Ben's Guide to Taipei and Taiwan

The 518 runs regularly throughout the day. The 518 starts at Taipei Main Station and then stops at Shuanglian MRT Station (2 stations north of main station on the Red-Danshui Line). It then follows Minsheng Rd. to the end before turning south to Songshan Train Station. It then goes to Neihu before turning around and reversing its route. If you catch the 518 from Shuanglian going east during morning rush hour be prepared for a cramped and painful experience. There are times when the bus is filled beyond capacity, and people need to wait for the next bus. Since there is no orderly line in place, getting on the next bus can be just as bad as trying to get on the first bus.

The Taoyuan Taiwan International Airport (formerly CKS airport, and still using this as the airport code) is Taiwan's primary international airport and is the only option for international arrivals to Taipei. If you arrive here and are flying to another destination within Taiwan, you will need to transfer to the Songshan Domestic Airport which is located inside Taipei City. Official Site: http://www.taoyuanairport.gov.tw/web/english/about/all_e.jsp airport buses: This is a simple and cheap option with regular buses to Taipei and other destinations. airport limos which are actually nicely kept Mercedes Benz sedans are available for a reasonable rate. Otherwise taxis are always an option. Pets (and other items subject to quarantine): http://www.taoyuanairport.gov.tw/web/english/tourist/commodity_e.jsp

Intercity Buses: http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2007/10/buses-from-taipei-to-other-cities.html Taiwan High Speed Rail: As of January 2007 the Taiwan High Speed Rail is open for business. I haven't tried it out yet, but it looks to be a great way to travel to South Taiwan. Official Website in English: http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/index.htm Regular rail system Here is a map and list of train stations in Taiwan: http://www.romanization.com/trainstations/index.html Taiwan Railways Administration: http://www.railway.gov.tw/en/index/index.aspx See also: http://service.tra.gov.tw/en/ Domestic flights are available to various locations. All Taipei flights are from Songshan Domestic Airport. No domestic flights are available from Taoyuan Taiwan International Airport (CKS).

The MRT underground & elevated train network MRT=Metro Rapid Transit. Chinese: 捷運 jié yùn While you are here you may want to make use of Taipei’s public transit system. The subway known as the MRT is very efficient and easy to use. All stops are labeled and announced in English. If you use the MRT on a regular basis you will want to buy an Easy Card. This is a prepaid debit card. You simply touch it to the sensor on the turnstile as you enter and leave the MRT station. You will hear a high-pitched beep and the turnstile will unlock. If you are using a one-time use ticket, feed the ticket into the slot and it will come out on top. Take the ticket, as you will need it to exit. One-time use tickets may be purchased from vending machines located in each station. Check the map on the vending machine to determine the proper fare for your destination. Easy Cards can be purchased at any MRT station ticket window and some automated vending machines in the stat...