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Best Private Drivers & Guides in Taiwan (2026 Recommendations)

By Nick Kembel
A private driver on a road in Taiwan shot from the back seat

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in here! If you click on these and book something, I would make a small commission at no cost to you.

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If you’re not comfortable with renting a car in Taiwan, hiring a private driver (i.e. chartering a car or getting a private transfer) is a feasible option. This is a super easy and stress-free way to get around, especially if you’re traveling with kids/elderly or to remote areas.

However, hiring a private driver that you found in a Facebook group has some potential legal issues, i.e. they may not be properly licensed (see final section for more info about this).

I’ve put together this article to clarify these issues, and to give some Taiwan licensed driver and private guide recommendations that I have personally vetted – and some which I’ve ever personally used.

I didn’t realize just how many people are looking for private drivers and private tour guides in Taiwan until I started my Taiwan Travel Planning group. It is definitely one of the most common FAQs about Taiwan. People in the group are constantly asking for private driver, car charter, and private guide recommendations. That’s why I prepared this article!

If you prefer to join a tour, then see my list of the best tour providers in Taiwan.

Best Private Transfer Service: Tripool

Two Taiwanese women and two kids standing beside a black van parked at the curb, with the words Tripool on it
My family going to Fenqihu with Tripool

If you need a ride between cities or destinations anywhere in Taiwan, Tripool is super easy to use.

Tripools can be booked for point-to-point trips anywhere in Taiwan or for an hourly rate if you want to make sightseeing stops along the way. For point-to-point service, you can also add a short sightseeing stop for a small additional fee.

When signing up for the app, click my Tripool link or enter my referral code Nick2026. You’ll receive an email with three TWD 100 discount vouchers to be used on your future trips.

You can use the app to book a Tripool anytime until 6 PM the day before. You’ll get an instant quote before booking – factors like car size, number of people, luggage amount, and total distance will affect it.

There may also be a surcharge for going to high-elevation places like Alishan. Any questions you have about it are likely answered on their FAQ page.

Two kids sitting in the backseat of a van
My kids in our Tripool

We had a great experience using Tripool in Alishan region. We ordered one going from Chiayi to Fenqihu and again to go back.

The driver was so professional and drive slowly and carefully so my kids wouldn’t get carsick. The van was super clean and had little extras like tissues and USB charging ports.

List of Private Drivers

Nick Kembel and his family standing beside a white van
My family visiting a coffee farm in Alishan region with a driver

The following is my list of personally vetted, licensed private drivers in Taiwan. Some are individuals and some are agencies representing many drivers.

You can contact any of them directly for a quote. Prices start from around TWD 3000 for a short and easy day trip from Taipei in a small car to 6000+ for longer distances and/or larger vehicles. Please note, most of them will request a deposit to hold your booking.

The drivers are listed in no particular order. I regularly rotate the order for fairness.

  • Nicholas Nicoll H (Facebook) is not only a professional driver but also a photographer and videographer who can capture memories of your family or group’s trip in Taiwan. There have been numerous positive reviews of Nicholas’ service in my Facebook group. Besides Facebook, you can contact him at 886987125249 by text or Whatsapp.
  • Steven Hsieh of ArTrip has a commercial driving license and can take you anywhere in Taiwan. Even when he’s booked, he may be able to help you find another driver. His travel agency can also provide car rentals. He is a well-reviewed and long-time member of my group and can speak some English. You can also add him on LINE at 0980 668 588.
  • Anda Travel (Facebook page) is a travel agency that can arrange private drivers all over Taiwan. Because they work with multiple drivers, the English ability of individual drivers may vary – make sure to ask.
  • Chris R.C Tseng (Facebook page) has a commercial driving license and speaks excellent English. He received great reviews from members of my Facebook group, who say he also has good taste in music. You can also add him on LINE/What’sAPP/WeChat at +886 935130298.
  • Chun Cheng Lin (Facebook page) of “Go Taiwan with Chun” manages an agency with multiple drivers. She can arrange everything from small car to a bus with 27 seats, with English speaking drivers available on request, all licensed of course. She’s quick to reply, positively reviewed by many members of my Facebook group, and I have personally used her service in Taiwan.

Disclosure: I charge all the guides and drivers a nominal monthly fee to be included on my list, considering how much business they receive from my recommendation. But I only accept drivers that have been positively reviewed by members of my Facebook group and whose licenses I have checked.

When booking one of the individual drivers or guides, please confirm whether they will actually be the driver. Due to the high volume of requests they receive, some may pass you along to their driver friends, and I can’t make any guarantees about those other drivers.

English Speaking Driver-Guides

Nick Kembel with his wife, sister in law and two kids riding in the back of a private van
My family going around with a private driver

As I will explain in the final section of the article, some licensed commerical drivers ALSO have an English tour guide license.

This means they are legally allowed not only to drive you around but also introduce places to you (i.e. give you a tour). Because they can do both, these drivers-guides will also be a little more expensive than those who are just drivers (previous section).

