12 Best Day Trips from Taipei Under 2 Hours: Charming Small Towns, Hot Springs, & More

Taipei is the city that never sleeps with its cultural hotspots, diverse nature, and night markets. While there’s plenty to keep you busy for days, Taipei is the perfect launchpad for day trips to explore other parts of Taiwan. Thanks to the city’s excellent transportation network, you’ll be transported to scenic coastal towns, stunning beaches, and nature parks – all within easy reach by car, train, or bus in less than 2 hours. Here are the 12 best day trips from Taipei to bring your next Taiwan holiday to the next level!

Taiwan’s railways offer the most convenient and fun way to travel as you can enjoy the comfort of the train ride and enjoy beautiful scenery as the train zooms towards your destination. Taiwan runs two efficient railway systems: Taiwan Railway by Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) and Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR). Travel around Taipei easily and venture beyond the city to places like New Taipei City and Taichung via both train lines. 

#KlookTip: Buy multi-day rail passes to save money! Check out our guides to the best transportation passes to use in Taiwan and how to use THSR passes like a pro. 

Book your Taiwan High Speed Rail ticket on Klook and make the most out of the rail passes! Enjoy special discounts when you explore places beyond Taipei with our current 1-for-1 promo going on! 🔥

📅 Promo until 31 March 2023

Many bus routes operated by public and private bus companies connect cities to smaller towns. Hop on a bus and enjoy direct rides from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei and between Taipei and Yilan.  

If you’re a fan of road trips, enjoy the flexibility of exploring beyond Taipei with a rental car or private car charter. Choose from a wide range of rental cars and car insurance options through Klook’s car rental service. Remember to apply for your International Driving Permit before your trip!

Distance from Taipei: 50 minutes by train to Tamsui Station (Taipei Metro)

Tamsui is a top day trip destination because it’s so easy to get to this coastal town in New Taipei City. After a short walk from Tamsui station, you’ll reach Tamsui Old Street where you can try a dazzling selection of Taiwanese food and buy local snacks like iron eggs and fish crackers.

Visit Tamsui Historical Museum and tour Dutch influenced buildings – Fort San Domingo, Tamsui Customs Officer’s Residence, and Hobe Fort. End your day with a spectacular sunset at the romantic Fisherman’s Wharf.

If you have more time to explore, take a short ferry ride from the port at Tamsui Old Street to Bali. Enjoy Bali’s relaxing vibes as you stroll through the old street and cycle along the river.  

Distance from Taipei: 50 minutes by train to Xindian Station (Taipei Metro) and take bus 849

Start your rejuvenating day trip at Wulai Old Street and try traditional delicacies like bamboo tube rice, wild boar meat, and hot spring eggs. Wulai is home to the Atayal tribe, and you can learn more about their customs and culture at the Wulai Atayal Museum.

Walk to the famous Wulai Waterfall and Wulai Suspension Bridge for gorgeous views of the mountains, river and cherry blossoms in spring. Other fun activities include: Taking the cable car to Yun Hsien Resort and Wulai Scenic Train (the last remaining light railway in Taiwan, which used to transport logs in the past!).

The main attraction in Wulai is hot springs so pamper yourself in one of the many hot spring resorts. Popular resorts like Volcano Urai Spring Spa & Resort have public and private baths for day use. 

Distance from Taipei: 1 hour by bus (bus 1062 or 965)

The most famous day trip from Taipei is Jiufen, a picturesque town with nostalgic teahouses and atmospheric alleys. This former gold mining town perched on the mountain top attracts visitors from all around the world.

Get lost in the meandering lanes of the Jiufen Old Street as you savour local street food and browse shops peddling Taiwanese snacks and souvenirs. Look for the iconic staircase that leads down to the Amei Teahouse and Shengping Theater and capture your “I have been to Jiufen” photos here!  

#KlookTip: Spend a night in Jiufen and experience the magic of the town when day visitors leave in the evening. With an overnight stay, you’ll also have time to visit the nearby Jinguashi Gold Ecological Museum and Golden Waterfall the next day.

Distance from Taipei: 1 hour by train to Ruifang Station 

The best way to discover both attractions Pingxi and Shifen is to ride the Pingxi Line. A sightseeing train line easily accessible from Taipei, this narrow-gauge railway was constructed during the Japanese period and used to transport coal. There are seven stations and the most popular stations are Pingxi and Shifen where you can write your wishes on paper lanterns and release them for good luck.

Explore other interesting stations like Houtong, the adorable “Cat Village,” and Jingtong to see the historical traces of the coal mining industry. 

#KlookTip: Buy an unlimited one-day Pingxi Line pass at Ruifang Station for unlimited rides and explore as many stations as you wish.

Distance from Taipei: 1.5 hours by train to Tamsui Station and 716 North Coast shuttle bus (free Taiwan Tourism Shuttle bus rides with the Taipei Transport Fun Pass or Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass)

Yehliu Geopark is a popular outdoor excursion for day trippers as it showcases awe-inspiring artworks created by nature. Observe how the unique geological formations were crafted by the hands of nature after years of weathering by wind and waves. Strike your best pose with the famous rock sculptures: Queen’s Head, Fairy’s Shoe, and Elephant Rock. 

