Throughout this guide, I’ll cover all public and private transportation options, along with travel passes. Keep reading to learn more.
I’ve tried almost all transportation in Taiwan (except boats) and want to share the best ways to get around. And how to save time or money. I compiled a bunch of information to help you figure things out.
The island does have Uber. Grab and LYFT does not offer its services in Taiwan.
If you’re in Taipei or New Taipei Cities, a combination of the Taipei MRT and city buses are the best way to get around. Budget travelers should take intercity buses to reach different cities.
Those with more of a budget should consider the Taiwan High-Speed Rail—it’s the quickest. Otherwise, you’re stuck relying on buses or taxis when navigating other cities throughout Taiwan.
To go around Taiwan’s main island, you will need at least 2 weeks. So long as you don’t spend too much time in one location. Take Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail, and it’ll take you around 6 hours to get from the top to the bottom of the main island.
Motorbikes, or scooter bikes, are the main transportation in Taiwan, accounting for 48.5% of the country’s transportation [1].
Public Transportation Vehicles in Taiwan Compared
To get around Taiwan, use the following modes of transportation:
| Transportation | Avg. Price (One-Way) | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Bus | NT$15; 1 segment | Budget | Only way to get around in some cities |
| Car Rental | Varies | Road Trips | Getting around the countryside |
| Bicycle rental | NT$5–NT$40 per 30 min | Exercise | Not available in all cities |
| Walking | Free | Cities | NA |
| Ferries | NT$819–NT1,700 | Navigating outlying islands | NA |
| Taiwan Railway Administration | NT$11–NT$836 | Budget inter-city travel | NA |
| Taiwan High-Speed Rail | NT$35–NT$2,500 | Quickly navigating different cities | NA |
| Rideshare | NT$120–NT$1,200 per trip | Comfortable city travel | Price varies by driver, time, & other factors |
| Mass Rapid Transit | NT$20–NT$65 | City travel | Not available in all cities |
| Taxi | NT$16–NT$25 per km | Travel to specific destinations | Many don’t understand English |
Even though you now know how to get around, you must keep reading. Learn more about each mode of transportation in Taiwan and how to access them.
1. YouBike: Taiwan’s Bicycle Rental Service
- How to Pay *: EasyCard, iPass, or bank card
- Price: Varies
YouBike is a public bicycle sharing service with more than a thousand stations throughout various cities.
Find docking stations through Google Maps or the YouBike app. They’re by metro stations, parks, and major tourist attractions most of the time.
There are 3 different types of YouBikes:
- YouBike 1.0: basic YouBike
- YouBike 2.0: upgraded from the 1.0 with more cushy handlebars
- YouBike 2.0E: electric assisted bicycles that are great for old people
Here are the rates you’ll pay for rentals throughout Taiwan:
| Price | Duration |
|---|---|
| NT$5 ($0.17) | First 30 minutes |
| NT$10 ($0.34) | Per 30 minutes (for the next 4 hours) |
| NT$20 ($0.68) | Per 30 minutes (for the next 4–8 hours) |
| NT$40 ($1.36) | Per 30 minutes (after 8 hours) |
| YouBike 2.0 E | |
| NT$20 | Per 30 minutes (for the first 2 hours) |
| NT$40 | per 30 minutes (from the 3rd hour forward) |
| Misc Fees | |
| NT$150 | Roadside assistance |
You must register for using a YouBike online or at a kiosk before using it. Follow the link in the beginning of this section to a guide that’ll show you how to register.
Pay for YouBikes by using EasyCards or iPass.
2. Public Bus: Most Affordable
- How to Pay *: Any smart card (e.g., EasyCard) & coins
- Avg. Price **:
- 1 segment: NT$15
- 2-segment: NT$30
- 3-segment: NT$45
Segment means traveling from one stop to the next.
Mountain buses, shuttles, recreational buses, small buses, electric buses, and driverless buses are on the way.
While it might feel like a roller-coaster on the city buses, they still offer more affordable pricing than most other transportation options. They aren’t ideal for riding during rush hour.
Most buses allow the use of contactless cards. Tap when boarding and leaving—or pay with cash.
Things change when you take an intercity bus, the cheapest route for traveling through Taiwan. Purchase tickets from any Taiwanese convenience store, in person at the station, or from ticket machines at bus stations.
3. Car Rentals: Best for Road Trips
- Rental Price: Varies
- Avg. Parking Cost: Up to NT$150/hr.
