02 March 2010 ~ 3 Comments

Getting Around in Taiwan

Taiwan is an island. So air transportation plays a critical role in its external relations. Chiang Kai-shek International Airport (CKS) and Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) are the only two international airports in Taiwan.

transport cover

Taipei:
The busiest airport in Taipei, Taoyuan International Airport (also known as Chiang Kai-shek International Airport) (CKS) is located in Taoyuan County. Approximately 40 km (about 25 miles) from Taipei, the trip to town will take you about 40 minutes by bus.

Kaohsiung:
Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) is situated in Hsiaokang, Kaohsiung. As the second largest airport in Taiwan, 13 international airlines fly from here to several major cities in south Asia directly, including Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City.

Getting Around :-

By Train
There are three main railway lines in Taiwan: West Line, East Line and South Circle Line, and several branch railway lines.

West Line: The traditional line includes Pingtung Line and Trunk Line. It is an electric line, originates in Keelung and makes stops in Taipei, Hsinchu, Chiayi and Tainan before reaching Kaohsiung, its final destination.

East Line: It includes both the Taitung Line and the Beihui Raiway. The Taitung Line starts in Hualien and runs to Taitung while Beihui Railway originates at the South Shenghu Station (a station of the Ilan Line) to Hualien and then connects with Taitung Line.
Nanhui Line (South Return Line): Start from to Taitung.

Additionally, a high speed railway running from Taipei to Zuoying, Kaohsiung takes only 90 mins.

 highspeed train2 train

By Long-Distance Bus

There are many bus companies in Taiwan offering convenient service to and from the cities and outlying areas:
Dragon Bus offers passengers bus service between Taipei and Taichung. You can catch the bus at 180, Fuxing Nanlu Yiduan, Taipei and 27-3, Shuangshi Lu Yiduan, Taichung.
Taichung Bus also provides bus route from Taichung to Taipei. The cost is about NT$ 200 and increases to NT$ 260 on holidays. In addition, it also offers bus service from Taichung to Kaohsiung. The cost is about NT$ 200, NT$ 250 on holidays.
Yalan Bus provides bus service between Taipei and Hisinchu. Passengers can catch the bus at Guangfu Lu, Dunhua Nanlu, Fuxing Nanlu or Xinsheng Nanlu in Taipei, or at Hsinchu Railway Station and Guangfu Lu in Hsinchu. The service runs from 05:30 to 23:00, leaving approximately every 10 to 20 minutes.

bus dragon bus

By Taxi
Taxis in Taiwan are well-marked yellow vehicles easily recognized by the traveler. Most taxis in Taiwan are equipped with a milometer and passengers are charged an initial fee plus a surcharge for each 300 meters traveled. The initial flat rate fee is about NT$ 70 for the first 1.5 km (about 0.9 miles), then a distance surcharge of NT$ 5 per 300 meters (about 328 yards) is applied. An extra fee, equivalent to 20 percent of the total price, is applied for overnight service (from 23:00 to 06:00). Taxi service from Chiang Kai-shek International Airport to downtown Taipei typically costs approximately NT$ 1,200 and the fare from Kaohsiung International Airport to downtown Kaohsiung should run approximately NT$ 300.

Taiwan taxi

By Public Bus
The public bus is a common sight in Taiwan. It offers a convenient way for passengers to visit the sights in the interior parts of the island. The buses will surely leave visitors deep impression with tidy and clean carriages and quiet atmosphere.

pub. bus bus interior

By Rapid Transit
In Taiwan, rapid transit includes both the subway and light rail. Popular amongst locals, rapid transit is the most convenient mode of transportation. At present, there are 4 rapid transit lines in Taipei. Offering passengers comfortable and safe surroundings from 06:00 to 24:00 daily, rapid transit is also inexpensive with fares ranging from NT$ 20 to NT$ 65 (depending on the distance traveled). Easy card is also available on the subway or light rail. With a one day pass (NT$150), passengers can conveniently take rapid transit in Taipei at will for the day.

 mrt interior mrt2

Tips:
1. Except for water, drinking, eating or smoking on rapid transit vehicles is forbidden. Violations may warrant a penalty. 
2. In the first and last carriage, cell phone use is prohibited.

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