How to Get to Shifen Waterfall: Complete Guide to Trains, Buses, and Private Rides

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

The Shifen Waterfall, located in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, is a very famous waterfall attraction in Taiwan. It is also one of the must-visit spots for many people who go on a day trip to Jiufen and Pingxi.

The Shifen Waterfall has a drop of about 20 meters and is currently the largest curtain-style waterfall in Taiwan. When the water falls, it is majestic, earning it the nickname "Taiwan's version of Niagara Falls"! This beautiful attraction has always been a dream destination for many tourists.

There are several transportation options from Taipei to Shifen Waterfall. You can choose to drive by yourself, take the high-speed rail, train, bus, or arrange for a private car transfer.

Transportation options to Shifen Waterfall 1. Self-driving

🚙 Route overview & driving directions

• From Taipei city, take National Highway No. 5, exit at the Shiding Interchange, and then connect to 106 County Road. Go eastwards toward the Pingxi area, then drive along the local road to Shifen.
• The waterfall’s address is in Pingxi District, New Taipei City — so enter accordingly on your GPS (e.g. “乾坑 10 號, Pingxi, New Taipei”).

Parking & walking access

• There is a parking lot directly opposite the visitor center/entrance area for Shifen Waterfall.
• From the parking lot (or visitor center), you walk roughly 5–15 minutes depending on which trail or entrance you use.

Pros & Cons of Self-Driving

Pros:

• Flexibility in timing (start early, leave late)
• Direct door‑to‑door convenience

Cons:

• Limited parking (especially on busy weekends or holidays)
• Potential traffic heading into Pingxi, and narrow mountain roads

👉🏻 Tip: If you rent a car or drive yourself, plan to arrive early (before 09:00–10:00) to avoid traffic and secure parking.

Transportation options to Shifen Waterfall 2. High-speed Rail + Other Transport

Note: There is no direct high‑speed rail (HSR) station right next to Shifen. However, you can use HSR for part of the journey and then switch to other transport to complete the trip.

🚄 Routes for HSR + train/bus/car

1. Take HSR from your starting city — e.g. if you are coming from Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Kaohsiung etc — ride to Taipei.
2. Transfer to local transport: either local train (to Ruifang, then Pingxi Line), bus795, rental car like tripool or taxi from HSR station to Shifen area.

When this is useful

• If you’re arriving from outside the Taipei metro area (south or central Taiwan).
• If you prefer a faster long‑distance travel and then want flexibility for the final leg.

⏰ Timetables: High-Speed Rail Timetable and Fare Inquiry   Taiwan Railways Train Timetable   Taipei Metro Fare and Timetable

Transportation options to Shifen Waterfall 3. Train (Local Rail + Pingxi Branch Line)

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

🚂 Standard route from Taipei Station → Ruifang → Shifen Station

1. From Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) — board a train at Taipei Main Station (or any convenient station) and ride to Ruifang Station. Trains run frequently (every 5–20 minutes for local trains).
2. At Ruifang Station, transfer to the branch line Pingxi Line, then get off at Shifen Station.

Travel time & cost

• Taipei → Ruifang: ~45 minutes.
• Ruifang → Shifen: ~20–30 minutes.
• Walking from Shifen Station to the waterfall: about 20–30 minutes.
• Total cost: one‑way about NT$100~NT$140 (local + branch line).

Pros & Cons of Trains

Pros:

• Cheap, reliable, good for solo travelers or backpackers
• Scenic: Pingxi Line passes through mountains, old railway villages, nice views

Cons:

• Relatively longer overall time (plus walking)
• On weekends/holidays, trains can get crowded, especially on Pingxi Line

Transportation options to Shifen Waterfall 4. Bus (MRT + Shuttle / Direct Bus)

🚌 Standard route — MRT to Muzha → Shuttle Bus to Shifen

1. Take Taipei Metro (MRT)’s Wenhu Line to Muzha MRT Station. 
2. From Muzha Station, transfer to Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Route 795 (Muzha–Pingxi / Shifen line). The bus will take you to Shifen Visitor Center (sometimes also called Shifenliao).
3. From Visitor Center, it’s a 10–15 minute walk to Shifen Waterfall.

Travel time & cost

• Total time: about 2 to 2.5 hours (from Taipei) depending on transfers and wait time.
• Fare: around NT$45 (for shuttle bus) + MRT fare.

