Taiwan – Buses and Trams

What is the overall standard of bus services in Taiwan?

Taiwan’s bus system ranks among the most far-reaching and cost-effective in the whole of East Asia. In recent years, considerable effort has gone into expanding and improving public transport infrastructure, with high-standard service facilities and a variety of policy measures designed to draw more people away from private vehicles. Expats arriving from places where bus networks are patchy or infrequent tend to be pleasantly impressed.

For longer journeys within Taiwan, three main options exist — the Taiwan Railway, the High Speed Rail, and intercity coaches — and of these, the intercity bus is by far the most widely chosen. Within cities, bus routes work alongside MRT metro systems in Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, often acting as feeder services or covering areas the metro does not extend to.

Unlike many European or Australian cities where a single public body manages all routes, Taiwan’s urban bus networks function through a different model. The Taipei Joint Bus System, for instance, serves the greater Taipei metropolitan area and is jointly overseen by the Taipei Joint Bus Service Management Center, the Taipei City Traffic Bureau, and the New Taipei City Traffic Bureau, with 15 private operators running services under this shared framework. Despite multiple operators being involved, the passenger experience remains cohesive thanks to a unified fare structure and the near-universal adoption of EasyCard smartcard technology.

Real-time bus tracking has also been rolled out across the island. A Dynamic Bus Information System has been established across Taiwan’s counties and cities, delivering live vehicle tracking and open access to bus information, and has been well received by the travelling public.

What range of bus services is available in Taiwan?

Taiwan’s bus offerings fall broadly into two categories: urban city buses and intercity highway coaches, referred to in Mandarin as 客運 (kè yùn). Knowing the distinction helps newcomers pick the right service for any given trip.

Urban city buses operate within and across city districts under locally coordinated systems. The Taipei Joint Bus System encompasses the bus networks of both Taipei City and New Taipei City, with 15 individual agencies sharing a common fare structure, ticketing process, and route numbering system. Comparable coordinated networks exist in Taichung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, and elsewhere. Taipei also operates smaller “S-route” minibuses, introduced to serve residents in suburban and mountainous areas. Along rural stretches these can be hailed from the roadside like a taxi, while they switch to fixed stops once in urban zones.

Intercity coaches link Taiwan’s cities via the national highway network. These long-distance freeway bus services are predominantly run by private companies — including Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport, Ubus, Ho-hsin Bus, and Solar Bus — and connect all corners of Taiwan through national and provincial highways. Many routes offer dozens of departures daily, some running around the clock, and fares are generally lower than flying or taking the train.

Taiwan’s intercity bus sector is both thriving and continuously expanding. These coaches are typically privately operated and maintain very high standards, with every passenger guaranteed a seat — and on many services only three seats span the width of the bus, meaning you may well have your own row.

For bus rapid transit, Chiayi’s BRT system remains in operation, linking Chiayi High Speed Rail station to the city centre via Chiayi County along dedicated bus lanes, with GPS-controlled signals giving priority to buses at intersections.

Most major intercity journeys start or finish at purpose-built bus terminals. In Taipei, Taipei Bus Station — situated near Taipei Main Station — provides easy connections between the MRT, city buses, and freeway coaches. Passengers arriving at Taoyuan International Airport can board a freeway bus directly to any of Taiwan’s major cities.

Where can I find bus timetables, routes, and fare information?

A number of official and operator-run platforms make planning bus journeys in Taiwan accessible, even for those who have just arrived. Most key resources offer content in both Mandarin and at least some English.

• iBus Information System (taiwanbus.tw): The national platform managed by the Highway Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. It covers intercity bus information and integrates urban bus data from 15 county and city governments.
• Taipei City Bus information: Overseen by the Taipei Joint Bus Service Management Center under the Taipei City Traffic Bureau. Real-time arrival information is accessible via the official Taipei City portal and through apps such as Go! Taipei Metro.
• Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport: One of the largest intercity bus operators, with a dedicated booking website and ticketing counters at Taipei Main Station. Tickets can also be purchased through the company’s app or at bus station counters.
• Tourism Administration of the Republic of China (eng.taiwan.net.tw): Provides English-language summaries of intercity bus services, major terminals, and facilities for accessible travel.
• Google Maps and Apple Maps: Both incorporate Taiwan bus and MRT data effectively and serve as dependable tools for everyday journey planning, including live departure times in major cities.

