← Older revision
Revision as of 15:09, 11 July 2015
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=== By plane ===
=== By plane ===
−
Taiwan's main domestic carriers are '''[http://www.mandarin-airlines.com/ Mandarin Airlines]''', a China Airlines subsidiary; '''[http://www.uniair.com.tw/ UNI Air]''', controlled by EVA; and '''[http://www.tna.com.tw/ TransAsia Airways]'''. Flights are frequent, and it is usually unnecessary to book flights in advance. Taipei and Kaohsiung have regular services and links to most other domestic airports; however, it may not be possible to fly from one domestic airport to another. The popularity of the high-speed train has drastically cut flights on the once popular west coast sectors
, with e.g. Taipei-Kaohsiung flights only a shadow of what they once were
.
+
Taiwan's main domestic carriers are '''[http://www.mandarin-airlines.com/ Mandarin Airlines]''', a China Airlines subsidiary; '''[http://www.uniair.com.tw/ UNI Air]''', controlled by EVA; and '''[http://www.tna.com.tw/ TransAsia Airways]'''. Flights are frequent, and it is usually unnecessary to book flights in advance. Taipei and Kaohsiung have regular services and links to most other domestic airports; however, it may not be possible to fly from one domestic airport to another. The popularity of the high-speed train has drastically cut flights on the once popular west coast sectors.
−
Fares for domestic flights are not too expensive, and local planes are very good. The domestic airport in Taipei is [http://www.tsa.gov.tw/0069/index_e/index_e.shtm Song Shan Airport], which is in the north of the Taipei and easily reached by taxi. Domestic destinations include
[[Kaohsiung]], [[Tainan]], Chiayi, [[Taichung]], [[Pingtung]],
[[Taitung]], [[Hualien]], [[Makung]] (Penghu / Pescadores), [[Kinmen]], [[Hengchun]], [[Nangan]] and [[Beigan]]. Travelers heading to [[Kenting]] can avail themselves of the direct and frequent bus service from Kaohsiung airport that connect with flights arriving from Taipei.
+
Fares for domestic flights are not too expensive, and local planes are very good. The domestic airport in Taipei is [http://www.tsa.gov.tw/0069/index_e/index_e.shtm Song Shan Airport], which is in the north of the Taipei and easily reached by taxi. Domestic destinations include [[Taitung]], [[Hualien]], [[Makung]] (Penghu / Pescadores), [[Kinmen]], [[Hengchun]], [[Nangan]] and [[Beigan]]. Travelers heading to [[Kenting]] can avail themselves of the direct and frequent bus service from Kaohsiung airport that connect with flights arriving from Taipei.
−
If you want to visit Taiwan's smaller islands, the plane is still the best option, and is the only practical option
of
travelling to [[
Penghu
]]
,
[[
Kinmen
]]
or
[[Matsu]]. For travel to Green Island and [[Orchid Island]], the plane from Taitung saves several hours over taking the ferry.
+
If you want to visit Taiwan's smaller islands, the plane is still the best option, and is the only practical option
for
travelling to [[
Kinmen
]]
and the easiest method of reaching
[[
Penghu
]]
and
[[Matsu]]. For travel to Green Island and [[Orchid Island]], the plane from Taitung saves several hours over taking the ferry
which is notorious among Taiwanese for its rough ride
.
=== By train ===
=== By train ===
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Taiwan's train system is excellent, with stops in all major cities. Train stations are often located in the centers of most cities and towns and serve as a convenient hub for most types of transportation. In addition, the train system allows you to bypass the highways, which can become extremely crowded on weekends and national holidays.
Taiwan's train system is excellent, with stops in all major cities. Train stations are often located in the centers of most cities and towns and serve as a convenient hub for most types of transportation. In addition, the train system allows you to bypass the highways, which can become extremely crowded on weekends and national holidays.
