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Quick Look: How to Get Around in Taiwan
For Long Trips (Between Cities)
- High Speed Rail (HSR): The HSR is a very fast train. It connects big cities on the west coast. Use it to save time.
- TRA Train: This train goes all around Taiwan. It is cheaper than the HSR. Its stations are in the city center.
- Bus: Buses are the cheapest way to travel between cities. They go to many places.
For Short Trips (Inside a City)
Metro (MRT): Big cities like Taipei have a metro. It is clean, fast, and easy to use. All signs are in English.
City Bus: Buses go almost everywhere in a city. They are very cheap.
Taxi and Uber: Taxis are easy to find. You can also use Uber in big cities. The Uber app is in English.
YouBike: You can rent a YouBike. This is a public bike. It is good for short trips and exploring.
What's the Best Way for A Island Loop Trip?
For a trip around the whole island, the easiest way is to join a tour. You will not have to worry about planning transportation.
We suggest choosing Asia Odyssey Travel. Our company has an office right in Taipei. This means we can create the perfect trip for you with great local support. We handle all the details so you can have a smooth and enjoyable tour.
The Most Important Thing First: Get a Taiwan Transportation Card
If there is one single tip that will make your travel in Taiwan smoother and more efficient, this is it. This single card is the key to unlocking the island's incredibly convenient public transport network.
For a small initial cost, you get a seamless tap-and-go experience that works almost everywhere.
What is an EasyCard (悠遊卡) or iPASS (一卡通)?
The EasyCard and iPASS are the two main rechargeable contactless smart cards used in Taiwan.
Their primary function is to pay for transportation. You can use them on:
- MRT systems (subways) in Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Taoyuan.
- City buses all across the island.
- Taiwan Railways (TRA) local trains for short-distance travel.
- YouBike public bike rental stations.
- Light rail systems and some passenger ferries.
Beyond transport, these cards are also accepted as a form of payment at thousands of locations. This is incredibly useful for small purchases.
You can use your card at all major convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart), supermarkets, coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, and even in some vending machines and for paying for parking.
Where to Buy and Top Up Your Card?
Getting and adding money to your card is very simple. The card itself typically costs NT$100 (about $3 USD), which is a non-refundable deposit for the card itself. You then add money to it for your fares and purchases.
Where to Buy:
- At the Airport: The easiest place is the Taoyuan Airport MRT service counter upon arrival. You can also buy them at the convenience stores located in the arrival hall.
- Any MRT Station: Go to the information counter or use the automated ticket machines at any station in Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, or Taoyuan.
- Any Convenience Store: Simply go to the checkout counter at a 7-Eleven or FamilyMart and ask to buy an "EasyCard" or "iPASS."
How to Top Up (Add Money):
- At MRT station machines: All stations have top-up machines. Just place your card on the sensor, insert cash, and confirm the amount.
- At convenience stores: This is the most common method. Hand your card and cash to the cashier and say "top up." They will do it for you instantly.
EasyCard vs. iPASS: Which One to Choose?
For a tourist, it makes almost no difference which card you choose. In the past, EasyCard was more dominant in northern Taiwan (Taipei) while iPASS was more common in the south (Kaohsiung).
However, today the systems are almost fully integrated. Both cards are accepted on all major transport networks and at all major convenience store chains island-wide.
Getting Around Taiwan: From City to City
How you'll get from one city to another in Taiwan. It's actually very easy, and you have three great choices: the super-fast bullet train (HSR), the classic local train (TRA), and the super-cheap bus.
- If you want to travel as fast as possible between major cities on western coast (except transportation between Kaohsiung and Tainan), the HSR is your best friend.
- If you want a great mix of good price and convenience, the TRA train is perfect. Its stations are right in the city centers and it connects to almost every town.
- If you're on a tight budget or need to get somewhere without a train station (like Sun Moon Lake), the long-distance bus is the way to go.
Taipei to Kaohsiung: Time, Fare, Route & Map
Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR): The Fastest Way to Travel
For traveling long distances between major cities on Taiwan's populous west coast, the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) is the undisputed champion of speed and efficiency.
