How to DIY a Wulai Day Trip from Taipei: Waterfalls, Old Street, and the Best Sausage in Taiwan

If there's one destination that belongs on every Taipei itinerary but consistently gets skipped by first-timers, it's Wulai (烏來). Just 1 to 1.5 hours from the city, this small indigenous township in the mountains delivers waterfalls, a scenic railway, a lively Old Street, and some of the best street food you'll eat in Taiwan — all without the crowds of the more famous day trip routes. Ganito lang 'yan! 😉

What Is Wulai? 🏔️

Wulai is a township in New Taipei City, located in a forested river valley about 33 kilometers south of Taipei. It's home to the Atayal indigenous people — one of Taiwan's original indigenous groups — and the town retains a distinct character that feels completely different from Taipei's urban energy. Cool mountain air, river views, narrow streets lined with food stalls, and a waterfall at the end of a scenic railway ride.

It's DIY-friendly, affordable, and easy to navigate with just an EasyCard and Google Maps.

What You Need Before You Go 🎫

Just one thing: your Taiwan EasyCard with enough balance loaded for the round trip. The entire journey to and from Wulai — MRT plus both bus legs — costs approximately NT$45 each way (around ₱85). No separate tickets needed, just tap in and out.

Get your EasyCard on Klook using promo code HEYIANCKLOOK for up to 5% off. → Get EasyCard on Klook

How to Get to Wulai from Taipei 🚇🚌

The route is two legs of transport, both payable by EasyCard:

Step 1: MRT Green Line to Xindian Station (G01)

From Ximen Station or Taipei Main Station, board the Green Line (Songshan-Xindian Line) heading south toward Xindian. Ride all the way to the last stop — Xindian Station (G01). Terminal stop — you cannot overshoot it.

Step 2: Bus 849 to Wulai

Exit Xindian Station and walk to the bus stop behind the Information Center near the station exit. Board Bus 849heading to Wulai. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes and Wulai is the last stop — again, no risk of overshooting. Tap your EasyCard when boarding.

Getting home: Same route in reverse — Bus 849 from Wulai back to Xindian MRT, then Green Line back to Ximen or Taipei Main Station.

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure your EasyCard has enough balance before leaving Taipei — reload at any MRT station or 7-Eleven. Round trip costs approximately NT$90 total (around ₱170).

What to Do in Wulai 🗺️

🌉 Wulai Suspension Bridge

The first landmark you pass on the way into town. Worth a photo stop if it's open — it occasionally closes for maintenance so don't make it the anchor of your visit.

🍽️ Wulai Old Street (烏來老街)

The main commercial strip of the township — a narrow lane lined with food stalls, souvenir shops, and local vendors. This is where you eat, browse, and soak in the atmosphere.

The must-try: lemongrass and black pepper Taiwanese sausage. It's smoky, herby, and layered with flavor in a way that the standard Taiwanese sausage just isn't. If you only eat one thing in Wulai, make it this.

Other common Wulai Old Street offerings include wild boar dishes, mochi, mountain vegetables, and indigenous Atayal snacks.

💡 Pro Tip: Do the scenic train and waterfall first, then come back to Old Street for food on the way out — the stalls are more active and the food fresher in the mid-morning to early afternoon window.

🚂 Log Cart Scenic Train (Wulai Tourist Train)

Past the Old Street, you'll reach the Log Cart Scenic Train (烏來台車) — a narrow-gauge railway that runs along the river valley toward the waterfall area. Open-air carriages, river views, and a pace that forces you to slow down and look around.

Tickets are available at the station counter, or book in advance on Klook to avoid the queue on busy days.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Prioritize the scenic train early in your visit — queues build significantly as the day progresses, especially on weekends.

🌊 Wulai Waterfall (烏來瀑布)

At the end of the scenic train ride, Wulai Waterfall drops approximately 80 meters into the valley below — viewable from a free observation deck. The sight is genuinely impressive, particularly after rain when the water volume is at its peak.

This is the visual highlight of the entire day trip. Take your time.

Cable car: A cable car runs from near the waterfall up to the Wulai Recreational Area. Optional — great for the aerial view, but the waterfall itself is fully enjoyable from ground level.

💡 Note: If you're traveling with young children or seniors, the stairs toward the cable car are steep. The waterfall viewpoint is accessible without climbing — no need to push through it.

Suggested Half-Day Route ⏰

Total time: approximately 4–5 hours including travel. Works perfectly as a morning half-day trip.

For how to pair this with an afternoon in Taipei, the 6-Day Taiwan Itinerary combines Wulai in the morning with Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Raohe Night Market in the afternoon — a natural and satisfying full-day flow.

Combine Wulai with Other Day Trips 🗺️

If you're building out your Taipei itinerary beyond this, here are the other DIY day trip guides already published:

• 🌊 How to DIY a Tamsui Day Trip from Taipei →
• 🏮 How to DIY a Keelung Day Trip from Taipei →
• 🏔️ How to DIY an Alishan Day Trip from Taipei →
• 🌊 How to DIY a Sun Moon Lake Day Trip from Taipei →
• 🚠 Maokong Gondola 2026: Closure Dates + Alternative Routes →

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Transport Essentials 🎫

• EasyCard — covers the full MRT and Bus 849 round trip to Wulai. The only card you need for this trip.
• Unlimited MRT Pass — if you're doing multiple MRT legs in Taipei on the same day, this may save you money.
• Taipei Fun Pass Unlimited — covers MRT and city bus rides including Bus 849 to Wulai. Check the full Fun Pass guide to see if it's worth it for your itinerary.
• Private Airport Transfer — if you're arriving late at Taoyuan Airport and heading to Ximending to start your trip the next morning. Read the late night arrival guide →

All available on Klook. Use promo code HEYIANCKLOOK at checkout.

Getting There: Quick Reference 🚇

Round trip transport cost: ~NT$90 (≈₱170)

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

How far is Wulai from Taipei? Approximately 33 kilometers south of central Taipei. By MRT and Bus 849, the journey takes 1 to 1.5 hours from Ximending or Taipei Main Station.

How much does it cost to get to Wulai? The MRT and Bus 849 round trip costs approximately NT$90 total (around ₱170) using your EasyCard. The scenic train requires a separate ticket at the station or via Klook.

Do I need to book the Wulai Scenic Train in advance? Walk-in tickets are available at the station counter. Booking on Klook in advance is recommended on weekends and holidays to skip the queue.

Can I use the Taipei Fun Pass for the Wulai trip? The MRT and Bus 849 legs are covered by the Taipei Fun Pass transport component. The scenic train requires a separate ticket. Full comparison: Taipei Fun Pass Unlimited Guide →

Is Wulai good for families with kids? Yes — the scenic train is a hit with kids and the waterfall viewpoint is accessible without difficult climbing. The steep stairs near the cable car can be skipped entirely.

What is the must-eat food in Wulai? The lemongrass and black pepper Taiwanese sausage at Wulai Old Street. Smoky, herby, and unlike standard Taiwanese sausage — the single best street food find in the area.

What MRT line goes to Xindian? The Green Line (Songshan-Xindian Line). Ride to the last stop — Xindian Station (G01) — then transfer to Bus 849.

Is Wulai covered in the main Taiwan itinerary? Yes — it's Day 3 of the 6-Day Taiwan First Timer Itinerary →

🏷️ Travel Discount Codes

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⚠️ Codes are limited use only. Tap the buttons above to open the app and save your code before booking.

Hope this helps! More travels soon!