Need a Taipei Rental Car? Prices, Gharry, Avis, Hertz & Car with Driver
- Should You Rent a Car in Taipei, Hire a Car with Driver, or Take Public Transport?
- What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Taipei as a Foreigner?
- How Much Does Car Hire in Taipei Cost?
- Which Car Rental Companies Operate in Taipei? Avis, Hertz and Local Brands
- Car Rental at Taipei Airports: Taoyuan (TPE) vs Songshan (TSA)
- Car Rental near Taipei Main Station: Where to Pick Up and Is It Practical?
- Taipei Car Rental with Driver: Gharry vs tripool, Which Private Car Fits You?
- Taipei Rental Car FAQ
A Taipei rental car is easy to book, but it only pays off once you leave the city.
Traffic, parking and license rules catch many first-time visitors by surprise.
This guide helps you choose between car rental in Taipei, a car with driver and public transport.
In this article, we cover:
- When to rent a car, hire a driver or take the MRT, by trip and attraction
- What foreigners need to rent a car: IDP, age, insurance and child seats
- How much car hire in Taipei costs, including hidden fees
- Avis, Hertz and local rental companies, plus pickup at the airports and Taipei Main Station
- Gharry vs tripool: which car with driver fits you
- Driving rules, tolls and parking in our FAQ
Should You Rent a Car in Taipei, Hire a Car with Driver, or Take Public Transport?
For most visitors, car rental in Taipei only pays off for trips outside the city.
Inside Taipei, the MRT is faster and cheaper, and for day trips a car with driver takes the least effort.
The right choice depends on where you go, who you travel with and when you land.
This section compares every option by cost, documents and hassle.
Getting around Taipei: the options at a glance
Public transport is the cheapest option, and a car with driver is the least effort.
Self-drive car hire in Taipei sits in between.
It is flexible, but you handle the paperwork, the driving and the parking.
| Option | Cost reference | Documents | Who drives and parks | Best for |
| Self-drive car hire | From about US$46/day, average US$75/day + fuel, tolls and parking |
△ License + IDP or translation, credit card deposit | You | Confident drivers on multi-day road trips |
| Car with driver | tripool Taipei sedan: US$67-73 for 6 hours fuel, tolls and driver included |
◎ None needed | Driver | Families, groups, day trips, airport runs |
| Taxi | US$2.5 for the first 1.25 km, then about US$0.8/km +NT$0.6 from 11 pm to 6 am |
◎ None needed | Driver | Short rides inside the city |
| MRT, train and bus | MRT US$0.6-2 per ride | ◎ None needed | — | City sightseeing, solo travellers |
A taxi is easy for short hops, but the meter adds up on long day trips.
For app-based rides, see our Taiwan taxi app guide.
Which option fits your trip?
Match the option to your trip, not to the cheapest daily rate.
Most travellers mix options: the MRT in the city, and a car for one or two day trips.
| Your scenario | Usually easiest | Why |
| City-only trip | MRT | Trains run about 6 am to midnight, and fares are US$0.6-2 |
| Landing late at night | Airport transfer | The last Airport MRT trains leave around 11:30 pm |
| Family with young kids or seniors | Car with driver | No changes between trains and buses, and child seats on request |
| Jiufen + Shifen day trip | Charter or self-drive | Public transport needs about four changes |
| Group of 5–8 | 9-seater van | One vehicle, one fare to split |
| Multi-day east coast trip | Self-drive | Long distances and flexible stops |
| No IDP or accepted license | Car with driver or transit | × You can't legally drive yourself |
| Solo traveller on a budget | MRT, train and bus | Lowest cost by far |
💡tripool's advice: Pre-book a ride for arrival day.
Then rent or charter a car only on the days you leave Taipei.
See how airport pickups work in our Taiwan airport transfer guide.
Which option fits the attractions you want to visit?
Sights in Taipei are easiest by MRT, while mountain and coastal day trips are easier by car.
The further a place is from an MRT line, the more a car helps.
| Attraction | By public transport | By car (self-drive or with driver) |
| Taipei 101 / Xinyi | ◎ Direct by MRT | △ Roadside parking about US$0.6-1.2/hr |
| National Palace Museum | ○ MRT to Shilin + bus R30, 255 or 304 about 40 min from Taipei Main Station |
○ Short ride taxi about US$6-12 |
| Yehliu Geopark | ○ Kuo-Kuang bus 1815 from Taipei West Bus Station A 1–1.5 hr, about US$3 |
◎ About 1 hr, parking at the park |
| Jiufen | △ Bus 1062 (1–2 hr, US$3) or bus 965 (1–1.5 hr, about US$3) long queues at peak times |
○ No bus queues drop-off at a nearby lot, then a 10–15 min walk |
| Shifen / Pingxi | △ Train to Ruifang + Pingxi Line, about once an hour | ◎ Direct, easy to pair with Jiufen |
| Yangmingshan | ○ Buses run, but get crowded in flower season | △ Weekend one-way rules and road closures in flower season (February to mid-March) |
| Yilan | ○ Kamalan bus 1–1.5 hr from US$4 Puyuma train about 1 hr from US$7 |
△ About 1 hr via the Snow Mountain Tunnel, up to 2.5 hr at peak |
| Hualien / Taroko |
◎ Express train about 2 hr, US$14 book ahead, as weekend trains sell out |
○ Suits a multi-day self-drive |
💡tripool's advice: For Jiufen, Shifen or Yilan in one day, weigh bus queues against a door-to-door ride.