A trip from Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south takes only about 90 minutes on the HSR. The same trip on a regular train or bus would take 4 to 6 hours! It does cost a bit more, but the time you save is totally worth it.
The HSR only runs on the west coast of Taiwan. So, it won't take you to east coast places like Hualien. The train line starts in Taipei and ends in Kaohsiung.
Key stops for tourists include:
Nangang / Taipei: Main hubs for the capital city.
Taoyuan: Connects to the Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) via the Airport MRT.
Taichung: A gateway to central Taiwan, including Sun Moon Lake.
Chiayi: The primary access point for visiting Alishan National Scenic Area.
Tainan: Taiwan's oldest and most historic city.
Zuoying (Kaohsiung): The main station for Taiwan's second-largest city.
Types of Seats (Classes)
- Standard Seat: This is what most people get. You get your own assigned seat. It's clean and comfy.
- Business Class: (2+2 layout). This is a fancy option. You get a bigger seat, more legroom, and a free drink and snack. It costs more.
- Non-Reserved Seat: This ticket is a little cheaper. You don't get an assigned seat. You just go to the non-reserved cars (usually cars 10, 11, and 12) and find any open seat. If it's very busy, you might have to stand for a little while. This is great if you decide to travel at the last minute.
Important Note: Many HSR stations are located slightly outside the main city centers. However, they are all well-connected to downtown areas by local TRA trains, MRT (in Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung), or free shuttle buses.
How to Get to Tainan from Taipei? (4 Easy Ways)
TRA Trains - The Affordable Way to Reach More Towns
TRA is Taiwan's regular train system. The trains are a bit slower, but they go everywhere on the island. This is how you'll see the beautiful east coast and all the cute little towns. Plus, it's much cheaper than the HSR!
If you want to go to the east coast, TAR is the only train that goes to places like Hualien (for Taroko Gorge) or Taitung. And The TRA stops at cool places the HSR misses, like Ruifang (the station for Jiufen) or the Houtong Cat Village.
And for travel between Tainan and Kaohsiung the regular TRA train is your best choice. Its stations are right in the city centers, and the trip takes 30-50 minutes. While the HSR is faster, its stations are far away, making the TRA much more convenient for this journey.
What Kind of TRA Trains Are There?
- Tze-Chiang (The Fast One): This is the fastest and nicest TRA train. It makes very few stops. You should take this for long trips, like from Taipei to Hualien. The Puyuma and Taroko trains are extra-fast types of this train.
- Chu-Kuang (The Medium One): This train is also good, but it's a little slower and stops at more stations.
- Local Train (The Slow One): This train stops at every single station. You don't need to book a seat, you just get on and find a spot. It's like a subway.
Can You Use Your EasyCard on the TRA?
Yes, you can! This is super easy for many train trips. You can just tap your EasyCard or iPASS to get in and out of the station.
The newest and fastest express trains do NOT accept EasyCard taps. You must buy a ticket for these specific trains before you get on. These trains are:
- Puyuma Express (普悠瑪)
- Taroko Express (太魯閣)
- The new Tze-Chiang 3000 series trains (新自強)
Long-Distance Buses: The Budget-Friendly Way to Explore
When traveling between cities in Taiwan, long-distance buses are the most affordable option. This is the biggest advantage of the bus system: Goes Where Trains Don't.
Buses are often the only direct public transportation to major attractions like Sun Moon Lake or Kenting National Park. Buses are the recommended choice for the following journeys:
Taipei to Yilan: Because the bus travels through a long tunnel, it is often faster and more direct than the winding train route.
From major cities to Sun Moon Lake: There is no train station at Sun Moon Lake. Direct buses run from cities like Taipei and Taichung, making it the most convenient way to get there.
From Kaohsiung (Zuoying HSR Station) to Kenting: Kenting is at the southern tip of Taiwan and has no train service. The Kenting Express Bus is the primary way for tourists to reach the beaches and national park from Kaohsiung.