For Kaohsiung in particular, the MeNGo app — operated by the Kaohsiung City Government — brings together route information, timetables, and monthly pass management for buses, the metro, and the Circular Light Rail within a single platform.

What types of bus tickets and passes are available?

Taiwan provides a wide array of ticketing options suited to casual riders, daily commuters, and long-term residents. The smartcard is the dominant model — functioning much like an Oyster card in London or a Myki in Melbourne — where you load credit, tap to board and alight, and fares are deducted automatically.

Smartcard stored-value cards

EasyCard and iPass are the two most prevalent transport smartcards in Taiwan. EasyCard originally launched as a Taipei MRT card, while iPass began life as a Kaohsiung MRT pass. Historically, EasyCard was only valid in the north and iPass only in the south, but today both are accepted across virtually all of Taiwan, with EasyCard maintaining the broader island-wide reach.

A standard adult EasyCard carries a NT$100 non-refundable deposit. Cards can no longer be returned for a refund when you leave. The standard card is sold for NT$500, giving a usable opening balance of NT$400. (As of 2024; consult the EasyCard Corporation website for up-to-date pricing.) The EasyCard is accepted on most city bus networks and a range of intercity bus services across Taiwan.

EasyCard, iPass, and iCash are all cashless payment and travel cards valid across Taiwan’s public transport networks, as well as at convenience stores, vending machines, car parks, taxis, and many other outlets.

TPASS — national monthly pass

Taiwan introduced TPASS, a 30-day monthly card covering the MRT, local city buses, intercity buses, light rail, Taiwan Railway trains, certain ferry services, and bicycle-sharing schemes. The pass is divided into three regional zones: Northern, Central, and Southern Taiwan.

In northern Taiwan, the pass is priced at NT$1,200 per month, covering Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan. In central Taiwan, the fare is NT$699 for Taichung residents and NT$999 for those living outside Taichung. In southern Taiwan, the TPASS costs NT$999, covering commuters in Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, and Pingtung County. (All prices as of 2023; always verify current rates on the official MOTC or EasyCard website, as figures may have been revised.) Importantly, the TPASS provides not just unlimited local travel — covering bus, MRT, LRT, and bikeshare — but also unlimited use of intercity buses and Taiwan Railway trains within the relevant metropolitan region. High Speed Rail services are not included.

City-specific discount schemes

Several cities operate additional fare subsidy programmes. Taichung’s “Double Ten” scheme offers free travel on journeys under 10 kilometres and caps the fare at NT$10 for anything longer. Kaohsiung offers its own local option: the Kaohsiung Bus Pass Plan costs NT$199 and is valid for 30 days with unlimited rides on Kaohsiung City Buses regardless of distance. (As of 2024/2025; confirm current eligibility and pricing with the relevant city transport bureau.)

Concessionary and student cards

The standard EasyCard is known as the adult card (普通卡); student cards (學生卡) and concessionaire cards (優待卡) unlock fare reductions on certain services. The concessionaire card is open to anyone aged 65 or over and can be obtained following verification of a Taiwanese ID or a foreign passport. Welfare cards — including Senior, Charity, and Companion cards — attract a 60% discount on every metro journey.

How do you buy a bus ticket in Taiwan?

Purchasing tickets and paying for buses in Taiwan is a largely hassle-free experience, with several payment methods available from cash to contactless. For most urban journeys, the simplest approach is to top up an EasyCard or iPass and tap when you board — no ticket purchase required each time.

1. Obtain a smartcard first. EasyCards are sold at service counters and vending machines in every Taipei, Taoyuan, and Kaohsiung MRT station. Machines operate throughout MRT hours and offer bilingual menus. Major convenience store chains — 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, and OK Mart — also sell EasyCards, with many branches open around the clock.
2. Add credit to your card. Top-up machines are found at all MRT stations, TRA train stations, and convenience stores. Cash is accepted at most machines for top-ups, though co-branded bank cards with automatic top-up functionality are also an option.
3. Tap your card when boarding. Simply hold your EasyCard against the validator as you board the bus. On certain routes, you will also need to tap when you get off — the display on the validator will make clear whether an exit tap is necessary.
4. Use cash if required. City buses generally accept cash fares. Have exact change or small-denomination notes ready, as drivers are typically unable to give change. Drop payment into the farebox upon boarding.
5. Pre-book intercity coach tickets online or at terminals. Intercity bus tickets can be reserved via operator websites, mobile apps, or at ticket counters in bus stations. On popular routes during holidays and periods of heavy traffic congestion, booking ahead is advisable.
6. Take advantage of mobile payment where accepted. The EasyWallet app from EasyCard enables smartphone-based payments, though it currently operates in Mandarin only. Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted at Taipei MRT barriers, though uptake on buses differs between operators — check individual operator details for the latest information.
7. Link TPASS to your existing card. EasyCard holders can have the monthly TPASS fee applied directly to their current card at MRT stations, TRA stations, intercity bus terminals, or convenience stores, with no need to carry a separate pass.

