Popular Buses in Taiwan

There are various ways to book Taiwan bus tickets. For short-distance city buses, you can usually pay by card or cash directly when boarding. For long-distance coaches, tickets can be purchased at ticket counters at bus stations or booked online; some routes also offer convenience store pick-up services. If you're booking a sightseeing bus or a special tour bus, you can also book through travel platforms like KKday, which provides Chinese customer service support and flexible cancellation policies, eliminating language barriers and offering more flexibility in trip planning.

Taking a bus to Jiufen from Taiwan is quite convenient and popular. From Taipei, the most common method is to take the TRA or HSR to Ruifang Station, then transfer to a local bus to Jiufen Old Street. Additionally, some bus operators offer routes directly from Taipei city to Jiufen, such as from Zhongxiao Fuxing Station, which saves the hassle of transferring and takes you directly to Jiufen. You can also enjoy the scenery along the way, making it a great way to experience Taiwan.

Taiwanese buses generally operate with either 'tap card/coin upon boarding' or 'tap card on both boarding and alighting'. When boarding, check the display screen at the front of the bus (showing 'Tap Card On' or 'Coin On'). Use an EasyCard, iPASS, or other stored-value card to tap the reader, or insert coins (no change given). Some long-distance or inter-city buses require you to tap your card when both boarding and alighting. Remember to press the stop request button before your stop, and alight from the rear door after the bus has come to a complete stop. Stored-value cards offer transfer discounts, so it's recommended to use them.

The most comfortable seasons for bus travel in Taiwan are generally spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring offers mild weather and blooming flowers, ideal for visiting mountainous areas or the East Coast. Autumn is cool and pleasant with less rainfall, perfect for exploring towns or coastlines. Summer (June to August) can be hot with typhoon season, and winter (December to February) can be cold and wet in the north, while relatively warmer in the south. If traveling during these seasons, it's advisable to check weather forecasts and pack appropriate clothing.

There are several key differences between coaches and city buses in Taiwan. City buses mainly operate within cities or nearby areas, with frequent stops, serving commuters and short-distance travel. They run frequently and typically don't have assigned seats. Coaches, on the other hand, are mostly for long-distance routes connecting different cities and counties. They have fewer stops but cover longer distances, usually offer more comfortable seating, and some even provide reserved seating. In essence, city buses are for daily short trips, while coaches are for inter-city long-distance travel.

Choosing between bus and train travel in Taiwan has its advantages. Buses cover a wider network, reaching many destinations inaccessible by train, such as high mountains or remote towns. Ticketing is generally more flexible, and some tourist buses go directly to attraction entrances. However, bus travel is more susceptible to traffic delays. Trains are highly punctual and offer a smooth ride, ideal for enjoying scenery, especially along the scenic East Coast line. However, tickets for popular routes can be hard to get, and trains only reach stations, requiring further transfers.

For checking bus routes in Taiwan, several useful mobile applications (Apps) are available. 'Google Maps' is widely used for real-time bus information, route planning, and estimated arrival times. Additionally, local transportation bureaus in various cities offer their own Apps, such as 'Taipei Bus Tracker' and 'Kaohsiung iBus', providing more precise local information and arrival time forecasts. It's recommended to use these Apps in conjunction with your travel plans for the specific region to conveniently check routes, schedules, and real-time locations, making trip planning more efficient.

For first-time bus riders in Taiwan, here are a few tips: First, prepare a stored-value card (EasyCard or iPASS) or have exact change (no change given). Second, pay attention to the 'Tap Card On' or 'Coin On' sign when boarding. Before your stop, be sure to press the stop request button early to notify the driver. Also, eating and drinking are generally not allowed on buses, and please keep your voice down and offer your seat to those who need it. If you're unsure about the route, politely ask the driver or locals; they are usually happy to help.

Long-distance buses in Taiwan, especially those connecting major cities, often offer more comfortable seating options to enhance the passenger experience. These comfortable coaches typically feature spacious seats with adjustable recline angles, some even with semi-reclining seats for better rest. Additionally, they may provide USB charging ports, individual reading lights, and personal air vents, and some even offer free Wi-Fi. When purchasing tickets, look for the bus company's model descriptions or choose options like 'Luxury' or 'Business Class' for a more comfortable journey.

During typhoons or adverse weather conditions in Taiwan, bus services will typically be suspended or have their schedules adjusted for passenger safety, based on announcements from local governments regarding work and class suspensions or instructions from transportation authorities. City buses may reduce services or stop running during typhoons or heavy rain advisories. Long-distance coaches will be more cautious, especially for routes in mountainous areas or across the sea, and may temporarily cease operations to avoid danger. It is advisable to check the bus company's official website, app, or news reports in advance during severe weather to confirm the latest schedule information and avoid travel disruptions.