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Taipei to Jiufen Distance: 35 KM (22 Mile)
Jiufen is about 35 kilometers (around 22 miles) from central Taipei. It’s located northeast of Taipei. It's a former gold mining town built into a mountain in the Ruifang District of New Taipei City, overlooking the coast.
Think of it as part of the classic day-trip loop from Taipei. Yehliu Geopark is up on the northern coastline, while Jiufen and Shifen (famous for its waterfall and sky lanterns) are a bit further east, tucked into the mountains and river valleys.
Transportation in Taiwan: Easy Card, HSR, MTR & More (with Map)
Taipei to Jiufen Options: Which is Better?
| Options | Travel Time | Feathers |
|---|---|---|
| Day Trip | - | Best for first timer |
| Direct Bus | 60-80 min | Direct & cheapest way |
| Train + Bus | 45-70 min | Alternative Option |
| Taxi | 40-50 min | Fastest & easiest way |
Taipei to Jiufen Day Trip: Most Recommended for First Timer
The glowing red lanterns, the little alleys, and the teahouses that look like they're from the movie Spirited Away. It's at the top of everyone's list for a reason. If you've traveled a lot in Asia before, you can probably figure out the public bus to Jiufen.
But for anyone visiting Taiwan for the first time, I really think booking a day trip is the best idea. You can avoid the stress of figuring out how to get from one spot to the next.
Most day trips combine Jiufen with other cool spots nearby. You'll usually go to:
- Yehliu Geopark: A place by the sea with crazy-looking rocks. They look like they're from another planet. Everyone tries to get a good picture of the famous "Queen's Head" rock.
- Shifen Old Street: This is that really cool village where a train runs right down the middle of the street. It's the famous place where you can paint your wishes on a big paper lantern and let it fly up into the sky.
You can find tours on big websites, or you can just contact us at ASIA ODYSSEY TRAVEL. We focus on private tours or genuinely small groups. And handle the frustrating parts you haven't even thought of yet, like navigating the insane weekend traffic or finding a place to park.
How Many Days in Taipei: Itinerary for Taipei [1,2,3,4 & 5 Days]
Taipei to Jiufen Bus: Direct & Cheapest Way
There are two main direct buses people use to get from Taipei to Jiufen. They leave from different parts of the city, so pick the one that's closer to you. Both take 60-80 min from Taipei to Jiufen.
The bus is a good choice if you are on a very tight budget, traveling solo, and have plenty of time and patience.
- Bus 965 from Taipei to Jiufen (best for travelers stay in Ximending, Taipei Main Station)
- Bus 1062 from Taipei to Jiufen (ideal for travelers from Taipei 101 to Jiufen)
Option 1: Bus 965 (Near Ximending, Taipei Main Station)
Time: 60-80 min
Frequency: Week Day 06:00-21:00 (Every 15-30 min), Weekend 07:00-21:00 (Every 10-30 min)
Cost: TWD 90
This is usually the best option for tourists. Perfect if you're staying near Ximending, Taipei Main Station, or anywhere on the west side of the city.
Where to Catch It: Go to Ximen MRT Station and find Exit 2. The bus stop is right there on the big street (Zhonghua Road).
Option 2: Bus 1062 (Near Taipei 101)
Time: 60-90 min
Frequency: Week Day 08:10-18:40 (Every 20-40 min), Weekend 07:50-19:10 (Every 15-40 min)
Cost: TWD 94
This is the original bus route that has been running for years. It's a bit slower because it takes local roads through the city and stop at 45 stations.
Perfect if you're staying on the east side of Taipei, near Taipei 101, Daan, or anywhere along the Blue or Brown MRT lines.
Where to Catch It: Go to Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station and find Exit 2. The bus stop is right on the main road (Fuxing South Road) directly in front of the big, white SOGO department store.
How to get from Taipei to Jiufen by Bus Budget? (With Easy Card)
Use your EasyCard or iPASS. Just tap the card on the reader when you get on, and don't forget to tap it again when you get off.
20 Must Do in Taipei: Top Things to Do & Non-Touristy Spots
Taipei to Jiufen Train via Ruifang: Taipei Main Station to Jiufen (Alternative Choice)
Taking the train from Taipei Main Station to Jiufen is another great way, especially if you hate searching for bus stops or waiting in long lines for a bus.
Many people also choose the train because they think it's faster and more comfortable. They're right, but here's the catch: the train doesn't actually go to Jiufen.
