Public Transportation Guide
Taiwan has one of the most convenient and foreigner-friendly public transportation systems in Asia. Most transportation services offer English-language websites, mobile apps, station signage, and ticket machines.
For newcomers, it is highly recommended to purchase an EasyCard or iPASS, which can be used across most public transportation systems throughout Taiwan.
1. Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)
The Taiwan High Speed Rail is the fastest way to travel along Taiwan's west coast.
Best For
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Traveling between Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung
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Business trips
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Long-distance travel
How to Ride
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Book tickets online or through the THSR app.
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Purchase tickets at station counters or ticket machines.
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Enter the station using a paper ticket, QR code, or mobile ticket.
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Choose between Reserved Seating and Non-Reserved Seating.
Highlights
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Maximum speed: 300 km/h (186 mph)
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Taipei to Kaohsiung in approximately 95 minutes
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Connects major cities along Taiwan's western corridor
Official Website
Taiwan High Speed Rail (English)
2. Taiwan Railway (TRA)
The Taiwan Railway network connects cities, towns, and scenic destinations across the entire island, including Taiwan's east coast.
Best For
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Round-island travel
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Visiting Hualien and Taitung
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Exploring smaller towns and rural areas
How to Ride
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Book tickets online or via the TRA app.
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Purchase tickets at station counters or vending machines.
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Use an EasyCard or iPASS for local and commuter trains.
Train Types
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Tze-Chiang Limited Express (Fastest)
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Chu-Kuang Express
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Local Trains
Official Website
Taiwan Railway Administration (English)
3. Metro Systems (MRT)
Taiwan currently operates several metro systems in major cities.
Taipei Metro
The largest and most extensive metro network in Taiwan.
Service Area
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Taipei City
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New Taipei City
Official Website
New Taipei Metro
Includes:
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Danhai Light Rail
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Ankeng Light Rail
Official Website
New Taipei Metro
Taoyuan Metro
Operates the Airport MRT connecting downtown Taipei and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
Official Website
Taichung Metro
Official Website
Kaohsiung Metro
Official Website
Payment Methods
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EasyCard
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iPASS
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Contactless bank cards (available on selected systems)
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Single-journey tickets
Important Note
Eating or drinking inside MRT stations and trains is prohibited and may result in a fine.
4. City Buses
City buses are available in nearly every city and county across Taiwan.
Best For
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Reaching destinations not covered by MRT systems
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Local sightseeing
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Suburban travel
How to Ride
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Tap your EasyCard or iPASS when boarding and/or exiting (depending on the city)
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Follow route information via Google Maps or local bus apps
Useful Websites
Taipei City Bus Information
Taipei eBus (English)
Nationwide Bus Information
Taiwan Bus+ (English)
https://www.taiwanbus.tw/ebuspage/Default.aspx?lan=E
5. Intercity Coaches
Long-distance buses provide affordable transportation between cities and regions throughout Taiwan.
Best For
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Budget-conscious travelers
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Overnight travel
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Areas not directly served by rail
Major Operators
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Ubus
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Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport
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Aloha Bus
Route Search and Booking
Taiwan Bus eBooking System (English)
https://www.taiwanbus.tw/ebuspage/Default.aspx?lan=E
6. YouBike Public Bicycle System
YouBike is Taiwan's public bike-sharing network and one of the easiest ways to travel short distances within cities.
Best For
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Last-mile transportation
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Urban exploration
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Short-distance commuting
How to Use
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Register through the YouBike app.
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Link a credit card.
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Rent and return bicycles at designated stations.
Available Cities
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Taipei
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New Taipei
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Taoyuan
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Hsinchu
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Taichung
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Tainan
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Kaohsiung
Official Website
7. Ferries
Ferries provide transportation to offshore islands and across certain rivers and harbors.
Popular Routes
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Tamsui ↔ Bali
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Gushan ↔ Cijin
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Donggang ↔ Xiaoliuqiu
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Taitung ↔ Green Island
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Taitung ↔ Orchid Island
Official Information
8. Airport Transportation
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
Taiwan's primary international gateway.
Transportation Options
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Airport MRT
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Airport buses
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Taxis
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Private airport transfers
Official Website
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (English)
Recommended Apps for Foreigners
App Purpose
Google Maps Route planning and navigation
T-EX Taiwan High Speed Rail ticket booking
Taiwan Railway e-Booking TRA ticket booking
Bus+ Real-time bus information
YouBike 2.0 Bicycle rental
Go! Taipei Metro Taipei MRT route planning
Quick Start Checklist for New Arrivals
Get an EasyCard or iPASS
Download Google Maps
Download the T-EX app (High Speed Rail)
Download Bus+ (Bus Information)
Download the YouBike app
With these essentials, you'll be able to navigate almost anywhere in Taiwan using public transportation quickly and conveniently.
Helpful Tip
Taiwan's public transportation system is known for being safe, affordable, punctual, and easy to use. Whether you're visiting for a few days, studying abroad, working remotely, or relocating long-term, you'll find it easy to explore the island without owning a car or scooter.
If there is any updated information, please feel free to let us know so we can make corrections.
Thank you !