an ideal place for who want to stay and seeking charm, comfort and convenience in Tainan. Room rates from $131. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: No. 1號, Heyi Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 Phone: +886 6 213 6290

Hotel Tainan

When visiting Tainan, you will feel at home at Hotel Tainan, where excellent quality and thoughtful service. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. Guests can take a stroll around the city’s top tourist attractions such as: Tainan HSR station, Focus Square, Si Hua Tang…Rates from $57.83. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: 1 Cheng Gong Road, West Central Dist, Tainan 70050, Taiwan R.O.C., Tainan City, Tainan, Taiwan, 70050 Phone: +886 6 228 9101

Kindness Hotel – Tainan Chihkan Tower

Kindness Hotel Tainan , located in the Tainan City area, is a popular choice for travelers. From the hotel you can quickly and easily reach many local points of interest of Tainan city such as: Confucius Temple is only 400 meter away, National Museum and Chikan Tower are only a 5- minute walk away, 6-minute walking from Fuzhong Underground Station where you only take 12 minutes to Tainan Airport. ‎Price range: $55 – $122. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: No. 97, Section 2, Minquan Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 Phone: +886 6 225 3377

You can also refer to the mid-range, budget hostels, homestays with good ratings and reviews below:

Dynasty Hotel : 3-star hotel with room rates from $31. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No. 46號, Chenggong Road, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704 Phone: +886 6 225 8121

FX Hotel Tainan Minsheng Rd : 4-star hotel with room rates from $38. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No. 76, Section 2, Minsheng Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 Phone: +886 6 511 6977

Fuward Hotel : 4-star hotel with room rates from $45. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No. 28號, Section 2, Zhongyi Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 Phone: +886 6 225 1000

Tie Dao Hotel : 3-star hotel with room rates from $11. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No.2, Chenggong Rd., North Dist, Tainan City, Tainan, Taiwan, 70443 Phone: +886 6 221 3200

Premier Hotel : 3-star hotel with room rates from $45. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No. 128, Gongyuan Road, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704 Phone: +886 6 225 2141

At Tainan Inn : 3-star hotel with room rates from $29. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No.292 Rongyu Street, Tainan 70167, Taiwan Phone: +886 6 290 5388

Edinburgh Motel : A good motel with room rates from $44. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No. 77號, Yonghua 5th Street, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708 Phone: +886 6 297 0116

Fuqi Hostel – ZhongZheng : A very good hostel with room rates from $14. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No.70, Zhongzheng Rd, Tainan City, Tainan, Taiwan Phone: +886 6 703 4543

Yi Pin Yuan Hotel : A good hotel with room rates from $19. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No.182, Baoan Rd., Tainan City, Taiwan Phone: +886 6 221 2666

Rainbow Island B&B : A good hotel with room rates from $29. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No. 94, Chenggong Road, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704 Phone: +886 982 050 400

Good Ground Hotel : 3-star hotel with room rates from $42. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No. 18, Zunwang Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 Phone: +886 6 222 1105

Leo Ho Hostel : 2-star hostel with room rates from $24. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: Weimin St., West Central Dist.,Tainan Train Station,, Tainan City, Tainan, Taiwan Phone: +886 981 236 957

Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel : A luxury hotel with room rates from $231. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ). Address: No. 201號, Section 2, Dunhua South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106 Phone: +886 2 2378 8888

You can find, check rates, availability & booking for Tainan hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com or Airbnb.com.

Tainan blog — Best places to visit and top things to do in Tainan

Anping Old street – Anping Tree House – Anping Fort (#tainan travel blog)

These 3 places are close together, so if you visiting here, you should visit all three places.

Anping Old Street

Visiting Taiwan, you definitely have to visit Tainan’s Anping Old Street, which is an old, narrow, but still airy street, along the street are high brick houses, a bit old. Along the two sides of the street are dense shops but still very orderly. There are many unique items sold in this street such as: Tainan’s typical fruits, famous peanut candy, pig’s blood, Tainan sausage .. or you can find the unique souvenirs and gifts such as cloth dolls, wooden dolls which only sell in this market.

Anping Fort (Fort Zeelandia)

Fort Zeelandia, originally is a fortress was built by the Dutch, dating from the 17th century, so it is a valued historic landmark. Entrance ticket is very cheap only 50 NT, inside the fort is a small museum which exhibits the artifacts and information of the fort and Tainan history. The outside, the traces of the walls was built by red bricks stills remain, look so catch-eyes and vintage. Walking around a minute, you will meet the observation tower, but only to stand at the bottom and looking up. In the fort campus has the statue of General Koxinga, a Chinese talent general in the 17th century, who was regained Tainan from the Dutch.