It drops you off in a town called Ruifang. From the Ruifang station, you'll need to catch a quick bus or a taxi to get up the mountain to Jiufen. This guide will show you exactly how to do both parts of the trip.
Part 1: Taipei to Ruifang Train (33-57 Min)
| Duration | Trains | Frequency | Prices | Train Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:25-23:00 | Over 45 Trains daily | Every 20-30 min | TWD 73-409 | 33-57 min |
Where to Catch in Taipei?
Taipei Main Station, This is the huge, central station in the city. Inside, don't follow the signs for the Metro (MRT) or the High Speed Rail (HSR). Look for the signs for the regular train, which is called the TRA.
In the main hall, look at the big electronic departure boards. The board won't say "Ruifang." It will show the train's final destination.
Look for trains heading towards Hualien, Taitung, or Su'ao. Ruifang is a major stop on these lines. For trains going east to Ruifang, it is almost always Platform 4.
Which train types to Choose?
There are two main types of trains that go to Ruifang.
- Local Train (Budget): This is the commuter train. It's like a subway but above ground. There are no reserved seats. It's first-come, first-served. If it's busy, you might have to stand. But it’s the budget choice.
- Express Train (Faster): Tze-Chiang Limited Express, Tze-Chiang Ltd. Express (3000), Puyuma Express, Chu-Kuang Express, there are the faster, more comfortable long-distance trains. And need a ticket for a seat.
Can I Use Easy Card?
Absolutely. Your EasyCard is the most convenient way to pay. You simply tap your card at the gate in Taipei and tap out when you arrive in Ruifang.
Just remember this key difference: on a Local Train, your tap gets you a regular spot, while on an Express (except Puyuma & Tze-Chiang Ltd. Express (3000)), it only buys you entry to the train without a reserved seat.
Ruifang to Jiufen: 15 Min Away from Jiufen
Once your train arrives at Ruifang Station, get off. You're now just 15 minutes away from Jiufen. Follow the signs to exit the station. When you walk out the front door, you'll see a busy street.
Turn left after you exit the station and walk down the street for about 200 meters (about a 2-minute walk). You will see a bus stop on the other side of the street, right across from the police station. Lots of other tourists will be waiting.
Which Bus? Look for bus numbers 788, 827, or 965. They all go to Jiufen. Every 15 min a bus.
Find a Taxi: Taxis are usually waiting right outside the station exit. They have a fixed price to go to Jiufen, which is NT$205. This is a great option if you have 3-4 people to split the cost.
How Many Days in Taipei: Itinerary for Taipei [1,2,3,4 & 5 Days]
Taipei to Jiufen Taxi: Fastest & Easy Way (45-60 min)
If you want to skip the bus lines and train transfers, a taxi is the simplest solution. It's the fastest way to get directly to Jiufen Old Street (about 40-50 minutes) and costs around NT$1,200 - NT$1,500 one-way.
It's the ideal choice for a group of 3-4 people splitting the cost, or for anyone traveling with family.
And yes, Uber works perfectly here too. Always check the Uber app price against the rate from a street taxi to see which is cheaper at that moment.
Jiufen to Shifen: Distance & Transportation
Your next stop is Shifen Old Street and its famous waterfall? Let's get one very important thing straight first.
Jiufen and Shifen are 20km apart. On a map, they look close, but in reality, they're separated by winding mountain roads, and there is no direct public transportation between them.
Because of these roads, the short distance takes longer than you'd expect.
- By Taxi/Car: About 30-40 minutes.
- By Public Transport: At least 1 hour, and that's not counting waiting time.
Option 1: Taxi (The Easy Way)
This is the fastest and simplest method. Head to the main entrance of Jiufen Old Street (near the 7-11), where you'll find a line of taxis waiting. They do this trip all day. The drivers here use a fixed price, which will be about NT$800 - NT$1,000 for the one-way trip to Shifen.
Option 2: Public Transport (The Budget Way)
This is a two-step journey. First, go back to the bus stop and take any bus heading downhill (the most common are #788 and #965) to get to Ruifang Train Station. From there, buy a ticket for the Pingxi Line and take the train to Shifen Station.
Once you're there, Shifen Waterfall is just a scenic 10-minute walk from the Old Street.
Transportation in Taiwan: Easy Card, HSR, MTR & More (with Map)
Travel to Taipei with Your Local Guide - Asia Odyssey Travel
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