YuChen Hsiao • July 13, 2026
Planning Your Journey from Taipei to Jiufen
Jiufen is one of the most popular day-trip destinations in northern Taiwan. Once a prosperous gold-mining town, it is now known for its narrow hillside alleys, traditional teahouses, glowing red lanterns, local snacks, and sweeping mountain and coastal views.
Although Jiufen is located only around 35 kilometers from central Taipei, getting there is not always as simple as the distance suggests. Jiufen does not have its own railway station or MRT station, and the final part of the journey follows winding mountain roads. Travelers usually choose between a direct bus, a train and local bus combination, a taxi, or a private tour.
The best option depends on your budget, group size, luggage, available time, and whether you plan to visit other attractions such as Shifen, Yehliu, Jinguashi, or the Golden Waterfall on the same day.
This guide compares the main ways to travel from Taipei to Jiufen and helps you choose the option that best fits your trip.
Option 1: Take a Direct Bus from Taipei to Jiufen
For budget-conscious travelers, taking a direct bus is one of the simplest ways to reach Jiufen without changing vehicles.
The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 965 connects several locations in the Taipei and New Taipei area with Jiufen and Jinguashi. Depending on the service and boarding point, travelers may board from locations such as MRT Ximen Station or MRT Beimen Station and travel directly toward Jiufen Old Street. The route continues beyond Jiufen to Jinguashi and the Gold Museum area.
Advantages
- Affordable
- No train transfer required
- Convenient for solo travelers
- Direct access to Jiufen Old Street
- Easy to combine with Jinguashi
Things to Consider
Bus travel time can vary because of Taipei traffic, highway conditions, mountain roads, and weekend congestion. Buses may also become crowded during weekends, holidays, and peak travel periods.
Standing for part of the journey is possible, and travelers carrying large suitcases may find the trip uncomfortable. The winding road approaching Jiufen can also be challenging for passengers who are sensitive to motion sickness.
Best For
The direct bus is best for solo travelers, backpackers, and visitors who are comfortable using public transportation and have a flexible schedule.
Travel Tip
Check the latest route information and real-time bus status before departure. Bus routes, boarding locations, and operating schedules may change, particularly during holidays or special traffic control periods.
Option 2: Take a Train to Ruifang and Transfer to a Bus
Another popular option is to take a Taiwan Railways train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station, followed by a local bus or taxi to Jiufen.
The train journey between Taipei and Ruifang generally takes around 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the train type and number of stops. After arriving at Ruifang Station, travelers must walk to the appropriate bus stop and continue uphill toward Jiufen.
Advantages
- Trains are usually more comfortable than crowded buses
- Less affected by road traffic between Taipei and Ruifang
- Suitable for travelers who want to explore Ruifang
- Easy to combine with the Pingxi railway line
Things to Consider
This route requires at least one transfer. The bus stop for Jiufen may not be immediately obvious to first-time visitors, and buses can be crowded during busy periods.
Travelers must also allow extra time for waiting, finding the correct stop, and transferring between the railway and bus systems. Carrying luggage during the transfer can be inconvenient.
Best For
This option is suitable for independent travelers who enjoy using local transportation and may want to combine Jiufen with Ruifang, Houtong, Shifen, or other destinations along the railway network.
Travel Tip
Check the Taiwan Railways timetable before traveling and leave enough transfer time at Ruifang Station. Avoid planning a very tight schedule, especially on weekends.
Option 3: Take a Taxi from Taipei to Jiufen
A taxi offers a more direct and comfortable journey from Taipei to Jiufen.
Travel time is usually around one hour, but it can be longer during weekends, holidays, bad weather, or periods of heavy traffic.
A taxi can be convenient for two or three travelers sharing the cost, particularly when traveling directly from a hotel or carrying luggage.
Advantages
- Direct hotel-to-Jiufen transportation
- No transfers
- More comfortable than public transportation
- Convenient for travelers with luggage
- Flexible departure time
Things to Consider
A regular taxi generally provides transportation only. The driver may not speak English, explain the destination, help plan the itinerary, or wait while you explore.
It is also important to confirm whether the taxi fare is metered, fixed, or negotiated in advance. Finding a return taxi during busy periods can sometimes be inconvenient.
Best For
A taxi is suitable for travelers who primarily need a one-way transfer and do not require an English-speaking guide, itinerary planning, or several sightseeing stops.
Option 4: Book a Private Tour or Private Charter
For travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and efficient use of time, a private tour is often the easiest way to visit Jiufen.
With Jiufeng Tour, guests can be picked up directly from their hotel, cruise port, airport, or another agreed location. There is no need to navigate train stations, search for bus stops, carry luggage through transfers, or worry about the return journey.
The itinerary can also be arranged around your interests rather than a fixed public transportation schedule.
