Getting Around Taiwan 2025
Navigate Taiwan like a local with our transportation guide.
Taiwan is a vibrant island nation blending ancient Chinese culture with modern innovation, featuring stunning mountain landscapes, bustling night markets, and world-class cuisine. From the neon-lit streets of Taipei to the serene temples of Tainan and dramatic gorges of Taroko, Taiwan offers diverse experiences for every traveler. This subtropical paradise combines excellent infrastructure, warm hospitality, and rich cultural heritage.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Taiwan.
Public Transit
Excellent β Taipei's MRT is world-class, clean, safe, and punctual. Buses cover gaps. EasyCard makes all public transit seamless. Kaohsiung and Taichung also have MRT systems.
Taxis
Good β metered, reliable, and affordable. Uber widely available in cities. Language barrier manageable with address in Chinese (Google Translate or hotel card).
Car Rental
Moderate β scooter rental practical outside cities; car rental useful for east coast road trips; parking difficult in Taipei and unnecessary given the MRT.
Walking
Very good β Taipei city center, Tainan's historic core, and Jiufen village are walkable. Night markets best explored on foot. Cycling infrastructure excellent.
Getting There
How to arrive in Taiwan.
βοΈ By Air
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)
Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)
Taichung International Airport (RMQ)
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Taiwan.
π Buses
Extensive bus networks in all cities. Taipei buses announce stops in English. Most buses accept EasyCard.
πΊ Local Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, bike_rental
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Long-Distance Buses
{'details': 'Extensive intercity bus network covers entire Taiwan including remote areas. Major operators include Kuo-Kuang, Ubus, and local companies.', 'cost': 'Generally 30-50% cheaper than trains. Taipei-Taichung $10, Taipei-Kaohsiung $20.', 'tips': "Bus terminals usually near train stations. Online booking available through operators' websites. Night buses available for long routes."}
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Domestic Flights
{'details': 'Daily flights connect Taipei with Taitung, Hualien, Penghu, Kinmen, and offshore islands. Mainly useful for island destinations.', 'airlines': 'UNI Air, Mandarin Airlines, Daily Air operate domestic routes', 'cost': '$50-100 depending on route and season', 'tips': 'Flight times 30-60 minutes. Consider train for west coast destinations - often faster door-to-door.'}
Private Car/Driver
Driving in Taiwan
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Generally not recommended
Driving Side
Right-hand traffic
License Required
International Driving Permit recommended
Road Conditions
Varies by region. Main highways usually good, rural roads may be poor.
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Buy an EasyCard (ζ ιε‘) at any MRT station immediately on arrival β it works on all MRT, buses, YouBike, and even convenience stores with 20% transport discount
Download the Taiwan Railways (TRA) app for east coast train bookings; THSR app for high-speed rail β book 14-28 days ahead for popular routes and holidays
Uber functions well in all major cities β often faster than flagging a taxi and avoids language barrier; tap 'enter destination' before requesting to ensure correct location
YouBike public bicycle rental (3,000+ stations in Taipei) is free for the first 30 minutes with EasyCard β perfect for short city trips
For the east coast (Hualien-Taitung), renting a scooter gives the most freedom; locals ride 125cc scooters requiring a motorcycle license internationally
Airport MRT from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station costs NT$150 ($5) and takes 35 minutes β far better value than taxis for solo and couple travelers
Useful Apps
EasyCard App (ζ ιε‘)
Check balance, reload EasyCard, and find nearby accepted locations β essential for managing your transit card
Taiwan Railways (ε°ι΅)
Official app for conventional TRA train bookings including east coast and scenic routes; supports English and allows seat selection
THSR App (ι«ι΅)
Official Taiwan High Speed Rail app for booking, early-bird tickets, and train status updates
Uber Taiwan
Fully operational in all major cities β fastest way to book private rides without language barrier; set pickup/dropoff in map
LINE Taxi (LINEθ¨η¨θ»)
Taiwan's most popular local ride-hailing app integrated with LINE messaging; metered pricing same as regular taxis
TaiwanBus+ (ε°η£ε ¬θ»ι)
Real-time bus arrival information for all cities in Taiwan β essential for planning bus-dependent day trips outside Taipei
Navigate Taiwan Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
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