- Documents Required: IDP, passport, & payment card
- Required Age to Rent: 20
Avoid this option if you don’t have an International Driving Permit (IDP). If you don’t have your IDP, no car rental service will let you rent any vehicles.
You must visit your country’s automobile association to get started with getting your International Driving Permit. The United States, for instance, has the American Automobile Association.
If you have your IDP and are ready to rent a car in Taiwan, the island nation has a wide selection of rental agencies. Prices range between $65 and $260 (USD) per day.
Avis is one of Taiwan’s most popular car rental services and charges around NT$6,000 per day [2].
4. Scooter Rental: Best for Countryside Navigation
- Rental Price †: Around NT$100–800 per day
- Avg. Parking Cost **: Up to NT$20/hr.
- Documents Required: Taiwan driver’s license, passport, & payment card
- Required Age to Rent: 20
† This price doesn’t include gas or battery swapping costs.
These dangerous yet exhilarating and convenient motorized bikes have storefronts around most train stations and other areas throughout Taiwan’s cities. Moreover, many stores offer electric and gas options.
Another essential expense that you must consider is rain gear. Otherwise, driving in the rain, you’ll find yourself soaked.
Regarding driver’s licenses and permits, requirements depend on where you go.
Some places might require a Taiwanese Scooter License. Others will accept an International Driver’s Permit.
Some electric motorbike sharing services, for example, that require a scooter license, are GoShare and iRent. Scooter rental services that require international driver’s permits include SKRT and WeMo.
Mom-and-pop stores will vary depending on what part of Taiwan you’re visiting. For instance, the countryside will likely have more lenient requirements than a major city like Taipei.
When renting a scooter in Taiwan, use lanes designated for motorbikes and keep your wits about you.
5. Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) & Other Rails: Best Way to Get Around
Compare the number of stations and routes each rapid transit has:
| Taiwan Rapid Transit System | # of Stations | # of Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Taipei MRT | 131 | 6 |
| Taichung MRT | 18 | 1 |
| Alishan Railway | 22 | 1 |
| Danhai LRT | 11 | 1 |
| Kaohsiung LRT | 61 | 2 |
| Taoyuan MRT | 21 | 1 |
One of the best ways to navigate Taiwan’s cities is through the metro or railway; the rides are smooth, quick, and affordable. In addition, many towns throughout Taiwan offer city-specific transit systems.
1. Taipei Metro: Best Way to get Around Taipei
- How to Pay *: EasyCard, icash 2.0, HappyCash, cash, & iPass
- Avg. Price **: NT$20–65
- Number of Stations: 131
The Taipei MRT has 6 lines and 131 stations that will take you through Taipei and New Taipei City. Use these lines to reach the most interesting points, including tourist destinations, train stations, shopping centers, and airports.
The Maokong gondola, a cable car, also falls under the Taipei Metro umbrella. It takes you from the Taipei Zoo MRT Station to Maokong mountain.
Maokong mountain is a gem. Watch New Year’s Eve fireworks or drink tea while overlooking the distant mountains. Moreover, in this area, you have plenty of hiking opportunities to feel the breeze brush your face.
Purchase single-journey tickets—in the form of coins and the least recommended. Or use contactless cards such as EasyCard, iPass, HappyCash, and icash.
Here are all the main Taipei Metro passes passengers have access to:
| Pass | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| One-Day Pass | NT$150 | Many Trips Within 1 Day |
| 24-Hour Pass | NT$180 | Best For Trips To Many Stations Within 24 Hours |
| 48-Hour Pass | NT$280 | Best For Trips To Many Stations Within 48 Hours |
| 72-Hour Pass | NT$380 | Best For Trips To Many Stations Within 72 Hours |
| TPASS | NT$1,200/mo. | Unlimited transportation use (except YouBike) |
Choose whatever pass best matches the time you’ll stay in Taipei. You all who are living in, studying in, or working in Taipei should opt for the Monthly Pass.
Wait. More passes exist.
