Transportation Guide

Taiwan’s compact size belies its transportation complexity. This island nation of 36,000 square kilometres offers everything from bullet trains to bicycle-sharing schemes, and understanding how to navigate this system will transform your experience from frustrating to liberating. The key isn’t memorising specific routes, but learning to read the transport landscape like a local.

Overview: Taiwan’s Transportation System

Taiwan’s transportation network reflects its geography: a mountainous spine dividing east from west, with most development concentrated along the western coastal plain. This creates distinct transport patterns you’ll need to understand.

The western corridor (from Taipei south through Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung) enjoys frequent, fast connections via high-speed rail and motorways. The eastern coast, by contrast, relies on trains and buses winding through dramatic mountain and coastal scenery. Travelling east to west often requires going north or south first, rather than cutting straight across the mountains.

The system is remarkably safe and reliable by global standards. Trains run on time, buses follow published schedules (major routes, at least), and even remote areas maintain regular service. However, English signage varies dramatically. It is excellent in Taipei, sparse in rural areas. This guide will teach you how to navigate regardless of language barriers.

EasyCard and iPass: Your Transport Foundation

Before exploring specific transport modes, understand Taiwan’s smart card system. Smart cards aren’t mere convenience items; they’re essential tools that unlock discounts, save queuing time, and work across multiple transport modes. You need to tap in and out at stations, and tap when boarding and alighting on buses, as most fares are based on travel distance. The card automatically applies transfer discounts between buses, metro lines, and bikes within a specific time period.

Two cards dominate: EasyCard（悠遊卡）and iPass（一卡通）. EasyCard has stronger coverage in northern Taiwan, whilst iPass originated in the south. However, both now work on nearly all public transport nationwide, including all metro and tram systems, most city buses, Taiwan Railways, public bicycles, and even some convenience stores and vending machines. For most travellers, either card suffices. Just buy whichever you encounter first at a metro station or convenience store. These cards won’t work on High-Speed Rail or most long-distance coaches, where you’ll need separate tickets. They also won’t work on all Taiwan Railways trains, more on that complexity below.

If you buy cards with regular design, they come with a refundable deposit (typically NT$100) plus your chosen initial value. Usually you can find this kind of cards at metro stations. Otherwise, you can buy cards with special design, suitable for decent souvenirs, but they are non-refundable and slightly more expensive usually. This kind of cards usually appear in convenience stores. To top up, you have to load cash at metro stations, convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, etc.), or dedicated machines at metro stations. It is cash-only so make sure you have cash with you.

Train: High-Speed Rail and Taiwan Railways

Taiwan’s rail network divides into two distinct systems, each serving different purposes and requiring different booking strategies.

High-Speed Rail (台灣高鐵, HSR)

This Japanese-style shinkansen runs along the west coast from Taipei (actually Nangang, on Taipei’s eastern edge) to Zuoying (Kaohsiung) in roughly 90 minutes. Stations serve 11 cities, but here’s the crucial detail: HSR stations often sit far from city centres (except for the stations in Taipei), requiring onward metro or bus connections. In-train displays announce upcoming stations in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka and English.

You can book HSR tickets online, through the T-Express app, or at station machines and counters. Reserved seats cost slightly more than unreserved but guarantee seating. Standard and Business class exist; most travellers find Standard perfectly comfortable. Early bird discounts (20-35 percent off) apply to tickets booked 5-28 days ahead, but these limited-quantity tickets sell fast.

Taiwan High-Speed Rail offers tourist passes for unlimited travel: three-day passes for foreign passport holders. Please check the official website to know the details.

Taiwan Railways (台灣鐵路, TRA)

This older conventional rail system reaches places HSR doesn’t, particularly the scenic eastern coast. It’s also cheaper and serves far more stations, making it ideal for smaller towns. The route of TRA is quite straightforward-it’s a circular line around Taiwan with several branches, usually lead to tourist spots. In-train displays announce upcoming stations in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, English and indigenous language (along east coast).

There are several classes about TRA’s trains. Roughly speaking, there are three types: from the fastest ones, including Taroko express（太魯閣）/Puyuma express（普悠瑪）/Tze-Chiang Ltd. Express (3000)（新自強） trains, they usually stop at the major stations in each city, only have reserved seating, and advance booking is essential. The second fastest classes are Tze-Chiang Limited Express（自強）, Chu-Kuang（莒光）, they don’t stop at small stations and have mixing reserved and unreserved cars. Lastly, Local trains（區間） stops at every station and all seats are unreserved.