A 2–12 hour charter lets you set every stop yourself.
Plan each stop with our guides to Shifen Waterfall, Pingxi, Keelung, Yilan by private car and the National Palace Museum.
Enter your destinations to get an instant quote.
Then compare it with the full cost and effort of driving yourself, including getting an International Driving Permit (IDP)!
Same day trip, three ways: Jiufen + Shifen from Taipei
Public transport is the cheapest way to see Jiufen and Shifen in one day, and a charter removes every change.
Here is the same day trip done three ways.
| Item | Public transport | Self-drive | 6 hour charter |
| Route | Train to Ruifang → Pingxi Line to Shifen → back to Ruifang → bus to Jiufen → bus to Taipei | Your own route | Hotel → Shifen → Jiufen → hotel |
| Changes | × About 4 | ◎ None | ◎ None |
| Cost reference | ◎ Under US$10 per person (approx.) | US$75/day + fuel, tolls and parking |
US$120 per sedan, up to 3 passengers |
| Main stress | Hourly Pingxi trains and bus queues | Mountain roads and parking | ◎ Low |
| Best for | Solo budget travellers | Confident drivers | Families, groups, first-timers |
※Charter fares change with date and demand, so check your own quote.
Split between three passengers, the charter comes to about US$40 each.
Shops in Shifen and Jiufen close around 6–7 pm, so start early.
An English-speaking guide is also available as an optional add-on.
🚗tripool's advice: An 6-hour charter fits Shifen and Jiufen at a relaxed pace.
Book a 9-seater van if you travel as a group of 5–8.
Compare vehicles and hours in our Taiwan private car price list.
Enter your destinations to get an instant quote.
Then compare it with the full cost and effort of driving yourself, including getting an International Driving Permit (IDP)!
Is driving in Taipei hard?
Driving in Taipei is manageable outside rush hour, but parking is the bigger cost.
Weigh these four points before you book a Taipei rental car.
Point 1: Rush hour
Peak traffic runs from 7:30 to 9:30 am and from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
Point 2: Scooters and lane rules
Scooters crowd the lanes around you, especially at junctions.
Right turns on red are illegal, and bus-only lanes are off-limits.
Point 3: Parking
| Parking type | Typical rate |
| Roadside in Xinyi, Zhongshan and Da'an | US$1.2-2/hr (up to US$2.4 at weekends in the East District) |
| Taipei 101 garage | US$3/hr |
| Department store and office lots | US$3-4/hr |
| Public garages | US$1-2/hr |
For roadside parking, you pay the yellow slip on your windscreen at a convenience store or through an app.
Parking fines run US$10-37, and towing costs US$30 plus storage.
With a rental car, fines are billed back to you.
Point 4: Documents
You need your home license plus an IDP, or a Mandarin translation if your license is Japanese.
We cover the full rules by country in the requirements section below.
If you only plan city sightseeing, skip the car.
If you plan day trips, decide whether you want to drive or be driven.
🚗tripool's advice: Choose a car with driver for day trips if parking or driving worries you.
Fuel and tolls are included in tripool's charter fare.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Taipei as a Foreigner?
For car rental in Taipei, you need your physical home license, an accepted International Driving Permit (IDP) or translation, your passport and a credit card.
Without the right license document, no rental company in Taiwan will hand you the keys.
Rules depend on where your license is from and how long you stay.
Documents by country
Most visitors can drive in Taiwan for up to 30 days with an IDP from a country that has a reciprocity agreement with Taiwan.
Taiwan's Highway Bureau grants IDP recognition only to countries that recognise Taiwan's permits in return.
| Document | Rule |
| Home driver's license | The original physical card. × Digital licenses are not accepted |
| International Driving Permit | Issued by the same country as your passport, by a reciprocal country |
| Passport | Original, plus proof of your entry date |
| Credit card | In the renter's name (see the costs section above) |
Rental companies check your entry date to confirm you are within the 30-day limit.
If you entered through the automated e-Gate, your passport has no stamp, so keep your boarding pass or e-ticket to prove your arrival date.
| License from | What changes |
| Japan | Bring a Mandarin translation of your license from JAF or the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association. An IDP is not used |
| Hong Kong | A trial lets you use your Hong Kong license directly, but carry an IDP for outlying islands |
| Non-reciprocal countries | × Your IDP is not valid in Taiwan |
Staying longer than 30 days
For stays of 1–6 months, register your IDP at a Motor Vehicles Office.
Bring your passport or residence card, home license, IDP and a 3 cm x 2.5 cm photo.
Registration costs about US$4.60 (NT$150) and lasts up to one year, or until your visa or IDP expires.
If you stay longer than six months, you need a Taiwan driver's license.
🚗tripool's advice: Is your country not on the reciprocity table, or did you forget your IDP?
A car with driver needs no license at all.
Enter your destinations to get an instant quote.
Age, insurance and child seats
Most Taipei car rental companies rent to drivers aged 20 or older, and child seats are required by law for young children.
Minimum age
| Company or car type | Minimum age |
| Most rental companies | 20 |
| Some companies, such as Alamo (Hotai) and China Rent a Car | 18 |
| Luxury or premium models | △ 25, often with a credit card only |
Insurance
Many basic Taipei car rental plans include only Taiwan's compulsory automobile liability insurance, so other cover costs extra.
