Traveling to a new country can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t speak the local language. Fortunately, Taiwan has one of the most efficient and traveler-friendly transportation networks in Asia.
Despite its relatively small size, Taiwan offers a wide range of transportation options, including buses, conventional trains, the High-Speed Rail (HSR), carpool services, and vehicle rentals such as scooters and cars. There is no shortage of ways to get from point A to point B. The best option depends on your destination, budget, schedule, and whether you prefer a hands-on adventure or a more relaxed travel experience.
During our trip, we tested every transportation method listed below. To help you plan your journey, we’ve created this comprehensive guide comparing the different ways to travel around Taiwan, making it easier to choose the best option for each day of your itinerary.
Best Transportation for Different Types of Travel
This section gives a quick overview of the most popular ways to get around Taiwan based on your travel style and itinerary. Further down, we’ll dive deeper into each transportation option—from High-Speed Rail and buses to scooter and car rentals—so you can decide which one is the best fit for your trip.
| Between cities | Within Cities | Exploring rural areas |
| HRS | MRT/Metro | Local Buses |
| TRA Trains | City buses | Scooter rental |
| Intercity buses | Uber and Taxis | Car rental |
| Car rental | YouBike |
Detailed Transportation Guides
Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR)
The Best Way to Travel Between Major Cities
If your Taiwan itinerary includes cities such as Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) is by far the fastest and most convenient way to travel. Trains are modern, punctual, and comfortable, making them an excellent choice for covering long distances while maximizing your time exploring.
The Taiwan High-Speed Rail runs along the island’s west coast, connecting Taiwan’s largest cities in just a few hours. For example, you can travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung in around 1 hour and 30 minutes, compared to more than 4 hours by conventional train.
Keep in mind that HSR stations are sometimes located outside the city center, so you may need to take a local train, MRT, bus, or taxi to reach your final destination.
Advantages
- Fastest way to travel between major cities in western Taiwan.
- Comfortable trains with spacious seating and plenty of luggage space.
- Extremely reliable, with excellent punctuality.
- Frequent departures throughout the day.
- Easy connections to local public transportation at most stations.
Disadvantages
- More expensive than regular Taiwan Railways (TRA) trains, around 1.5 to 2 times more expensive.
- Does not serve eastern Taiwan, including Hualien and Taitung.
- Some HSR stations are located outside city centers, requiring an additional transfer.
Ticket Booking Tips
We recommend booking your Taiwan High-Speed Rail tickets in advance, especially during weekends, public holidays, and peak travel seasons. Early Bird fares can offer significant discounts when purchased ahead of time, making the HSR surprisingly affordable.
You can buy tickets online through the official HSR website or mobile app, at station ticket counters, or from self-service ticket machines available at every HSR station.
Since the official website is primarily in Mandarin Chinese, we found it easier to buy our tickets directly at the station ticket counters, where staff can assist in English if needed.
Travel tips: You can purchase Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) tickets directly at any HSR station, making it a convenient option for last-minute travel. However, keep in mind that some trains can sell out, and depending on the route and time of day, you may need to wait for the next departure. On certain routes, HSR trains may run only once per hour, so booking in advance is recommended if you have a fixed schedule.
Our Experience
During our two-week Taiwan itinerary, we used the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) several times, traveling from Kaohsiung to Tainan, Tainan to Taichung, and Taichung to Taipei. It quickly became one of our favorite ways to travel around Taiwan.
Every HSR journey was clean, comfortable, and remarkably punctual, making long-distance travel between Taiwan’s major cities effortless. We booked some trips in advance, such as Kaohsiung to Tainan, while others, like Taichung to Taipei, were booked last minute without any issues.
Navigating the stations was straightforward, with clearly numbered platforms and English signage indicating train routes. Like much of Taiwan’s public transportation system, the HSR is quiet and orderly—similar to what you might find in other East Asian countries. So sit back, put on some music, and enjoy a relaxing (silent!) ride.
Taiwan Railways (TRA)
The Best Way to Explore Scenic Routes and Smaller Towns
The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) is the backbone of Taiwan’s train network and the best option for reaching smaller towns, coastal areas, and scenic routes that are not served by the High-Speed Rail. If you want to experience a more local and scenic side of Taiwan, the TRA is an essential part of any Taiwan itinerary.
