How To Get To Jiufen From Taipei: The Ultimate Transportation Guide

Traveling from Taipei to the historic mountain mining village of Jiufen requires navigating Taiwan's efficient public transit network or arranging private transfers. The journey typically takes between 45 to 90 minutes depending on whether you choose the direct bus, a combination of train and local bus, or a private taxi.

Pre-Trip Planning and Transit Preparation

Planning a successful excursion from the bustling metropolis of Taipei to the narrow, lantern-lit alleys of Jiufen involves understanding Taiwan's transit ecosystem, preparing the correct payment methods, and managing peak travel windows. Jiufen sits perched on the mountainside in Ruifang District, New Taipei City, drawing thousands of daily visitors due to its striking resemblance to scenes from Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away and its rich gold-mining heritage.

• Essential Payment Tools: A contactless EasyCard or iPASS loaded with at least 500 TWD is mandatory for seamless boarding of Taipei MRT, Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) trains, and regional Keelung Transit buses. Alternatively, physical cash (exact change preferred) works on buses.
• Prerequisite Knowledge: TRA train tickets to Ruifang Station can be purchased up to 14 days in advance via the Taiwan Railways mobile application or website, which is heavily recommended during weekends and public holidays when queues at Taipei Main Station are notoriously long.
• Budget and Duration Benchmarks: Expect total transit costs to range from 100 TWD to 300 TWD per person one-way for public transit, while private taxis or chartered cars range from 1,000 TWD to 1,500 TWD. Total travel time spans 45 minutes by direct taxi to 90 minutes via bus or train combinations.

Step-by-Step Transit Execution to Jiufen

Step 1: Arrive at Taipei Main Station or Ximen Transit Hub

Begin your journey by navigating to Taipei Main Station for rail transit, or head to Ximending Exit 2 if you intend to board the direct 965 bus. If taking the train, enter the underground concourse and locate the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) ticket gates. Purchase a local train (区间车 - Qujianche) or Chu-Kuang express ticket bound for Ruifang Station, which serves as the primary rail gateway to the northeastern mountains.

Pro-Tip: Skip the ticket counter lines by tapping your EasyCard directly at the TRA station gates for regional local trains, provided you do not mind standing if seats are fully occupied.

Step 2: Navigate the Intermediate Leg to Ruifang Station

Board a northbound train heading toward Yilan, Hualien, or Suao via Ruifang. The rail journey from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes. Upon arrival at Ruifang Station, exit the station and walk approximately 200 meters to the designated bus stop opposite the Police Station to catch the Pingxi/Keelung Transit bus (Line 788, 827, or 1062) heading upward toward Jiufen Old Street.

Warning: Avoid unlicensed taxi drivers soliciting rides directly outside the Ruifang train platform exit; always queue at the official taxi stand or board the regulated public buses to ensure fair, metered pricing.

Step 3: Complete the Ascent to Jiufen Old Street

Board the local mountain bus (Bus 1062 from Taipei or Bus 788/827 from Ruifang) and ride for roughly 15 to 20 winding minutes up the mountain. Pay your fare upon boarding if using cash, or tap upon both boarding and alighting if using an EasyCard. Press the stop button just as the bus rounds the bend into the Jiufen Old Street (Jiu Fen Lao Jie) stop, where throngs of travelers typically disembark.

Step 4: Navigate the Return Journey to Taipei

To return to Taipei, walk down to the covered bus stop on the opposite side of the main road from where you were dropped off. Expect substantial queues for the 1062 bus back to Taipei or the 788 bus back to Ruifang Station during evening peak hours (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM). Alternatively, walk down to the nearby taxi staging area where drivers offer fixed-rate per-person shared rides directly back to Taipei's MRT stations.

Comparative Transit Options from Taipei to Jiufen

Common Transit Failures and Field Fixes

• Long Bus Queues at Jiufen Return Stop:

  
  
  
  • Root Cause: Hundreds of tourists attempt to catch the single 1062 bus back to Taipei simultaneously between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM.
  • Actionable Fix: Board a local bus (Line 788) downhill to Ruifang Train Station first, then transfer to a frequent northbound TRA train back to Taipei Main Station to bypass the massive mountain highway queues.

• Missing Train Connections on Weekends:

  
  
  
  • Root Cause: Unreserved local trains fill up rapidly during peak holiday periods, leading to denied boarding at Taipei Main Station.
  • Actionable Fix: Book reserved-seat Chu-Kuang or Taroko express tickets in advance, or utilize the 965 direct highway bus from Ximending which originates its route in Taipei.

• EasyCard Insufficient Balance Error:

  
  
  
  • Root Cause: Long-distance bus rides or multi-leg journeys exhaust stored EasyCard value, triggering ticket gate or bus scanner lockouts.
  • Actionable Fix: Top up your EasyCard at any 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or MRT station kiosk before arriving at transit hubs, or maintain a strict minimum balance of 200 TWD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a direct train from Taipei to Jiufen?

There is no direct railway station in Jiufen. Travelers must take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station, and then transfer to a local bus or taxi for the final 15-minute mountain ascent.

Which is better: the bus or the train to Jiufen?

The direct bus (Line 965 from Ximen) offers a single-seat ride without transfers, making it convenient if you board near the start of the route. The train plus bus combination is generally faster and less susceptible to highway traffic congestion during weekend rush hours.

How much does a taxi from Taipei to Jiufen cost?

A private taxi or chartered vehicle directly from central Taipei to Jiufen typically costs between 1,000 TWD and 1,500 TWD one-way. Taxis hailing from Ruifang Station to Jiufen Old Street charge a flat municipal rate of around 205 TWD.

What is the best time of day to travel to Jiufen?

To avoid heavy crowds and secure seating on transit lines, depart Taipei between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Arriving early allows you to explore the narrow alleys before tour buses flood the village around midday.

Master your Taiwan itinerary by exploring our dedicated guides on navigating the Pingxi Railway Line and combining your Jiufen trip with the Yehliu Geopark.