Taipei to Jiufen: Train to Ruifang and Bus Guide
Plan Taipei to Jiufen via TRA Ruifang and an onward bus or taxi, with station checks, hillside walking and a practical return-journey plan.
TaiwanTrain is an independent service, not the official THSR or TRA website. Where booking is offered, availability confirmation and ticket fulfilment are manual. Payment does not guarantee ticket issuance. Check the operator’s current timetable and ticket rules for your travel date.
There is no railway station at Jiufen Old Street. A rail-based journey from Taipei uses TRA to Ruifang, followed by a road connection to Jiufen. Compare this with a current direct-bus option from Taipei before deciding: the easiest choice depends on where you start and how you plan to return.
Book or choose a TRA service to Ruifang
Search TRA using Taipei and Ruifang (瑞芳) as the station names. Verify that the specific service stops at Ruifang and inspect its ticket and seating conditions. Do not substitute a THSR search: high-speed rail does not run to Jiufen or Ruifang. Save the return choices as well, particularly if visiting on a weekend or planning to stay until evening.
Continue from Ruifang by road
At Ruifang, follow current local signs and tourism information for a Jiufen-bound bus or use an appropriately licensed taxi. The relevant bus stop may require walking from the station; do not assume it is at the first stop outside the exit. Confirm destination, direction, fare and payment method before boarding. Road traffic and queues can dominate the total journey even when the train leg is straightforward.
Prepare for the old street terrain
Jiufen is a hillside destination with slopes, steps and busy pedestrian lanes. Wear suitable footwear and consider leaving bulky luggage at your accommodation. If anyone needs step-free access, check the specific approach and walking route rather than relying on a map distance. Rain and crowds can change how much time is comfortable at the destination.
Keep Jiufen and Shifen plans realistic
Jiufen and Shifen are different places. A combined day can involve returning toward Ruifang and using a separate branch-line or road journey; it is not a single train directly between the two old streets. Check current Pingxi Line notices before planning a connection. Decide on your return departure before sightseeing and leave room for a full bus, traffic or missed transfer.
Use Ruifang as the rail gateway
Ruifang is the useful TRA gateway for a rail-based Jiufen trip, but the road leg remains necessary. Check the current Jiufen-bound stop and service locally; routes and boarding arrangements can change. Shifen is on a different excursion route and should not be confused with Jiufen. If combining them, reserve enough time for returning through the interchange and making a separate connection.
Related guides
- Pingxi Line Guide: Ruifang, Shifen and Return Connections
- Taipei Main Station: THSR, TRA, Metro and Airport MRT
- Taiwan Railways TRA: Tickets, Routes and Train Types
Official sources and review date
Content reviewed: 11 October 2026. Timetables, fares, eligibility and service status can change; confirm official information for your travel date.
- New Taipei City official tourism information
- Taiwan Railways official timetable and booking
- TRA current service alerts
The cover is an original planning diagram showing selected connections or steps, not a complete geographic rail map.