Unlike the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR), which focuses on fast connections between major cities, the TRA train network covers almost the entire island. This makes it ideal for reaching destinations such as Hualien, Taitung, Jiufen (via nearby stations), and rural coastal areas, while also offering some of Taiwan’s most beautiful train journeys.
Advantages
- Extensive network covering almost all regions of Taiwan.
- Access to scenic routes, including the famous east coast railway between Taipei and Hualien.
- More frequent stops, making it ideal for smaller towns and local exploration.
- Generally more affordable than the HSR.
- Easy ticket booking via stations, online platforms, and convenience stores.
Disadvantages
- Slower than the High-Speed Rail (HSR), especially on long-distance routes.
- Can be crowded during peak hours and holidays.
- Some trains are older compared to the modern HSR fleet.
- Journey times can vary depending on the train type and number of stops.
When to Choose TRA Over HSR
- Traveling to eastern Taiwan, including Hualien and Taitung.
- Visiting smaller towns not connected to the HSR network.
- Looking for a more scenic and relaxed travel experience.
- Not in a rush and want to enjoy the journey itself as part of the trip.
Ticket booking
Booking Taiwan Railways (TRA) tickets is simple and can be done in several ways depending on your travel plans.
The easiest option is to book online through the official TRA website or app, which is recommended for popular routes like Taipei to Hualien or during weekends and holidays when trains can sell out.
You can also buy tickets directly at any TRA station ticket counter, which is convenient for last-minute travel. In addition, tickets are available from self-service machines and convenience store kiosks such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart.
Our Experience
We used the Taiwan Railways (TRA) multiple times during our trip, especially for routes not covered by the High-Speed Rail (HSR). As a mountain lover, one of my favorite parts of the trip was the train ride from Taipei to Hualien, as well as the continuation from Hualien to Fangliao, both of which showcase Taiwan’s dramatic landscapes and coastal views.
While slower than the HSR, the TRA network felt more immersive and local. We booked all of our tickets online through the official TRA website, which is also available in English, making the process simple and convenient for international travelers.
Buses
Buses in Taiwan: Local & Intercity Travel Guide
Buses in Taiwan are a reliable and affordable way to travel, especially for reaching areas not connected by the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) or Taiwan Railways (TRA). They are widely used both within cities and for longer intercity routes.
Local buses are the main way to get around cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. They connect MRT stations, neighborhoods, and smaller attractions that are not directly accessible by train.
Intercity buses in Taiwan are a popular option for getting between cities, especially if you’re traveling on a budget. They connect major hubs like Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, usually running along express highways, so travel times are still fairly reasonable.
They’re also the only public transport option to reach Sun Moon Lake, which makes them pretty essential if that’s on your itinerary.
Advantages
- Very affordable compared to trains or flights
- Extensive network covering cities and rural areas
- Frequent departures on major routes
- Useful for destinations not served by HSR or TRA
Disadvantages
- Travel times can be longer due to traffic
- Schedules may be affected by road conditions
- Less comfortable than trains for long journeys
- Limited English signage on some routes
Tips for Travelers
- Use your EasyCard for most local buses in cities
- Check schedules in advance for intercity routes
- Allow extra travel time during peak hours or holidays
- Arrive early at bus terminals for long-distance buses
Our Experience
We used buses mainly for short-distance travel and local connections. While not as fast or comfortable as the train network, they were very practical for reaching specific areas, such as Hengchun and filling in the gaps between rail routes. Overall, buses were a budget-friendly and flexible part of our Taiwan transportation experience.
Carpool and Ride-Sharing Services
Carpool and ride-sharing services in Taiwan are a convenient alternative to public transport, especially for reaching destinations that are harder to access by train or bus, or for routes that require multiple transfers.
Within cities, the most widely used option is Uber, which operates in major hubs like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. For longer-distance travel, carpooling platforms such as Tripool are also popular, particularly for routes like Taipei to Hualien, Sun Moon Lake transfers, or getting to more remote destinations such as Alishan.
Advantages
- Convenient door-to-door travel
- Useful for areas not well served by public transport
- Comfortable and private compared to buses or trains
- Easy to book via mobile apps
Disadvantages
- More expensive than buses or trains depending on the size of your group
- Prices can vary depending on demand
- Limited availability in rural areas
- Not always necessary in cities with strong public transport
Best Use Cases
- Airport transfers to and from major cities
- Long-distance routes in the mountainous region of Nantou County or Sun Moon Lake
- Traveling in groups where costs can be shared
- Reaching remote areas without convenient bus or train connections
Our Experience
We mainly used Tripool for longer or less convenient routes, such as transfers between Sun Moon Lake and Taichung HSR Station, Tainan and the Alishan region, and Alishan back to Sun Moon Lake. It was a smooth and time-saving option, especially when we wanted to avoid multiple transfers and keep the journey simple.