  • Henry Chen (Facebook link) is a certified driver and English-speaking tour guide. Members of my group have raved about how knowledgeable and friendly he is, with several saying he really made their Taiwan trip. However, Henry is often fully booked for weeks or months in advance and may not be able to respond to all inquiries. You can also add him on LINE at 073643875 or WhatsApp at 886935429061.
  • David M Liaw (Facebook link, website link) David is a certified English-speaking tour guide and has a commercial driver license. He offers chartered service around Taiwan and is an active participant in my Facebook group. WhatsApp at +886-931-626-577
  • Sean Liao (Facebook / Linktree) is a certified driver and English speaking guide. He has studied and lived in the US so he speaks excellent English. He’s also currently working on a food blog, so he can surely recommend some good eats across Taiwan.
  • Roro Lee (Facebook link) is a certified English speaking guide. She can provide guided tours in Taipei or anywhere in Taiwan for groups of any size. She’s not a driver but can arrange one too if needed. Contact her on Whatsapp at +866960071680, Instagram at roro_8708, or email at jotanglee@gmail.com.

Want to practice your Chinese with the driver? Start with these common Mandarin phrases in Taiwan.

Klook Drivers

You can also find single-day drivers for various locations in Taiwan on Klook.

All of these are licensed and insured. The ones that say “private driver” (or “car charter” on Klook) means that can take you around to multiple spots, with a customized schedule.

The ones that say “private transfer” means that just take you from Point A to Point B. “Shared transfer” means that it will be in a van or minibus with other travelers.

Need an accessible tour (wheelchairs, seniors, etc)? Try Topology Taiwan.

Guided Day Tour Recommendations

Jinguashi Golden Waterfall Taiwan
Golden Waterfall is easiest to visit on a guided trip

Group tours are very popular for day trips in Taiwan, a lot of them can be found on Klook.

Klook is a platform that lists guided tours from a variety of local providers. These are usually small or medium-sized group tours with English speaking guides.

Many of them will just drop you at the destinations and give you some space to explore by yourself. They are high in value, because you can see more in one day than you could by public transportation, and for a relatively decent price.

Here are some examples of popular guided tours available on Klook:

For a multi-day guided tour, please see my list of the best tour packages for Taiwan.

I’ve also got this list of the best free guided walking tours in Taipei.

Luxury Guided Tours in Taiwan

For multi-day fully personalized luxury tours of Taiwan, I recommend Life of Taiwan. They can do all the planning for you, prepare intimate cultural experiences, and they stay at some of the best hotels in Taiwan. They have family, tea, and culture-focused tours. They aren’t cheap, so please only make serious inquiries, and let them know that Nick sent you over.

Here are some other guided tours of Taiwan:

  • This 5-day tour of Taiwan is a large tour English bus tour that visits several of Taiwan’s most famous attractions in a short period of time. It is only available on certain days and does not include Taipei, so you should include a few days of exploring Taipei on your own before or after your trip.
  • This 3-Day Alishan and Sun Moon Lake tour departs from Taipei, allowing you to see these two famous attractions without figuring out the complicated public transportation to them.

I don’t recommend find guides in Facebook groups because you have no way to know who they really are and whether they are licensed or not. Instead, use one of these trusted tour companies in Taiwan.

Legal Concerns about Hiring Drivers/Guides in Taiwan

Here is an important fact about Taiwan: In order for a driver in Taiwan to take you around, they legally must have a commercial driver’s license. Driving anyone besides your friends/family for pay without a commercial driver’s license is illegal.  

Second, even with a commercial driving license, these drivers are not allowed to introduce places to you (i.e. be a guide) unless they ALSO have a tour guide license. Last but not least, among those guides in Taiwan with a tour guide license, only a very small percentage of them have an English tour guide license.

Besides this legal concern, going with an unlicensed driver or guide could cause you major insurance problems if something bad happens on your Taiwan trip.

Licensed guides and drivers usually work through a travel agency, which provides additional insurance besides whatever travel insurance you may or may not happen.

In other words, if something bad happens while touring with an unlicensed guide, it could cost you a lot of money, even if you have your own travel insurance for Taiwan.

I hope this clears up any questions you had about hiring a private guide or private driver in Taiwan. I hope you have an amazing Taiwan trip!

Meishan, Chiayi: The Slow & Scenic Tea Route to Alishan

Heping Island Geopark in Keelung: A 2026 Visitor’s Guide

21 thoughts on “Best Private Drivers & Guides in Taiwan (2026 Recommendations)”

  1. Hi Nick, I just booked a 5 day, 4 night tour of Tatung and Hualien with Mark Pemberton at Life of Taiwan for my mom, my husband and me, and you’re right. It’s pricey, but we hope it’ll a wonderful experience be worth it. I did tell Mark that you recommended his company. We’re coming back Taiwan 2024 with our teenage children and will probably do a private guided tour with Life of Taiwan if this trip goes well.

