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Transportation & Infrastructure Guide in Taiwan

Public transit, airports, and getting around

Taiwan features a highly developed, integrated transportation network overseen by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, with key strengths in high-speed rail, urban metros, and extensive road systems totaling over 43,000 km. The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) links Taipei to Kaohsiung in just 90 minutes, while metros in Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and others serve urban populations efficiently. Challenges include traffic congestion in cities and rural connectivity gaps, but ongoing investments in smart transport, EV infrastructure, and port automation position Taiwan as an Asian mobility leader. Residents and visitors enjoy diverse options from reliable public transit to right-hand drive roads and 125 airports.
Public Transport
Good
Road Infrastructure
Good
Public Transport
8.2/10

Excellent urban metros in Taipei (131 km, 6 lines), Kaohsiung (52 km), Taichung, Taoyuan, and New Taipei provide high frequency and reliability. Taiwan Railway's 1,097 km network complements THSR's 354 km high-speed line for seamless intercity travel. Strong integration via smart ticketing and real-time apps, with good accessibility and extended hours.

Road Infrastructure
8.0/10

Comprehensive 43,206 km network (2017) includes 1,348 km highways, 737 km expressways, and 872 km freeways, all mostly paved (42,793 km). Well-maintained with modern traffic management; urban roads handle dense traffic effectively, supported by safety features and ongoing smart upgrades.

Internet Speed
9.5/10

Taiwan ranks among global leaders with ultra-fast broadband; widespread fiber optic deployment ensures gigabit speeds in urban and most rural areas. Excellent mobile internet complements fixed lines for reliable connectivity nationwide.

Avg: 950+ Mbps • Ubiquitous fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) coverage exceeding 90%, even in rural regions

Airport Connectivity
7.8/10

125 airports including 21 major ones provide strong domestic coverage; Taoyuan International (TPE) serves as primary Asia-Pacific hub with extensive global routes. Good connections to regional destinations, accessible via efficient rail and road links.

Hubs: Taiwan Taoyuan (TPE), Kaohsiung (KHH), Taipei Songshan (TSA)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass
NT$1,200-2,000/month (Taipei EasyCard)
Bus Trip
NT$15-30 single ride
Taxi
NT$70 start + NT$23/km
High-speed Train
NT$1,490 Taipei-Kaohsiung (standard)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Nationwide coverage from Chunghwa, Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone since 2021, full island deployment by 2026
4G Coverage: 99.9% population coverage, excellent even in remote areas

Top-tier mobile networks offer gigabit 5G speeds in cities and reliable 4G/5G nationwide; high reliability supports smart transport apps and real-time navigation.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

Foreign licenses valid for 30 days with IDP (Taiwan/Chinese translation required); EU licenses need IDP. For stays over 1 year, conversion to Taiwanese license mandatory via test after 30 days. Drives on the right.