Taipei to Yangmingshan National Park
Your Complete Travel Guide from Taipei
Yangmingshan National Park is located in the northern part of Taipei, spanning Beitou and Shilin districts and extending into New Taipei City. It sits at the edge of a dormant volcanic zone, making it rich in hot springs, fumaroles, and lush mountainous terrain.
Yangmingshan National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers, hot spring seekers, and anyone looking for a breath of fresh mountain air away from the city bustle. Famous for its steaming geothermal vents, seasonal cherry blossoms, sulfur springs, and hiking trails, Yangmingshan is both a natural treasure and a local favorite.
Yangmingshan is famous for its seasonal beauty:
- Cherry blossoms (February–March)
- Calla lilies (March–April)
- Golden grass season (Fall)
- Misty winter mornings with hot springs and clouds
Why You Should Take a Day Tour or Private Driver
If you have limited time and want to explore two or three attractions, I recommend taking a day tour or renting a car with a driver.
Taipei is an energetic and modern city, but sometimes the best way to experience Taiwan is to step outside the skyscrapers and subway stations. Just 40 minutes from downtown, Yangmingshan National Park offers an entirely different world: rolling grasslands, volcanic steam vents, flower-filled valleys, and serene hot springs.
While you can visit Yangmingshan on your own, joining a Yangmingshan day tour is by far the most convenient, enriching, and efficient way to experience this natural wonder—especially if it’s your first time in Taiwan or you’re short on time.
You can learn about the landscape from local experts. Yangmingshan not only has beautiful scenery, but also has rich history, culture and geological landscapes. Guided tours often include local guides or English-speaking guides who share interesting background and make your visit a learning experience rather than just a photo opportunity. This is the difference between seeing and understanding.
Transportation Without the Headache
Let’s start with the biggest reason: getting to and around Yangmingshan is not always easy.
Public buses do go there, but they’re:
- Often crowded (especially on weekends and during flower seasons)
- Not always frequent
- Confusing for non-Mandarin speakers
- Slower due to multiple stops
A day tour eliminates all that stress. Most packages include:
- Pickup from central Taipei (like Ximending or Taipei Main Station)
- Comfortable, air-conditioned vans or buses
- Pre-planned routes that stop at all the must-see spots
- You get to enjoy the mountain, not spend the day figuring out which bus connects where.
See the Highlights Efficiently
Yangmingshan National Park spans over 110 square kilometers. Without a guide, you might only see one or two spots. A well-designed day tour helps you cover multiple major attractions in a single trip, including:
- Xiaoyoukeng – Fumaroles, sulfur vents, and volcanic steam
- Qingtiangang Grassland – Open fields with grazing buffalo
- Lengshuikeng – Natural hot spring pools and scenic views
- Zhuzihu – Famous for spring calla lilies and cherry blossoms
- Flower Clock – A classic symbol near the park entrance
Some tours also include side visits to:
- Beitou Hot Springs
- Tamsui Riverside District
- Local farms or flower gardens
With expert guides, you don’t have to worry about which trail to choose or whether you’re missing something amazing just around the corner.
Maximize Limited Time in Taiwan
This makes it perfect for tight schedules, weekend trips, or stopovers. Plus, you won’t waste time lost or looking for the best angle. The pros know where the Instagram-worthy shots are. If you’re only in Taiwan for 3–5 days, time matters. A day tour or private driver lets you:
- Visit 2–4 major attractions in a day
- Avoid public transport delays
- Get back to Taipei in time for dinner or a night market
Great for Groups, Families & Solo Travelers
A day tour provides structure, safety, and simplicity for everyone. Most vans seat 6–10 people, so you also get a cozy, small-group feel. Whether you’re:
- A solo traveler looking for convenience
- A family with kids or older adults
- A group of friends who want to split the cost
Add Hot Springs, Tea Houses, or Local Meals
Many tours offer optional add-ons like:
- A visit to Beitou’s hot springs
- A local farm-to-table lunch
- A stop at a traditional tea house
- Private hot spring baths or foot soaks
It’s an easy way to customize your trip, especially if you’re traveling with family or want to wind down after a day of exploring.
How to get to Yangmingshan
From Taipei Main Station to Yangmingshan? It’s easy to reach from central Taipei if you know the right routes. Distance from Taipei Main Station: Approx. 30–60 minutes, depending on location and traffic.
