How to Get to Jiufen from Taipei: Train, Bus, Taxi, or Private Car (Which Is Best?)

Quick Answer: Which Is the Best Way to Get to Jiufen from Taipei?

Picture this. You are standing in a crowded station, checking your phone again to see if you missed the bus stop, while everyone around you seems to know exactly where they are going. By the time you arrive in Jiufen, it is raining, the steps are slick, and your group is already tired from standing and waiting.

Now imagine the opposite. You leave your hotel at a relaxed hour, sit comfortably in the car, and arrive when crowds are thinner, with energy left to enjoy tea, views, and slow wandering. For most travelers, especially families and retirees, a private car or guide creates the second experience.

See private Jiufen options that make the trip simple from start to finish

Why Getting to Jiufen Can Be Trickier Than It Looks

On a map, Jiufen looks close to Taipei, but the day can easily take longer than expected. Even on a smooth day, most travelers spend about 1 to 1.5 hours each way from central Taipei. If you hit weekend traffic, long bus queues, or rain, it can stretch to 2 hours or more one way, especially on the return.

There is also no train station in Jiufen, so public transport usually means a transfer plus waiting time, then a walk uphill once you arrive. Add packed buses with limited seating, narrow streets, and slippery steps in wet weather, and what sounds like a simple day trip can start to feel surprisingly exhausting.

Avoid common Jiufen travel hassles by booking a smoother, guided option

Train + Bus to Jiufen: Cheapest but Most Complicated Option

Route Overview: How the Train + Bus Transfer Works

1. Take the train from Taipei to Ruifang
   Start at Taipei Main Station and board a Taiwan Railways (TRA) local or fast local train in the Yilan Line direction. Get off at Ruifang Station after about 35 to 50 minutes.
2. Walk out of Ruifang Station to the bus stop
   Exit the station and walk one to two minutes to the bus stops directly outside. During busy hours, you will often see a queue. Join it early because buses can arrive and fill quickly.
3. Take the bus from Ruifang to Jiufen
   The bus ride is usually 15 to 20 minutes in light traffic. Get off near the main Jiufen area, then expect a short uphill walk to reach Jiufen Old Street and tea houses.

Travel Time, Cost, and Physical Effort

Plan for 60 to 90 minutes each way in good conditions. On weekends, late afternoons, or rainy days, the return to Taipei can stretch to 90 to 120 minutes due to traffic and full buses. This is one of the cheapest options, but it often includes standing in line, waiting between connections, and walking once you arrive. Jiufen itself has narrow lanes, stairs, and slopes, so even if the transport is affordable, the day can feel physically tiring.

Who This Option Is Best (and Not Best) For

This route is best for confident independent travelers who are comfortable with transfers and flexible timing, such as solo travelers or couples who do not mind a bit of waiting. It is less ideal for families with strollers, travelers with limited mobility, or multigenerational groups who prefer fewer steps, fewer unknowns, and a predictable return to Taipei. If your group values comfort and a smooth pace over saving money, this option can feel more stressful than expected.

Compare this route with private car options before you decide

Direct Bus from Taipei: Simple but Often Crowded

Where to Board and What the Ride Is Like

The direct bus is the simplest public transport option because there is no train transfer. Most direct buses to Jiufen depart from central Taipei hubs, with the most common boarding area near MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station. Look for the bus stop on the main road outside the station where signage lists Jiufen as a destination. Arriving 15 to 20 minutes early gives you a better chance of getting seats, which makes a big difference for families and older travelers.

The ride itself can be comfortable when the bus is not full, but onboard space is limited. These are standard buses, not tour coaches, so there is no dedicated luggage storage. A compact, foldable stroller can work if the bus is not crowded, but in busy periods you may need to fold it and hold it. Large suitcases are not ideal because aisles must stay clear, and if you are standing, managing bags becomes frustrating quickly.

Travel Time, Cost, and Peak-Hour Risks

In good conditions, expect about 60 to 90 minutes each way from central Taipei. On weekends or during late afternoon returns, it often stretches to 90 to 120 minutes because of traffic and long queues.

This option is usually low cost, which is why so many travelers choose it, but the biggest risk is timing. Many visitors leave Jiufen around the same time, and return lines can be long. If you are tired, hungry, or traveling with someone who needs a seat, the return ride can be the part that feels the most stressful.

Best Times and Traveler Types for This Option

The direct bus is best for travelers who are comfortable with crowds and flexible timing, such as independent couples, solo travelers, and budget focused planners. It also works well if you go early. Leaving Taipei in the morning and arriving before midday usually makes boarding and walking around Jiufen much easier. If you are visiting on a weekend, returning before the late afternoon rush helps you avoid the worst lines.

