Getting Around Taichung
Taichung offers several transportation options for visitors to navigate this central Taiwan city. The downtown area is compact enough to explore on foot, though sidewalk obstacles may require walking in the street. For longer distances, you'll have access to trains, buses, bicycles, taxis, and ride-hailing services.
Metro and Train Networks
Taichung's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system began operations in 2021 with the Green Line, which connects Dingjiushe to Xinwuri. The metro is clean and comfortable, though coverage remains limited—it primarily serves the High Speed Rail station and certain western downtown areas. A second line (Blue Line) is under construction with completion expected in 2034, so buses and bicycles remain the primary public transport for most trips.
For train travel, Taichung Station on the mountain line (Taichung Line) serves downtown and is the main railway hub. The Taiwan Railway Administration's Western Line splits into two branches here: the Taichung Line serving inland districts and the Coastal Line serving coastal areas. You can switch between branches at Xinwuri Station, which also connects to the High Speed Rail station. Regular trains run to Changhua in the south and northward toward Hsinchu.
Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) trains connect Taichung with Taipei and Kaohsiung, with multiple trains in each direction hourly. The HSR station is located in Wuri District on the city's outskirts. Free bus service is available from the HSR station to downtown, universities, and other destinations. Regular trains can connect the HSR station to downtown Taichung Station in about six minutes.
Buses and Public Transport
Taichung has an extensive bus network covering all districts. Multiple bus companies operate roughly 275 routes across the city, with buses announcing station names in both Chinese and English. Fares start at NT$20 and are calculated by distance. Bus schedules are fixed, though some routes have long intervals—plan accordingly or use bicycles as an alternative.
The same pass card works for both trains and buses, with discounts available for students and senior citizens. You can access route planning, schedules, and fare information through the city government's free website and mobile apps available in both Mandarin and English. Taichung citizens can apply for a free bus pass; visitors can consider purchasing a Taichung Go pass for discounted travel.
Seven long-distance bus companies operate from Taichung to destinations across Taiwan. Major carriers include Kuo-Kuang Bus (with stations near Taichung Train Station and other locations), U-Bus (serving Taipei, Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Taoyuan International Airport), and Changhua Bus Company (offering service to Changhua County and Nantou destinations). Buses to Taipei from Taichung depart several times per hour and typically take about three hours.
Bicycles
The YouBike public bicycle system (formerly called iBike) operates throughout Taichung with service spots in all districts. Register your transit card with a Taiwanese phone number at any kiosk or through a mobile app. The first 30 minutes of each trip are free, with subsequent usage costing NT$10 per half hour for standard bikes (up to 4 hours) or NT$20 per half hour for electric bicycles (first 2 hours).
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are readily available and convenient for getting around the city. Fares start at NT$85 at flagfall, and tips are not required. Ride-hailing services also operate in Taichung.
Scooter Rentals
Scooter rental is another local travel option. You can rent a scooter with either a Taiwanese driver's license or an International Driving Permit paired with your original foreign license that includes motorcycle endorsement.
Walkability
Downtown Taichung is compact enough to explore on foot. However, be aware that shop owners often use sidewalks for business purposes, which can force pedestrians to walk in the street and navigate around traffic.
Getting from Taichung International Airport to the City
Taichung International Airport is the third-largest airport in Taiwan and handles both domestic and international flights. The airport is located approximately 20 kilometers from downtown, with Zhongqing Road (Provincial Route 10) serving as the main link to the city.
Public bus service is the most convenient and least expensive option for reaching downtown. However, the airport has no direct metro or High Speed Rail connections. Scooter and bicycle access are not recommended due to the distance and the airport's location on Dadu Mountain far from downtown. Many visitors choose to take a bus, taxi, or rental car instead.