Compulsory insurance pays for injury or death of your passengers and of people outside the car, up to a set limit.
It does not pay for you as the driver, for the other party's car or property, or for the rental company's lost business.
| Item | Covered? |
| Injury or death of passengers in your rental car | ◎ Covered, up to the limit |
| Injury or death of people outside the car | ◎ Covered, up to the limit |
| Injury or death of you, the driver | × Not covered |
| Damage to the other party's car or property | × Not covered |
| Damage to the rental car itself | × Not covered |
| The rental company's lost business while the car is repaired | × Not covered; you pay it |
The legal limits are about US$6,150 (NT$200,000) per person for injury and about US$61,500 (NT$2 million) per person for death.
Before you book, check whether your plan adds damage cover or only the compulsory insurance.
Big brands such as Hertz and Hotai include damage cover with an excess, which we explain in the costs and rental company sections above.
Optional add-on insurance is also covered in the rental company section above.
Some local companies also ask for a cash-style deposit, such as uDrive at about US$308 (NT$10,000).
Child seats: what the law says
| Child | Requirement |
| Under 2 years | Rear-facing child seat or carrycot in the back seat × Forward-facing is not allowed |
| Over 2 to under 4 years, up to 18 kg | Rear-facing child seat or carrycot in the back seat |
| 4 to under 12 years, or 18–36 kg | Back seat, with a seatbelt, booster seat or high-back convertible seat |
Children under 135 cm should keep using a booster seat, so the adult belt does not cross their neck.
The driver faces a fine of about US$46–92 (NT$1,500–3,000) for any of these three:
- A child under 4 is not in a child seat
- A child under 4 rides in the front seat
- The child seat does not meet safety standards
Pickup and return checklist
Ten minutes of checks at pickup can save you hundreds of dollars at return.
| When | What to do |
| Before you go | Pack your physical license, IDP or translation, passport, credit card and proof of your entry date |
| At pickup | Walk around the car and video every scratch, then make sure staff note it on the contract |
| At pickup | Test the brakes with staff before you drive off |
| At pickup | Ask which fuel grade the car takes (92, 95 or 98) and whether you refuel full-to-full or by fuel card |
| At pickup | Check the child seat is fitted correctly, if you booked one |
| After an accident | Call the rental company, then the police on 110, and get a police report |
| At return | Leave time to refuel, then wait for staff to inspect the car with you |
| After the trip | Keep your contract and receipts, as traffic fines can arrive weeks later |
If you get a fuel card, losing it costs about US$3.10 (NT$100).
Speed and parking tickets are sent to the rental company, which bills them to you.
Hotai's iRent adds about US$1.55 (NT$50) per ticket to handle it.
We cover late-return fees and toll billing in the costs section above.
How Much Does Car Hire in Taipei Cost?
Car rental in Taipei costs about US$32–75 per day for a compact car, before fuel, tolls and parking.
Add roughly US$15–20 in running costs for a typical day trip.
Prices depend on the car type, the season and how early you book.
This section shows current rates, the cheapest times to book and the costs the daily rate leaves out.
※US$ amounts for NT$ fees are approximate, converted at US$1 = NT$32.5.
How much is a Taipei rental car per day?
A compact Taipei rental car starts at about US$32 per day, and the average is about US$75.
The cheapest rates come from local Taiwanese companies booked through comparison sites.
| Car | Type | Supplier | From (per day) | Source |
| Nissan Tiida or similar | Compact | Chih Hang | US$31.95 | Klook |
| Toyota Vios or similar | Compact | CARBOOKING | US$32.75 | Klook |
| Toyota Yaris Cross or similar | SUV | Cyuan-Guo Car Rental | US$42.15 | Klook |
| Toyota Yaris or similar | Small | IX Rental | US$46 | Kayak |
| Intermediate SUV | SUV | — | US$63 | Kayak |
| Minivan | Van | — | US$70 | Kayak |
| Benchmark | Price per day |
| Average price | US$75 |
| Good deal | ◎ US$64 or less (25% of users paid this) |
| Most popular car (small, Toyota Prius c or similar) | About US$60 on average, deals from US$49 |
| Cheapest companies recently | IX Rental US$45, Alamo US$48, Enterprise US$50 |
Some of the cheapest offers are "2nd confirm" bookings, which means the supplier confirms your car later.
IX Rental's popular pickup point is in Dayuan, about 18.6 miles (30 km) from central Taipei.
Taipei car rental price by vehicle type
A small car is the cheapest Taipei car rental, at about US$49 per day on average.
Luxury and large cars cost roughly four times as much.
| Type | Average per day | Cheapest month | vs average of all types |
| Small | About US$49 | January (about US$45) | ◎ About 52% cheaper |
| SUV | About US$79 | June (about US$66) | ○ About 22% cheaper |
| Van | About US$85 | August (about US$64) | ○ About 16% cheaper |
| Medium | About US$138 | November (about US$126) | △ About 27% more |
| Large | About US$190 | August (about US$152) | × About 47% more |
| Luxury | About US$200 | August (about US$157) | × About 50% more |
A compact car also suits Taipei's narrow streets and tight parking spaces.
SUVs often cost less than "medium" cars, so compare both before you book.
When is car hire in Taipei cheapest?
Book about 40 days ahead and avoid February for the lowest car hire prices in Taipei.
