Taipei Taiwan, 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 Airfield (TSA): Within Taipei city limits. Mainly handles domestic flights and some regional international flights to places such as 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, gets you better prices.
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 major cities across North America, Europe, and broad connections throughout Asia, making it an accessible hub.
Drive on the right-hand 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 hilly 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 excursions.
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 encompasses leisure cruises and ferry 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 someone from the area Taiwanese phone number for registration. YouBike stations are widespread throughout the city.
Taipei city center features good sidewalks. A lot of attractions are walkable within specific districts. Yangmingshan The Park offers numerous well-maintained hiking trails of different levels of difficulty, suitable for walking.
Within Yangmingshan, some ecological protection areas are restricted and need special permits for entry. Certain routes could close due to inclement weather or maintenance. Adhere to park signage.
Tuk-tuks, jeepneys, or something like it unique 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 landmarks. It doesn't extend directly into Yangmingshan National Park.
Beyond standard options, certain specialized transportation methods enhance your Yangmingshan and Taipei experience.
Taipei’s MRT system is for the most part accessible for travelers with mobility challenges.
Yangmingshan National Park provides some wheelchair-accessible facilities at its visitor centers.
Certain pathways, like the Erhziping Trail boardwalk, are designed for accessibility.
Always check local weather forecasts before heading to the park. Mountain conditions can change rapidly.