Here are the different Fun Passes:
| Taipei Fun Pass Type | 1-Day | 2-Day | 3-Day | 4-Day | 5-Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | NT$950 | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Exploring | NA | NT$650 | NT$850 | NT$1,050 | NA |
| Unlimited | NT$1,500 | NT$1,900 | NT$2,200 | NA | NA |
| Transportation | NT$180 | NT$310 | NT$440 | NA | NT$700 |
| Maokong Gondola | NT$350 | NA | NA | NA | NA |
And here are what each pass is best for:
| Taipei Fun Pass Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Classic | Entry into 2 attractions & doubles as EasyCard |
| Exploring | Entry into 23 attractions |
| Unlimited | Unlimited MRT & bus rides + entry into 25 attractions |
| Transportation | Shuttle bus rides |
| Maokong Gondola | Taking the Maokong Gondola |
There’s no reason to cover Classic and Exploring since this is a post about public transportation. I cover all attractions these passes grant free entry to in a separate post.
Unlimited will get you free entry into 25 attractions throughout Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung cities. And they’ll grant you unlimited Taipei Metro and city-wide bus rides.
Calculate the entry fees into each tourist attraction and the cost of transportation to get there. Then compare it to the Fun Passes and see whether it’ll save you money.
2. Taichung Metro: A Decent way to Navigate Taichung
- How to Pay *: EasyCard, icash 2.0, HappyCash, cash, & iPass
- Avg. Price **: NT$20–50
- Number of Stations: 18
In 2021, Taichung finally finished its first operational MRT system, the Green Line. It connects Taichung’s high-speed rail station and local trains with other points of interest like the National Taichung Theater, Top City department store, and Maple Garden.
Also Read:
Let’s compare Taichung Metro passes:
| Taichung Metro Type | Price ** | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| One-Day Pass | NT$120 | Staying in Taichung for less than a day |
| 24-hour Pass | NT$150 | Staying in Taichung for 1 day |
| 48-hour Pass | NT$250 | Staying in Taichung for 2 days |
Considering Taichung’s MRT isn’t that big, these passes don’t offer the most value. Especially when you consider you’ll need to transfer to local trains to reach tourist hotspots (e.g., Miyahara). And these passes don’t cover costs to rent YouBikes or take buses.
Avoid these passes for now. Unless you’ll primarily move along Taichung’s Green Line, which you likely won’t.
3. Alishan Forest Railway
- Number of Stations: 22
- Avg. Price **:
- Main Line: NT$7.75–8.33/km
- Zhushan Line: NT$60–120
- Senmu Line: NT$50–100
- Zhaoping Line: NT$50–100
Initially designed for logging, Alishan’s railway has 22 stations that’ll take you through the infamous mountain resort of Alishan [4]. The forest rail system is meant to present the area’s cultural roots.
Not a means of public transportation.
4. Danhai Light Rail: Efficient Way to Navigate Tamsui District
- How to Pay *: EasyCard, icash 2.0, cash, & iPass
- Avg Price: NT$20–50
- Number of Stations: 11
Tamsui District’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) currently has 11 stations (Danhai LRT map). The above-ground rail system starts at Tamsui’s Fisherman’s Wharf and ends at a massive shopping area under construction.
5. Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation (KRTC)
- How to Pay *: EasyCard, icash 2.0, HappyCash, cash, & iPass
- Avg. Price **:
- LRT: NT$30
- KMRT: NT$20–NT$55
- Number of Stations: 61
Kaosiung combines all these forms of public transportation:
- Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA)
- Light Rail Transit (KLRT): A circular light rail with 30 stations.
- Transfers to the KMRT & harbor.
- Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit (KMRT): Underground subway with 2 routes & 38 stations.
- Transfers to the LRT, TRA, HSR, & harbor.
KRTC allows folks to use EasyCards, iPass, and icash to pay for tickets electronically.
Let’s compare travel passes in Kaohsiung [5]:
| Kaohsiung Pass Type | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| THSR and KRTC joint pass | NT$700–NT$2,780 | Riding the HSR |
| Kaohsiung Fun Card | NT$900 ~ NT$2,980 | Entry into various tourist attractions |
| Kaohsiung LRT Pass | NT$120–NT$260 | KLRT & MRT rides for 1–2 days |
| Kaohsiung MRT Pass (24 & 48 hrs.) | 24 hrs: NT$118048 hrs.: NT$280 | Frequent MRT rides |
The THSR and KRTC joint pass includes:
- KLRT 2-day pass
- One round-trip ride on the ferry
- 3-hour Xinyu bicycle rental voucher
- Museum of Marine Exploration Kaohsiung ticket
- British Consulate entrance ticket
- 3 rides at Suzuka Circuit Park
- 25% discount on return tickets for the High-speed Rail
6. Taoyuan Metro: Best Way to Reach Taoyuan Airport
- How to Pay *: EasyCard, icash 2.0, HappyCash, cash, & iPass
- Avg. Price **: NT$20–65
- Number of Stations: 21
The Taoyuan Metro has one line, but it’ll take you from the Taoyuan International Airport to New Taipei and Taipei cities.