August is the cheapest month, at about US$51 per day.
February is the most expensive, at about US$75 per day, or 31% above the yearly average.
That peak matches the Lunar New Year holiday, when demand for cars jumps.
Weekday and multi-day rentals often get discounts.
Check the cancellation terms before you pay, because local companies may keep part of your deposit.
What costs does the daily rate leave out?
Fuel, tolls, parking and the insurance excess add to every Taipei car rental.
None of them appear in the headline daily price.
| Cost | Typical amount | What to know |
| Fuel | About US$1.01 per litre for 95-octane (NT$32) | Hotai brands (Alamo, iRent) bill fuel by distance through a fuel card. Others use full-to-full. |
| Freeway tolls | First 20 km free each day, then about US$0.04/km (NT$1.20) | The car's eTag records tolls, and you pay them at return. |
| Parking | About US$1.20–1.85/hr in central Taipei (NT$40–60) | Overnight garage caps run about US$6–15 (NT$200–500). |
| Insurance excess | △ Up to about US$615 (NT$20,000) | Up to about US$1,540 (NT$50,000) for imported or electric cars. You also pay lost rental days during repairs. |
| Young or senior driver fee | Varies by company | May apply if you are 25 or under, or over 65. |
| Mileage cap | About US$0.09–0.15 per extra km (NT$3–5) | Some local firms cap you at 400 km per day. |
| Late return | One-tenth of the daily rate per hour | Over 6 hours late counts as a full extra day. |
| Wrong return location | About US$31 (NT$1,000) | One-way fees vary and appear at booking. |
You need a credit card in the driver's name, and debit cards are usually refused.
Typhoon and earthquake damage is not covered, and a police report is required for any claim.
Sample cost: a one-day Jiufen and Shifen trip by rental car
| Item | Estimate |
| Compact car, 1 day | US$46–75 |
| Fuel (about 150 km) | About US$10 |
| Freeway tolls | About US$1–2 |
| Parking (about 4 hours) | About US$5–7 |
| Total | About US$62–94 per car |
※This is our estimate, assuming a 150 km route and about 15 km per litre.
If this is your first time driving in Taiwan, we recommend a car with driver for mountain day trips.
The roads up to Jiufen and through Pingxi are narrow, steep and winding.
Tour buses, scooters and weekend traffic make them harder for first-time drivers.
If you have driven in Taiwan before, self-drive is a good choice, and often the cheaper one for one or two people.
| Choose a car with driver if… | Choose self-drive if… |
| It is your first time driving in Taiwan | You have driven in Taiwan before |
| Your route includes mountain roads such as Jiufen or Yangmingshan | You are comfortable on narrow, winding roads |
| You travel with kids, seniors or a group | You travel alone or as a couple on a budget |
| You want to enjoy the views, not watch the road | You want full control of your schedule over several days |
For long trips, a pre-booked car with driver can also cost less than ride-hailing.
🚗tripool's advice: First time on Taiwan's mountain roads?
Let a local driver take the wheel while you enjoy the views.
Which Car Rental Companies Operate in Taipei? Avis, Hertz and Local Brands
Car rental in Taipei is dominated by Taiwanese companies, even when you book a global brand.
Hertz bookings are served through Chailease, and Enterprise, Alamo and National through Ho Ing, part of the Hotai Group.
Kayak lists 55 rental agencies in Taipei, and Klook lists 22 suppliers.
This section covers Avis, Hertz, the main local brands, the best way to book, and what renters report.
※US$ amounts for NT$ fees are approximate, converted at US$1 = NT$32.5.
Avis Taipei: locations and what to know
Avis Taipei has five branches in Taipei City, including one at Songshan Airport.
Kayak names Avis as the brand with the most locations in the wider Taipei area, with 10.
| Branch | Address | Hours |
| Taipei Downtown | No. 257, Songde Rd, Xinyi | 9:00 am–6:00 pm daily |
| Taipei Nangang | 1F, No. 396, Civic Blvd Sec. 7, Nangang | 8:30 am–8:30 pm daily |
| Taipei Neihu | 1F, No. 13-9, Minquan E. Rd Sec. 6, Neihu | 8:30 am–8:30 pm daily |
| Songshan Airport | No. 497, Fuxing N. Rd, Songshan | 8:00 am–8:00 pm daily |
| Taipei Shilin | 1F, No. 80, Chengde Rd Sec. 6, Beitou | Mon–Thu 9:00 am–6:00 pm Fri–Sun 9:00 am–8:00 pm |
※Hours can change, so confirm with the branch.
Avis lists no branch at Taipei Main Station.
Avis advertises no cancellation fees on its website, but read the terms of your rate before you pay.
💡tripool's advice: Landing at Songshan Airport and not driving until later in your trip?
Book a tripool airport transfer straight to your hotel, with up to 90 minutes' free waiting if your flight is late.
See every way into the city in our Taipei Songshan Airport transportation guide or enter your destinations to get an instant quote!
Hertz Taipei: Taipei Main Station and Taoyuan Airport
Hertz Taipei has a desk at Taipei Main Station's Visitor Centre, open 8:30 am–8:30 pm every day.
Hertz has partnered with Chailease, a Taiwanese rental company, since 2018.