−
The new train backbone is [http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/?lc=en '''Taiwan High Speed Rail'''] (HSR, 高鐵 ''gāotiě'') , a bullet train based on Japanese ''Shinkansen'' technology that covers the 345 km (215 mi) route on the West Coast from [[Taipei]] to Zuoying ([[Kaohsiung]]) in 90 min. Other stops on the route are [[Banqiao]], [[Taoyuan]], [[Hsinchu]], [[Taichung]], [[Chiayi]] and [[Tainan]], but note that many THSR stations have been built a fair distance from the cities they serve (e.g. a taxi from downtown Tainan costs up to NT$400, but there's a free shuttle bus). Taipei, Banciao and Kaohsiung (Zuoying) stations are connected with metro. Taichung stations is built next to a railway staiton, convenient to transfer to the city center. Hsinchu and Tainan stations are connected to the city center with
brance
railway
line
. Other stations can only be reached by bus. A one way ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs NT$1,630 in economy or NT$2,140 in business class, but economy seats have plush seats and ample legroom, so there's little reason to pay extra. All signage and announcements are in English as well, making navigation a snap. Bookings are accepted online and via phone up to two weeks in advance at +886-2-6626-8000 (English spoken), with payment required only when you pick up the tickets. Credit cards are accepted.
+
The new train backbone is [http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/?lc=en '''Taiwan High Speed Rail'''] (HSR, 高鐵 ''gāotiě'') , a bullet train based on Japanese ''Shinkansen'' technology that covers the 345 km (215 mi) route on the West Coast from [[Taipei]] to Zuoying ([[Kaohsiung]]) in 90 min. Other stops on the route are [[Banqiao]], [[Taoyuan]], [[Hsinchu]], [[Taichung]], [[Chiayi]] and [[Tainan]], but note that many THSR stations have been built a fair distance from the cities they serve (e.g. a taxi from downtown Tainan costs up to NT$400, but there's a free shuttle bus). Taipei, Banciao and Kaohsiung (Zuoying) stations are connected with metro. Taichung stations is built next to a railway staiton, convenient to transfer to the city center. Hsinchu and Tainan stations are connected to the city center with
branch
railway
lines
. Other stations can only be reached by bus. A one way ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs NT$1,630 in economy or NT$2,140 in business class, but economy seats have plush seats and ample legroom, so there's little reason to pay extra. All signage and announcements are in English as well, making navigation a snap. Bookings are accepted online and via phone up to two weeks in advance at +886-2-6626-8000 (English spoken), with payment required only when you pick up the tickets. Credit cards are accepted.
Bookings can be easily made by internet, and you can pay online or pay and pick up your tickets at almost every FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. You can also avoid the queues for long distance tickets at major stations by buying your tickets from the automated ticket machines. The English prompts on the automated machines are hard to spot but they are present,usually in the top left corner of the screen. The stations and platforms are wheelchair-friendly and all trains include a wheelchair-accessible car (wider doors, ample space, accessible bathroom). Note that the official English guide for online reservations distinguishes between "senior or disabled tickets" and "handicap-friendly seats"; while it's possible to buy a ticket for the former online ("correct passenger ID" required), a ticket for the latter has to be reserved by calling the ticketing office on the phone. Early Bird tickets are sold from 28 days before the day, and the discount to is up to 35% off.
Bookings can be easily made by internet, and you can pay online or pay and pick up your tickets at almost every FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. You can also avoid the queues for long distance tickets at major stations by buying your tickets from the automated ticket machines. The English prompts on the automated machines are hard to spot but they are present,usually in the top left corner of the screen. The stations and platforms are wheelchair-friendly and all trains include a wheelchair-accessible car (wider doors, ample space, accessible bathroom). Note that the official English guide for online reservations distinguishes between "senior or disabled tickets" and "handicap-friendly seats"; while it's possible to buy a ticket for the former online ("correct passenger ID" required), a ticket for the latter has to be reserved by calling the ticketing office on the phone. Early Bird tickets are sold from 28 days before the day, and the discount to is up to 35% off.
