Traveling between cities or to remote locations? While a personal vehicle such as a scooter or car might be preferable, especially on Taiwan’s east coast where public transit is not as developed, a combination of local (TRA) and local tourist buses can take you to almost anywhere on the island, including famous inner-island destinations such as the Sun Moon Lake, Alishan or the Taroko Gorge. On the west coast, the high-speed rail (HSR train) can take you from the southern tip of the island in Kaohsiung to the northern tip in Taipei in less than an hour and a half for 1490 NTD ($47).
The public transportation took some time to adapt to, especially when I first arrived in Taiwan. From flagging down buses at bus stops to hitch-hiking on the side of the road to heading in the wrong direction altogether, my fellow ETAs and I had to learn quickly the ins and outs of public transportation in Kaohsiung! But once we had gotten over the learning curve, it became apparent how quick and convenient it was to get around the city. Within a month of being here, I think I used almost every major form of public and inter-city transportation there is, here!
Most convenient of all is the fact that virtually all forms of public transportation can be paid through your phone or via a reloadable EasyCard, with most inner city fares being less than 40 NTD ($1.25). This card can be used island-wide too for those traveling outside the city.