So if you book Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty, Chailease may contact you or hand over the car.
| Branch | Pickup point | Hours |
| Taipei Main Station | Visitor Centre, South Exit 3 | 8:30 am–8:30 pm daily |
| Taoyuan Airport T1 & T2 | Arrival hall | 8:30 am–8:30 pm daily |
| Songshan Airport | Airport transfer service | Check with Hertz |
Other nearby Hertz branches include Daqiaotou in Datong District and MRT Sanchong Station in New Taipei.
Hertz insurance terms
| Item | Terms |
| Damage excess | Up to about US$615 (NT$20,000) for most cars up to about US$1,540 (NT$50,000) for car group M and electric cars |
| Car written off or stolen | △ You pay 50% of the car's value (70% for group M and electric cars) |
| Lost rental days | You pay the company's lost rental days during repairs, up to 20 days at your daily rate |
| Driver and passenger cover | Up to about US$61,500 (NT$2 million) per person |
| Not covered | × Typhoons, earthquakes, floods, drink-driving and damage to in-car equipment |
Without a police report, you pay the full repair cost, whatever the excess.
Hertz's own data puts this branch's lowest monthly average at about US$84 per day, in June.
Local Taiwanese rental companies compared
Local companies are usually the cheapest Taipei car rental, from about US$32 per day.
Most of them reach international travellers through booking platforms such as Klook and Kayak.
| Company | Klook rating | From (US$/day, Klook) | Good to know |
| Chih Hang | 4.6 | 31.95 | △ Supplier confirms later ("2nd confirm") |
| Good Car | 4.2 | 35.45 | Instant confirmation costs more (from US$38.99) |
| Holiday | 4.6 | 41.29 | △ 2nd confirm |
| CarPlus | 4.7 | 46.75 | 16 locations (Kayak) |
| IWS | 4.8 | 49.15 | △ 2nd confirm |
| Union Rental Car | 4.9 | 52.15 | — |
| IX Rental | 4.7 | 54.25 | From US$32 at Taoyuan Airport (Kayak); pickup in Dayuan |
| Ho Ing (Hotai Group) | 4.4 | 54.45 | Runs Enterprise, Alamo and National in Taiwan |
| Chailease | 4.7 | 56.75 | Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty partner; 11 locations (Kayak) |
| Pony | 4.6 | 83.79 | Desk at Taoyuan Airport |
"2nd confirm" means the supplier confirms your booking after you pay, not instantly.
Should you book through Klook, gogoout or the rental company directly?
Booking platforms are often cheaper than booking direct, but check the insurance and the supplier first.
Travellers often report lower prices on Klook than on rental companies' own sites.
Platform listings also show which suppliers accept foreigners with an IDP.
Some travellers report getting a full refund after cancelling 9 days ahead through Klook.
gogoout lists many local Taiwanese companies, with cars from about US$30 (NT$990).
Travellers report that gogoout bookings include only basic insurance, with no upgrade offered.
| Booking platform (Klook, gogoout, Kayak) | Rental company directly |
| Often lower prices | Prices may be higher |
| Easy to compare many local suppliers | One company's cars only |
| Shows which suppliers accept foreigners with an IDP | You must check foreigner rules yourself |
| Disputes go through the platform's customer service | You deal with the company directly |
Third-party platforms can cause trouble when something goes wrong.
In September 2025, A traveller who could not reach his Klook rental supplier for a self-drive trip.
Klook said its agent gave wrong information and apologised.
It offered a free cancellation and Klook credit of about US$37, but the traveller faced about US$274 in extra rebooking costs.
💡tripool's advice: Before you pay, note the supplier's name and phone number.
Call or message them once to confirm your booking.
What do renters say about Taipei car rental companies?
Most renters report smooth pickups, but older cars and missing features are common complaints.
Reviewers praise friendly staff and newer cars, while one complained about a strong air-conditioning smell.
One traveller reports picking up a Toyota Prius from Ho Ing at Taipei Main Station after booking on Klook.
The car had about 189,000 km on it and no reversing camera.
If you need a reversing camera, a newer car or a bigger boot, ask the supplier before you book.
🚗tripool's advice: Rental cars, excess insurance and supplier checks take effort.
With a car with driver, the car, insurance and driver come in one booking.
Enter your destinations to get an instant quote.
Then compare it with the full cost and effort of driving yourself, including getting an International Driving Permit (IDP)!
Car Rental at Taipei Airports: Taoyuan (TPE) vs Songshan (TSA)
For car rental in Taipei, Taoyuan Airport has more companies and lower prices, while Songshan puts you in the city straight away.
Taoyuan (TPE) handles most international flights and sits about 40 km west of central Taipei.
Songshan (TSA) is a city airport inside Taipei, open 5:00 am–11:00 pm.
※US$ amounts for NT$ fares are approximate, converted at US$1 = NT$32.5.
| Item | Taoyuan (TPE) | Songshan (TSA) |
| Location | Taoyuan, about 40 km from central Taipei | Songshan District, inside Taipei |
| Kayak average | About US$73/day | - |
| Most popular car | Small (Toyota Yaris or Vios), about US$64/day, deals from US$49 | Small |
| Book ahead | About 90 days for a below-average price | About 75 days for a below-average price |
| First drive | △ Freeway into Taipei, 35–50 min | △ Straight into city traffic |
※Prices are from Kayak and change daily.