A private journey may include:
- Jiufen Old Street
- Shifen Waterfall
- Shifen Old Street and sky lantern experience
- Yehliu Geopark
- Jinguashi
- Golden Waterfall
- Yin Yang Sea
- Keelung
- Other customized northern Taiwan attractions
Why Choose Jiufeng Tour?
Our service is more than transportation from Taipei to Jiufen.
We help travelers create a smoother and more complete experience by providing:
- Direct hotel or cruise-port pickup
- Comfortable private vehicles
- Flexible departure and return times
- Customized itineraries
- Professional local drivers
- Optional local guide service
- Assistance with timing and route planning
- Support before and during the trip
- Convenient travel for families, seniors, and groups
- The ability to combine several destinations in one day
Instead of spending part of your day waiting, transferring, and checking transportation routes, you can focus on exploring Taiwan.
Best For
A private tour is especially suitable for:
- Families with children
- Senior travelers
- Cruise passengers with limited time
- Groups of friends
- Travelers carrying luggage
- Visitors who prefer door-to-door service
- Guests who want to visit Jiufen and Shifen in one day
- Travelers who want a customized itinerary
Which Transportation Option Is Best for You?
There is no single best way to travel from Taipei to Jiufen. The right choice depends on how you prefer to travel.
| Transportation | Best For | Main Advantage | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct bus | Solo and budget travelers | Affordable and direct | Crowds and variable travel time |
| Train and bus | Independent travelers | Comfortable train journey | Requires a transfer |
| Taxi | Travelers needing direct transport | Door-to-door convenience | Usually no itinerary or guide service |
| Private tour | Families, groups and time-conscious travelers | Flexible and fully arranged | Higher cost than public transport |
Choose the bus when price is your main priority.
Choose the train and bus when you enjoy independent travel and do not mind transferring.
Choose a taxi when you only need direct transportation.
Choose a private tour when comfort, flexibility, time management, and a complete travel experience matter most.
How Long Should You Spend in Jiufen?
Most visitors should allow approximately two to three hours to explore Jiufen comfortably.
This gives you enough time to:
- Walk through Jiufen Old Street
- Try local snacks
- Visit a traditional teahouse
- Explore the hillside stairways
- Enjoy the mountain and ocean views
- Take photographs
- Browse local shops
Jiufen Old Street is open throughout the year, although individual shop hours vary. The area is especially busy during weekends and holidays.
Travelers who want a relaxed tea experience, dinner, sunset views, or additional historical sites may prefer to stay longer.
For a combined Jiufen and Shifen day trip, a total itinerary of approximately seven to nine hours is usually more comfortable, depending on pickup location, traffic, and the number of stops.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Jiufen?
Weekday mornings are generally the most comfortable time to visit Jiufen. Arriving earlier allows you to explore the narrow streets before the largest tour groups arrive.
Afternoons are more lively but usually more crowded. Evening visits offer a different atmosphere, with illuminated lanterns and mountain-town views, although some shops may begin closing later in the day.
Jiufen is atmospheric in both sunny and rainy weather. Rain and mist can create a beautiful, nostalgic mood, but the stone steps may become slippery. Comfortable walking shoes and a small umbrella are recommended.
Because Jiufen is located in a mountainous coastal area, the weather can change quickly. Travelers should bring a light jacket even when leaving Taipei in warm weather.
Can You Visit Jiufen and Shifen on the Same Day?
Yes.
Jiufen and Shifen are frequently combined into one of northern Taiwan’s most popular day trips.
However, the two destinations are not directly connected by a simple single public transportation route. Independent travelers often need to return through Ruifang, transfer between buses and trains, or carefully coordinate railway schedules.
This is one of the situations where private transportation provides the greatest value.
With a private vehicle, travelers can move directly between destinations and spend more time enjoying:
- Jiufen’s historic streets and teahouses
- Shifen Waterfall
- Shifen Old Street
- The sky lantern experience
- Scenic stops along the route
A private itinerary can also include Yehliu, Jinguashi, Golden Waterfall, or Keelung depending on the available time.
Make Your Jiufen Day Trip Easier
Jiufen can be reached by public transportation, and budget travelers may enjoy navigating the journey independently.
However, travelers with limited time often discover that the real challenge is not simply reaching Jiufen. It is coordinating transportation, avoiding unnecessary transfers, managing crowds, planning the return journey, and deciding how to combine nearby attractions efficiently.
Jiufeng Tour provides private transportation and customized tour services throughout northern Taiwan. Whether you are staying in Taipei, arriving on a cruise ship in Keelung, or planning a family journey, we can help arrange a comfortable itinerary based on your schedule and interests.
Travel at your own pace, choose the places you genuinely want to visit, and enjoy Taiwan without having to manage every transportation detail yourself.
Explore Jiufen with a Private Local Journey
Enjoy direct pickup, comfortable transportation, flexible sightseeing time, and a personalized itinerary designed around you.
Visit Jiufen on its own or combine it with Shifen, Yehliu, Jinguashi, Keelung, and other highlights of northern Taiwan.
