Navigating Taiwan: UK Traveller's Guide

Taiwan's northeast coast, a vibrant tapestry of historic port cities, mystical mountain towns, and dramatic geological formations, offers an unforgettable journey for any traveller. For those of us from the United Kingdom, navigating a new country's transport system can sometimes feel like a daunting task. However, with a blend of efficient public transport and surprisingly convenient taxi services, exploring gems like Keelung and Jiufen Old Street becomes not just manageable, but a truly enjoyable part of the adventure. This guide aims to shed light on how to traverse this captivating region, ensuring your focus remains on soaking in the breathtaking sights rather than stressing over directions.

Getting from Keelung Station to Jiufen Old Street: The Journey Unpacked

One of the most frequently asked questions for those exploring Taiwan's northeast is how to get from the bustling port city of Keelung to the enchanting, lantern-lit alleys of Jiufen Old Street. While the allure of a direct route is strong, it's important to note that there is no single, direct connection that will whisk you straight from Keelung Station to Jiufen. This journey typically involves a multi-leg approach using Taiwan's excellent railway and bus networks.

The standard public transport route involves starting your journey at Keelung Station. From here, you would typically take a local train. The first leg often involves a short hop to Badu (八堵), followed by another train transfer to Ruifang (瑞芳). Ruifang Station serves as a crucial transport hub for many of the region's attractions, including Jiufen. Once you arrive at Ruifang, it's a short walk to the TRA Ruifang Station bus stop. From there, you can catch the line 1062 bus directly to Jiufen. Upon disembarking the bus in Jiufen, a brief walk will lead you straight into the heart of Jiufen Old Street, ready for exploration.

While this multi-step public transport option is cost-effective and provides a genuine local experience, it does require a bit more time and navigation. For those prioritising convenience and speed, especially after a long day of sightseeing or if carrying luggage, there is a more direct alternative that many travellers find invaluable: the taxi.

Taxis: A Convenient Option for Specific Routes

Indeed, for journeys where direct public transport links are absent or less efficient, taxis emerge as a highly practical solution. From Keelung, or more specifically from a hub like Ruifang Station, taking a taxi directly to Jiufen Old Street is a popular and often preferred choice for many visitors. This eliminates the need for multiple transfers and navigating bus stops, offering a seamless door-to-door experience.

One traveller's experience highlights the benefits of this choice vividly. After navigating the trains to Ruifang from Shifen, the idea of figuring out the correct bus and direction to Jiufen proved daunting. The decision to “cave in and take a taxi” was, in retrospect, an excellent one. The ride was significantly quicker than the bus would have been, providing a swift transition to the next destination. What’s more, the cost was surprisingly reasonable. A taxi ride from Ruifang to Jiufen Old Street came in at approximately 200 NTD, which, for a UK traveller, translates to around £5. This makes taxis a surprisingly affordable luxury for short, direct routes, especially when considering the time saved and the comfort offered.

The sentiment of initial apprehension – “I am normally fearful of taxis, mostly because I always feel like I am getting ripped off” – resonated with many, only to be pleasantly dispelled by the positive experience. The taxi driver dropped them off right at the main entrance, ensuring a hassle-free arrival. This directness and ease of access can significantly enhance your travel experience, particularly when you're keen to maximise your sightseeing time.

Beyond Jiufen, taxis can also be utilised for other specific connections, such as from Ruifang to Shen’ao Station, which might be part of an itinerary involving the scenic Shen’ao Rail Bike. For those looking for ultimate flexibility and a truly tailored experience, the option to hire a private driver for a customised day tour from Taipei is also available. This offers the freedom to craft your own itinerary, with a dedicated vehicle and driver to transport you between attractions at your own pace, providing unparalleled ease for exploring multiple sites like Heping Island Park, Jiufen Old Street, and Shifen Waterfall within a single day.

Exploring Keelung and Beyond: Transport Hubs and Local Insights

Keelung itself is a captivating port city on Taiwan's northeast coast, often serving as a gateway for cruise ship passengers and a popular day-trip destination from Taipei. Known as the “Rainy City” due to its frequent precipitation, it boasts attractions like the famous Keelung Night Market (Miaokou Night Market), which is a mere 10-minute walk from Keelung train station. The city's rich history, from its indigenous Ketagalan roots to its development under Spanish, Dutch, and Japanese influence, is reflected in sites like Baimiweng Fort and the modern Keelung Tower, offering panoramic harbour views.

Keelung's strategic location makes it a natural starting or ending point for exploring the wider region. Local trains connect Keelung to Taipei Main Station in about 45 minutes, a journey that doesn't require pre-booked seats – simply swipe your EasyCard or buy a ticket. Buses also offer routes from various parts of Taipei, taking up to an hour depending on traffic. Notably, bus 788 runs directly from Jiufen Old Street to Keelung, taking approximately 50 minutes, providing a convenient public transport link back to the city after exploring the mountain town.

For those venturing further afield, destinations like Yehliu, famous for its unique geological formations, are about 45 minutes west of Keelung by bus. The region's transport network, while sometimes requiring transfers, is generally efficient and user-friendly. The Keelung Tourist Shuttle 99 provides access to many popular local spots, including Waimushan Coastal Area, Zhongzheng Park, and Heping Island Park, making it easier to explore the city's diverse offerings without relying solely on taxis.