Here’s where it gets complex: some TRA trains accept EasyCard/iPass for unreserved seating on short journeys, but longer journeys and all reserved seats require separate tickets. The safest approach is if travelling more than 50 kilometres or wanting guaranteed seating, book a proper ticket through the TRA website, app, or station counters and machines. Since smart cards can be used with unreserved cars only, you cannot take Taroko express（太魯閣）/Puyuma express（普悠瑪）/Tze-Chiang Ltd. Express (3000)（新自強） trains with smart cards.

Taiwan Railways offer tourist passes for unlimited travel. Please check the official website to know the details.

Bus: Intercity Coaches and City Buses

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.

Metro Systems: Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taoyuan, and Taichung

Taiwan’s metro systems represent the easiest transport for travellers, combining English signage, intuitive layouts, and reliable service. However, each city’s system reflects different development priorities.

Taipei Metro (台北捷運, MRT)

Taiwan’s most extensive metro serves the capital with six major lines distinguished by colour. The system is clean, safe, and efficient, running roughly 06:00-midnight with trains every 3-8 minutes. In-train displays announce upcoming stations in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, English, Japanese and Korean.

Usually, it is not difficult to navigate at stations. Platforms clearly mark train directions by listing terminus stations with line colours. Most confusion arises from the system’s two main rail operators (Taipei Metro and separate airport lines) using the same stations. Just follow colour-coded signs carefully. Also it causes confusion when having a transfer in a huge station like Taipei Main Station. Follow the line colour signs and you will be fine.

Food and drink are prohibited inside stations and trains, with fines for violations. Priority seating at each carriage should be offered to elderly, pregnant, disabled, injured, illed passengers.

Kaohsiung Metro (高雄捷運)

Southern Taiwan’s metro is smaller but well-designed, with just two main lines: Red (north-south) and Orange (east-west). The system opened in 2008 and feels modern and spacious, with impressive station architecture.

You can use Kaohsiung Metro for reaching Zuoying HSR station, the airport, Formosa Boulevard (famous for its Dome of Light), Love River area, Pier-2 Art Centre, and Cijin Island ferry terminal. Limited coverage means many destinations still require buses, trams or taxis, but where the metro goes, it’s the best option.

Taoyuan Metro (桃園捷運)

Primarily serving travellers between Taipei and Taoyuan International Airport, this airport line offers two services: Express (skipping stops, 35-40 minutes) and Commuter (stopping at all stations). Both use the same line and charge by distance. The metro also serves some Taoyuan suburbs and connects to regular TRA trains and Taiwan Metro at various stations.

Taichung Metro (台中捷運)

Taiwan’s newest metro, opening in 2021, currently consists of one Green Line running north-south. Coverage is limited, missing the city centre and most tourist areas. Most travellers in Taichung rely on buses, taxis, or scooters instead. If your accommodation or destinations happen to align with the Green Line, use it. Otherwise, expect to use other transport modes.

Scooters and Motorcycles

Scooters dominate Taiwan’s streets. Actually, Taiwan is the country with the densest scooter ownership in the world. There are more than 14 million scooters in Taiwan while the total population is around 23 million. These provide unparalleled freedom but come with significant challenges for foreign visitors.

Legally riding a scooter in Taiwan requires either a Taiwanese motorcycle licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP) with motorcycle endorsement from your home country. Many rental shops don’t verify licences rigorously, but riding without proper documentation means you’re uninsured and liable for all costs in any accident.

Taiwan’s traffic flows differently from Western countries, with scooters weaving between cars and parking on pavements. Scooters work best for exploring rural areas, coastal roads, and mountain routes where public transport runs infrequently. The east coast from Hualien to Taitung, the northeast coast, and routes around Kenting or into the Central Mountain Range reward confident riders with spectacular scenery and access to remote areas. In cities, scooters must contend with the same traffic congestion as cars whilst being more vulnerable. Taipei’s excellent metro often proves easier than scootering. Smaller cities without metros see scooters making more sense, but always assess your comfort level honestly. Note that scooters (below 250cc) are not allowed on motorways and expressways. Only motorcycles above 250cc are allowed to ride on expressways and specific motorways.

