HOW TO GET AROUND IN TAIWAN

Getting around in Taiwan can be really simple if you know what to expect. The country has an admirable public transport system that can get you anywhere.

Train services

Using Taiwan´s railway network is a great idea if you plan on visiting multiple cities and places. The railway is a network that covers over 1500km and offers convenient access to Taiwan´s major cities and towns. The complex is operated by the Taiwan Railway Administration who is responsible for the total railway network apart from Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail services.

The tickets are affordable and the system is in really good shape but the language barrier may get in the way since most workers don´t speak English and the ticket machines are also in Mandarin. If you're planning on traveling around using the railway network we recommend buying tickets online, verifying your timeframe and making sure to arrive at any station at least a half-hour before departure to solve any unexpected issues.

Be sure to visit the official Taiwan Railway Administration website. It has comprehensive info regarding routes, schedules, and prices. Use the info to plan around your trip before buying the tickets.

Taiwan high-speed rail (THSR)

The THSR covers Taiwan’s west coast connecting 8 stations on its 345 km run between Taipei in the north and Zuoying in the south, usually only taking 4 hours to cover the whole length of the route. Additionally, the THSR is connected to regular trains from the Taiwan Railway Administration at Taipei, Banqiao, Taichung, and Zuoying extending the range of the system. If you´re planning on going to different, smaller towns you can also use taxis, buses, and shuttles that await at the THSR stations.

The routes, schedules, and prices can be seen on the THSR web page. Tickets must be reserved 14 days in advance, however, they must be collected at the station or at the post office within 2 days of departure.

Bus

Taking a bus is the cheapest and more authentic way to move around in Taiwan. The problem is that routes aren´t readily available and knowledge of mandarin is necessary to understand the signs and ask questions to the drivers. Consider this option if you´re traveling with a local guide and/or a mandarin speaking friend. Bus fare can vary quite a lot depending on the city and the route, with some asking for as little as the equivalent of $0.50 and other charging more depending on the distance traveled.

Taxis

Moving around Taiwan in a taxi can be a difficult experience if you´re not prepared. Not every taxi driver will speak English so having a friend who can write in Mandarin and write down your destinations is a big help. Otherwise you can have a map and show the driver where you want to go. You may also luck out and get a guide that can speak in English or your preferred language but don´t count on it.

The fares are usually dictated by the local government and are dictated by the meter so there won´t be much variance. This also means that if you´re used to haggling on the fare for a certain trip you´re out of luck, but considering the language barriers haggling was already out of the gate.

International connections

There are 2 international airports in Taiwan: Kaohsiung and Taoyuan International airports. Taoyuan is the largest international airport located 40 km from Taipei. The airport is connected by a shuttle bus to the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Taoyuan Station. Read more about that on our Flying to Taiwan page.