New Taipei City’s “Water Bus” Sets Sail: Board in Banqiao, Arrive in Dadaocheng in 30 Minutes

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Commute Between Taipei and New Taipei by Boat Too！To make commuting between Taipei and New Taipei more convenient, New Taipei City has launched regular “Water Bus” services at Huajiang Pier, Zhongxiao Pier, and Dadaocheng Pier starting July 16. Ticket prices follow the bus fare system—NT$15 per section, NT$8 for concessionary tickets, and free for young children. Traveling from Banqiao to Dadaocheng can save you 30 minutes.

▲New Taipei City Government Transportation Bureau launches the “Water Bus” connecting Huajiang Pier, Zhongxiao Pier, and Dadaocheng Pier. (Photo / Provided by New Taipei City Government Transportation Bureau)

The Water Bus operates two routes: from Huajiang Pier to Zhongxiao Pier, and from Zhongxiao Pier to Dadaocheng Pier. During weekdays, services run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with boats departing roughly every hour at each pier and every 15 minutes per route segment. Additional services may be added on holidays depending on demand. The transportation bureau noted that in addition to daily commuting, passengers can also bring bicycles on board free of charge.

The New Taipei City Transportation Bureau explained that the name “Water Bus” was chosen to align the service concept with that of regular buses. Therefore, the pricing follows the standard bus model—NT$15 per section, NT$8 for concessionary fares, and free for children. Currently, taking a bus and then the MRT from Banqiao’s Huajiang Pier to Dadaocheng takes about one hour, while the Water Bus can cut your commute time by 30 minutes.