Explore
INTERNAL FLIGHTS
Taiwan's domestic flights are concentrated at the base of the aSongshan airport. Despite the island's small size, Taiwan is well served by several itineraries that are permanently covered. The most common destinations on both the main island and others off Taiwan are Hualien, Kaosiung, Kinmen, Taichung, Tainan and Taitung, Chiayi, Pingtung, Makung, Penghu (Fishermen), Hengchun, Nangan and Beigan.
The main airlines operating domestic destinations are the Mandarin Airlines, UNI Air and TransAsia Airways.
TRAINS
A TRA – Taiwan Railway Administration - it's at THSR – Taiwan High Speed Rail – trains operate on the island's two main lines. Detailed descriptions of the lines, stations, timetables, etc., of the TRA network can be consulted on the company's website, where tickets can also be purchased. The seats on these trains are very popular, especially as the weekend approaches.
THSR trains are more modern, faster, more comfortable and more expensive than TRA. These fast trains resemble Japanese bullet trains. A 345 km journey from Taipei – on the northern tip of the island – to Kaohsiung, near the south, takes just 90 minutes and costs €40 in economy class, €54 in business class. In addition to Taipei and Kaohsiung, fast trains stop at Banqiao, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Chiayi and Tainan stations.
BUSES
Taiwan's bus network still exists, but in recent times it has been seriously affected by competition from domestic flights and train travel. Even taking into account that the prices of buses are slightly lower than those of trains, the normal thing is that buses are really useful when there are no seats available on planes and trains. Among the most popular companies are Aloha, UBus and Kuo Kuang Hao.
SHIP
Some ferries connect Taiwan to the offshore islands, mostly on the same routes covered by domestic flights. Trips are more economical, but a day of stronger wind is enough for the swell to make the experience unforgettable. In the worst possible way.
CAR RENTAL
It is the best way to explore Taiwan with complete freedom, even better if your vehicle is equipped with a good GPS. Both urban and intercity roads are good and partly signposted in English, although sometimes somewhat confusing.
Driving in cities is organized but, especially in Taipei and Kaohsiung, it can be hopeless at rush hour due to the large amount of traffic. Outside the cities, Taiwan is traversed by well-preserved highways. Driving is fluid and, in certain parts of the island, very panoramic.
Taiwan authorities require foreigners to have an international driving license. This document can only be used on the island for 30 days, after which drivers must obtain a Taiwan driving license.
Part of the intercity roads have tolls. Drivers are charged around €0.03 per km up to 200km and, from there, around €0.09 per km.
An economy car costs around 60€ per day at Taipei International Airport. Others rent-a-car from the capital or surrounding areas charge more affordable prices. Gasoline costs around €0.86 per liter.