getting around

Visitors to Taiwan are pleased to discover an extensive air, road and rail network that provides an economic and convenient way to explore the island.

Trains : The round island railway system makes travel between major cities easy and convenient. The easiest way to book train tickets is through the web site of the Taiwan Railway Authority (www.railway.gov.tw). Travel time from Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south takes five to six hours. Fare for trains are quite reasonable with this journey, for instance, costing about $45.

Taipei Mass Rapid Transit System (MRT) : There are five major lines that cover most of inner and Greater Taipei. You can buy a day ticket in any station for NT$150 (about $7.50) that allows unlimited travel on the entire MRT network. Instructions in English on ticket machines simplify the purchase of tickets. These are generally priced around NT$20 - NT$80 (approximately $1 - $4) if you stay on the same line. Visit the Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation for details.

Taxis: Easy to hail, cabs which abound in every major city are an affordable form of transport. Taxi meters start at NT$70 (approximately $4.30) for the first 1.65 km and NT$5 (approximately .30 cents) for each additional 350 metres. Waiting time is NT$5 for every three minutes. Tipping is not necessary. As most drivers do not understand English or other foreign languages it's best to have your destination written in Chinese.

Domestic airlines: Air travel is the fastest and most convenient method to travel between major cities in Taiwan. Nine domestic airlines provide daily flights between Taipei and other major centres as well as to offshore islands like Orchid Island, Kimen, Matsu Island, and Penghu. Travel time from Taipei to most destinations is between 30 and 50 minutes.

Bus: Reliable express buses connect Taipei with all major cities and scenic spots using the modern highway network. Travel time from Taipei to Kaohsiung, for example, takes five to six hours. Fares for buses are quite reasonable with this journey from north to south costing about $30.

Car Rentals: Due to heaving traffic and limited parking space self-drive is not recommended in larger cities. In rural and other less populated areas it's more suitable.
Car rental joint service at CKS International Airport
Phone : (03) 3983566 (T1), (03) 3983636/38 (T2),Taipei: (02) 25678324
Fax: (03) 3933567 (T1) Terminal 1, (T2) Terminal 2
Car rental joint service at Kaohsiung International Airport
Phone : (07) 8067957 / Fax: (07) 806797