Planning a trip to Taiwan? This guide covers what to see and do, how to get around, where to stay, and the best bookable tours to make the most of your time.
Taiwan is one of Asia’s easiest countries to explore thanks to its efficient transport system. Trains and buses both cover the island extensively, but which option is best for your trip? Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of travelling Taiwan by train vs bus, plus insider tips to help you decide.
Sponsored Popular Items
Quick take: Trip.com offers a worldwide selection of tours and attractions and hotels
Taiwan Sanrio Themed Sightseeing Train Full-Day Island Star – Travel Experience Taiwan Travel around Taiwan on a Sanrio-themed sightseeing train with colourful carriages, scenic views and onboard activities. The Taiwan Sanrio themed sightseeing train is one of the cutest and most unusual rail experiences in Taiwan. Also known as the Island Star, Formosa Express or Moe Journey train, this special sightseeing train turns a long rail journey into a themed travel experience filled with Sanrio character designs, comfortable seats, meals, drinks, activities and scenic views from the window. The Trip.com package is designed for non-Taiwan residents and offers east and west one-day round-island train options departing from Taipei. It is a fun…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Taiwan’s railway system is modern, comfortable, and connects major cities and scenic areas. There are two main types:
HSR (High Speed Rail) – Runs along the west coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung in under 2 hours.
TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration) – Covers the entire island, including the scenic east coast and rural areas.
✅ Pros of Train Travel
Speed: HSR makes long-distance travel fast and efficient.
Comfort: Spacious seats, air-conditioning, restrooms, and food carts on most trains.
Scenic views: TRA lines, especially on the east coast (Hualien–Taitung), offer breathtaking ocean and mountain scenery.
Punctuality: Trains almost always run on time.
Ease of booking: Tickets available online, at stations, or via apps.
❌ Cons of Train Travel
Limited coverage inland: Mountainous and rural areas are not directly served.
Reservations needed: Popular routes (e.g., HSR weekends, Taroko Express) can sell out quickly.
Higher cost: HSR is pricier than buses for the same route.
💡 Insider Tip: Book HSR tickets 5–28 days in advance for up to 35% discounts.
🚌 Travelling by Bus in Taiwan
Taiwan’s intercity and regional bus system is extensive and affordable, reaching towns, mountains, and attractions trains can’t. Operators like Ubus, Kuo-Kuang, Ho-Hsin, and Aloha run frequent services.
✅ Pros of Bus Travel
Wider coverage: Buses reach places like Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, and Kenting directly.
Cost-effective: Usually cheaper than trains for the same journey.
Flexible schedules: Frequent departures, especially between big cities.
Direct access: Often drop you closer to tourist spots than train stations.
❌ Cons of Bus Travel
Traffic delays: Highways can get congested, especially on weekends and holidays.
Less comfort: Narrower seats than trains; restrooms usually not onboard.
Longer journey times: Taipei → Kaohsiung by bus takes 5–6 hrs vs. 1.5 hrs by HSR.
Language barriers: English signage is improving but less consistent outside major hubs.
💡 Insider Tip: Overnight buses can save you a night’s accommodation if travelling long distances.
🔍 Train vs Bus: Quick Comparison
Factor
Train 🚆
Bus 🚌
Speed
Fast (HSR) / Moderate (TRA)
Slower, traffic-dependent
Comfort
Spacious seats, restrooms, stable ride
Variable, fewer amenities
Coverage
Excellent on west/east coast, limited in mountains
Taiwan Sanrio Themed Sightseeing Train Full-Day Island Star – Travel Experience Taiwan Travel around Taiwan on a Sanrio-themed sightseeing train with colourful carriages, scenic views and onboard activities. The Taiwan Sanrio themed sightseeing train is one of the cutest and most unusual rail experiences in Taiwan. Also known as the Island Star, Formosa Express or Moe Journey train, this special sightseeing train turns a long rail journey into a themed travel experience filled with Sanrio character designs, comfortable seats, meals, drinks, activities and scenic views from the window. The Trip.com package is designed for non-Taiwan residents and offers east and west one-day round-island train options departing from Taipei. It is a fun…
Essential for Traveling in Taiwan – Guided Sightseeing Tour Essential for Traveling in Taiwan | Taoyuan Airport Shuttle Bus | Round-trip between Taoyuan Airport and Taipei City adds structure, local context and purposeful sightseeing to the itinerary. Essential for Traveling in Taiwan | Taoyuan Airport Shuttle Bus | Round-trip between Taoyuan Airport and Taipei City: experience overview Book on the app to get your voucher instantly and board directly without exchanging for a paper ticket - ready to use immediately!;Take national highway bus routes for an easy round-trip between Taoyuan Airport and Taipei in as fast as 70 minutes.;Head to Taipei to experience unique culture and cuisine, visiting popular…
