Taipei Transportation

Feb 2011: I arrived in Taipei (from a flight from Manila; Cebu Pacific Airlines) at about 1220 AM, and there was one final bus that left for the city just before 1 AM. So, I did go to the bus counter and paid just about 140-160 NT for the trip to Taipei's Main Station (this is just about US$5). If you were to take a taxi from the airport, it would cost at least about US$40.

However, at such an early hour, the Main Station was closed and the bus just dropped us off in fron of it. As I had only one day in Taipei, I did not book a hotel, lol....but after walking alittle bit, I saw a huge sign on top of a building saying bus station. That was open and it had chairs were I laid down an took a nap, haha...and when I woke up, I just had some little dumplings for breakfast from the station stalls.

The subways opened at about 6 AM I believe on that Saturday morning, and they were so easy to use. Don't be worried about the Chinese symbols or letters because there are English translations. I was there for just a day and so got an "Easy" One-day pass which cost about 200 NT I believe, and this included a 50 NT deposit that can be reclaimed when you give back the card to the counter later (just give it to the cashier/ticket booth).

I also rode the taxis and in going around 5-15 minute rides around the city, I just paid about $5 to $15, if I remember right. Taxis are aplenty in Taipei, and even during the peak people time of Chinese New Year Saturday, I had no difficulty looking for a cab.

Getting around Taipei, the best way is take a subway/metro, almost of their tourist attractions and museums as well as shopping area are walking distance or near from subway stations.
To get in to nearby county, the best way is also to take train.

The Taipei bus system used to be very confusing if you can't read Chinese. It seems to have improved a lot since my last travel to Taipei. They now have an English website for foreigners.

You need to flag down the bus once you see it coming. If you don't, it'll just pass right by.

Also, sometimes you pay the fare when you get on, but sometimes you pay when you get off. You can tell by the lighted sign near the bus driver.

The fare is not fixed, it depends on how long you travel.

Most drivers are very nice if you ask them to tell you when you reach your destination, but they may not speak English.

Yangminshan isn't all that isolated, there are many buses going around the area. So consider planning your bus tour from the nearest metro station in Beitou district, and taking a taxi when and where needed. If you don't see one to flag down, they can be ordered by phone and at any 7-11.

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Well before going to Taipei I did no research and I thought I would be travelling on `ramshackle` buses, all the way. Boy was I wrong. The transportation around Taipei / Taiwan is quick, convenient, clean and efficient. There are 7 main lines that should get you wherever you want to go. Did I mention cheap? I think that the MRT cost is between 20NT and 65NT for a single journey token. All stations are equiped with a self service ticket machines.

One day pass: Valid for unlimited Taipei Metro rides from first use until the end of service midnight and only for a single rider each time. 200NT for each card containing 150NT for usable amount and 50NT for card deposit.

Get a one day pass if you plan to visit many places in 1 day. You can buy this at Information Counter at all Metro Stations.

This really puts the transportation in London to shame!

4 more images

Well before going to Taipei I did no research and I thought I would be travelling on `ramshackle` buses, all the way. Boy was I wrong. The transportation around Taipei / Taiwan is quick, convenient, clean and efficient. There are 7 main lines that should get you wherever you want to go. Did I mention cheap? I think that the MRT cost is between 20NT and 65NT for a single journey token. All stations are equiped with a self service ticket machines.

One day pass: Valid for unlimited Taipei Metro rides from first use until the end of service midnight and only for a single rider each time. 200NT for each card containing 150NT for usable amount and 50NT for card deposit.

Get a one day pass if you plan to visit many places in 1 day. You can buy this at Information Counter at all Metro Stations.

This really puts the transportation in London to shame!

CKS Airport is west of Taipei near Taoyuan, entry requirements are more relaxed than China, the majority of visitors don't need a visa for a 30 day stay. You can fly from Hong Kong with Eva Air or China Airlines.

Taipei has an excellent subway system called the MRT, tickets are cheap, you can buy plastic tokens or use an easycard with prepaid credit. There are 3 major lines, red and brown running north to south and the blue line from east to west. Taipei 101 is near Taipei City Hall on the blue line.