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=== By bus ===
=== By bus ===
−
Intercity buses are called ''keyun'' (客運), as opposed to ''gongche'' (公車) which run within the county and city. Buses run by private companies are generally more luxurious (often boasting wide, soft seats, foot-rests and individual video screens) than those run by government-owned companies. Still, even the government-owned buses are comfortable, punctual, and maintain clean facilities on board.
+
Intercity buses are called ''keyun'' (客運), as opposed to ''gongche'' (公車) which run within the county and city. Buses run by private companies are generally more luxurious (often boasting wide, soft seats, foot-rests and individual video screens) than those run by government-owned companies. Still, even the government-owned buses are comfortable, punctual, and maintain clean facilities on board
. The long distance buses can be an attractive option for those looking to save money when making trips over 2 hours. The cost is generally lower than the train and the speed and comfort are generally as good or better
.
The Taiwan tourist shuttle connects with many of the major train stations and offers direct services to many of the tourist sites which might be confusing for foreigners to locate by public bus. [http://www.taiwantrip.com.tw/ The website] is confusing to navigate but English timetables and route maps are available from most tourist information centers and bus stops.
The Taiwan tourist shuttle connects with many of the major train stations and offers direct services to many of the tourist sites which might be confusing for foreigners to locate by public bus. [http://www.taiwantrip.com.tw/ The website] is confusing to navigate but English timetables and route maps are available from most tourist information centers and bus stops.
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[[File:Taipei MRT Train VAL256.jpg|thumb|Taipei MRT]]
[[File:Taipei MRT Train VAL256.jpg|thumb|Taipei MRT]]
−
[[Taipei]] has an excellent, fairly comprehensive subway system called the MRT that makes traveling around the city a snap, and [[Kaohsiung]]'s metro finally opened in March 2008. Prepaid travel cards such as the EasyCard (悠遊卡) in Taipei for bus and metro travel are available at metro stations. In
KaoHsiung
, it's called 一卡通. They are read via proximity sensors so you do not need to remove the card from your wallet or purse. The MRT is very clean as there is no eating, drinking, or smoking inside of the stations or subway trains. There is also a special waiting area that is monitored by security camera for those who are concerned about security late at night. Stations and trains are wheelchair-friendly, but note that when there are multiple exits from a single station, usually only one of these is equipped with a lift.
+
[[Taipei]] has an excellent, fairly comprehensive subway system called the MRT that makes traveling around the city a snap, and [[Kaohsiung]]'s metro finally opened in March 2008. Prepaid travel cards such as the EasyCard (悠遊卡) in Taipei for bus and metro travel are available at metro stations. In
Kaohsiung
, it's called 一卡通. They are read via proximity sensors so you do not need to remove the card from your wallet or purse. The MRT is very clean as there is no eating, drinking, or smoking inside of the stations or subway trains. There is also a special waiting area that is monitored by security camera for those who are concerned about security late at night. Stations and trains are wheelchair-friendly, but note that when there are multiple exits from a single station, usually only one of these is equipped with a lift.
=== By taxi ===
=== By taxi ===
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If you're just learning to drive a scooter on the streets of Taiwan, it would be a good idea to practice a bit on a back road or alley until you have a feel for the scooter - attempting to do so in the busier cities could easily be fatal. Certainly, things can get pretty hairy on Taiwanese roads and Taipei in particular has narrower more congested roads than many other cities. However if you know what you're doing, it's the perfect way to get around in a city.
If you're just learning to drive a scooter on the streets of Taiwan, it would be a good idea to practice a bit on a back road or alley until you have a feel for the scooter - attempting to do so in the busier cities could easily be fatal. Certainly, things can get pretty hairy on Taiwanese roads and Taipei in particular has narrower more congested roads than many other cities. However if you know what you're doing, it's the perfect way to get around in a city.
−
It should be possible to rent a scooter by the day, week or month, depending on the city in which you're staying.