Car rental at Taoyuan Airport (TPE)
| Pickup type | Companies (per Kayak listings) | What to expect |
| Arrival hall desk | Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty | ◎ Walk to the counter after customs |
| Terminal 2 arrivals | Avis, Budget | ○ May include a shuttle to an off-airport lot |
| Off-airport address | IX Rental, Alamo, Enterprise, National, Chailease, IWS, Ho Ing, Pony and others | △ Meet staff or ride to the lot; allow extra time |
Car rental at Songshan Airport (TSA)
Songshan Airport car rental starts from about US$48 per day, but most companies are outside the terminal.
Only a few brands list an airport location, and Hotai has the longest hours.
| Company | Pickup | Hours |
| Hotai | Songshan Airport | ◎ 8:00 am–10:00 pm daily |
| Dollar / Thrifty | Songshan Airport | 8:30 am–8:30 pm daily |
| Hertz | Songshan | 8:30 am–8:30 pm daily |
| CarPlus / Good Car | Airport address, Dunhua N. Rd | Good Car: 9:00 am–9:00 pm daily |
| Alamo / Enterprise / National | No. 557, Songjiang Rd (off-airport) | 8:30 am–8:30 pm daily |
| Avis / Pony / Budget | Fuxing N. Rd (off-airport) | 8:00 am–8:00 pm daily |
The airport has its own MRT station, Songshan Airport (BR13), on the Brown Line.
💡tripool's advice: Landing at Songshan Airport and not driving until later in your trip?
Book a tripool airport transfer straight to your hotel, with up to 90 minutes' free waiting if your flight is late.
Should you pick up a rental car right after landing?
Pick up at the airport only if you head straight out of Taipei, and otherwise take a transfer and rent later.
A car you pick up on arrival day often sits in a hotel garage while you explore the city by MRT.
You still pay the daily rate, plus overnight parking, which we cover in the costs section above.
| Pick up at the airport if… | Rent later if… |
| You drive straight to Yilan, Hualien or central Taiwan | You spend your first days in Taipei |
| You land in the morning or early afternoon | You land in the evening or late at night |
| You have driven in Taiwan before | It is your first time driving in Taiwan |
| You feel rested after the flight | You are tired after a long-haul flight |
Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station without a rental car
| Option | Time | Fare | Good to know |
| Airport MRT | Express about 35 min | About US$4.90 (NT$160) | △ No service after about midnight |
| Airport bus | 50–70 min | About US$2.75–4.60 (NT$90–150) | Some routes run 24 hours |
| Taxi | 40–50 min | About US$37–49 (NT$1,200–1,600) | Metered, plus tolls |
| tripool airport transfer | 35–50 min | Sedan about US$38 (NT$1,225) SUV about US$41 (NT$1,347) 9-seater van about US$59 (NT$1,922) |
◎ Fixed fare, door to door, flight tracking |
| Rental car | 35–50 min | Daily rate + fuel + parking | Desks close by about 8:30 pm |
A tripool sedan fits 3 passengers and 2 large bags, and a 9-seater van fits 8 passengers and 6 bags.
With flight details, the driver waits up to 90 minutes after landing at no charge.
A meet-and-greet name sign costs about US$9 (NT$300).
A late-night surcharge applies to pickups between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am.
Airport transfers are one-way, so book a second ride for your departure.
🚘tripool's advice: Take a transfer to your hotel on arrival day, and rent or charter a car only for your day trips.
Enter your destinations to get an instant quote!
Car Rental near Taipei Main Station: Where to Pick Up and Is It Practical?
Car rental at Taipei Main Station is easy to book, with over a dozen companies within walking distance.
Driving out is the hard part, because the station sits in one of the busiest traffic hubs in Taipei.
The station links the high-speed rail, Taiwan Railway, two MRT lines, the Airport MRT and the city's main bus terminals.
※US$ amounts for NT$ fares are approximate, converted at US$1 = NT$32.5.
Rental branches around Taipei Main Station
Most Taipei Main Station car rental desks sit in three clusters: the station's Visitor Centre, Beiping West Road and the streets behind the station.
The average rate near the station at about US$57–59 per day, and 25% of users paid US$60 or less.
| Company | Where | Hours | From |
| Hertz / Dollar / Thrifty | Station Visitor Centre | 8:30 am–8:30 pm daily | Hertz US$88 Thrifty US$65 |
| Hotai / Ho Ing | No. 3, Beiping W. Rd, Zhongzheng | ◎ Hotai: 7:00 am–10:00 pm daily | — |
| Alamo / Enterprise / National | 1F, No. 3, Beiping W. Rd, Zhongzheng | Check with branch | Alamo US$49 Enterprise US$51 National US$68 |
| CarPlus | B1, Station Front Underground Mall (Zone Z, counter 2-2), No. 50-1, Zhongxiao W. Rd Sec. 1 | Check with branch | — |
| Budget / Avis | Airport MRT Taipei Main Station (A1), B1 | △ 10:00 am–7:00 pm daily | Budget US$67 Avis US$79 |
| Chih Hang | No. 77-1, Chengde Rd Sec. 1, Datong (behind the station) | 8:30 am–8:30 pm daily | — |
| Cyuan Guo | No. 2, Chengde Rd Sec. 1, Datong (behind the station) | Check with branch | — |
| Good Car Rental | No. 19, Ln. 26, Chongqing N. Rd Sec. 1, Datong | Check with branch | — |
Booking about 63 days ahead can save about 37% against last-minute bookings.
Small cars make up 58% of bookings near the station, followed by vans at 30%.
