Transportation Options in Taiwan

All cities and the majority of tourist sites in Taiwan are connected by a web of safe, efficient, and affordable transport. Therefore, understanding the various modes of transportation available can greatly enhance your travel experience.

Traveling Across Taiwan: The Basics

There are far more options to go up and down the island than across, mainly due to the Central Mountain Range running down the middle like a spine. If you plan on traveling across Taiwan, be prepared to utilize a mix of trains, high-speed rail, ferries, and buses.

Electric Transportation Initiatives

Steps are being taken to increase the number of electric vehicles on the road, most notably through the Blueprint for Net-Zero Emissions by 2050. Currently, only 8% of city and intercity buses are electric, but the government has vowed to introduce 1,000 electric buses annually from 2023 while removing up to 11,000 diesel vehicles by 2030. The goal is for all buses to run on electricity by 2030, and operators are receiving incentives to transition to greener options.

Explore the East Coast by Train

The Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) has a comprehensive train system that connects major cities along both the east and west coasts. Comfortable, safe, and reliable, TRA trains operate with minimal delays, making them a convenient option for travelers.

• Zìqiáng (自強) Express Trains: Fast and pricier, these trains provide direct service to popular destinations.
• Taroko Express (太魯閣): A unique tilting train allowing for a swift journey from Taipei to Hualien in just two hours.
• Puyuma Express (普悠瑪): The fastest train in the TRA system, reaching speeds of 150 km/h (93 mph).

High-Speed Rail: Quick Travel Between Major Cities

To save time traveling north-south, consider the bullet service on Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR). With the ability to zip from Taipei to Kaohsiung (Zuoying station) in as fast as 90 minutes, this is an efficient choice for long-distance travel.

Enjoy Scenic Views on a Sightseeing Train

In addition to the TRA and HSR, several small-gauge branch lines, often containing vintage trains, enhance the travel experience. The Alishan Forest Railway, for instance, connects Chiayi to the mountain resort of Alishan and is a favorite among tourists.

Affordable Intercity Bus Options

There’s a network of intercity buses running from Taipei to various locations, including Kenting National Park. While west coast services are frequent, connections to the east coast are limited.

Tourist Shuttle Buses for Major Attractions

Taiwan features a well-organized system of small shuttle buses connecting tourist attractions to TRA and HSR stations. These buses typically range from hourly on weekdays to half-hourly on weekends.

Utilizing Your Own Wheels

Having your own vehicle is particularly useful on the east coast, offshore islands, and mountainous regions. An International Driver’s Permit is necessary for driving, and those renting scooters may need additional motorcycle endorsements.

Weather Considerations for Ferries

Regular ferry routes operate to several islands in summer. However, sailings can be affected by weather, leading to cancellations, particularly to Green Island, Lanyu, and Matsu.

Accessible Transportation Options

In recent years, Taiwan’s train systems have made strides toward accessibility, with nearly all metro stations equipped with necessary facilities. Buses offer some level of convenience but are less uniform in accessibility features.

Use of EasyCard for Public Transit

EasyCard is Taiwan’s contactless smart card for convenient payment on public transportation, including metro services and city buses. The card provides discounted fares for certain travel distances.

This article was first published on November 23, 2022, and updated on October 26, 2023.