Getting around Taiwan 收藏

大學問編輯部 2022-03-25 2022-03-25 Global

Taiwan has the well-developed, reliable and safe transportation network, making it easy to get around the island.

Among cities

There are 4 main means of transportation for students to use when they travel among cities, namely intercity buses, Taiwan Railway, Taiwan High Speed Rail and domestic flights.

Intercity Buses
Also known as long-distance highway buses, which are mostly run by private companies. They carry passengers to different counties and cities through provincial and national highways. Intercity buses shuttle through major cities every day. Some even provide 24-hour service, so it’s convenient to take. Tickets can be purchased online or directly at the bus stations.
★ Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport
★ Ubus
★ Ho-Hsin Bus

Taiwan Railway
Taiwan Railway has been providing conventional transportation service to people in Taiwan for over 135 years. The 3 main lines form a loop around the island connecting most of the major cities, with 10 small branch lines providing commuter services into the cities. There are several 7 types of passenger trains, in which Taroko and Puyuma Express offer the highest speed of 130 km/h, taking about 3 hours and 41 minutes from Taipei City to Kaohsiung. The fares are highly regulated and strictly distance and train-class based.
★ Taiwan Railway

Taiwan High Speed Rail
Taiwan High Speed Rail has been providing safe and fast transportation services for Taiwan’s commuters for more than 14 years. It goes along the west coast of Taiwan, from Nangang to Taipei, Banqiao, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, and Zuoying. Its speed can reach up to 300 km/h, taking as little as 1 hour and 45 minutes from Taipei City to Kaohsiung, providing an efficient and express transportation service to many people traveling from northern to southern part of Taiwan within 1 day. It offers up to 50% discount on standard class reserved seats to domestic college students, who should present a valid student ID card when boarding.
★ Taiwan High Speed Rail

Domestic flights
Domestic air routes in Taiwan are quite developed, with a total of 16 domestic airports all over Taiwan. Taking a flight is almost as usual as taking an intercity bus, especially during holidays, flights are always fully booked. Students are advised to reserve an air-ticket in advance to secure a seat. Fares vary by distance and airlines.
★ China Airlines
★ Daily Air
★ EVA Air
★ Mandarin Airlines
★ Tigerair Taiwan
★ Uni Air
★ Starlux Airlines

Within cities

As to traveling within cities, students can use city buses, Mass Rapid Transit, public bicycle, and taxi.

City buses
City buses are the most common yet indispensable modes of public transportation in all counties and cities in Taiwan. Every city has its own bus network, with numerous routes covering every district, forming an extensive network of bus service in downtown and remote areas. They are very frequent and convenient to take. The fares of some city buses are collected based on fare zones, while some are calculated based on mileage of travel. All fares can be paid with EasyCard or Cash, yet no change is provided. EasyCard users are entitled to special discounts when transferring between Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and buses.
★ Taipei City Bus Info
★ Taichung City Bus Info
★ Tainan City Bus Info
★ Kaohsiung City Bus Info

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
There are five MRT systems in Taiwan, namely Taipei Metro, New Taipei Metro, Taichung Metro, Taoyuan Airport Metro, and Kaohsiung Metro, which are the most efficient mode of transportation in the cities. Their punctuality, comfortability and well-connected network are welcomed by many people in Taiwan. All fares are distance-based.
★ Taipei Metro
★ Taichung Metro
★ Kaohsiung Metro
★ New Taipei City Metro
★ Taoyuan Airport Metro

Public Bicycle
There are public bicycle rental services offered throughout Taiwan to encourage a healthy lifestyle with exercise. YouBike is one of them. Yellow YouBikes can be easily found in the streets and alleys. Students can rent it in one place and return it in another. It is suitable for short-distance use, and the rental is bearable.
★ YouBike

Taxi
Taxis in Taiwan are mostly yellow in color and can be found in most of Taiwan's cities. They provide comfortable, convenient, yet more expensive service than other transportation means. Fare is distance-based and charged slightly different in each city. There may be other fees like waiting fee, night allowance, trunk usage fee or other surcharge incurred.
★ Taiwan Taxi
★ M-Taxi
★ Yoxi Taxi