Yangmingshan Scenic Area is great and covers a large area. There are many buses from Taipei to different places in Yangmingshan. You can plan which bus to take based on where you want to go. Below I have listed some of the buses in detail. Actually, there are more places with cars going to Yangmingshan.
Since you are not familiar with the transportation, your round trip transportation may take up to 3 hours. If you have limited time and want to explore two or three attractions, I recommend taking a day tour or renting a car with a driver. This way you can enjoy your trip without having to worry about which stop to get off and transfer to another bus. For the sake of convenience, almost all foreign tourists will choose a day trip to Beitou and Yangmingshan, or rent a car and have the driver go to Yangmingshan. Don’t doubt it, a day trip to Yangmingshan National Park and Beitou is your best choice.
HSR, TRA or MRT + Bus
Suitable for people who have more time and know how to explore a place slowly by bus.
Taking public transport is the most popular and budget-friendly way to reach Yangmingshan. Swipe your EasyCard when you get on and off the bus. Tip: Try to avoid weekends and holidays as buses can get extremely crowded.
Once You Arrive
The Yangmingshan Bus Terminal is the main hub inside the park. From there, you can take internal shuttle buses (like 108 Loop Bus) to access popular attractions such as:
- Xiaoyoukeng (geothermal vents)
- Qingtiangang Grassland
- Lengshuikeng Hot Springs
- Flower Clock / Visitor Center
Bus No. 1717
From MRT NTU Hospital Station(near Taipei Station)→ Bus No. 1717 → MUST get off at Yangmingshan→ Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters → → → Jinshan Post Office
Bus No. 260
From Taipei Main Sta. (Zhengzhou) → Bus No. 260 → Yangmingshan → Yangmingshan Bus Terminal
Bus Red 5
From MRT Jiantan Sta. (Taipei Performing Arts Center) → Bus Red 5 → Yangmingshan → Yangmingshan Bus Terminal
Bus No. 303
From MRT Jiantan Sta. (Taipei Performing Arts Center) → Bus No. 303 → MUST get off at Yangmingshan → Zhongshan Hall
Bus No. S15
From MRT Jiantan Sta. (Taipei Performing Arts Center) → Bus No. S15 → → → Yangmingshan Spring → → → Juansi Waterfall → Jingshan Township 1 → Jingshan Recreation Area → → → Lengshuikeng Service Center → Lengshuikeng → → → Qingtiangang
Bus No. S8
From MRT Shipai Sta. (Donghua) → Bus No. S8 → → → Yangming Waterfall → → → Yangmingshan Park Visitor Center → → → Hengling Historic Trail → → → MUST get off at Yangmingshan → Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters → → → Zhuzihu
Bus No. S9 (Taiwan Tourist Shuttle to Zhuzihu)
From MRT Beitou Sta. (Beitou)→ Bus No. S9 (Taiwan Tourist Shuttle to Zhuzihu) → → → Yangming Waterfall → → → Yangmingshan Park Visitor Center → → → Hengling Historic Trail → → → MUST get off at Yangmingshan → Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters → → → Zhuzihu
Bus No. S9 (Shuttle)
From MRT Beitou Sta. (Beitou) → Bus No. S9 (Shuttle) → → → Yangming Waterfall → → → Yangmingshan Park Visitor Center → → → Hengling Historic Trail → → → Yangmingshan
Bus No. 230
From MRT Beitou Sta. (Beitou) → Bus No. 230 → Yangmingshan → Zhongshan Hall
Bus No. 108 (goes in a one-way loop)
■ Yangmingshan ⇄ Yangmingshan
Yangmingshan Bus Terminal → Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters → Boy Scouts Stop → Huangziwai → Central Weather Bureau → Yangming Academy House → Zhuza Police Substation → Dinghushan Stop → Youyuan → Bailika Highway Entrance → Anbu → Erziping → Xiao Guanyinzhan → Xiaoyoukeng Service Center → Zhonghu → Menghuan Pond → Menghuan Pond Parking Lot → Lengshuikeng → Qingtiangang → Lengshuikeng
Yangmingshan Day Tour (Great for Hassle-Free Sightseeing)
Suitable for foreigners who have limited time and do not know Taiwan’s transportation.
