Double-decker buses to hit Taiwan's roads by year-end: Explore major attractions across northern, central, and southern Taiwan

▲ London double-decker bus. (Photo / Screenshot fromWikipediaPhoto by Oxyman)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Do you envy the iconic double-decker buses often seen in foreign movies? Compared to regular buses, they’re taller, offer better views, and somehow feel more vacation-like. In 2015, Taiwan is also introducing the Up double-decker bus. By the end of the year, Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung plan to launch sightseeing double-decker buses that will travel through major tourist spots in their respective regions, giving travelers a relaxing holiday experience.

Subsidized by the Directorate General of HighwaysTaipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung have jointly purchased a total of 21 double-decker buses, primarily for sightseeing routes. These buses are only allowed to operate on urban roads—not highways or expressways. The upper deck must not have standing passengers; all riders must be seated and wear seatbelts, and movement inside is restricted.

▲ Osaka’s “OSAKA Sky Vista” double-decker open-top bus (Photo / From the OSAKA Play Fan Page)

Taipei CityAccording to preliminary plans, the sightseeing double-decker buses are expected to run every 15 to 20 minutes. Fares will be similar to those of regular city buses, and drivers will also act as tour guides, providing commentary about nearby attractions. The onboard announcements will be available in multiple languages. The planned route spans nearly 30 kilometers, starting from Taipei 101 and passing by Da’an Forest Park, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the Presidential Office, Ximending, Dihua Street, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Confucius Temple, National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine, Shilin Night Market, and the National Palace Museum, among other major tourist attractions. The return route will go via Xingtian Temple, 3C Digital Park, and the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.

Taichung Cityplans to introduce one double-decker bus, with a route expected to start from Taichung Railway Station and pass by major tourist attractions such as the National Museum of Natural Science and the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts.

Kaohsiung Cityplans to introduce 12 double-decker buses, with a route expected to cover key tourist spots including West Bay (Xiziwan), Pier-2 Art Center, Lotus Pond, and Asia New Bay Area, spanning approximately 20 kilometers.