Otherwise, if you want to explore some parts of Taoyuan, such as the Gloria Outlet Malls, or take the high-speed rail, this single line will also take you to those stations.
Here’s a map of the Taoyuan Metro to help you know which stations are essential.
Taoyuan Metro Passes Compared
Let’s compare different Taoyuan Metro passes
| Taoyuan Pass Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Taoyuan Airport MRT Round Trip Ticket and Taipei Metro 48 Hour Pass | NT$520 |
| Taoyuan Airport MRT Round Trip Ticket and Taipei Metro 72 Hour Pass | NT$600 |
These passes work best from taking you to-and-from the airport to Taipei City. Then it’ll give you a means to navigate Taipei and New Taipei City. Use them if you intend on taking the MRT often.
A 1-way airport MRT ticket is a little more than NT$120. You’re getting about half of the money’s worth of those passes just from leaving and returning to the airport.
6. Taxi: Most Efficient Way to get Around
- How to Pay *: Cash, card, & IC cards
- Avg. Price **:
- Base fare: NT$70 (first 1.25 km)
- Rate: NT$5 (per 200 m)
- Waiting Time: NT$5 (per 100 sec)
In the big city, you’ll likely see taxis everywhere. Whether through the LINE app’s taxi service or a regular taxi. Moreover, according to Taiwanese law, Uber is also considered a taxi [6].
Most taxi drivers don’t speak English. All you need to do is show them the address of where you need to go and keep your eye on the meter. To achieve the best results, have the address of your destination written in Traditional Chinese. If you’re using Uber, let the app do everything.
If you’re outside a metropolitan area, drivers may ask for a flat rate before starting the journey. Furthermore, they’re likely to have higher prices outside, for instance, Taipei. On top of that, the local governments set the fares in most cities.
Here’s a list of phone numbers you’ll need to file complaints against taxi drivers in Taiwan:
- Kaohsiung: +886-7-222-6816
- Taichung’s government: +886-4-2228-9111
- Taichung Motor Vehicles Office: +886-4-2691-3464
- Tainan: +886-6-295-3221
- TaipeiTraffic Division, Taipei City Police Department: +886-2311-6409 or +886-2375-2100
- Taipei Department of Transportation: +886-2-2720-8889 ext.6888
- Taipei City Public Transportation Office: +886-2-2759-2677
Don’t forget to note your driver’s name, the time you took your taxi, your route, and other details you think you’ll need for your phone call.
7. Train: Best Way to Travel Across Cities
Taiwan has two train options: the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) and the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR). Each comes with different perks that make it up to you to choose your preferred transportation.
Dfferent ways to buy a HSR and TRA ticket in Taiwan include:
- Ibon kiosk at any 7-Eleven: bring your passport
- Everything’s in Chinese: Here’s a good tutorial to help you buy a ticket from the ibon
- Book online at visit thsrc.com.tw: it’s possible to change the site language to English
- HSR station counter
The HSR allows passengers to order tickets 12 days in advance in person (14 online). Buy your tickets 5 days earlier, and you’ll get 35%, 20%, or 10% off your ticket [3]. Their website lists what early bird discounts you’ll receive based on the time you preorder your ticket.
Don’t dispose of your ticket. You’ll need it to enter and depart from the train.
1. Taiwan Railway Administration: Best Way to Navigate Inside Cities
- How to Pay *: Cash, card, & IC cards
- Avg. Price **: NT$40–500
- Number of Stations: 241
The slower variation of Taiwan’s intercity rail system offers 241 stations that run along both coasts. However, they do not provide service within Taiwan’s Central Mountains.
While riding these trains, consider getting bento boxes or souvenirs from train attendants.
The TRA offers various services or classes that’ll suit the needs of different travelers. These classes include:
| TRA Type | Price Per km | Stop Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Local | NT$1.46 | All stations |
| Fast Local | NT$1.46 | Some stops |
| Fu-hsing | NT$1.46 | Some stops |
| Chu-kuang | NT$1.75 | Some Stops |
| Tze-chiang | NT$2.27 | Only major stations |
| Taroko Express | NT$2.27 | Few stations |
| Puyuma Express | NT$2.27 | Few stations |
Tze-chiang, Chu-kuang, and Fu-hsing all offer reserved seating. Local and Fast Local don’t. Therefore, if you intend on taking the Taroko or Puyuma classes, you’re required to reserve seating.
