The Guide to Taiwan Taxi Fares

by rcjeng

Guide to Taiwan Taxi Fares

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So how much will a Taxi in Taiwan cost you? Taiwan taxi fares will vary both in prices and types of fares. For example, some cities will offer flat rate fares, while others will be metered pay-as-you-go. And not all cities that offer metered taxis will have the same starting base. So really the short answer is, taxi fares depend on the Taiwan city you are traveling in.

Taipei Taxi Fares

Taking the taxi in Taipei is the most convenient way to traveling around because there are so many taxis at every hour of the day. They are also very cheap, but not compared to other means of transportation in Taipei. Personally, I’d like to walk or take the metro, but sometimes you are just in a rush.

I also want to note that everything in Taipei is more expensive, except for taxi rides. This is likely due to the presence of convenient and cheaper alternatives like the Taipei MRT. Also, there are a lot more cabs in Taipei, meaning the excess in supply of taxis will drive down the fare.

Here’s the breakdown:

Starting base: $70 NTD

$5 NTD increase for every:

  • 250 meters of driving
  • 1 minute 40 seconds of waiting

From 11 PM to 6 AM, add $20 NTD to your fare.

For major national holidays, such as Chinese New Years, add an additional $20 NTD at all hours.

Pro-tip: If you need a taxi lift between the surcharge hours of 11 PM and 6 AM, it’s actually slightly cheaper to go with Uber. Otherwise, the taxi is cheaper.

 

Tainan Taxi Fares

Tainan is an ideal place to use the taxi because there is no metro system and everything is so spread out. There are few taxis in Tainan city, but its not too difficult to find one if you’re persistent.

Pro-tip: Plan out your trip in advance by looking at the attractions on a map and taking the taxi to the area so you can walk to other attractions afterwards. For example, Anping is a great area to get dropped off at because of popular attractions such as the Anping tree house, Anping Old Street and Lighthouse.

Starting base: $80 NTD

$5 NTD increase for every:

  • 250 meters of driving
  • 3 minute of waiting

Tainan taxis have the luxury of having no surcharges for hours after dark.

For major national holidays, add an additional $40 NTD at all hours (Unfortunately, I went to Tainan/Kaohsiung just days before CNY).

 

Kaohsiung Taxi Fares

Kaohsiung does have a metro system, but it is very small as of now. It has just two lines, but takes you to a place where you can walk to any destination in Taiwan’s second largest city. However, sometimes it’s a worthwhile to just take a cab (like in the scorching summer heat).

Regardless, I recommend checking out their metro for the Formosa Boulevard Station. It is simply breathtaking in person.

Starting base: $80 NTD

$5 NTD increase for every:

  • 250 meters of driving
  • 3 minute of waiting

Kaohsiung taxis have a 20% increase in price from 11PM to 6AM.

For major national holidays, add an additional $40 NTD at all hours.

 

Taichung Taxi Fares

Taichung is in an interesting phase because the city is getting ready to open up a MRT system, starting with the red line (expected to open in 2015). As of now, taxi rides are relatively expensive in Taichung, but that could all change once the MRT system has expanded.

Starting base: $85 NTD

$5 NTD increase for every:

  • 250 meters of driving
  • 3 minute of waiting

Taichung taxis have a $24 NTD increase in price from 11PM to 6AM.

 

Yilan Taxi Fares

In Yilan County, taxi rides are set prices because they are so limited. Usually they will run you about $120 NTD for “shorter” rides and $140 NTD for “longer” rides. How they determine what is worth $120 and $140 is beyond me.

Also, it is very hard to find a taxi in smaller townships in Yilan, such as Jiaoxi. I recommend calling a taxi company to pick you up from where you are and give you a lift. If you can’t speak Chinese, a friendly bilingual local might

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