💡tripool's advice: Arriving by high-speed rail with heavy bags?
Choose a branch inside the station, such as Hertz or CarPlus, to avoid crossing busy streets.
| Pick up at the station if… | Pick up elsewhere if… |
| You leave Taipei straight away on a road trip | You stay in Taipei for a few days first |
| You pick up early in the morning, before rush hour | You arrive in the evening rush |
| You have driven in busy Asian cities before | It is your first time driving in Taiwan |
| You travel light | Your hotel is outside the city centre and you have heavy bags |
If your road trip starts in central or southern Taiwan, take the high-speed rail and rent near your arrival station.
For just one ride, such as station to hotel or station to Jiufen, a pre-booked car is simpler than a rental.
🚗tripool's advice: Skip the city-centre drive.
Book a tripool point-to-point transfer from Taipei Main Station straight to your hotel or first sight.
Point-to-point transfers are one-way, so book a second ride for the return.
For a full day of sightseeing, an hourly charter can pick you up at the station.
Taipei Car Rental with Driver: Gharry vs tripool, Which Private Car Fits You?
A car rental with driver in Taipei gives you a private car and a professional driver, with no license, parking or insurance excess to worry about.
Gharry and tripool both offer this, but they suit different travellers.
This section explains how chauffeured cars work, then compares the two services side by side.
What is a car rental with driver in Taipei?
A car rental with driver is a pre-booked private car that comes with its own driver, either for a one-way ride or by the hour.
You agree the fare before the trip, so there is no meter running.
The car is yours alone, and nobody else shares the ride.
You need no IDP, so the license rules in the requirements section above do not apply to you.
You also skip the insurance excess, fuel and parking that come with self-drive car rental in Taipei.
We compare it with a taxi and the MRT in the getting-around section at the top of this article.
How to spot a legal private car
In Taiwan, rental cars must carry a license plate that starts with R.
App-hailed rides usually run as multi-purpose taxis, with plates that start with T.
| Plate | What it is | Paid rides? |
| Starts with R (black on white) | Licensed rental car | ◎ Yes, through a licensed rental company |
| Starts with T (red on white) | Multi-purpose taxi | ◎ Yes |
| Private plate | Privately owned car | × Not for paid passenger service |
💡tripool's advice: When your car arrives, check that the plate number matches your booking before you get in.
What is Gharry (廣招徠租車)?
Gharry is a Taoyuan-based company that runs chauffeured transfers around Greater Taipei and Taoyuan.
Despite what many travel blogs say, Gharry does not list self-drive rental cars on its official site.
| Item | Details |
| Services | Point-to-point transfers, airport transfers, small trucks with driver corporate charter for business partners only |
| Area | Greater Taipei, Taoyuan, airports and long-distance trips |
| Capacity | Up to 8 passengers (7 recommended) and 6 bags |
| Booking | Online quote by address; you log in to book |
| Office hours | 9:00 am–9:00 pm (online booking 24 hours) |
| Contact | LINE official account @757akznd |
| Language | △ Mandarin only |
Gharry shows a fare after you enter your route, but publishes no base fare.
| Surcharge | Amount |
| Each extra stop | About US$6.15 (NT$200) |
| Weekends and public holidays | About US$6.15 (NT$200) |
| Bookings between 4:00 pm and 8:00 am | About US$3.10 (NT$100) |
| Airport pickup, waiting up to 40 min after landing | About US$3.10 (NT$100) |
| Late pickup | About US$3.10 (NT$100) per 10 minutes |
Gharry's site does not state its payment methods, cancellation policy or vehicle models.
What is tripool?
tripool is a pre-booked private car service in Taiwan, with airport transfers, point-to-point rides and hourly charters.
| Service | When to use it | Key points |
| Airport transfer | Airport ⇔ hotel | One-way, door to door, flight tracking |
| Point-to-point transfer | Taipei Main Station → hotel, Taipei → Jiufen | Private, one-way; book twice for a round trip |
| Hourly charter (2–12 hours) | Day trips with several stops | Get on and off freely within your booked hours |
| Shuttle bus | Groups of 9 to 40 | Email for a quote |
tripool runs 5-seat sedans, SUVs and 9-seat vans.
A guide is not included as standard, but you can add an English-speaking guide.
Child seats, booster seats and pet-friendly cars are available on request.
tripool holds a 4.8 rating from over 10,000 reviews.
Drivers pass background checks and are reviewed every quarter, based on passenger ratings.
Cars are no more than five years old, and smoking is not allowed.
The website runs in 13 languages, and online support runs 8:00 am–9:00 pm.
Gharry vs tripool: how do they compare?
Gharry focuses on A-to-B rides for local travellers, while tripool adds hourly sightseeing charters and English booking.
| Item | Gharry | tripool |
| Point-to-point and airport rides | ◎ Yes | ◎ Yes |
| Hourly sightseeing charter | △ Not stated (corporate charter only) | ◎ 2–12 hours |
| Extra stops | About US$6.15 each | Free within an hourly charter |
| Free airport waiting | About US$3.10 for up to 40 min | ◎ Up to 90 min with flight details |
| Prices shown | Online quote; no base fare published | Online quote, plus published reference prices |
| Website language | Mandarin | English and 12 other languages |
| Payment | Not stated | Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Apple Pay, Google Pay and more |
| Child seats | Not stated | On request |
| Other services | Small trucks with driver | Shuttle buses, pet-friendly cars, micro-moving |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Gharry for a quick local ride if you read Mandarin, and tripool for English booking or a sightseeing day.
| Gharry suits you if… | tripool suits you if… |
| You read Chinese and use LINE | You want to book and pay in English |
| You need a single ride around Taoyuan or Taipei | You want a day trip with several stops |
| You need a small truck to move items | You travel with kids, pets or a group of up to 40 |
| You book for a company that partners with Gharry | You want a clear cancellation policy before you pay |
If you want to drive yourself, neither service fits, so go back to the self-drive sections above.