Escape the crowds and continue your field trip at Heping Island. This scenic spot is decorated by uniquely shaped, sand-colored rock formations. You can also swim in their seaside swimming pool and even dive here! 

Distance from Taipei: 1.5 hours by train to Xindian Station and bus 923

If you appreciate tea and enjoy visiting tea farms, treat yourself to a therapeutic day at Pinglin. Famous for producing the fragrant Baozhong tea, Pinglin is a tea haven filled with terraced tea plantations. Other than tasting and buying tea, you can learn more about Taiwanese tea in one of the world’s largest tea museums, Pinglin Tea Museum. Take in Pinglin’s quiet beauty as you walk through the rustic old street and follow the trail along Beishi River. 

If time permits, make a short detour to the neighbouring Shiding District for more picturesque vistas of rolling hills at Bagua Tea Plantation and mini green islands floating on calm waters at the Thousand Island Lake.

Distance from Taipei: 2 hours by train to Ruifang Station and 856 Gold Fulong Beach shuttle bus (free Taiwan Tourism Shuttle bus rides with the Taipei Transport Fun Pass or Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass)

Conquer the top three highlights of Taiwan’s Northeast Coast in one day! Let’s start your action-packed day at Bitou Cape where you can try sea sports like snorkeling and diving in the cosy Bitou Fishing Village and hike Bitou Cape Trail.

Next, move over to Luodong Cape and marvel at the rock cliffs sitting on the edge of the blue Pacific Ocean. Prepare your climbing shoes as this is a prime spot for rock climbing. End your day at Nanya and watch the sun setting behind the special Nanya rocks, which have been artistically eroded over time. The most prominent rock looks like an ice cream cone! 

#KlookTip: Maximise your time with a rental car or private car tour as you drive leisurely along the coast and explore the attractions.

Distance from Taipei: 1.5 hours by bus from Taipei Bus Station to Yilan Station (book your bus ride from Taipei to Yilan with Klook)

Yilan is the top weekend getaway spot for city dwellers as there’s so many things to do in Yilan. Kickstart your Yilan discovery at Yilan City – take a short walk from Yilan Station to Jimmy Square and take lots of photos with the cute sculptures from the well-known Taiwanese artist, Jimmy Liao’s graphic books.

If you’re craving for an outdoor adventure, try surfing at Wai’ao Beach, one of the best places to surf in northern Taiwan. Take a local train to Jiaoxi Hot Spring and soak in open-air pools overlooking the lush valleys. Have a hearty dinner at Luodong Night Market, a busy night market boasting delectable street food. 

Distance from Taipei: 2 hours by train to Toucheng Station and ferry from Wushi Port

Visit one of the offshore islands closest to Taipei City! Turtle Island is a volcanic island and gets its name from its unique shape which resembles a turtle resting in the ocean. The island is a nature sanctuary with its sulphuric hot springs, rugged cliffs, and deep caves.

You can spot different species of dolphins and whales swimming near the island from April to September. As the island is protected for its ecological resources, you need to apply for permission to visit the island so the easiest way is to book an island tour that covers the customs declaration fee and includes a helpful tour guide and ferry rides to and from Wushi Port. 

Distance from Taipei: 2 hours by express train to Hualien Station (Taiwan Railway)

Nestled between the Central Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, Taroko National Park is Hualien’s star attraction with its 18-km long marbled-wall gorge. The most efficient way to explore the area and scenic spots like the Tunnel of Nine Turns, Swallow Grotto, and Eternal Spring Shrine is to join a day tour or get a private car charter to explore the park. 

#KlookTip: Hualien deserves a multi-day stay as there are many hiking trails and scenic spots. Add more days to your Hualien itinerary and experience more of Taiwan’s East Coast through thrilling experiences like whale watching and river rafting.

Distance from Taipei: 1 hour by train to Taichung Station (Taiwan High Speed Rail)

The second largest city in Taiwan, Taichung is a vibrant city that has so much to offer. Dive into the city’s arts and culture scene as you walk through the tranquil Calligraphy Greenway that connects National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and National Museum of Natural Science. Catch a performance at National Taichung Theater and explore whimsical spaces like the kaleidoscopic Rainbow Village and Carton King Creative Park. End your day feasting at Fengjia Night Market, Taiwan’s biggest night market.

Find out more about the best places to visit and food to try in our rail travel guide to Taichung! 

Another cannot miss attraction is the famed Sun Moon Lake. This scenic area promotes green travel and you can get close to nature, cycle around the lake, enjoy boat rides, and even SUP (stand-up paddle boarding). For a hassle-free trip, book a day tour to Sun Moon Lake that departs from Taichung or Taipei. 

Distance from Taipei: 2 hours by train to Chiayi Station (Taiwan High Speed Rail) 

Chiayi City is a hidden gem as most travelers still view it as a transfer stop to get to Alishan. But this cultural and food hub of Taiwan has so much to offer. Start your exploration at the historic Chiayi Train Station and North Gate. Be transported to a Taiwanese-Japanese world in Hinoki Village – a cultural and creative park filled with Japanese style houses. Prepare to eat non-stop in Chiayi, the birthplace of the Taiwanese turkey rice and other local delicacies like fish head stew and cold noodles. 

If you have more time, extend your day trip and take the Alishan Forest Train from Chiayi Train Station to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area.