Taking The Public Buses In Taipei

I usually don’t recommend public buses to visitors in Taipei.

There are so many routes, and they can be very confusing, especially when you need to transfer. Buses can get stuck in traffic, so it’s hard to predict your travel time. The MRT is much more tourist-friendly. The trains come regularly, and the lines and maps are clear and easy to follow.

But I enjoy taking the bus myself because it’s a wonderful way to see everyday life in Taipei.

Nowadays, since I’m only in Taiwan for about a month each year, I’m always curious to see what’s changed and what’s new around town. What could be better than sitting by the window on a bus and watching the city go by?

I try to avoid rush hour, when the buses are crowded with people going to work and school. Outside those hours, there aren’t many people on the bus, and I can usually find a seat by the window.

This past summer, after visiting the National Taiwan Museum (國立臺灣博物館), I wanted to go to the Xinyi Shopping District (信義商圈). Normally, I would take the Red Line from NTU Hospital Station (台大醫院站), right next to the museum, change to the Blue Line at Taipei Main Station, and get off at Taipei City Hall Station (市政府站). But my friend told me there was a bus that went directly there, so I took her advice.

It turned out to be a great experience! The bus route took me along Ren’ai Road (仁愛路), one of the prettiest avenues in Taipei, lined with large, shady trees. Along the way, I got to see several of Taipei’s famous landmarks, including the Presidential Office Building, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.

Partway through, the bus passed through the neighborhood where I lived for a few months around the time my son was born. The streets looked familiar, but many of the restaurants and shops along the way had changed.

Back then, I often put my son in a baby carrier on my chest and walked to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall to get some winter sun. He was about a month old.

Then the bus went right past the front of the Memorial Hall, and I saw the fountain. It was so pretty. It had been years since I’d been there, and I told myself I’d come back for a walk next time.

I’m glad my friend told me about that bus. The MRT would have gotten me there in half the time, but I wouldn’t have seen any of this.

Sometimes, taking the slower route lets me see a different side of Taipei.