Pros & Cons of Bus

Pros:

• Convenient if you don’t have a car or don’t want to deal with multiple transfers by train.
• Direct access to near‑waterfall visitor center (less walking compared with train + walk)

Cons:

• Longer travel time compared with driving or express train + transfer.
• Shuttle bus schedule may be limited — check ahead especially on weekday vs weekend.

⏰ Timetables: Taipei MRT Fare and Timetable   Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Route 795 Fare and Timetable

Transportation options to Shifen Waterfall 5. MRT (Metro) + Bus / Shuttle (combined public transit)

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

(overlaps with Bus option above, but we treat MRT + Shuttle as a distinct method for clarity)

🚇 Why consider MRT + Shuttle

• If you are staying somewhere along the MRT network and don’t want to go to Taipei Main Station or use TRA trains.
• Easy to buy MRT tickets / use EasyCard, and then transfer to shuttle bus at Muzha Station for direct ride to Shifen area.

👉🏻 Notes:

• The shuttle bus (Route 795) is the key — make sure to check its timetable in advance (especially on non‑holidays).
• The final walking from Shifen Visitor Center to the waterfall is easy (10–15 min), and can be done on foot.

⏰ Timetable: Taipei MRT Fare and Timetable   Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Route 795 Fare and Timetable

 

Transportation options to Shifen Waterfall 6. Taxi / Private Car (Point‑to‑Point Transfer)

🚗 When to use taxi or private transfer

• You are travelling in a small group or with heavy luggage (kids, seniors, lots of gear)
• You want the convenience of direct door‑to‑door transfer without navigating train/bus/shuttle

Estimated time & cost (approximate)

• Taking a taxi or private car from central Taipei to Shifen Waterfall: about 35–40 km, approximately 1 hour depending on traffic.
• Taxi: Metered fare, it might be significantly higher than public transport — but gives the convenience of no transfers.
• Private Car Transfer: Platforms like tripool provides fixed fare, so that you don't have to worry about unexpected surcharges.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Door‑to‑door convenience
• Time efficient, especially if you travel early or outside peak hours

Cons:

• Higher cost compared with public transport
• Potential traffic and limited parking at Shifen (though waterfall visitor center has some parking)

Transportation options to Shifen Waterfall 7. Charter Service

🚙 What is charter service

• A pre‑arranged private car or van service that picks you up (from your hotel, Taipei Station, or MRT) and drives you to Shifen, stays for a set period (for sightseeing), go to other attractions or returns to the last drop off location as you wish.
• Essentially similar benefits as taxi/private car — but with more flexibility in schedule and waiting time.

When this is ideal

• Travelling in a group (family, friends), where cost per head becomes reasonable.
• You have an inflexible schedule or plan to visit multiple destinations in one day (e.g. Shifen + Jiufen old streets or Yehliu Geological Park).
• You prefer comfort and convenience, especially if luggage or elderly/children are involved.

Why choose tripool

tripool offers an easy, English-friendly way to book private charter services to Shifen Waterfall and beyond. Whether you're staying in central Taipei or coming directly from the airport, you can customize your pick-up location, travel schedule, and sightseeing plan — all with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

Here’s why many travelers choose tripool:

1. English-speaking support and online booking interface
2. Flexible pick-up and drop-off across Taipei (including hotels, MRT, airport)
3. Clean, comfortable vehicles ideal for families, friends, or group travel
4. Option to add other attractions like Jiufen Old Street or Yehliu in the same trip
5. Drivers wait for you while you explore — no need to rush

👉🏻 This is perfect for travelers who value convenience, time efficiency, and a stress-free day trip to Shifen Waterfall — without dealing with transfers, train schedules, or bus stops.

Which Transport Option to Choose?

• For budget travelers: train (TRA + Pingxi Line) or MRT + Shuttle bus offers inexpensive ways and a taste of local scenic railway charm.
• For comfort and convenience (group, family, luggage): private car / taxi / charter service or self‑driving gives flexibility and door‑to‑door convenience.
• For balancing cost & comfort: bus shuttle from Muzha + walk from Visitor Center might be a good middle ground.

👉🏻 Choose based on your group size, schedule, budget, and comfort preference — and you’ll likely enjoy a smooth trip to Shifen Waterfall.