Many companies offer join group or private tours to Yangmingshan, often bundled with a local guide or stops at hot springs, flower gardens, and even Beitou Thermal Valley. You can get close to nature on a day trip to Yangmingshan and Beitou.
Day Tour From Taipei (klook)
■ Beitou and Yangmingshan One-Day Tour (Group Tour or Private Tour)
Package details (English or Japanese)
08:30 Departure
09:10 Taipei Public Library Beitou
09:30 Beitou Hot Spring Museum
10:10 Thermal Valley
11:30 Yangmingshan Flower Clock
12:10 Yangmingshuwu
12:40 Lunch and Zhuzihu
14:00 Xiaoyoukeng Recreation Area
14:40 Qingtiangang Grassland
15:50 Lengshuikeng Visitor Center
17:10 Return
■ Beitou and Yangmingshan Day Tour in Taipei (Group Tour or Private Tour)
Package details (English, Japanese or Korean)
09:30 Departure
Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan cold water pit
Qingtiangang Grassland
Lunch and Zhuzihu
Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshuwu
Yangmingshan Flower Clock
Beitou Hot Spring Museum
Thermal Valley
Taipei Public Library Beitou
Xinbeitou Station
18:00 Return
Private Driver (Convenient but Costlier)
If you are traveling with several people and feel that a day trip is too rushed, a private driver is your best option. You can arrange your own attractions and explore Yangmingshan slowly. This way, you don’t have to rush between each attraction.
Car Rental with Driver From Taipei (klook)
■ Taipei Car Rental with Driver- Customized itinerary
■ Yangmingshan Car Rental with Driver: Small Oil Pit , Bamboo Lake , Hot Spring Valley
Is It Worth the Cost?
Prices for a private driver typically range from:
NT$3,000–5,000/day for a sedan or van
NT$5,500–7,000/day for longer routes or luxury vehicles
Divided among 4 people, that’s about NT$1,000–1,500 (USD $30–50) per person/day—not much more than joining a standard day tour. And you get privacy, personalization, and no need to wake up at 6 AM for someone else’s schedule.
Total Flexibility, Zero Stress
With a private driver, you control the itinerary. No need to memorize bus routes, wait for taxis, or stick to fixed tour times. Your driver will:
- Pick you up and drop you off at your hotel
- Take you to multiple destinations in a single day
- Adjust the plan based on weather or traffic
- You can stop wherever and whenever you want
- You’re not limited to “tourist hours” or crowded times
- Wait for you while you explore—no rush, no pressure
- Sunrise, golden hour, or night shots? Totally possible
- Comfort, Privacy, and Relaxation
Want to stop for local snacks? Take a detour to a hidden hot spring? Stay for sunset? You can. Your day is 100% yours.
The Most Convenient Option for Groups & Families
Public transportation is affordable, but for groups of 3 or more people, hiring a driver is often more comfortable and cost-effective.
- No squeezing into crowded buses
- No dragging luggage across platforms
- No language barriers with local taxi drivers
It’s also ideal for:
- Families with children
- Older travelers
- Friends who want to travel together
Split between 3–5 people, the price per person is often the same—or even less—than taking a tour.
By Taxi or Ride-Sharing
If you prefer door-to-door convenience or are traveling in a group, a taxi or ride-hailing service (like Taiwan Taxi, Uber, or LINE Taxi) is a solid choice.
Taxi Sharing: Shilin to Yangmingshan
Departure From:
MRT Jiantan Station – Next to Exit 1
MRT Shilin Station – Next to Exit 2
Dayeh Takashimaya Station – Chunghwa Road side
Destination:
Cultural University and Shanzaihou – Gezhi Road/Junshan Road
Number of passengers and Price:
1 person: NT$300
2 people: NT$150 per person
3 people: NT$100 per person
4 people: NT$75 per person
5 or more passengers sitting in the 3rd row: NT$70 per person
From Taipei:
Depart from Taipei Main Station, Ximending, or downtown areas.
Just input “Yangmingshan National Park” into your app.
Travel Time: ~30–40 minutes
Cost: NT$500–800 (one-way)
Tip: If you’re visiting as a group of 3–4 people, splitting a taxi is cost-effective and much easier than navigating buses on a crowded day.