Good news first: the historic core of Tainan is walkable, and that's where you'll spend most of your time. For everything beyond it, the city is covered by buses, a big public-bike network, and Uber, which is cheap, reliable, and the easiest way to reach the outlying temples and sights. One tip that makes all of it smoother: get an EasyCard (or iPass) and tap your way onto buses and bikes without fumbling for change. It also unlocks the city's best transport perk, which I'll get to. Here's the full picture.
On foot (your default)
The old town is compact and made for walking, and wandering it is half the point of Tainan. Wear comfortable shoes, accept that the pavement is gloriously uneven, and plan to cover the West Central sights on foot. You'll only need wheels to jump between districts.
City buses (often free with a card)
Here's the perk worth knowing: on Tainan's regular city buses (the colored main and branch lines), the first 8 km of any ride is currently free when you pay with an EasyCard or iPass, as long as you tap both on and off. Since almost every in-city hop a visitor makes is under 8 km, that effectively makes the buses free. Pay cash instead and the base fare is around NT$18. (The city renews this free-distance scheme yearly, so it's worth confirming it's still running when you visit.) There's also a small transfer discount if you change buses, or come off a train onto a bus, within two hours.
The main hub is across from Tainan Train Station, split into a North Station and a South Station, with buses leaving from different points depending on direction, so check the sign or ask before you board. Frequency can be every 30 to 60 minutes and thinner away from the main corridors, so don't build a tight schedule around them.
The 88 and 99 tourist shuttles
Two sightseeing routes loop the major sights, handy if you'd rather not piece together regular buses: - 88 (Anping Route): the old-town loop. It links Tainan Station, Chihkan Tower, the Confucius Temple, Koxinga Shrine, and Hayashi Department Store, then runs out to Anping (the fort, the Tree House, the sunset platform). - 99 (Taijiang Route): the coast-and-nature route, running further out to the Sicao wetlands, Taijiang National Park, the salt fields and Qigu Salt Mountain, and (in season) the black-faced spoonbill reserve.
YouBike (public bikes)
Tainan runs YouBike 2.0, with hundreds of docking stations across the city, many right by the attractions. It's a cheap, pleasant way to cover short daytime distances, especially the flat run out to Anping on the dedicated bike paths, and the loop around the Sicao wetlands. Unlock a bike with an EasyCard once you've registered it online (you'll need a credit card and a local phone number). One caveat: Tainan traffic is busy and scooter-heavy, so ride with awareness. It's more relaxed than white-knuckle, but it isn't a closed park.
Uber and taxis
Uber operates in Tainan around the clock, the app is in English, you see the fare up front, and there's no language barrier over a destination, which makes it the most stress-free option for visitors, especially for reaching temples and sights off the bus routes. Regular street taxis are also plentiful and affordable, with a starting fare around NT$85: hail one with the rooftop light on, and have your hotel write the destination in Chinese or show it on your phone to be safe.
Scooter rental (proceed with care)
You'll see app-based scooters (GoShare, WeMo, iRent and similar) everywhere, and renting one is how many locals get around. The catch for visitors: you generally need a locally valid, registered motorcycle license to rent legally, which most short-term tourists won't have. Don't ride without the right license. It isn't worth the risk, and Uber covers the same ground.
The cards and apps that make it easy
- EasyCard / iPass. The single best thing to sort on arrival. Tap onto buses and YouBike, trigger the free-8km bus perk, and pay at convenience stores too. Buy and top up at any 7-Eleven or FamilyMart.
- Google Maps. Fine for routing and shows (slightly delayed) live bus positions.
- BusTracker Taiwan. A local app with faster real-time bus and YouBike data, the best tool for dodging the dreaded ghost bus. Set it to Tainan in the settings.
Once you're in the Tainan area, getting around is more limited than Taipei. The city is building out new rail lines, but until those land you're on other options. For us it's a mix of driving, Ubers, walking, and YouBike. I genuinely like walking if you're in the Central area, but to actually get around, Uber is your best bet.