New Taipei City Taipei, Taiwan Travel Guide
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): Main international gateway to Taiwan. Approximately 40-50 kilometers (25-31 miles) southwest of Taipei city center. Most long-haul international flights arrive here.
Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA): Within Taipei city limits. Mainly handles domestic flights and some regional international flights to destinations like Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai. Its central location makes it easy for city access.
Flight prices and availability fluctuate with demand. Peak travel seasons typically see higher prices and reduced availability. Booking in advance, especially during these times, secures better rates.
Both TPE and TSA have full facilities including currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shopping, restaurants, airline lounges, and SIM card sales. Tourist information centers are also present.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) hosts direct flights from large cities across North America, Europe, and comprehensive connections throughout Asia, making it an accessible hub.
Drive on the right side of the road. Helmets are mandatory for scooter and motorcycle riders and passengers.
Taiwan’s highways are in excellent condition. Smaller roads, especially in mountainous areas, can be narrow, winding, and sometimes steep. Heavy rain can cause landslides or make roads slippery. Drive with caution.
Parking can be scarce and expensive in urban areas of Taipei. Yangmingshan National Park has restricted parking lots, which fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, often resulting in traffic jams. Public transport is highly encouraged for park visits.
While Taiwan is an island, sea and river transportation mainly serves specific purposes, rather than acting as main international arrival points for Taipei.
Limited river transportation exists within Taipei for sightseeing purposes, mainly along the Tamsui River. This includes leisure cruises and boat services to specific riverfront attractions, not for arrival or departure from the country.
You need a Taiwanese motorcycle license OR an International Driving Permit (IDP) specifically endorsed for motorcycles. Renting a scooter without the proper license is illegal and carries significant risks, including insurance complications.
Taipei operates a popular public bicycle sharing system called YouBike. To use it, you need an EasyCard and a local Taiwanese phone number for registration. YouBike stations are widespread throughout the city.
Taipei city center features good sidewalks. Many attractions are walkable within specific districts. Yangmingshan National Park offers numerous well-maintained hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty, appropriate for strolling.
Within Yangmingshan, some ecological protection areas are restricted and need special permits for entry. Certain routes could close due to adverse weather or maintenance. Adhere to park signage.
Tuk-tuks, jeepneys, or similar special-purpose vehicles are not applicable or found in Taipei or Yangmingshan. Transport methods focus on standard public and private options.
The Taipei Sightseeing Bus (Hop-on Hop-off) operates within Taipei city, covering major city attractions. It doesn't extend directly into Yangmingshan National Park.
Beyond standard options, some specialized transport methods enhance your Yangmingshan and Taipei experience.
Taipei’s MRT system is generally accessible for travelers with mobility challenges.
Yangmingshan National Park provides some easy-to-access facilities at its best visitor centers.
Certain pathways, like the Erhziping Trail boardwalk, are designed for accessibility.
Always get the local weather forecast before heading to the park. Mountain conditions can change rapidly.