As a budget alternative on the West Coast: For travel between Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, buses are a much cheaper, albeit slower, alternative to the HSR and TRA trains.
Kaohsiung to Kenting: Express Bus, Taxi/Shared Car, Train, Scooter (2025)
How to Get Around in Cities: MRT, Bus, and Bike
Once you're settled in a Taiwanese city, getting around is cheap and very efficient. You'll mainly use the metro (MRT), city buses, and maybe even the public bikes to explore. Here’s a simple breakdown of your best options.
MRT (Metro/Subway): Best Choice for Main Cities in Taiwan
Once you're in a big city, the MRT is your absolute best friend. The two main MRT systems you'll use are in Taipei (this is the biggest and most useful one) and Kaohsiung (the big city in the south).
A few other cities, like Taoyuan, Taichung, and New Taipei City, also have their own newer, smaller lines that connect to the main system or serve their local area.
City Buses
Buses are fantastic for reaching specific places that the MRT might not, like a particular museum, a small neighborhood cafe, or a hiking trail entrance. They go almost everywhere.
Just watch what the locals in front of you are doing. If they tap getting on, you do too. You can also look at the sign above the driver's head; it will usually say in Chinese and English whether to pay on entry (上車收費) or exit (下車收費).
Taxi/Uber
If you need to get somewhere directly, have lots of luggage, or are traveling late at night after the MRT has closed, taxis are a reliable choice.
Uber is also available in all major cities and works just like it does at home. The app is in English, you can see the price upfront, and you don't need to worry about a language barrier, making it a very convenient option for many tourists.
YouBike (Public Bike Sharing)
For short distances or a bit of fun, YouBike is an amazing option. The system is widespread in most cities, especially Taipei.
You'll need a local phone number and your EasyCard to register at a station kiosk for the first time. Once you're set up, you just tap your EasyCard to unlock a bike and tap it again when you return it to any station.
How to Get to Yangmingshan from Taipei (2025)
How to Get to Jiufen (Jiufen Old Street) from Taipei? (4 Ways)
Arriving in Taiwan: Taiwan Airport Transportation
Taoyuan TPE to Taipei City
Taoyuan Airport (TPE) is located about 40km from Taipei. The best way into the city is the Airport MRT Express Train, which avoids traffic and takes only 35-40 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station.
Kaohsiung KHH to Downtown
Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) is conveniently located very close to the city center. The fastest and most efficient way downtown is by taking the Kaohsiung MRT directly from the airport's station (R4). The ride on this Red Line takes only 15-20 minutes to reach major hubs like Formosa Boulevard or Kaohsiung Main Station.
Useful Transportation Apps in Taiwan
| App Name | Primary Use | Key Features for Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | All-in-One Navigation | Essential for walking, driving, and public transport directions. Integrates MRT and bus schedules, making it perfect for planning your day. |
| Bus+ | Real-Time Transit Tracking | Provides live arrival times for city buses across Taiwan, which is more reliable than static timetables. Also includes MRT and TRA train info. |
| T Express | High Speed Rail (HSR) Tickets | The official app for booking and managing HSR tickets. |
| 台铁e订通 (Taiwan Railway e-booking) | TRA Train Tickets | The official app for booking all non-high-speed trains (TRA). |
| Uber | Ride-Hailing | Works just like at home with an English interface and in-app payment. |
Trace Taiwan with Your Local Guide - Asia Odyssey Travel
Explore Taiwan with Asia Odyssey Travel! We are a local travel company with an office in Taipei. We are here to help you enjoy the best of Taiwan. We offer simple, fun, and real local tours.
Our Taiwan Tours at a Glance:
✅ Taiwan Tours: 25+ Best Tour Packages
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✅ Top Taiwan Destinations: Taipei · Kaohsiung · Alishan · Sun Moon Lake
Helpful Guides for Your Taiwan Trip:
Taiwan Travel Guide & Travel Tips: All you need to know before you go.
Useful Advice: Best Time to Visit, Cost, How to Plan, Mountains, Night Markets, Beaches, Temples, Food, Transportation, Things to Do.
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