If you want to rent a scooter, rental shops cluster near tourist areas, charging NT$300-500 daily for 50-125cc scooters. Before riding, inspect scooters carefully for damage, photograph any existing scratches or dents, ensure rental includes helmet(s), and verify whether insurance is included.

Petrol stations are frequent. Taiwan uses unleaded fuel, typically 92, 95, or 98 octane. Fill up at self-service stations or ask attendants. Payment accepts cash or certain credit cards.

Taiwan has high rates of traffic injuries involving scooters. Locals grow up riding and still have accidents. Risks include: cars turning without looking, doors opening into traffic lanes, buses pulling out suddenly, wet roads reducing traction dramatically, and poor night-time visibility. Wearing helmets is legally required and practically essential. Taiwan’s helmets must meet local safety standards, so use those provided by rental shops.

Renting a Car

Car rental in Taiwan involves complications. You’ll need either a Taiwanese driving licence or a Chinese translation of your home country licence obtained from an authorised translation service or your country’s Taiwan representative office. An IDP alone typically doesn’t suffice. Taiwan requires the Chinese translation.

Major international rental companies operate at airports and major cities, alongside local companies offering competitive rates. Expect to pay NT$1,500-3,000 daily depending on vehicle size and rental duration. You can also rent a car via mobile app called iRent. iRent has physical rental sites as well.

Taiwan drives on the right side of the road. Traffic in cities is dense and aggressive, with scooters surrounding your car from all directions. Traffic lights frequently use countdown timers, you can see how many seconds you have to wait until the green line.

Parking presents constant challenges in cities. Public parking garages exist but fill quickly, and they are expensive. Hence, avoid cars for Taipei city sightseeing. In Kaohsiung and Taichung, cars help reach scattered attractions but expect traffic. For eastern Taiwan or mountain areas, cars transform the experience, allowing stops at viewpoints, small towns, and hiking trailheads between major destinations. GPS navigation in English works well with Google Maps or Apple Maps. Road signs increasingly include English, at least for major routes, but knowing destination names in Chinese characters helps verify directions.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

There are two types of taxis in Taiwan, metered taxis and on-demand taxis. The first ones use metres starting around NT$80 and it depends on cities and time (e.g., night supercharges). You can flag taxis on streets, join taxi ranks at stations, or call dispatch services. The second ones are Uber and several local providers like 55688, you can order a taxi via app and see the price.

When taking metered taxis, noted that few taxi drivers speak English, so it’s recommended to have destination addresses written in Chinese characters or use translation apps. Show drivers your phone with the destination marked on a map. Most drivers appreciate seeing exactly where you need to go.

Sharing Bikes: YouBike

This yellow-branded bike-sharing system operates in almost all cities in Taiwan (excluding offshore islands, Keelung City, Changhua County, Yunlin County, Nantou County, Yilan County, and Hualian County) with thousands of stations. Register through the YouBike app (requiring a local or international credit card) or use your EasyCard at kiosks. When renting a bike, tap to unlock bikes, tap again when returning them to any station.

You can find YouBike stations using the app, which shows real-time availability of bikes and empty parking spaces. During peak commute times, stations near metros and offices empty quickly whilst suburban stations overflow. In this case, you should anticipate needing alternative stations nearby.

Rates start incredibly cheap and work perfectly for short urban journeys, exploring neighbourhoods, or connecting from metros to final destinations. Bikes are city-style with baskets and three-speed internal gear hub. You can find the eletric version YouBike in some cities, they are faster and effortless while a little more expensive. Since there are lots of stations around Taiwan, it is feasible to ride them across cities.

It is worthy to note that Taiwan has gained international recognition for cycling, particularly after completing a comprehensive network of cycle paths. The 1,200-kilometre route circling the island attracts serious cyclists who complete it in 7-14 days, but shorter sections suit recreational riders. You can see different views in different sections. East coast routes between Hualien and Taitung provide stunning ocean views with manageable daily distances. The Sun Moon Lake circuit (30 kilometres) offers gentler riding. Taipei’s riverside paths extend for dozens of kilometres, perfect for half-day excursions. But if you want to cycle around Taiwan, it is still highly recommended to rent proper touring bikes from specialist shops in major cities.

Taiwan’s traffic makes urban cycling slightly challenging. Dedicated bike lanes exist but often share space with scooters / pedestrians or disappear without warning. Cycle defensively, assume vehicles don’t see you, and avoid peak traffic hours. Rural roads generally feel safer with less traffic, though mountain roads include narrow sections with no shoulders.