For families and retirees, this option can still work, but it is noticeably more enjoyable when you plan around peak hours and avoid traveling with bulky luggage or a rigid schedule.

If crowds and standing sound stressful, explore private Jiufen transport instead

Taxi or Ride Hailing: Faster, with Limitations

Typical Cost and Door to Door Travel Time

A taxi is one of the fastest ways to reach Jiufen because it is direct and does not require transfers. In light traffic, the ride usually takes about 40 to 60 minutes from central Taipei. The typical cost is around NT$1,200 to NT$1,500 one way, which can feel reasonable if you are splitting it between two to four people. Ride hailing prices can vary more depending on time of day and demand, so fares may increase during busy periods, especially in the late afternoon.

Pickup, Drop Off, and Availability Issues

The main limitation is not the ride itself, but what happens around peak times. Jiufen’s roads are narrow, and taxis may not be able to drop you directly at the Old Street during busy hours. You should expect a short walk uphill after drop off. Traffic congestion can also significantly extend travel time on weekends.

The return to Taipei is where many travelers run into frustration. When large numbers of visitors leave at the same time, finding a taxi can take longer than expected, and ride hailing prices may surge. This unpredictability often shows up just as people are tired and ready to head back, which can sour the end of the day.

When a Taxi Makes Sense

A taxi is a good choice if you want a faster, more direct option without navigating public transport. It works well for travelers with limited time, those traveling with older parents or children, or anyone willing to pay more to avoid bus lines and transfers. It is also a better option if you plan to leave Jiufen earlier in the day, before demand spikes and availability becomes an issue.

See private Jiufen rides with fixed timing and no return-day guesswork

Private Car or Guide: Most Comfortable and Flexible Way

Door-to-Door Convenience and Pace Control

With a private car or guide, the day starts and ends on your terms. You are picked up directly from your hotel or a nearby meeting point in Taipei, with no need to navigate train stations, bus stops, or transfer points. You leave at a time that suits your group, stop when someone needs a break, and return when you are ready, not when a bus schedule dictates.

This level of control makes a noticeable difference, especially for travelers who want to enjoy Jiufen without constantly checking the time or worrying about the trip back.

Comfort, Crowd Avoidance, and Weather Flexibility

Jiufen can feel very different depending on crowds and weather. With a private option, you can arrive earlier or later to avoid the busiest hours, take quieter routes, and adjust plans if conditions change. If it starts raining, visibility drops, or the streets become too crowded, your guide can shift the pace, suggest a tea house stop, or head back before fatigue sets in. Instead of standing in long lines or rushing through slippery streets, you experience Jiufen in a calmer, more comfortable way.

Who Benefits Most from This Option

This option is ideal for retired couples, families, and multigenerational groups who value comfort, predictability, and a relaxed pace. It is especially helpful if someone in your group has limited mobility, struggles with long periods of standing, or prefers fewer unknowns when traveling. It also makes sense for travelers with limited time in Taipei who want Jiufen to be an enjoyable highlight rather than a tiring logistical challenge.

Book a Jiufen private car tour and make the day easy from start to finish

Final Comparison: Cost, Time, and Comfort Which Option Is Best for You?

If you are deciding between these options, the best choice usually comes down to one question: do you want the day to be budget friendly, or do you want it to be easy.

Jiufen is not difficult to reach, but the wrong transportation choice can make it feel tiring, crowded, and unpredictable, especially on weekends or in rainy weather.

• Choose Train + Bus
  If you want the lowest cost option and you are comfortable with transfers, waiting, and a bit of walking. It is a good fit for confident independent travelers with flexible timing.
• Choose the Direct Bus
  If you want the simplest public transport route with no transfers. It is straightforward, but it can be crowded, and the return trip is often the most frustrating part if you leave at peak time.
• Choose Taxi or Ride Hailing
  If you want a faster door to door ride and you are comfortable paying more for convenience. It can work very well going to Jiufen, but returns can be less predictable when demand spikes.
• Choose a Private Car or Guide
  If comfort, timing, and peace of mind matter most. For families, retirees, and multigenerational groups, it is often the best overall experience because it avoids lines, reduces physical strain, and gives you flexibility if crowds or weather change.

If you want Jiufen to feel like a relaxing highlight rather than a logistics challenge, comfort and predictability usually win.

Book a private Jiufen experience and enjoy the day without logistics worries