Day Trip From Taipei in Jiufen and Pingxi
Part of the Jiufen and Pingxi travel guide — see every topic in All Jiufen and Pingxi Guides.
Jiufen and the Pingxi Line sit close to each other, about an hour east of Taipei. Both can be done in one long day, using trains and local buses. The key is the order: the Pingxi Line and Shifen during the day, then Jiufen in the evening when its lanterns come on. This guide covers how to get there, a simple plan, and what to know about crowds and weather.
By train and bus
The main gateway is Ruifang station. Trains from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang run often and take about 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the train type. At Ruifang, change to the Pingxi Line for Shifen, Pingxi and Jingtong. For Jiufen, take a bus from the stop near Ruifang station; the ride up the hill takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Taxis also wait at Ruifang and are useful for small groups. EasyCard and other Taiwanese transit cards work on the trains and most buses, which makes changes simple.
Direct bus to Jiufen
If you only want Jiufen, a direct bus is often simpler than the train. Bus 1062 runs between Taipei, from near Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT station, and Jiufen and Jinguashi. The ride takes about one to one and a half hours, depending on traffic. You can pay with an EasyCard. On weekends, the queue can be long in both directions, especially in the evening when everyone leaves Jiufen at the same time. Check the time of the last bus before you go up the hill. Leave Jiufen a little before the crowd, or after it, to get a seat.
A sample day
Leave Taipei by 8 or 9 in the morning and take a train to Ruifang. Ride the Pingxi Line to Jingtong or Pingxi first, then work back down the line. Stop in Shifen around midday or early afternoon for a sky lantern and the walk to Shifen Waterfall. Return to Ruifang in the mid-afternoon and take a bus or taxi to Jiufen. Eat your way along the old street, find a teahouse with a view, and stay until the red lanterns come on at dusk. Then take the bus back to Ruifang or straight to Taipei.
Weekends and holidays
Weekends, Taiwanese public holidays and the Lunar New Year period are the busiest times. Trains on the Pingxi Line are full, Shifen's track is crowded, and Jiufen Old Street moves very slowly. If you can, go on a weekday. If you must go at a weekend, start as early as possible and expect queues for trains and buses in the late afternoon. Around the Lantern Festival, in February or early March, special transport plans and road controls often apply. Check the New Taipei City tourism website before you travel at these times.
Weather and staying over
This corner of Taiwan gets a lot of rain, especially from about October to March. Low cloud and mist are common in Jiufen; many people find it atmospheric, but the sea view may disappear. Bring a rain jacket and shoes with grip. Summer is hot, with afternoon storms, and typhoons can close trains and roads. If you have time, consider a night in a Jiufen guesthouse. The old street is quiet in the evening and early morning, after the day visitors leave, and you can see the lanes and the coast without the crowd.
Day Trip From Taipei at a glance
| Getting there | Train Taipei Main to Ruifang (40–60 min), or bus 1062 to Jiufen |
|---|---|
| Hours | Plan a full day; Jiufen lanterns light up at dusk |
| Cost | Low transit fares with an EasyCard |
| Order | Pingxi Line by day, Jiufen in the evening |
| Best time | Weekdays; check the forecast for rain and typhoons |