Transport and Driving in Taiwan

All regions and cities in Taiwan are connected by well-maintained roads and comprehensive and affordable bus and rail services. As a result, transport and driving in Taiwan are straightforward. 

Transport options in Taiwanese cities are also excellent, and Taipei, where most expats live, even boasts a metro system. The public transport system is reliable, affordable, and easily accessible, so you should have no problems getting around in Taiwan.

Public transport in Taiwan

Tickets

With an EasyCard, you can pay for bus services in most cities, as well as railway, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), and some ferry and cable car tickets. You can also use EasyCard for YouBike rentals, parking, and convenience store purchases. Some taxis also accept payment via the EasyCard, further enhancing its usefulness.

Buses

There are buses that travel almost every main street in Taiwan. They're clean, safe, and run often. Taking the bus in Taiwan is a practical and affordable way to get around town. They're also popular among travellers who want to get to smaller or more rural destinations. When paying in cash, buses may require an exact fare. Contactless payment methods may also be available.

There are a variety of buses to choose from, and among the most popular are Kuo-Kuang Hao and Ubus. Bus companies usually have offices near train stations in most Taiwanese cities.

Trains

Getting from city to city by train is easy. The trains in Taiwanese urban centres run frequently and are cheap. The announcements are in both Mandarin and English, as are all the signs.

The express train, Tze-Chiang, is the most comfortable and fastest way to travel around Taiwan. It is also the most expensive. Tickets should be booked in advance, especially when planning to travel over a weekend or public holiday.

For long-distance travelling, Taiwan has a high-speed rail system. In a little over two hours, expats can travel the whole length of the island. The train is modern but can be pricey.

Train stations in the larger cities in Taiwan usually have tourist information counters with English-speaking staff. Most cashiers at ticket booths will understand foreigners when they speak slowly, and buying train tickets should therefore be relatively straightforward.

Useful links

• EasyCard

Taxis in Taiwan

There are taxi services in most cities in Taiwan. Taxis are generally metered, and fares are cheap. Costs differ between cities, but no matter where in Taiwan you stay, the cost of taking a cab is much more affordable than in Western countries.

Taxi drivers often don't speak English – have your destination written down in Mandarin. Bear in mind that not all taxi drivers use meters, especially in rural areas or during late-night hours. In such cases, it's advisable to negotiate the fare before starting the journey.

The majority of taxi and ride-hailing companies in Taiwan make use of apps to make the process of getting a taxi easier. You can use the app to hail a taxi or call the designated taxi company number. Uber is also available in Taiwan, but only in certain cities. Apart from Uber, Taiwan also has local ride-hailing services such as Taiwan Taxi.

Driving in Taiwan

Driving in Taiwan is on the right-hand side of the road and can be challenging. In Taipei, traffic laws are enforced, making driving there safe and easy. Outside of Taipei, on the other hand, this is generally not the norm. Be on the lookout for scooters and mopeds, as riders often weave their way through traffic.

Driver's licences

An International Driving Permit can be used in Taiwan and is valid for 30 days. If you're moving to the country, you'll need to obtain either an extension or a Taiwanese driver's licence. 

Taiwan has reciprocal licence agreements with certain countries. Check if your home country qualifies; you might be able to obtain a Taiwanese licence without taking a driving test.

If you can't convert your licence, you'll need to secure and hold a learner's permit for at least three months and pass the Taiwanese theoretical and practical driving test, which can be taken in English.

Domestic flights in Taiwan

There are four international airports in Taiwan. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport serves the northern part of the island, and Kaohsiung International Airport caters to the southern part of the island.

While Taichung International Airport and Songshan Airport also fly internationally, they only fly to specific destinations in Asia. There are also many local airports where you can book a domestic flight in Taiwan, including the islands in the Strait of Taiwan.

Even though domestic air travel is an option, it is usually more affordable and nearly as fast to take a high-speed train to get from city to city in Taiwan.

Cycling in Taiwan

Taiwan has a well-developed cycling infrastructure, with a bike network spanning more than 3,000 miles (5,000 km) – much of it on dedicated paths. The island has a variety of routes, from flat coastal paths to challenging mountain climbs, and many bike rental shops are available. Taiwan has a strong cycling culture, and the world's largest bicycle company, Giant, calls Taiwan home.

YouBike is a public bicycle-sharing service operated by Taipei City, allowing anyone to rent a bicycle from kiosks throughout Taiwan's major cities. Users can rent a bicycle using a smart card or a mobile app, and in the more crowded cities, cycling can be the fastest and most affordable means of getting around.

It's important to note that while Taiwan has a strong cycling culture, cycling in the cities can be challenging due to traffic. Always adhere to the road rules and stick to bike lanes wherever possible.