Planning Your Taiwan Day Trip: Integrating Taxis and Public Transport

A well-planned itinerary for Taiwan's northeast often involves a strategic mix of trains, buses, and taxis to maximise sightseeing and minimise travel stress. For instance, a popular day trip from Taipei might involve starting with a train to Ruifang, then transferring to Shifen for its sky lanterns and waterfall. After returning to Ruifang, the choice between bus and taxi to Jiufen becomes pertinent. As highlighted, a taxi offers speed and directness for this specific leg, allowing more time to soak in Jiufen's unique atmosphere.

Following a visit to Jiufen, travellers often head to Keelung Night Market to conclude their day. From Jiufen Old Street, bus 1862 offers a direct route to Keelung, bypassing the need to return to Ruifang for a train. While Google Maps might estimate a longer journey, local insights suggest the bus can be surprisingly quick, sometimes completing the trip in just 40 minutes. This illustrates the importance of local knowledge and flexibility in your travel plans.

Alternatively, some itineraries might involve taking a taxi from Ruifang to the eastern end of the Shen’ao Rail Bike (Shen’ao Station), riding the bike to Badouzi Station, and then utilising the Keelung Tourist Shuttle to reach Keelung Port and the Night Market. This demonstrates how taxis can serve as crucial connectors within a broader public transport network, bridging gaps and providing access to less accessible points or simply speeding up transitions between attractions.

The key to a rewarding day trip in this region is understanding when to leverage the reliability and affordability of public transport and when to opt for the expediency and comfort of a taxi. For independent travellers, especially those from the UK accustomed to a different public transport landscape, finding this balance is crucial. The ability to switch between modes based on your itinerary's demands, time constraints, and personal preference is what ultimately leads to a seamless and memorable Taiwanese adventure.

Practical Tips for Taxis in Taiwan

Based on the experiences shared, here are some practical tips for utilising taxis in Taiwan, particularly for UK travellers:

• Availability: Taxis are generally readily available in major transport hubs like Ruifang Station and urban centres like Keelung.
• Cost: While not as cheap as a bus, they can be surprisingly affordable for short to medium distances, especially if travelling in a group. The 200 NTD (approx. £5) fare from Ruifang to Jiufen is a good benchmark for similar distances.
• Efficiency: Taxis often provide the quickest way to get from point A to point B, bypassing the need for transfers and waiting times associated with public transport schedules.
• Directness: They offer door-to-door service, which is a significant advantage when navigating winding streets or arriving at specific entrances of attractions.
• Language Barrier: While many drivers may not speak English, having your destination written in Chinese (traditional characters) or showing it on a map app like Google Maps is highly recommended.
• Safety: The anecdote about overcoming initial fear of being “ripped off” suggests that Taiwanese taxis are generally trustworthy. Reputable taxis operate with meters, though agreeing on a fixed price for specific routes (like airport transfers or popular tourist routes) is also common and can be reassuring.
• Hiring a Driver: For extensive day tours covering multiple scattered attractions, hiring a private driver offers the ultimate in comfort and customisation, albeit at a higher cost. This can be arranged through tour operators or hotel concierges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions a UK traveller might have about using taxis and navigating Taiwan's northeast:

Are taxis safe and reliable in Taiwan?

Based on traveller experiences, taxis in Taiwan are generally considered safe and reliable. While it's natural to have initial concerns about being overcharged in a foreign country, many find the experience positive and fair. Licensed taxis use meters, and for popular tourist routes, fixed prices can sometimes be agreed upon in advance, offering transparency. Always ensure you are taking a licensed taxi.

How much do taxis typically cost for tourist routes?

For a popular route like Ruifang Station to Jiufen Old Street, a taxi ride costs approximately 200 NTD, which is around £5. Prices will vary depending on distance, traffic, and time of day (night surcharges may apply), but this gives a good indication of affordability for short, convenient trips.

Can I rely solely on public transport for these routes?

Yes, you absolutely can. Taiwan has an extensive and efficient public transport system, including trains and buses, that covers most major tourist destinations. However, journeys may involve multiple transfers and can be more time-consuming. For routes like Keelung to Jiufen, there is no direct public transport, requiring a combination of train and bus.

Is it better to take a taxi or bus from Ruifang to Jiufen Old Street?

This depends on your priorities. The bus (e.g., line 1062) is the most budget-friendly option and offers a local experience. However, a taxi is significantly quicker and offers direct, door-to-door service, which can be invaluable if you're short on time, carrying luggage, or simply prefer maximum comfort and efficiency. For a cost of around £5, many travellers find the taxi option well worth the expense for this specific leg of the journey.

How do I hire a private driver for a customised day tour from Taipei?

To hire a private driver for a customised day tour, it's best to pre-arrange this through reputable online tour platforms or via your accommodation in Taipei. This service provides a dedicated vehicle and driver for the day, allowing you to create your own itinerary and visit multiple attractions at your own pace. While more expensive than individual taxi rides or public transport, it offers unparalleled flexibility and comfort for exploring diverse sites across the region.

Embarking on an adventure through Taiwan's northeast coast promises incredible sights and experiences. By understanding the various transport options available, from the comprehensive public networks to the strategic use of taxis, UK travellers can navigate this stunning region with confidence and ease. Whether you're marvelling at Jiufen's charm or exploring Keelung's vibrant markets, efficient travel choices pave the way for a truly memorable journey.

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