In
Taipei
,
as
of
September
2008,
the
only
place
legally
renting scooters and motorbikes to foreigners
is
the
[http://www.bikefarm.net Bikefarm], which is run by a very friendly and helpful English guy called Jeremy. In Taichung, Foreigner Assistance Services In Taiwan '''[http://www.englishintaiwan.com/foreignerservices/fast.php F.A.S.T]''' offers a rental service for foreign visitors. Otherwise, scooters are generally easy to rent in most major cities, with many such places being conveniently located near railway or bus stations. Most usually require some form of identification even if, in some cases, it consists of your expired Blockbuster video card!
+
It should be possible to rent a scooter by the day, week or month, depending on the city in which you're staying.
One
Taipei
motorcycle
and
scooter
rental
service
with
English
language
service
is [http://www.bikefarm.net Bikefarm], which is run by a very friendly and helpful English guy called Jeremy. In Taichung, Foreigner Assistance Services In Taiwan '''[http://www.englishintaiwan.com/foreignerservices/fast.php F.A.S.T]''' offers a rental service for foreign visitors. Otherwise, scooters are generally easy to rent in most major cities, with many such places being conveniently located near railway or bus stations. Most usually require some form of identification even if, in some cases, it consists of your expired Blockbuster video card!
The average price you may expect is $400 for 24 hours, this includes one or two helmets.
The average price you may expect is $400 for 24 hours, this includes one or two helmets.
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=== By bicycle ===
=== By bicycle ===
−
While known for being a major player in the [[cycling|bicycle]] industry (through companies such as Giant and
Meridia
), until fairly recently, bicycles in Taiwan were considered an unwanted reminder of less prosperous times. Thankfully, this has changed in recent years. Bicycling is again on the rise, both as a tool for commuting and recreation, and support infrastructure is slowly being put into place. Several bike paths have been built, and recreational cycling has become quite popular amongst locals, especially on weekends. However, you should also be aware that local drivers have a well deserved reputation for recklessness. As such, you should exercise extreme caution when cycling outside of designated bicycle lanes and trails.
+
While known for being a major player in the [[cycling|bicycle]] industry (through companies such as Giant and
Merida
), until fairly recently, bicycles in Taiwan were considered an unwanted reminder of less prosperous times. Thankfully, this has changed in recent years. Bicycling is again on the rise, both as a tool for commuting and recreation, and support infrastructure is slowly being put into place. Several bike paths have been built, and recreational cycling has become quite popular amongst locals, especially on weekends. However, you should also be aware that local drivers have a well deserved reputation for recklessness. As such, you should exercise extreme caution when cycling outside of designated bicycle lanes and trails.
In recent years, the government has been promoting bicycling as a method of clean recreation. Several designated bicycle paths have been built throughout Taiwan (especially along riverside parks). Additionally, [http://www.formosanfattire.com/trails/ long distance rides], including through the Central Mountain Range, and along the coastline around the main island have become popular. For long distance trips, bicycles can be shipped as is using standard freight service from the Taiwan Railway Administration between larger stations. A price table is available [http://service.tra.gov.tw/tw/CP/11345/freightservice-5.aspx here] (Chinese language only). Non-folding bicycles may also be transported aboard the Taipei and Kaohsiung rapid transit systems if loaded at specific stations, during off peak hours (usually 10AM-4PM on weekdays, check with your local station personnel to confirm).
In recent years, the government has been promoting bicycling as a method of clean recreation. Several designated bicycle paths have been built throughout Taiwan (especially along riverside parks). Additionally, [http://www.formosanfattire.com/trails/ long distance rides], including through the Central Mountain Range, and along the coastline around the main island have become popular. For long distance trips, bicycles can be shipped as is using standard freight service from the Taiwan Railway Administration between larger stations. A price table is available [http://service.tra.gov.tw/tw/CP/11345/freightservice-5.aspx here] (Chinese language only). Non-folding bicycles may also be transported aboard the Taipei and Kaohsiung rapid transit systems if loaded at specific stations, during off peak hours (usually 10AM-4PM on weekdays, check with your local station personnel to confirm).