🚗tripool's advice: Planning Jiufen, Shifen or Yilan in one day?
An hourly charter lets you stop as often as you like at no extra cost.
Taipei Rental Car FAQ
These are the questions travellers ask most about car rental in Taipei, from road rules to tolls and fuel.
What are the speed limits when driving a rental car in Taipei?
Most city roads in Taipei are limited to 50–60 km/h, and national freeways to 100–110 km/h.
| Road | Limit |
| National freeways | 100–110 km/h (minimum 60 km/h) |
| Expressways and provincial roads | 70–90 km/h |
| City main roads | 50–60 km/h |
| Small streets and mountain roads | 30–40 km/h |
| School, hospital and market zones | △ 30 km/h, marked 慢速行駛 (slow) |
Speed cameras are common, especially on freeways and near schools.
Driving too slowly on a freeway is also an offence.
What are the rules in the Hsuehshan Tunnel to Yilan?
In the 12.9 km Hsuehshan (Snow Mountain) Tunnel, keep between 70 and 90 km/h and stay in your lane.
Double solid lines ban lane changes for the whole tunnel.
Keep at least 50 m from the car ahead, or 20 m when traffic slows below 20 km/h.
Cameras catch speeding, tailgating and lane changes, with speeding fines of about US$92–185 (NT$3,000–6,000).
Can I use my phone while driving in Taiwan?
No, holding a phone while driving is illegal, even when you are stopped at a red light.
The fine for car drivers is about US$92 (NT$3,000).
Set your navigation before you set off, and mount your phone on a holder.
Do I have to stop for pedestrians at crossings?
Yes, you must yield to pedestrians at crossings, and Taiwan enforces this strictly.
Since June 2023, failing to yield costs up to about US$185 (NT$6,000), plus three demerit points.
What is the drink-driving limit in Taiwan?
The legal limit is 0.15 mg/L on a breath test (0.03% blood alcohol), so the safest choice is not to drink at all.
| Breath alcohol | Penalty |
| 0.15 mg/L or more | About US$923–3,692 (NT$30,000–120,000) car impounded, license suspended 1–2 years |
| 0.25 mg/L or more | × Criminal offence: up to 3 years in prison and about US$9,231 (NT$300,000) |
Rental insurance does not cover drink-driving, as we explain in the rental company section above.
Do back-seat passengers need seatbelts?
Yes, everyone in every seat must wear a seatbelt, including the back seats.
Are road signs in English?
Most major road signs in Taiwan are in both Mandarin and English.
Google Maps works well for navigation.
Allow extra time, as real drive times often run longer than app estimates.
Which numbers do I call in an emergency?
Call 110 for police and 119 for fire or an ambulance.
| Number | For |
| 110 | Police |
| 119 | Fire and ambulance |
| 1968 | Freeway incidents and roadside help (free, 24 hours) |
| 0800-011-765 | Taiwan Tourism Hotline (English) |
How are freeway tolls charged on long trips?
Beyond 200 km in a day, the toll drops to about US$0.03 (NT$0.90) per km.
The car's eTag also gives a 10% discount on all distance charges.
For example, Taipei to Taichung (about 170 km) costs about US$5 (NT$162) with an eTag.
Daily free kilometres and the standard rate are covered in the costs section above.
Are freeway tolls different during holidays?
Yes, during long holidays such as Lunar New Year, Taiwan's freeways often switch to special toll rules.
The usual 20 free kilometres a day did not apply, and a flat rate was used instead.
What do the coloured lines along the kerb mean?
Red means no stopping, yellow means drop-off only, and white bays are paid parking.
| Marking | What it means |
| Red solid line | × No parking or stopping; cars are towed |
| Yellow solid line | △ Quick drop-off or pickup only, with the driver in the seat |
| White bays | ◎ Paid parking |
Parking rates, paying the parking slip and towing fees are covered in the getting-around section above.
How do I refuel a rental car in Taiwan?
Most petrol stations are full-service, so an attendant fills the tank for you.
Tell the attendant the fuel grade and say you want it full.
Credit cards are widely accepted at stations run by CPC and Formosa.
Self-service pumps are about US$0.06 (NT$2) per litre cheaper.
If your rental comes with a fuel card, use a staffed pump, as self-service pumps may not take it.
Outside the cities, stations can be far apart, so fill up before the tank runs low.
Is car hire in Taipei cheaper in the city than at the airport?
Often yes: Kayak shows about US$57–59 per day near Taipei Main Station, against about US$73 at Taoyuan Airport.
Renting in the city also saves you paying for a car you don't need while sightseeing in Taipei.
What if I'd rather not drive at all?
Book a car with driver, and you need no license, parking or fuel.
🚗tripool's advice: Enter your destinations to get an instant quote.
Then decide if driving yourself is worth the extra effort, from getting an IDP to finding parking.