Are there trams in Taiwan?

Taiwan has one fully operational tram (light rail) network running regular passenger services: the Kaohsiung Circular Light Rail (KCLR). Newer light rail lines also serve suburban areas of Taipei and New Taipei City.

Kaohsiung Circular Light Rail

The Kaohsiung Circular Light Rail is a loop line operated by the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation, spanning 22.1 kilometres and serving 38 stations. The northern portion of Phase II was delayed until 1 January 2024, at which point the full loop was completed. The fleet comprises nine CAF Urbos trams powered by supercapacitor banks — a catenary-free configuration that removes overhead wires and keeps the streetscape clean.

Phase I stations C3 and C14 function as interchange points with the KMRT Red and Orange metro lines respectively, allowing straightforward transfers between the light rail and the heavier metro network. The standard fare is NT$30, reduced to NT$10 when paying via a digital wallet such as iPass, EasyCard, or iCash. Card readers are installed at each station and inside the trams. (Fare as of 2019 — refer to the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation website for current charges, as these may have been updated.)

Danhai and Ankeng LRT (New Taipei)

New Taipei City runs two newer light rail lines — Danhai LRT in the north and Ankeng LRT in the south — serving as suburban feeder connections to the Taipei metro. Passengers paying with EasyCard, iPass, or iCash benefit from a transfer discount when switching between the metro and either LRT line within one hour. These lines operate more like light metro systems than street-running trams, running on dedicated track separate from road traffic.

Integration with other transport

The iPass card serves as a universal ticket across many of Taiwan’s public transport systems; whether you are riding the Taipei Metro, Taoyuan MRT, Taichung MRT, Kaohsiung MRT, Kaohsiung Light Rail, Taiwan Railway, or a wide range of city and intercity buses, a single tap of your iPass grants access without the need to queue for individual tickets. Both the KCLR and the New Taipei LRT lines are included in the TPASS monthly pass, providing unlimited rides within the relevant regional zone for a single monthly fee.

What practical tips should expats know about using buses and trams?

Becoming confident on Taiwan’s buses and trams means picking up a handful of local habits and understanding where the system differs from what you may have encountered elsewhere. Here is what newcomers consistently find most helpful to know:

Validating your card

Every EasyCard contains a small embedded chip that handles fare deductions. To use it, you hold the card over the reader at station barriers or against the device at the front of the bus. On some urban routes, tapping is required both when you board and when you alight — the validator screen will indicate when an exit tap is needed. On the Taipei metro, your card must pass over the EasyCard sensor on the fare gate both when entering and when leaving the station; the first tap marks the start of your journey and the second marks its end.

Transfer discounts

Taiwan’s smartcard system rewards journeys that combine more than one mode of transport. Adult IC cardholders receive an NT$8 discount when transferring between the metro and a bus within one hour of their initial journey; student cardholders receive NT$6 and concessionaire cardholders NT$4. This discount is applied automatically — simply tap as normal and the reduction is calculated without any additional steps. The system works on a principle similar to the “Hopper” fare used in certain other cities.

Priority seating and general etiquette

Priority seats for elderly passengers, pregnant travellers, and people with disabilities are clearly identified on buses and trams, usually distinguished by a contrasting colour. Offering these seats to those who need them is both socially expected and widely practised. Eating and drinking on buses is generally frowned upon. On the metro, smoking is strictly prohibited throughout all stations, and no food, drinks, or chewing gum are permitted beyond the yellow line at ticket gate entrances. Although these rules apply formally to metro environments, the same culture of quiet and considerate travel extends to bus journeys as well.