  3. Hi Nick. I like your informative articles on travelling in Taiwan. I have booked a driver for an upcoming trip to Taiwan. He asked for my passport details (as a passenger) which he said he needs to submit to the authority to purchase travel insurance for me. He said it’s a legal requirement for commercial drivers to buy travel insurance for their passengers (foreign tourists). Is that true?

  5. Hello Nick: Thank you for posting a very informative column on finding a competent guide. We are a group of 14 retirees, family and friends, who will be visiting Taiwan for the first time on Feb. 24-March 2, 2025. We would love to have a budget-friendly, affordable driver/tour guide take us around in a 14 person van for the 5 days we’re in your beautiful city. We would like to end each day with a visit to your famous night markets. Can you recommend someone, please?

  6. Hi Nick, appreciate your tips for travelers. My family is in Taiwan and as you know TW people work so hard often for very little. Foreigners are treated well out of kindness and necessity, as Taiwan thrives on hospitality and takes pride in it. But there is a cost. Please always encourage visitors to respect the people and culture, give tips to good drivers and find ways to give back.

  7. Hi Shirley,
    All my recommendations are in the article. I don’t intend to be a middleman between the drivers/guides and their customers. So you’ll need to contact them individually to find out their prices and get quotes. The prices will depend on many factors, but you may find there isn’t a huge difference between all of them, as they all need to cover their own costs plus earn some income for themselves. Best of luck!

  8. Hi Nick,

    My family will be traveling to Miaoli next month. Can’t seem to find recommendation for private drivers. Is it easy to get taxi or private transport? Thank you!

  9. Hi Nick
    Do you have recommendations for a driver from Yilan city to/fro Taipingshan for a day hike for 2 pax? I will stay at Yilan for 2 nites and prefer not to drive there. The other option will be by bus.
    Thank you

  10. You can contact any of the drivers I recommend in this article for a quote. A few of them are agents which have many drivers all over Taiwan.

  12. Hi Nick, I have been reading your Blog and thank you for the insight on Taiwan which I thoroughly enjoyed especially the recommendation on the guided tour to Taroko Gorge last summer.
    This December we have planned another trip to Taiwan and wanted to visit a couple more different tourist spots. So can you please let me know if December a good time to visit the Cigu Salt Mountain? Or will it be too cold and wet?
    Thank you.

  13. Kaohsiung and Tainan are south of the tropic of cancer and they never really get cold. Even in December it’s normal to be above 20 degrees. As for wet, December is historically the driest month of the year in Taiwan. But the weather in Taiwan has become unpredictable in recent years, and rain is possible in any month of the year, even the driest one.

  14. Hi Nick,

    My husband and I are traveling to Taiwan in March 2025. As someone with experience, do you know if private drivers generally charge a one-way drop-off fee? Do I pay for the driver’s return trip if I’m not using it, or is the cost based on the total driving time?

    Thanks in advance!

  15. If you use a service like Tripool, the fees they quote for one-way trips are always what you will pay. As for other private drivers, you will have to ask them directly. But if you’re asking them for a quote for a one-way trip, then generally what they tell you is what you will pay.

  16. Hi Nick, I am trying to book a day tour to Alishan on March 4, 2025 for myself, my wife and our (adult) son, from either Taichung or Chilay (then continue on to Kaohsiung). I cannot, for the life of me, figure out how the pickup spots and times work on Klook or Viator tours (before I book a hotel and THSR accordingly). It is all very confusing! I hope you can help with some advice!:)
    Thanks in advance,
    Boban

  17. There is information about the pick-up spots on every Klook page. Please check the spot titled “Package Details”, then click on the word “Departure”. When I try that, it takes me to a map and description of the pickup spot and location. Let me know if that works!

  18. Hi Nick,
    we’re 2 families traveling (4 adults + 4 kids aged between 8-11yo). Would u recommend hiring a private driver and can we fit in one vehicle (that means 9 pax in a car which sounds mad =P)? If not, the alternative is driving on our own but I worry we will get lost since we heard signages aren’t the best in Taiwan.

    We plan to hire the driver between Taichung, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and possibly Kao Shiung.

    Thank you so much for your help and your site has been the most helpful in our planning!

  19. Self driving in Taiwan is easy, especially with GoogleMaps working so well. The hardest part is big cities, so I don’t recommend driving in Taipei. Other cities in Taiwan are not so bad, but parking at hotels can be a little tough. Consider to take the train or HSR out of Taipei, then rent a car or hire a driver from Taichung (west coast) or Hualien (east coast). As for the vehicle, it’s best to contact some of thee drivers here and see what they could do for you.

  20. Hi, I’m trying to find the list of private drivers for Alishan area. I’m a senior, please help.

    Thanks, Cookie

  21. Please contact any of the drivers listed in my article and they can help. Taiwan is small, so most drivers can go anywhere.

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