We booked two of the rides several days in advance, while one was booked last minute with only a small surcharge of around 10 USD. Two of our drivers spoke English, and we really enjoyed the conversations along the way, which made the journey even more memorable.
Inside the cities, we also used Uber quite frequently, as it was very affordable in Taiwan. Most rides cost us less than 3-5 USD, making it an easy and budget-friendly way to get around urban areas.
Renting a Scooter or a Car
Renting a scooter or a car in Taiwan is a great way to explore the island at your own pace, especially in more rural or scenic areas where public transport is limited.
Requirements and Licenses
To rent a scooter or car in Taiwan, most rental companies require an international driving permit (IDP) along with your home country’s driver’s license. Some scooter rentals may be more flexible in smaller towns, but having an IDP is strongly recommended to avoid issues.
Advantages
- Maximum flexibility and freedom to explore
- Ideal for remote areas with limited public transport
- Easy access to scenic routes and hidden spots
- Convenient for traveling outside major cities
Disadvantages
- Requires confidence driving in a foreign country
- Parking can be limited in busy areas
- Additional cost for rental, fuel, and insurance
- Scooter riding can be affected by weather conditions
Safety Considerations
Traffic in Taiwan is generally manageable, but it can feel busy in cities. Always wear a helmet when riding a scooter, follow local traffic rules, and avoid riding in heavy rain or strong winds, especially in mountainous regions.
Best Destinations for a Rental Car or Scooter
Kenting National Park – best explored by scooter or car
East Coast (Hualien to Taitung) – scenic coastal drives
Sun Moon Lake – easy and flexible loop around the lake
Alishan region – useful for accessing viewpoints and smaller roads
Our Experience
We rented a car in Hengchun to explore the Kenting region, which made getting around much easier since the area is spread out. The driving experience was relaxed and straightforward, and the roads were in good condition. Having our own vehicle gave us the flexibility to stop at beaches, viewpoints, and small towns along the way, which we really appreciated.
Public Transit Cards
One of the easiest ways to get around Taiwan is by using a rechargeable public transport card, especially the EasyCard.
Using the EasyCard
The EasyCard is a contactless travel card that can be used across most public transport in Taiwan, including the Taipei MRT, buses, Taiwan Railways (TRA) (for short-distance trips), and even some convenience stores and attractions. It makes traveling much smoother since you don’t need to buy individual tickets every time.
Where to Buy and Reload
You can buy an EasyCard at MRT stations, convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart, and major transport hubs such as airports and train stations. Reloading is just as easy and can be done at the same locations, usually in cash or via self-service machines.
Where It Can Be Used
The EasyCard is widely accepted across Taiwan, including:
- MRT systems in major cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung
- Local city buses
- Selected TRA train routes
- Convenience stores and vending machines
- Some taxis and tourist attractions
Overall, it’s an essential travel card that makes navigating Taiwan’s public transport system simple and efficient.
Transportation Comparison Table
| Transportation Method | Cost | Speed | Flexibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚄 High-Speed Rail (HSR) | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | Long-distance travel between major cities like Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung |
| 🚆 Taiwan Railways (TRA) | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | Scenic routes, east coast travel, and smaller towns |
| 🚌 Buses | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | ⭐ ⭐ | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | Budget travel, Sun Moon Lake, and areas not served by trains |
| 🚗 Carpool / Ride-sharing (Uber, Tripool) | ⭐ ⭐ | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | Airport transfers, remote areas, ease of travel and convenience |
| 🛵 Scooter / Car Rental | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ | Kenting, East Coast, Alishan, rural exploration |
Our Recommendations
- Best option for budget travelers ➡️ Bus and local train
- Best option for convenience ➡️ Carpool and HRS
- Best option for exploring rural areas ➡️ Car rental or scooter rental
- Best option for a 2-week Taiwan itinerary ➡️ HRS between big cities, Carpool for less accessible area to save on time (such as Alishan and Sun Moon Lake), and Car rental or scooter rental in rural area such as Kenting
