Taipei Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus

The Taipei Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus is the easiest way to see a lot of the city in a short time, especially if you are visiting for the first time. The upper deck gives a raised view of the streets, and the hop-on, hop-off format lets you stop at the sights that interest you and rejoin a later bus. The service is run by Sanchong Bus and is sold through the city's official Taipei Fun Pass platform as well as its own website.

There are two routes, the Red line and the Blue line, and both start and finish at Taipei Main Station, which makes it simple to begin your day from the city's main transport hub. Among the sights along the routes are the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Xingtian Temple and the Red House in Ximending; note that the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall itself has been closed for renovation, with works expected to run to the end of 2026, although its surrounding park has stayed open. The bus runs by day and into the evening, so you can choose a daytime circuit for sightseeing or an after-dark ride to see the city lights. Arrival times can shift with traffic and schedules may change, so check the official website for the current timetable before you set out.

On board, a multilingual audio guide in four languages explains what you are passing, and free Wi-Fi helps you plan the next stop. The ticket sold through Taipei Fun Pass gives four hours of unlimited rides, which is enough time to complete a route with a stop or two, so plan your priorities before you start. Used tickets cannot be refunded.

The bus suits first-time visitors, families with children who enjoy sitting on the top deck, older travellers and anyone short on time. It is less useful if you prefer walking or already know the city well, since the MRT is quicker for getting between specific sights. Sit upstairs for the best views, but bring sun protection or a light waterproof, and hold on when standing up while the bus is moving.

A good strategy is to ride a full loop first to get your bearings, then use the remaining time to hop off at one or two places that caught your eye. Combine the bus with walking tours or food tours on other days for a well-rounded introduction to Taipei.