Anping Tree House

Exactly this place is more like a garden, you can walk under the trees, walk a little more will encounter a small lake. Visitors who self-sufficient travel can spend an hour for strolling in the garden, breathe the fresh air of Tainan and watch the bizarre architecture of the unique house. Originally, Anping Tree House is an old warehouse of a factory, next to this storehouse is a huge banyan tree, the banyan tree grows, grows up, until one day its huge roots swallow up the storehouse. The root branches cling to and tighten the walls, even rising through the roof. From there, they abandon the warehouse and keep that unique feature so that people can come to visit.

Address: No. 50-2, Yanping St, Anping District, Tainan City, 708. How to get there: Take the bus No. 2, 88 or 99 from Tainan Train Station. Ticket price: 50 NT/place of sightseeing.

Confucius Temple

It was built around the 17th century. At that time, the place that built the Confucius Temple was a hill, with the Confucius Temple on the right and the National School on the left. In the East is the Hall of Morality, which is easily understood as a place of the preaching of the masters (like the university lecture hall today), the West is the Hall of the Great, is the worship Confucius and the disciples.

Now the Confucius Temple is preserved and respected. Although the temple is located in the middle of the street, but steps through the red gate (East Dacheng Gate) to enter the temple campus, completely like a world in another, sanctified, solemn but serene, peaceful, people are returning to the nature of each human being: man is innately good; human nature is basically good.

Continued reading…

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Taiwan Says New Chinese Air Routes Threaten Taiwanese Islands' Flight Safety

Taiwan Says New Chinese Air Routes Threaten Taiwanese Islands' Flight Safety

FILE PHOTO: Construction of Xiang'an International Airport in China's Xiamen as seen from Kinmen, Taiwan December 20, 2023. REUTERS/Ann Wang/File Photo

By Ben Blanchard and Ryan Woo

TAIPEI/BEIJING (Reuters) -Taiwan said on Friday China's decision to open new air routes that run close to two Taiwanese-controlled islands was a flight safety risk taken without consultation, and said it would demand any aircraft using them be asked to turn around.

Taiwan's government expressed anger in January after China "unilaterally" changed a flight path called M503 close to the sensitive median line in the Taiwan Strait. China claims democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory.

The new Chinese routes to China's Xiamen and Fuzhou cities, called W123 and W122 respectively, connect to the M503 flight route, and run alongside existing routes to the islands of Kinmen and Matsu, which have regular flights to and from Taiwan.

China had said in January it was opening routes from west to east - in other words, in the direction of Taiwan - on the two flight paths from Xiamen and Fuzhou, but had not until now announced when they would go into operation.

China's civil aviation regulator said in its statement on Friday those routes were now in operation, adding that from May 16 it would "further optimise" airspace around Fuzhou airport.

Photos You Should See - April 2024

It did not elaborate, but that is four days before Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te is inaugurated, a man Beijing believes is a dangerous separatist. Lai has repeatedly offered talks with China but has been rebuffed.

A senior Taiwan official familiar with the island's security planning said the flight route announcement was part of a pattern of pre-inauguration pressure from China.

"They want us to cave in, make compromises and change our behaviour," the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China's regulator said that the changes to the flight paths will help meet the "development needs" of flights along the Chinese coast, ensure flight safety, enhance the ability to respond to thunderstorms and improve normal flight operations.

Taiwan's Civil Aviation Administration said the measure seriously impacted aviation safety in Taiwanese airspace, calling it a unilateral move taken without consultation.

At its nearest point, close to Kinmen, there is only a 1.1 nautical mile distance between the Chinese and Taiwanese flight paths, it said.

"The airspace between the two sides is very small, and there are certain risks," it added.

CONTROLLED AIR SPACE

Taiwanese air traffic controllers will "strongly request" their Chinese counterparts guide any aircraft away when an aircraft approaches Taiwan's air space, it said.

Chinese aircraft are not permitted by Taiwan to fly in the airspace Taipei controls around Kinmen and Matsu.

The strait's median line had for years served as an unofficial demarcation between Taiwan and China and was not crossed by combat aircraft from either side.

But China says it does not recognise the line's existence and Chinese warplanes now regularly fly over it as Beijing seeks to pressure Taipei to accept its sovereignty claims.

Flights to and from Taiwan and China's Xiamen and Fuzhou take a circuitous route skirting the median line rather than flying directly across the strait. Domestic Taiwanese flights to Kinmen and Matsu fly directly across the strait.

Taiwan has complained about the M503 route before, in 2018, when it said China opened the northbound part of it without first informing Taipei in contravention of a 2015 deal to first discuss such flight paths.

The Taiwan government rejects China's sovereignty claims and says only the island's people can decide their future.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Ryan Woo; Additional reporting by Yimou Lee in Taipei; Graphic by Jackie Gu; Editing by Christopher Cushing, Jamie Freed and Angus MacSwan)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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