Essential for Taiwan Self – Self-Guided Experience Essential for Taiwan Self-Guided Tour | Taichung MRT One-day Ticket, Multi-day Ticket | Unlimited MRT Rides (QR Code E-ticket) supports independent exploration with structured digital guidance. Essential for Taiwan Self-Guided Tour | Taichung MRT One-day Ticket, Multi-day Ticket | Unlimited MRT Rides (QR Code E-ticket): experience overview During the validity period of the ticket, enjoy unlimited rides on the Taichung MRT with no restrictions on frequency or distance! Explore popular attractions like Taichung city center, National Taichung Theater, Fengjia Night Market, and Wuri Beer Brewery!;3 ticket options available: 1-day pass, 24-hour pass, and 48-hour pass. You can directly use the…
Essential for Traveling in Taiwan: For non-Taiwanese nationals only – Guided Tour Essential for Traveling in Taiwan | For non-Taiwanese nationals only | Taoyuan Airport MRT Round Trip Ticket&Taipei Metro 48/72 Hrs Pass adds structure, local context and purposeful sightseeing to the itinerary. Essential for Traveling in Taiwan | For non-Taiwanese nationals only | Taoyuan Airport MRT Round Trip Ticket&Taipei Metro 48/72 Hrs Pass: experience overview Pick up your Ticket at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (Ezflyhifi Counter)!;Say goodbye to long queues and hello to seamless travel with just one pass! Available from trip.com. This makes the experience a useful option when planning time in > Taoyuan local experienceSearch results. The exact duration…
Essential for Taiwan Self-guided Tour: Kaohsiung MRT & Light Rail QR Code Ticket Essential for Taiwan Self-guided Tour | Kaohsiung MRT + Light Rail QR Code Ticket | 1-day & 2-day Transportation Pass supports independent exploration with structured digital guidance. Essential for Taiwan Self-guided Tour | Kaohsiung MRT + Light Rail QR Code Ticket | 1-day & 2-day Transportation Pass: experience overview Essential for Taiwan Self-guided Tour | Kaohsiung MRT + Light Rail QR Code Ticket | 1-day & 2-day Transportation Pass provides a pre-arranged transport option, subject to current pickup, timing and luggage conditions. This makes the experience a useful option when planning time in > Kaohsiung local experienceSearch results. The listing…
Must-buy for Taiwan Self-guided Tour: Taipei MRT one-day ticket, multi-day ticket Must-buy for Taiwan Self-guided Tour| Taipei MRT one-day ticket, multi-day ticket | Unlimited MRT rides (pick up at Taipei Main Station counter) supports independent exploration with structured digital guidance. Must-buy for Taiwan Self-guided Tour| Taipei MRT one-day ticket, multi-day ticket | Unlimited MRT rides (pick up at Taipei Main Station counter): experience overview Must-buy for Taiwan Self-guided Tour| Taipei MRT one-day ticket, multi-day ticket | Unlimited MRT rides (pick up at Taipei Main Station counter) provides access to the named attraction or service, subject to current ticket conditions and the selected option. This makes the experience a useful option when…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Taiwan Featured Tours & Packages – Guided Sightseeing Taiwan Featured Tours and Packages is a convenient way to add structure, local context and purposeful sightseeing to the itinerary. Taiwan Featured Tours and Packages: experience overview Taiwan Featured Tours and Packages : [2025 NYE Recommendation] Taipei New Year’s Eve Countdown Party, Beitou Radium Kagaya / SweetMe Hotel Day Tour | Complimentary KKday Exclusive EasyCard,[Guaranteed Departure for 1] [Flexible Itinerary] Gaomei Wetlands Direct Shuttle Transfer|Rainbow Village & Miyahara & Gaomei Wetlands Half-Day Tour|Guaranteed Departure|Exclusive Taichung Pineapple Cake Gift|Departing from Taichung City,[Guaranteed Departure for 1] Chiayi, Taiwan|Alishan Shared One-Day Transfer|Fenqihu Old Street & Alishan|Guaranteed Departure|Exclusive Hinoki Donut Gift|Departing from Taichung City…
Taipei Taiwan Highlights Guide: Must-See Attractions & Tours Must-Sees in Taipei Taiwan From vibrant night markets to serene temples, Taipei blends modern energy with deep tradition. Whether you’re here for a few days or longer, these are the can’t-miss sights. Cultural & Historical Landmarks 1. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Why Visit: An iconic white-marble monument honoring Taiwan’s former leader. Highlight: Changing of the guard ceremony and sprawling gardens. 2. National Palace Museum Why Visit: Houses one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese imperial treasures. Highlight: The jade cabbage sculpture and ancient calligraphy. 3. Longshan Temple Why Visit: A stunning example of Taiwanese temple architecture. Highlight: Incense-filled halls…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
