Transport within the Country
HSR — Taiwan's High-Speed Train
The Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR, 高鐵) is Taiwan's pride: A Shinkansen system that connects the west coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung (Zuoying) in just 1 hour 34 minutes at speeds of up to 300 km/h. Punctual, clean, comfortable — on a Japanese level, at a fraction of Japanese prices.
| Route | Duration | Price (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Taipei → Taichung | 47 Min. | 700 TWD (20€) |
| Taipei → Chiayi (for Alishan) | 1h 20min | 1,080 TWD (32€) |
| Taipei → Tainan | 1h 45min | 1,350 TWD (40€) |
| Taipei → Zuoying (Kaohsiung) | 1h 34min | 1,490 TWD (44€) |
Saving Tips:
- Early Bird Tickets: Book up to 28 days in advance: up to 35% discount! Online at thsrc.com.tw (English version available).
- Tourist HSR Pass: 3 days of unlimited travel for 2,200 TWD (65€) — worth it from 2 long-distance trips. Only for tourists with a foreign passport!
Taipei Metro (MRT)
Taipei's subway is fantastic: clean (eating and drinking prohibited!), punctual, affordable, and easy to navigate. All signs and announcements in Chinese and English. Single ride: 20–65 TWD. Buy an EasyCard (100 TWD deposit) and save 20% on every ride — the card also works on buses, trains, and in convenience stores.
TRA — Conventional Trains
The TRA network (台鐵) encircles the entire island and also reaches the east coast (Hualien, Taitung), where no HSR runs. Express trains (Taroko Express, Puyuma) are fast and comfortable, local trains are dirt cheap. The route Hualien → Taitung along the east coast is one of the most beautiful train rides in Taiwan.
Scooters
In cities like Tainan, Kaohsiung, and on the east coast, a scooter is the ideal means of transport: 300–500 TWD/day (9–15€), international driving license required (with Chinese translation available at ADAC!). Taiwan drives on the right. Helmet is mandatory and provided. Attention: Traffic in Taipei is chaotic — scooters are only recommended if you have experience. Outside Taipei, it is much more relaxed.
Long-Distance Buses
For the east coast and mountain regions: Long-distance buses are cheap and comfortable, with air conditioning and sometimes even USB charging stations. Kuo-Kuang (國光) and Ubus are the main providers. Taipei → Hualien: approx. 3.5h, 250–400 TWD (7–12€).
