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Intercity Buses: The Budget-Friendly Choice

Last Updated: 2026/01/06
While the High Speed Rail (THSR) has reduced the frequency of some ultra-long-haul bus routes, the Intercity Highway Bus network remains the backbone of Taiwan's transport. It is the cheapest way to travel and essential for reaching areas without trains. For medium distances, it often functions like a 'commuter metro' for locals.

1. How to Identify: The 4-Digit Code

In Taiwan, you can distinguish the type of bus by its route number:

  • City Bus (市區公車): Usually 1 to 3 digits (e.g., Bus 307). These stay within one city/county.
  • Highway/Intercity Bus (國道/公路客運): Usually 4 digits (e.g., 1815, 9006). These travel via highways to cross city/county borders.

The 'Commuter' Culture

Don't be surprised to see long queues for these 4-digit buses during rush hour. Many locals live in neighboring cities (like Keelung or Yilan) but work in Taipei. They take these highway buses daily just like taking a subway. For example, Bus 1550 whisks people from Keelung directly to Taipei in 30-40 minutes.

2. Bus Transfer Stations (轉運站)

Unlike city buses that stop curbside, long-distance buses usually depart from large, indoor Bus Transfer Stations. These are often co-located with Train or MRT stations.

  • Taipei: Taipei Bus Station (Q Square) and Taipei City Hall Bus Station.
  • Taichung: Chaoma (朝馬) and Taichung Station Transfer Hub.
  • Pingtung: Pingtung Transfer Station (next to the Train Station).
2. Bus Transfer Stations (轉運站)
Photo Credit: Pingtung Bus Station outside TRA station (屏東台鐵外的轉運站) - Littlebtc, CC BY-SA 4.0 | Official Source 🔗

3. Major Operators: Features & Packages

Different companies offer different levels of luxury and route types.

  • Kuo-Kuang (國光客運):
    Color: Purple/White.
    Features: Extensive network reaching tourist spots like Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, and Yeliu that others don't cover.
    Packages: Frequently sells 'Bus + Attraction' combos (e.g., Alishan forest entry + return ticket).
  • Ubus (統聯客運):
    Color: Green.
    Features: Budget king. Very high frequency between major cities (Taipei-Taichung-Tainan-Kaohsiung).
    Packages: Occasional joint tickets with local city buses.
  • Ho-Hsin (和欣客運):
    Color: White/Red.
    Features: The 'Luxury' choice. Famous for their 2-row Business Class' seats with massage functions and personal TVs. Great for sleeping on long hauls.
    Packages: Focuses on comfort upgrades rather than tourist combos.
  • Kamalan (葛瑪蘭):
    Scope: The expert for Taipei ↔ Yilan.
    Packages: Offers 'Bus + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle' combos for exploring Yilan.

4. How to Ride: Do I need a ticket?

The most confusing part for travelers is knowing when to buy a ticket and when to just tap a card. Here is the rule of thumb:

🛑 Scenario A: 'Reserved Seat' (對號座)

Usually for: Long-distance (e.g., Taipei to Kaohsiung/Taichung) or trips via National Highway 5 (to Yilan).

  • Rule: You MUST buy a ticket beforehand (Counter/Kiosk/App/7-11).
  • Why: Standing is illegal on highways for these distances, and every passenger needs a guaranteed seat number.
  • Process: Buy ticket ➝ Wait at gate ➝ Show ticket to driver ➝ Sit in your assigned seat.

🏃 Scenario B: 'Free Seating' (自由座 / 排隊上車)

Usually for: Commuter routes (e.g., Taipei to Keelung/Taoyuan) or shorter inter-city hops.

  • Rule: First come, first served. No ticket needed if you have an EasyCard/iPASS.
  • Process: Queue up ➝ Tap card upon boarding ➝ Find any empty seat ➝ Tap card again when exiting.
  • Tip: Look at the bus LED sign or ask the driver: 'Swipe card?' (逼卡? Bī-Kǎ?).
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The Bridge to the Real Taiwan

About the Author | Uly Zih (子幼羽)

"From Pingtung to Taipei. Commuting between two cities, but embracing the whole island at heart."

Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

Born and raised in Pingtung, Southern Taiwan, I used to be an introvert who preferred the comfort of home. However, my university life at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) marked a turning point. Determined to change, I applied to become a Special Cadre at the NTUST Association of International Affairs (AIA).

I still vividly remember the leader's words during my interview: "Most of our members are international students far away from home. I want you to be the bridge that connects them with local activities in Taiwan."

That mission defined my university years. Through organizing events and planning projects, I learned to see Taiwan through the eyes of a traveler. To broaden my horizons, I spent a month on a working holiday in Australia and actively participated in language exchange events in Taipei. These experiences taught me not just how to communicate, but what travelers truly seek in a foreign land.

Why I Built "TaiwanMe"

The spark for this website came during a "Travel and Life" general education class. Listening to a classmate present a "day trip route around South Taipei", I was struck by a realization: the streets I cycled through every day were filled with stories I had completely ignored.

I realized then: It’s not that Taiwan looks the same everywhere; it’s that our busy lives have stripped us of the energy to explore.

My Vision

This is the beginning of TaiwanMe.

Although my physical journey often shuttles between just two points—Taipei and Pingtung—my heart has expanded to embrace the entire island of Taiwan.

I created this website to be that "bridge" once again. Whether you are an international traveler or a local resident, I hope this platform helps you discover the hidden gems of this island—and perhaps, like me, find a renewed love for the land we stand on.

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About Us

Rediscovering the Lost
"Tâi-uân Bī"

The Story Behind "TaiwanMe"

I recently discovered a beautiful linguistic harmony: "Taiwanese Flavor" (台灣味) is pronounced Táiwān wèi in Mandarin, Tâi-uân-bī in Taiwanese Hokkien, and toiˇ vanˇ mi in Hakka. These remarkably similar sounds across languages inspired the name TaiwanMe.

Tracing the roots further, the name "Taiwan" itself originates from the Siraya indigenous term Taywan. Early Siraya people referred to the sandbars near the Taijiang Inner Sea as Teyoan or Taioan, meaning "the place where strangers or foreigners live."

To me, TaiwanMe embodies this fascinating cultural tapestry—a dialogue between the diverse ethnic groups and histories that define our island.

It started with a moment of realization. While hosting international students, I watched them queue endlessly for commercialized "hotspots" and trendy shops. As a local, I found myself unable to share the deeper, authentic stories of my own land.

It wasn't until a general education class, where a classmate vividly described the very alleys I cycled through every day—my rental place, the campus corners—that it hit me: Taiwan isn't mundane; we've simply lost the energy to explore it amidst our busy lives.

Our mission is simple: The Real Taste of Taiwan.

You won't find cliché tourist traps here. Instead, we guide you to the authentic scenery hidden in ordinary alleys—stories worth telling. Whether you are a first-time traveler or a long-time resident, we hope to accompany you in finding that unique, irreplaceable Taiwanese sentiment.

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The Vision

Many visit Taiwan, but few truly see it.

TaiwanMe was created to unveil the island’s best-kept secrets. Whether it's the profound indigenous culture of Pingtung or the mystical Water Lantern ceremonies in Keelung, we exist to help you find the real taste of Taiwan.

But our vision goes deeper than just tourism. We aim to not only offer foreign travelers a genuine opportunity to deeply understand Taiwan, but also to inspire locals to rediscover the beauty of the land they call home. We believe every corner of this island has a story waiting to be told—and heard.

To Our Potential Partners

To be completely honest with you—we are just getting started. We are a young platform, and we know we have a long way to go. We believe that trust and reputation are earned over time, not overnight. Right now, our primary focus is on pouring our hearts into creating the best content possible, rather than seeking commercial spotlight or formal advertising partnerships. We want to make sure we are truly providing value before we ask for your investment.

That said, we never say no to a good conversation. If our mission resonates with you, or if you see the potential in what we are building—even while we are still in our early days—we would be honored to hear from you. Whether you have a suggestion, a story to share, or simply want to support a growing team, please feel free to reach out.

Email: tangsouptutor@gmail.com
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