⮪ GuidesUpdated 2/19/2025 - 5 min read

Public Transport

Taiwan boasts an efficient, affordable, and well-connected public transportation system that makes traveling across cities and towns convenient for both locals and visitors. This guide will walk you through the main options and provide helpful Chinese phrases to enhance your experience.

Taipei and Kaohsiung Metro

The metro systems (捷運, Jié Yùn) in Taipei and Kaohsiung are modern, clean, and easy to navigate with bilingual signs and announcements in Chinese and English.

Using the Metro

  1. Get an EasyCard (悠遊卡, Yōu Yóu Kǎ): Purchase at metro stations, convenience stores, or airports. Tap the card to enter and exit stations.
  2. Plan Your Route: Use the metro maps displayed in stations or apps like Google Maps. Stations have clear signage indicating directions and train schedules.
  3. Board the Train: Stand behind the safety lines and wait for passengers to exit before entering. Inside, announcements in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, and English help you track stops.

Cost: Ranges from NT$20 to NT$65 depending on distance. EasyCard offers discounts.

Key Phrases

Taiwan High-Speed Rail

The Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) (高鐵, Gāo Tiě) connects major cities along the west coast, from Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south, offering fast and reliable travel.

Using THSR

  1. Buy Tickets: Purchase tickets at THSR stations, online, or via the THSR app. Reserved seating ensures a hassle-free journey.
  2. Find Your Platform: Stations have clear signage in English. Arrive 10 minutes early to find your platform and seat.
  3. Board the Train: Hold on to your ticket or EasyCard for entry and exit.

Cost: Ticket prices vary by distance, with discounts available for early bookings and group tickets.

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Buses

Buses (公車, gōng chē) operate extensively in cities and rural areas. They're an economical option for local and intercity travel.

Using Buses

  1. Check : Use apps like Bus+ or Google Maps to find bus routes and schedules.
  2. Prepare Fare: Pay with an EasyCard or exact change. Fares vary by distance.
  3. Board and Exit: Enter through the front door, tap your EasyCard or pay in cash, and exit through the rear door.

Cost: Starts at NT$15 in cities.

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Intercity Buses

Intercity buses (客運, Kè Yùn) provide comfortable long-distance travel between major cities and towns at an affordable cost.

Using Intercity Buses

  1. Buy Tickets: Book tickets at bus terminals, online, or via apps like Ubus or Kuo-Kuang.
  2. Board the Bus: Arrive at the terminal early, find your platform, and present your ticket.

Cost: Prices depend on distance, typically cheaper than THSR.

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Taxis and Ridesharing

Taxis (計程車, jì chéng chē) are plentiful, especially in urban areas, and ridesharing apps like Uber are also available in major cities.

Using

  1. Hailing a Taxi: Flag one down on the street or find one at designated stands.
  2. Using Apps: Book a ride via Uber or local apps like Taiwan Taxi.

Cost: Taxi fares start at NT$70 in Taipei, with additional charges for distance and time.

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Bicycles

Many cities offer public bike-sharing "共享單車" (gòng xiǎng dān chē) systems like YouBike (Ubike). They're great "last-mile" solutions for short-distance travel and exploring local areas.

Using YouBike

  1. Register: Link your EasyCard (悠遊卡, yōu yóu kǎ) to YouBike at a kiosk or via the YouBike app.
  2. Rent a Bike: Tap your EasyCard on the dock to unlock a bike (自行車, zì xíng chē).
  3. Return the Bike: Dock the bike at any YouBike station and tap your card to complete the ride.

Cost: Typically NT$5-10 per 30 minutes.

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