Exploring Taiwan by Car: The Ultimate Driving Guide for Adventurers

Driving in Taiwan offers a unique and exhilarating way to explore this vibrant island’s stunning landscapes, rich culture, and hidden gems. Whether you’re cruising along coastal highways, navigating bustling city streets, or venturing into the misty mountains, a road trip through Taiwan promises adventure at every turn. This guide covers everything you need to know to make your driving experience in Taiwan safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

Getting Started: Renting a Car in Taiwan

Renting a car in Taiwan is relatively straightforward, but there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth experience. Most international car rental companies, such as Avis and Hertz, operate in Taiwan, and local companies like IWS and CarPlus are also reliable options.

Requirements for Renting a Car:

• A valid International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country’s driver’s license.
• A credit card for the car rental deposit.
• Minimum age requirement is typically 21, but it may vary by company.

Before renting, it’s advisable to compare prices and read reviews online to find the best deal. Major cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung have multiple rental offices, including airport locations, making it convenient to pick up and drop off your rental car.

Understanding Taiwan’s Road Network

Taiwan boasts an extensive and well-maintained road network, making it easy to travel between cities and explore the countryside. The highway system includes national freeways, provincial highways, and county roads, each offering different driving experiences:

National Freeways

The national freeway system connects major cities and regions. Key routes like Freeway No. 1 (Sun Yat-Sen Freeway) and Freeway No. 3 (Formosa Freeway) run north to south, making them ideal for long-distance travel across the island.

Provincial Highways

Provincial highways provide access to scenic areas, coastal routes, and popular tourist destinations. For example, Provincial Highway No. 9, also known as the East Coast Highway, offers breathtaking ocean views and is a must-drive for any road trip enthusiast.

County Roads

County roads are perfect for exploring rural areas and lesser-known attractions. These roads may be narrower and winding, but they often lead to beautiful, off-the-beaten-path locations.

Essential Driving Tips and Road Safety

Driving in Taiwan can be an enjoyable experience, but it is essential to be aware of local driving customs and regulations to stay safe. Here are some crucial tips:

Stay on the Right Side

In Taiwan, vehicles drive on the right side of the road. Make sure to stay in your lane, especially when navigating through busy city streets.

Watch Out for Scooters

Scooters are the most common form of transportation in Taiwan and can be found everywhere. Keep an eye out for them, especially when making turns or changing lanes.

Follow Traffic Signals

Observe traffic signals and road signs carefully. Taiwan has strict enforcement of traffic rules, and fines for violations can be hefty.

Use GPS and Navigation Apps

To navigate Taiwan’s roads efficiently, it’s wise to use GPS or navigation apps such as Google Maps or Waze. These tools can help you avoid traffic jams and find the fastest routes to your destinations.

Top Scenic Drives in Taiwan

Taiwan is home to some of the most scenic drives in Asia. From coastal routes to mountain roads, the island offers diverse landscapes that are perfect for a road trip. Here are some must-drive routes:

Taroko Gorge

Located in Hualien County, Taroko Gorge is one of Taiwan’s most famous natural attractions. The Central Cross-Island Highway (Provincial Highway No. 8) winds through the gorge, offering spectacular views of marble cliffs, deep gorges, and cascading waterfalls.

East Coast Highway

Provincial Highway No. 11, known as the East Coast Highway, runs along Taiwan’s eastern coastline, offering stunning ocean views, rugged cliffs, and charming fishing villages. It’s a perfect route for those who love coastal scenery.

Alishan Mountain Roads

The winding roads of the Alishan Mountain Range provide breathtaking views of tea plantations, dense forests, and high-altitude vistas. Provincial Highway No. 18 is a popular route leading to the Alishan National Scenic Area.

Sun Moon Lake

Located in Nantou County, Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan’s top tourist destinations. The scenic drive around the lake offers picturesque views of the tranquil waters, lush greenery, and surrounding mountains.

Day-by-Day Itinerary for a Week-Long Road Trip in Taiwan

Day 1: Taipei to Hualien

Start your journey in Taipei, Taiwan’s bustling capital city. Collect your rental car and hit the road early to make the most of your day. Drive eastward towards Hualien, passing through the scenic Yilan County. If you have time, stop at the Wufengqi Waterfall and visit the quaint town of Jiaoxi, known for its hot springs.

Day 2: Explore Taroko Gorge

Spend the day exploring the stunning Taroko Gorge. Drive along the Central Cross-Island Highway and take in the breathtaking views of the marble cliffs and winding rivers. Make stops at popular spots like Swallow Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns, and the Eternal Spring Shrine. End your day enjoying local Hualien cuisine such as mochi and dumplings.

Day 3: Hualien to Taitung via East Coast Highway

Drive south along the East Coast Highway (Provincial Highway No. 11) towards Taitung. The route offers dramatic coastal vistas, charming fishing villages, and natural attractions such as the Sanxiantai or the “Three Immortals Platform.” Stop for a refreshing break at Jialulan Recreation Area before continuing to Taitung.

Day 4: Taitung to Kenting National Park

Continue your journey south to Kenting National Park, Taiwan’s tropical paradise. Drive along the picturesque coastline of Highway No. 9 and enter Pingtung County. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the white sandy beaches of Kenting, or take a snorkeling tour to explore the vibrant coral reefs.

Day 5: Kenting to Alishan

Leave the beach behind and head north to the serene mountains of Alishan. The drive will take you through lush forests and past tea plantations. Once you arrive, take a ride on the Alishan Forest Railway to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Don’t miss the stunning sunrise view from the Alishan Sunrise Viewing Platform.

Day 6: Alishan to Sun Moon Lake

Drive to Sun Moon Lake, one of Taiwan’s most famous and beautiful tourist destinations. Take a leisurely drive around the lake, stopping at attractions such as the Wenwu Temple, Ita Thao Village, and the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway. Consider renting a boat or bicycle to explore the lake from a different perspective.

Day 7: Sun Moon Lake to Taichung and Return to Taipei

On your final day, head towards Taichung, known for its vibrant food scene and cultural attractions. Visit the Rainbow Village, National Taichung Theater, and the bustling Fengjia Night Market. After enjoying Taichung, drive back to Taipei, concluding your epic road trip around Taiwan.