2. Taiwan High-Speed Rail: Quickest Intercity Travel
- How to Pay *: Cash, card, & IC cards
- Avg. Price **: NT$740–2,500
The THSR runs on the West Coast and costs more than the commuter. However, if you’re looking to save time, it’s well worth the investment.
For instance, going from Taipei to Kaohsiung will take you 60–120 minutes. Whereas, if you take the bus or commuter, it’ll take 270–360 minutes. When taking the Taiwan High-Speed Rail, you’ll have access to food and snacks and feel like you’re on an airliner.
Think of it like Japan’s Shinkansen (bullet train). But more affordable.
Taiwan’s THSR has 12 stations on its route that include:
| Nangang (Taipei) | Taipei Main Station | Banqiao Station (New Taipei) |
| Taoyuan | Hsinchu | Miaoli |
| Taichung | Changhua | Yulin |
| Chiayi | Tainan | Zuoying District (Kaohsiung) |
Taiwan’s High-speed Rail stations.
If you’re saving expenses from other parts of your vacation, I highly recommend using the THSR for zooming across western Taiwan. To make the most of your time.
Let’s compare THSR passes:
| Kaohsiung Pass Type | Adult Price | Child Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Pass | NT$2,200 | NT$1,100 |
| Flexible 2-Day Pass | NT$2,500 | NT$1,250 |
| THSR & TRA Joint Pass 5-Day Standard | NT$2,800 | NT$1,400 |
| THSR & TRA Joint Pass 5-Day Premium | NT$3,600 | NT$1,800 |
What does “Flexible” mean in the 2-Day pass?
You don’t need to take the train for 2 consecutive days. Say you need to take the HSR on Monday and Wednesday. So long as you don’t use the pass on Tuesday, it’s possible to use this pass during those days.
Otherwise:
The Joint Standard passes work best for anyone who wants to take Fu-Hsing Semi and Chu-Kuang Express TRA trains. The Premium pass gives you access to the above trains, along with the other available train types
8. Boats: Best Way to Travel to Taiwan’s Islands
- Avg. Price **: NT$860–1,700
One of the various boats that’ll transport you through Taiwan’s bodies of water.
To reach Taiwan’s offshore islands, fly or take a ferry. If you’re not in Taiwan during typhoon season, it’ll be safe for you to use marine transport.
Some of the many sea travel routes that you’ll find include:
- Kaohsiung – Magong
- Chiayi – Magong
- Matsu – Keelung
- Taitung Fugang – Orchid Island (Lanyu)
- Chiayi – Penghu
For certain islands like Kinmen, there’s no way to take a boat from Taiwan’s main island. You must arrive by flight or a ferry from China.
Taiwan Public Transportation Tips
Keep these tips in mind when on Taiwan’s public transportation:
- Invest in a contactless card: Use them to enter/exit public transportation & make purchases at supported shops
- Download a bus- or MRT-related app: Know when your public transportation arrives, the costs, & time it takes to reach your destination
- Stand on the right side of escalators: Walk along the left side.
- It’s considered rude to stand in walkers’ ways.
- Don’t eat food on public transportation: Otherwise, you’ll face fines.
- It is fine to eat on some trains
FAQs for Getting Around Taiwan
explore this list of commonly asked questions to clear any questions that you may have about getting around Taiwan.
What Is the Best Way To Travel Around Taiwan?
The best way to travel around Taiwan is by taking High-speed rail trains to different cities, then using their Metro systems. Taking an Uber will help you navigate the countryside and outlying islands.
Is It Easy To Commute in Taiwan?
If you’re in the countryside, you’ll need a car or motorbike rental to get around. Conversely, if you’re in a city like New Taipei or Kaohsiung, you’ll find it a lot easier due to their myriad of transportation options.
Do You Tip Uber in Taiwan?
In Taiwan, you don’t have to tip your Uber or taxi drivers. However, if you feel generous, tip the driver—it likely won’t offend them.
More Guides for Visitors
Share this on Pinterest!
It’s fine if you use this image on your website. However, if you do, please link back to this post: eagernomad.com/getting-around-Taiwan
