Getting There and Surf in Yilan

Part of the Yilan travel guide — see every topic in All Yilan Guides.

Yilan is close to Taipei and easy to reach without a car. The fastest way is a bus through the Hsuehshan Tunnel. The train is a good choice too, especially to Jiaoxi, Luodong and Su'ao. Inside the county, trains link most towns, and taxis and scooters fill the gaps. On the coast near Toucheng, Wai'ao beach has one of the most popular surf spots in northern Taiwan.

Bus through the Hsuehshan Tunnel

The Hsuehshan Tunnel is a road tunnel about 12.9 kilometres long. It opened in 2006 and is one of the longest road tunnels in the world. It cut the drive from Taipei to Yilan from about two hours to much less. Buses run often from Taipei, from stations such as Taipei City Hall, Taipei Bus Station and Nangang, to Jiaoxi, Yilan town and Luodong. In light traffic the ride takes about an hour. On weekend and holiday afternoons, traffic in the tunnel can be very slow, so allow extra time. You can pay with an EasyCard on most buses.

Train from Taipei

Taiwan Railway trains run from Taipei Main Station along the coast to Yilan. Fast express trains take about one hour to one and a half hours to Yilan town, and stop at Jiaoxi and Luodong too. Slower local trains take longer but stop at small coastal stations like Wai'ao and Toucheng. Express trains, especially on Friday evenings and weekends, fill up fast, so book seats online in advance. Local trains do not need booking and you can tap in with an EasyCard. The coast views between Fulong and Toucheng are beautiful, so sit on the left side going south.

Getting around Yilan

Trains connect the main towns: Toucheng, Jiaoxi, Yilan town, Luodong and Su'ao. Taiwan Tourist Shuttle buses run some routes to sights such as Wufengqi Waterfall and the coast. Taxis are easy to find at stations and can be hired for a half or full day. Many people rent a scooter or a bicycle. The plain is flat, and there are bike paths along the rivers and coast. A car is useful for the mountains, such as Taipingshan. For scooters and cars you need a Taiwanese licence or an International Driving Permit that is valid in Taiwan.

Wai'ao surf beach

Wai'ao beach is a long beach of dark sand in Toucheng Township, right next to Wai'ao train station. It faces Turtle Island across the sea, which makes the view special. It is one of the most popular surf beaches in northern Taiwan. Surf shops and cafes line the road, and many offer board rental and lessons for beginners. In summer the waves are often small and friendly, which is good for learning. In winter the northeast wind brings bigger, colder waves for skilled surfers. You can also see paragliders on the hills nearby on good days.

Weather and when to go

Yilan gets a lot of rain, especially from autumn to winter, when the northeast monsoon brings clouds and drizzle for days. Summer is hot, with afternoon showers and the chance of typhoons, which can close mountain roads and stop boats. Spring and early autumn are often the best times, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Hot springs feel best in the cool months, and whale watching and beaches are best in summer. Always pack a raincoat. Weekends are busy with visitors from Taipei, so come on a weekday if you can.

Getting There and Surf at a glance

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