How to Travel from Taipei to Jiufen Easily

Just about an hour’s drive from Taipei, the ancient mountain town of Jiufen is the perfect destination for those who love nostalgic beauty nestled in the mountains. Here, you’ll find stone-paved slopes, vibrant red lanterns hanging under the eaves, a cool climate, and charming scenery year-round, as if stepping into an old film scene. Visit Jiufen to experience a Taiwan that is truly antique, poetic, and filled with artistic charm!

1. How Far is Jiufen from Taipei?

Jiufen, an ancient village, is located in the Shuinan Township, New Taipei City. Jiufen sits on a mountain near the northern coast of Taiwan.

Before we explore the travel options, let’s first look at the distance from Taipei to Jiufen. The answer is approximately 40km by road. This is a reasonable distance, making the journey quite convenient. Travel time may take from 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your chosen mode of transportation and the traffic situation.

There are various ways to get from Taipei to Jiufen. Apart from private options like taxis, many travelers prefer public transportation such as the MRT and bus, which is more convenient and cost-effective.

How to Travel from Taipei to Jiufen Easily (Bus + MRT)

The distance from Taipei to Jiufen is about 40km by road.

2. How to Travel from Taipei to Jiufen by MRT + Bus (The Simplest and Most Affordable Option)

2.1 Taking the MRT Combined with the Bus

There is no direct train to Jiufen from Taipei, but you can take the MRT to Ruifang Station and then transfer to a bus to Jiufen. This combination of two public transportation modes is quite easy and helps you save on travel costs.

Here’s how you can get from Taipei to Jiufen:

From Taipei Main Station, take any northbound TRA (Taiwan Railway Administration) train to Ruifang. If you have an EasyCard, you don't need to buy a separate ticket – simply swipe your card. Ensure to check the stop on Google Maps or ask the staff to confirm you are on the right train.
Start at Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station (忠孝復興站) – on the Blue or Brown Line.
From Exit 1, head out and take the 1062 Keelung Bus towards Jinguashi (金瓜石) – this bus will pass through Jiufen.
The bus will stop near Jiufen, and from there, it's just a short walk to the main sightseeing area.
To return from Jiufen to Taipei, simply reverse the steps above. First, get to Houtong Station, then catch a train back to Ruifang. From there, take buses 1061 or 1062 back to Taipei. Trains leave every hour, so be sure to plan your time carefully to avoid missing the train!

Costs:Total one-way travel cost is about 120-130 TWD, which is very affordable for a trip from central Taipei.

MRT: Around 20–25 TWD depending on the starting point.
1062 Bus: Around 100 TWD per trip (approximately 75,000 VND).

Travel Time:In general, traveling by train and bus will take a total of 45 to 75 minutes (depending on the train type). If you take the direct bus, it will take at least 80 minutes, not including waiting time.

Traveling from Taipei to Jiufen by MRT and bus is a popular choice due to its convenience and affordability.

2.2 By Express Bus

In addition to MRT, you can also take an express bus directly from downtown Taipei, minimizing the need to change lines. There are two bus options to Jiufen: route 1062 and 965.

How to travel from Taipei to Jiufen by bus:

Songshan Station, Banqiao Bus Station, Wanhua MRT Station, Ximen MRT Station, or Beimen MRT Station.
Take bus number 965 or 1062. The buses run every 30 minutes, so check the schedule and departure points to avoid getting on the wrong bus.
It takes approximately 1 hour 50 minutes from the first stop to reach Jiufen, and 1 hour 15 minutes from Beimen station.
Cost: Similar to MRT, 100–120 TWD per trip (approximately 79,000 VND – 95,000 VND).

From downtown Taipei, you can also take an express bus to reach Jiufen.

3. Other Ways to Travel from Taipei to Jiufen

3.1 By Taxi or Private Car

If you're traveling in a group of 3-4 people or more, you can choose to rent a private car or take a taxi, offering more comfort and privacy for the journey.

Travel Time: Around 1 hour.
Cost: Approximately 1,200 – 1,500 TWD per ride (around 954,000 VND – 1,190,000 VND), but you can negotiate with the driver if traveling round trip within the same day.
In addition to taxis, you can also use the Uber app. Before hailing a taxi, check Uber to see if there are cheaper fares. The cost for an Uber ride can range from 860 – 1,700 TWD (around 684,000 VND – 1,352,000 VND). If Uber is cheaper than a taxi, you can use it to save on travel costs.
If the price is too high, you can share a taxi with other passengers to split the cost.

From downtown Taipei, you can also take an express bus to reach Jiufen.

3.2 Book a Day Tour

You can also book a one-day tour from Taipei to Jiufen via platforms like KKday, Klook, etc. These tours typically include transportation, a guide, and sometimes combine visits to nearby attractions like Shifen Waterfall and Shifen Old Street.

4. Tips & Notes When Traveling from Taipei to Jiufen

Travel in the morning: Jiufen is one of the most popular destinations near Taipei, especially during weekends and holidays. To avoid traffic and have more time to explore, it's recommended to depart from Taipei around 7:30–8:00 AM. The roads to Jiufen are narrow and winding, so traveling early will give you a more comfortable and less crowded experience.
Bring a light jacket: The weather in Jiufen is often cooler than in downtown Taipei, especially in the evening or during drizzles. Whether it's summer or winter, it's best to bring a light jacket or windbreaker to stay warm and avoid catching a cold during your trip.
Pay attention to the bus stops near Jiufen Old Street: When taking the bus from Taipei, make sure to check the bus announcements or ask the driver to ensure you're getting off at the stop closest to Jiufen – Jiufen Old Street. If you miss the stop, you may have to walk quite a distance or wait for another bus, which could be a waste of time and effort.
Check the bus schedule for your return trip to Taipei: Many travelers get so caught up in exploring that they forget that bus services back from Jiufen to Taipei decrease after 8:00 PM. Therefore, check the return bus schedule carefully, especially if you're not staying overnight in Jiufen. It’s best to plan to return before 7:00 PM for a safer and more comfortable trip.

Make sure to check the bus schedule and return times, especially if you’re traveling in the afternoon or evening.

We hope this guide has helped you understand the simplest, most affordable, and easiest ways to travel from Taipei to Jiufen. Wishing you a wonderful journey to Jiufen – the "fairy tale village" that preserves the most beautiful ancient values of Taiwan.

See more: Jiufen Exploration Experience – Jiufen Old Street in Taiwan

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