Accessibility features

By the end of 2024, Kaohsiung had 716 low-floor buses in service on routes that pass hospitals and specialist schools for people with disabilities. Low-floor buses with kneeling capability are becoming the norm across Taiwan’s main urban networks, improving access for wheelchair users, parents with prams, and elderly passengers. Kaohsiung also runs 170 rehabilitation buses providing more flexible and convenient transport for people with disabilities.

Language and navigation

Bus stop announcements in larger cities are typically delivered in Mandarin, Taiwanese Hokkien (Tâi-gí), Hakka, and increasingly English. Stop names appear on in-bus digital displays in both Chinese characters and romanised script — usually Pinyin or Wade-Giles. Intercity bus terminals are generally bilingual, at least in Taipei, making navigation manageable even for those who cannot read Chinese. For everyday route-finding, Google Maps performs reliably across Taiwan for bus directions.

Key difference from metro-style systems

Unlike a metro or underground rail system — where fare barriers physically prevent boarding without valid payment — Taiwan’s buses operate on an open-boarding basis. There is no turnstile stopping you from getting on without tapping. That said, fare inspectors do patrol services, particularly on intercity coaches, and travelling without valid payment is inadvisable. Always ensure your EasyCard carries enough credit before boarding: some transport systems allow your card to dip into a small negative balance so you can complete your journey, but a top-up will be needed before you can travel again.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use contactless bank cards or my phone to pay on buses in Taiwan?

EasyCard offers an app called EasyWallet that enables smartphone-based payments on supported services. Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted at Taipei MRT barriers, but whether they work on buses depends on the individual operator and route. For bus travel, a physical EasyCard or iPass remains the most dependable option. Check with specific operators for the latest on contactless payment availability, as this area continues to develop.

Do buses in Taiwan run on time?

City buses in major urban areas generally keep to schedule during quieter periods, with live arrival data available through apps and electronic displays at stops. During rush hours and public holidays — especially around the Lunar New Year — both urban and intercity services can experience delays and heavy crowding. It pays to factor in extra time when travelling by bus in and out of Taipei during peak periods.

Is the TPASS monthly pass worth it for expats?

The TPASS covers unlimited local travel on buses, the MRT, LRT, and bikeshare, as well as unlimited intercity bus journeys and Taiwan Railway train trips within the relevant metropolitan region. For anyone commuting between cities or riding public transport every day, the pass typically covers its own cost within a week or two of regular use. Check the official MOTC website for current pricing, as rates and regional coverage are subject to periodic revision.

Are buses in Taiwan accessible for wheelchair users?

Standards are steadily improving. By the end of 2024, Kaohsiung had 716 low-floor buses running on routes that serve hospitals and specialist schools for people with disabilities. Low-floor and kneeling buses are increasingly standard in Taipei, Taichung, and other cities. For journeys where accessibility is essential, it is worth contacting the relevant city transport bureau beforehand, as not every route on every network is fully accessible.

Do intercity buses require advance booking?

For most off-peak travel, reservations are not necessary. During public holidays such as the Lunar New Year period, or when freeway traffic becomes congested, booking ahead is strongly recommended. Tickets can be reserved through operator websites and apps, or purchased at bus station counters.

Can I use an EasyCard across all of Taiwan, or just in Taipei?

EasyCards are now accepted across almost all of Taiwan. The card works on the vast majority of city bus networks and on many intercity bus services island-wide, though acceptance on every individual route is not guaranteed. If in doubt, check the relevant operator’s website before you travel.

Are there tourist day or multi-day passes for buses?

Yes, several options exist for shorter visits. The Taipei Fun Pass, issued by the Taipei City Government, bundles metro travel with entry to selected tourist attractions. Some intercity operators also offer promotional discount codes online. The TPASS itself is a 30-day pass open to anyone — not just residents — making it a practical choice for longer stays or those settling in during their first month.

What is the etiquette for hailing rural or mountain minibuses?

In suburban and mountain areas, smaller minibus services operate that can be flagged down from the roadside — much as you would hail a taxi — before they transition to fixed stops in more urban sections of their route. These “S-route” minibuses in Taipei, and equivalent rural services elsewhere, offer a practical means of reaching areas beyond the reach of standard fixed-stop buses. Simply wait at the roadside and signal to the driver, who will pull over if there is room on board.