Bus travel in Taiwan splits into two worlds: intercity coaches connecting cities and tourist areas, and local buses serving urban and rural communities. In-bus displays announce upcoming stations in Mandarin, also in Taiwanese, Hakka, and English usually.

Intercity Coaches (客運)

Multiple private companies operate comfortable, air-conditioned coaches between major cities and tourist destinations. These often prove cheaper than trains and sometimes faster for certain routes, particularly cross-mountain journeys where no railway exists.

You can book intercity buses through company websites, at convenience stores (for major routes), or at bus stations. Some short-distance intercity coaches also accept smart cards.

City and Local Buses (市區公車)

Urban buses fill gaps in metro coverage and serve as primary transport in cities without metros. Your EasyCard / iPass becomes essential here, offering discounted fares and transfer credits. Most urban buses require tapping your card when boarding and alighting.

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle: Tourist Shuttle（台灣好行）

Tourist Shuttle（台灣好行） is a network of tourist-oriented bus routes connecting train and HSR stations to scenic destinations that would otherwise be difficult to reach without a car or motorcycle. Routes link to destinations such as Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, the northeast coast, and various national scenic areas, and are designed explicitly for visitors without their own transport. Tickets can be purchased online or at convenience stores in advance; many routes also accept EasyCard for tap-on, tap-off travel, and day passes with unlimited hop-on, hop-off access are available on selected routes. For visitors who have not rented a scooter or car, it is one of the most practical tools for reaching Taiwan’s more remote landscapes.