Below is a quick-reference table comparing all seven transport methods from Taipei to Shifen Waterfall:

Transport Mode	Approx. Time (one‑way)	Estimated Cost*	Pros	Cons
Self‑driving	~35–45 min (traffic dependent) + parking/walk	Fuel / tolls / parking	Flexibility, convenience, door‑to‑door	Parking limited, traffic risk
HSR + other transport	Depends on starting city + local leg	HSR fare + local fares	Fast for long‑distance start	Need transfer, no direct HSR to Shifen
Train (TRA + Pingxi Line)	~1.5–2 hrs + walk 20–30 min	~NT$69–80	Cheap, scenic, reliable	Longer time, walk needed, may be crowded
Bus (MRT + shuttle bus)	~2–2.5 hrs	NT$45 + MRT fare	Simple transfer, ends near visitor center	Bus schedule limited, longer ride
MRT + Shuttle (public transit combo)	~2–2.5 hrs	MRT fare + shuttle fare	Easy if staying along MRT, no car needed	Schedule dependency, somewhat slow
Taxi / Private car (point‑to‑point)	~35–45 min	Higher than public transit	Fast, convenient, direct	Costly, parking/traffic issues
Charter service	Flexible	Varies (per hour/day)	Flexible schedule, good for groups	More expensive, need booking in advance

📍 Costs and times vary depending on traffic, date/time, and exact departure point in Taipei.

Shifen Waterfall — What to Know Before You Go

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

What is Shifen Waterfall?

• Shifen Waterfall is located in Pingxi District, New Taipei City.
• The waterfall’s height is approximately 20 m, with a width of about 40 m — making it the broadest waterfall in Taiwan.
• It’s a cascade / curtain‑style waterfall (water flows over a sloped rock surface, forming a broad curtain).

⏱️ Opening hours & access

• Summer（June-September）： 09:00 - 18:00（last admission 17:30）
• Other months（October-May）： 09:00 - 17:00（last admission 16:30）

Walkways, viewing area, what to expect

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

• There is a visitor center & parking area — from there, a walking trail (including small bridges / suspension‑bridge style walkways) leads to the waterfall viewpoint.
• Walking paths are moderate — but even from the more accessible trailhead, expect some stairs or slopes, especially on return. Good shoes are recommended.
• On sunny days (or after rainfall), you might get lucky and catch a rainbow at the falls — a great photo opportunity.

Nearby attractions & combo trips

Shifen lies in the Pingxi area, visitors often combine visits with other nearby spots (Shifen old streets, Jiufen old street, local villages, sky‑lantern releasing, other natural sites) — making it a popular day‑trip from Taipei.

Suggested Itinerary Example (Day‑Trip from Taipei)

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

Here’s a sample itinerary if you depart from central Taipei and plan to visit Shifen Waterfall and possibly other nearby attractions:

• 08:00 — Depart from Taipei (by train / bus / car) toward Shifen
• 09:00–10:00 — Arrive at Shifen, head to waterfall (walk from station or parking)
• 10:00–11:00 — Explore waterfall, take photos, relax by the river / trails
• 11:00–12:00 — Walk or bus/taxi to nearby old‑street / village (if planned)
• 12:00–13:00 — Lunch in Pingxi / Shifen old‑street area
• 13:00–16:00 — Continue sightseeing (old street, sky‑lanterns, local shops, other nature spots)
• 16:00–18:00 — Return to Taipei for a night market visit(Shilin Night Market, Raohe Night Market, Linjiang Street Night Market etc.)

👉🏻 This schedule gives ample time for waterfall + local culture, while still returning by evening.

Shifen Waterfall FAQs

Q: Is there an entrance fee for Shifen Waterfall? 

Q: How far is Shifen Waterfall from Shifen Station (Pingxi Line)? 

Q: Can I get there by bus directly from Taipei without transferring through the train? 

Q: Are there parking facilities if I drive to Shifen Waterfall? 

Q: What are the opening hours of Shifen Waterfall Park? 

Q: Is it easy to visit Shifen Waterfall and other nearby attractions (like old streets, sky lanterns) on the same day? 

Q: What kind of walking or difficulty should I expect at the waterfall trails? 

Q: Is public transportation reliable for reaching Shifen Waterfall on weekends / holidays? 

Q: Can I take a taxi / private car from central Taipei directly to the waterfall? 

Q: What is the best time (season or time of day) to visit Shifen Waterfall? 

Tripool has thought of everything you need. All you have to do is quickly book the "Taiwanese version of Niagara Falls" tour on the tripool official website and join us in experiencing the stunning beauty of nature.