Weather matters enormously. Summer heat and humidity make cycling exhausting; carry abundant water. Afternoon thunderstorms during summer months can drench you. Winter northeast monsoons make north coast and eastern routes face strong headwinds. We will talk more about the weather in Taiwan in another post.

Domestic Flights

Taiwan’s small size means flights rarely make sense for most travellers, but specific routes justify flying.

Island destinations: Regular flights connect Taiwan proper to offshore islands: Kinmen, Matsu, Penghu, Lanyu, and Green Island. Reaching these islands otherwise involves lengthy ferry journeys, which are sometimes weather-dependent or uncomfortable in rough seas. Flying saves considerable time and avoids seasickness.

Domestic routes: Airlines fly between Taipei (Songshan Airport), Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Hualien, and Taitung. These flights cost more than trains but save time if you’re on a tight schedule. Taipei to Taitung, for example, takes 3-4 hours by train but just one hour flying, including airport time. Since the launch of HSR, the necessity of fast travelling across cities on the west via flights are reduced and HSR takes its place.

Ferries: Reaching Taiwan’s Islands

Taiwan’s identity extends beyond the main island to several inhabited outlying islands, each accessible by ferry and offering distinct experiences. If visiting outlying islands, ferries become essential unless flying. For mainland Taiwan, ferries aren’t part of standard transport, except for short crossings like Cijin Island from Kaohsiung or Tamsui-Bali ferry near Taipei.

Major ferry routes: The most common ferry journeys connect:

• Kaohsiung to Penghu (4 hours)
• Budai (Chiayi County) to Penghu (90 minutes)
• Taitung to Green Island (50 minutes) and Lanyu (2-3 hours)
• Keelung to Matsu islands (8-10 hours overnight)

Ferry schedules vary seasonally, with more frequent services during summer tourism peak. Winter services reduce dramatically due to rough seas, some routes suspend completely during typhoons or high winds.

You can book ferries online through operator websites or at ports on the day, though popular dates sell out quickly. Bring identification (passport) for check-in. Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure.

Ferry comfort levels vary enormously. Large vessels to Penghu and Matsu have cabin classes (business, economy) with seats or bunks. Smaller boats to Green Island and Lanyu provide basic seating. Seasickness is common in rough seas, you should take medication beforehand if susceptible. Some ferries have outdoor decks; fresh air helps queasy stomachs.

Useful Apps: Your Digital Transport Toolkit

Several apps transform Taiwan’s transport from confusing to navigable. Download these before arriving or upon landing.

Google Maps: Essential for overall navigation. In Taiwan, Google Maps shows real-time metro, bus, and train schedules with reasonable accuracy. It suggests multi-modal routes combining walking, bikes (also YouBikes), buses, metros, trains, and HSR.

Taiwan Bus Plus（台灣公車通）or Bus Tracker Taiwan（台灣等公車）: Both bus apps show real-time locations of buses on routes you’re tracking. They covers most urban and intercity buses, railway, and public bikes across Taiwan, providing arrival predictions more accurate than Google Maps. The interface has English.

T-Express: The official HSR app allows searching schedules, booking tickets, and storing digital tickets on your phone. It requires registration with email and credit card. In-app purchases use secure payment. You can book group tickets and select specific seats.

台鐵e訂通 (TRA E-Booking): Taiwan Railways’ official app handles TRA train bookings. Less polished than T-Express, it nonetheless provides the most reliable access to TRA tickets. The app requires registration and accepts international credit cards.

Common Questions and Problem-Solving

Even well-prepared travellers encounter confusion. Here’s how to handle common situations:

“The train I want is sold out”: TRA sells standing-room tickets（無座票）at reduced prices for trains that have sold all seats for some routes. You’ll stand in aisles or vestibules, which is uncomfortable but possible for shorter journeys. Alternatively, check local trains（區間車）which don’t require reservations but take longer. Finally, consider buses on the same route.

“I’ve tapped in to metro but want to exit without travelling”: Approach station staff at the exit gates. Explain the situation and they’ll manually process your exit, typically without charging a fare since you didn’t travel.

