A practical guide to airports, THSR, TRA, MRT, buses and transit cards.
Airport MRT is the main direct rail link between Taoyuan International Airport and central Taipei. Compare express/local service with buses or taxis based on your hotel and arrival time.
THSR is the fastest intercity option along Taiwan’s western corridor, linking Taipei-area stations with Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan and Zuoying (Kaohsiung).
TRA serves both western and eastern main lines and many regional branches. It is especially important for Hualien, Taitung and local rail trips.
Urban MRT is the easiest backbone for many city trips: Taipei attractions, Taoyuan Airport connections and Kaohsiung’s port/center are each covered by their local systems.
Reloadable cards simplify payment on MRT, buses, selected rail services, YouBike and participating shops.
A tourist-oriented bus network connects rail stations with destinations such as Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and Kenting-area routes.
Public bikes are useful for short city hops in places such as Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung; riverside and lakeside paths can also be attractions themselves.
Mountain, coastal and offshore areas can have long transit gaps. Taxis, rental cars or local tours may be more efficient, while Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu depend on flights and ferries.