TRANSPORTATION

 

International Airlines

There are two international airports in Taiwan: CKS Airport in Taoyuan (about 40 kilometers from Taipei City), and Hsiao-Kang Airport

in Kaohsiung. Direct flights between Taiwan and other countries provide convenient services. Except for some flights to and from between

 Taiwan and Hong Kong as well as South East Asia land in Hsiao-Kang Airport, most international flights all land in CKS Airport.

 

Domestic Airlines

Taiwan's domestic airlines industry is quite active, with busy travel in the sky among major cities; flying is as common as taking long-distance

 buses, and flights are always fully booked during holidays. As a result, airlines require prior reservation. Most travel agencies also handle

 reservation and ticketing on behalf of airlines.

While checking in airlines counter, personal identification card is required for proper boarding procedures. (ID required for Taiwan citizens and

 passports for foreigners.)

Regulations for luggage & carry-on handlings may vary by airlines; passengers are advised to contact airlines for details ahead of trips.

Cellular phones are strictly prohibited on planes on flight safety concerns. In addition, Items that may harm flying safety such as

highly-compressed cans, flammable items...etc. are also barred from flights.

 

Trains

The island-wide railway network, including western line, eastern line, north line and south line, provides a lot of convenience to the passengers,

 and there are several classes to choice fromeconomic class, Fu-shing class, Jue-kuan class and Tsi-chiang class. Tourists can have their

 own choice according to their traveling time, economic ability and the purpose; besides this, there are some small trains at slower speed for

 some routes, such as lines of A-li, Gigi, Ping-shi, and Nei-wan. Tourists who visit Taiwan for the first time, by taking these routes, are

 expected to enjoy a very interesting and impressive experience, since they have the chance to see all the beautiful sceneries during the whole

 journey.

It is especially difficult to get the train tickets during extended holidays, and therefore, reserving tickets 14 days before departure by phone or

 through website service is strongly recommended. More information: http://www.railway.gov.tw/l/l1_02.asp

 

Intercity Buses

Taiwan's long distant highway transportation services are provided by private transportation companies: Guo- Guang Bus Corp. , Union Bus,

 Dragon Bus, Free Go Bus Corp. and Aloha Bus. They carry passengers on significant provincial highways and the freeways.

During extended holidays, passengers are suggested to take trains or flights in order to avoid serious traffic jams on the freeways. Reserving

 tickets as early as possible is necessary.

Stops for the long distant highway transportation are scattering in different cities, but Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung are the main transferring

 stops.

        There are six bus companies now providing daily transportation service between CKS International Airport and major cities around Taiwan.

        They are :Kuokuang Bus, Free Go Express, Toward You Air Bus, United Highway, Evervoyage and Taoyuan Bus.

 

Taxi

Major cities have an abundance of taxis. Charges are NT$70 for the first 1.5km and NT$5 for each additional 300 meters. An additional

 NT$5 is charged for every two minutes of waiting, and a 20% surcharge is added to fares between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., NT$10 dollars tip

 needed for cab dispatched by phone and for luggage placed in taxi trunk. Charges may be raised during Chinese New Year holidays.

 Basically, taxi fares in all major cities are set by local city government itself and may differ. Out-of-town or long-distance travels may not apply

 to meter charge; travelers are suggested to negotiate the fare before getting in the taxi.

50% additional to meter charge is needed for cab travel to CKS Airport. It costs around NT$1,200 to travel from CKS to Taipei city, and

 NT$300 for traveling between Kaohsiung city and Hsiaokang Airport. Island wide travel service is available in fixed fares upon passengers'

 needs.

Most drivers do not speak English, so it is a good idea to have hotel personnel write both your destination and your hotel's name and address

 in Chinese, along with the projected cost of each one-way trip.

If there should be any unreasonable charges or misdeeds from taxi drivers, please jot down driver’s name and license’s plate along with time,

 place and situation for evidence to give local or foreign affairs police.

 

Car Rental

      Visitors with international licenses may drive a car in Taiwan. However, for those who are not familiar with the road conditions, it is

      recommended to rent a car with driver. Cars can be rented at service counters in major airports, train stations and downtown locations. Some

      international hotels also provide car rental service, which is convenient to visitors who need just airport pick-up or a journey in a few hours.

      Some car rental companies allow customers to return cars at more than just one outlets with additional service charge applied. Most car rental

      companies offer favorable rental packages, but most rental fees do not include insurance, so it is best to make sure of the company's particular

      policy before taking a car out.

      In Taiwan, cars are driving to the right; drivers and passenger in the front must fasten seatbelts. For car-rental traveling, visitors are advised to

      familiarize Taiwan's driving regulations. After obtaining legally effective drivers' license, an adventure in Taiwan is ready ahead of you.

      Replacing Drivers' Licence:http://www.thb.gov.tw/english/left-licences.htm

      Freeway Services:http://www.freeway.gov.tw/link_e.htm

 

 

 

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