“Traffic makes me nervous about crossing streets”: Taiwan’s traffic is intimidating but navigable with precautions. Cross at marked crossings when signals indicate. However, vehicles routinely turn through crossings without yielding fully, make sure you have eye contact with drivers, proceed confidently but watchfully, don’t assume right-of-way stops approaching vehicles. Some locals jaywalk fearlessly; don’t emulate this until you understand traffic flow patterns. When truly nervous, follow local pedestrians.

“Google Maps suggests a route that seems wrong”: Trust your instincts. Google sometimes routes pedestrians through alleys, building complexes, or routes that look correct on maps but prove confusing in reality. Cross-reference with what you see around you. Don’t hesitate to ask directions. Many Taiwanese help enthusiastically despite limited English. Pointing at maps on your phone transcends language barriers.

“Is it safe travelling alone at night”: Taiwan ranks among Asia’s safest destinations. Metro, trains, and buses operate safely at night. Just exercise normal precautions like staying aware of surroundings. Taxis at night feel safe; use app-based services for added security and fixed pricing. The main risk involves scooters and traffic because visibility drops significantly at night, making accidents more likely. Avoid walking on unlit rural roads where scooters and cars won’t see you.

“Are there travel passes for public transportation”: Yes, you can find some travel passes in major cities. Please visit the official website (you can find the related information via the keyword: City name + pass) for more details.

Cultural Dimensions of Transport

Taiwan’s transport system operates within cultural contexts that shape experiences beyond mere logistics. Understanding these cultural aspects enriches travel while preventing misunderstandings.

Queueing and crowding: Taiwanese generally queue orderly at metro platforms, marked by floor indicators showing where doors open. Bus stops are less organised but people still form single-file lines. During rush hours, crowding is accepted without complaint. Personal space shrinks considerably compared to Western norms on packed trains.

Priority seating exists on all metros and many buses, marked with different colours and signage. Locals reliably offer these seats to elderly, pregnant, disabled, injured, or illed passengers. You should do likewise. It’s expected behaviour, not optional politeness.

Noise and behaviour: Taiwanese trains and metros are generally quiet. Phone conversations happen in hushed tones; loud talking is rare. Eating and drinking prohibit on metros (with fines), though TRA and HSR allow it. Actually, you can buy food on trains. If you must take phone calls, speak quietly. Avoid playing music or videos without headphones. This is considered rude.

Scooter culture: Scooters represent freedom and pragmatism in Taiwanese culture. Families of three on one scooter, scooters on pavements, creative parking solutions. All are normal. Traffic laws exist but enforcement is inconsistent. As a visitor, riding carefully and legally might make you conspicuous, but prioritise safety over blending in.

Asking for help: Taiwanese people are generally helpful to tourists, often going considerably out of their way to assist. Don’t hesitate to ask directions or help, even with language barriers. Showing destination names in Chinese characters, pointing at maps, and using translation apps all work. Some locals practice English with tourists.

Emergency Transport Situations

Occasionally, transport plans go seriously wrong. Knowing how to respond to emergencies reduces stress and potential danger.

Missing last transport: Taiwan’s metros and trains stop running around midnight to 01:00, whilst buses generally cease by 23:00-24:00. Missing the last service home leaves you with limited options: taxis (expensive but available in cities), 24-hour internet cafés offering cheap rest spaces (common in Taipei, less so elsewhere), or simply waiting until services resume around 06:00. Some hostels have flexible check-in allowing late arrivals if you’ve booked ahead.

Natural disasters: Typhoons, earthquakes, and landslides occasionally disrupt transport. During typhoons, authorities suspend transport progressively as conditions worsen. Stay informed through hotel staff or weather apps. Don’t attempt travel during typhoon warnings and wait until the all-clear.

Earthquakes are common in Taiwan but rarely disrupt transport beyond brief suspensions for safety checks. Major earthquakes might close mountain roads or railways for inspections. Landslides following heavy rain can close roads with little warning, which particularly affects Central Cross-Island Highway and mountain routes.

Lost property: Taiwan has surprisingly effective lost property systems. Items left on metros, trains, or buses often reach lost property offices. Check with station staff the same day if possible. Public transport lost property in Taipei is remarkably efficient, which many items are returned. Keep receipts and ticket stubs as proof of travel when claiming items. For items lost in taxis, contact the taxi company immediately with time, location, and taxi number (photographing taxi information before exiting helps). Ride-sharing apps make this easier by keeping journey records.