Shen’ao Rail Bike Experience: Taiwan’s Scenic Coastal Ride
Located along Taiwan’s rugged northeast coast just outside of Keelung, the Shen’ao Rail Bike Experience is one of those activities that feels both unique and effortlessly fun!
Just a short trip from Taipei and near the port city of Keelung, this converted railway ride lets you pedal your way along a scenic stretch of coastline, complete with ocean views, tunnels, and authentic charm.
The Shen’ao Rail Bike is a relaxing experience that is a beginner-friendly experience perfect for couples, families, or anyone really looking to add something different to their Taiwan itinerary.
In this guide, I’ll cover what you need to know about the Shen’ao Rail Bike Experience, from how to get there and book tickets to what to expect. If you are planning a day trip from Taipei or Keelung, this attraction is definitely worth it!
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The Shen’ao Rail Bike is a unique and fun outdoor activity in northern Taiwan that lets you ride a small, pedal powered cart in the shape of an ocean character. The experience takes place along a restored section of coastal railway.
Located near Keelung and an easy day trip from Taipei, this scenic activity follows a short part of the former Shen’ao Line, which was used to transport industrial materials. The old rail has been converted into this fun tourist attraction.
The route itself is relatively short, it’s only about 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) one way and takes around 20-30 minutes to complete. I highly recommend doing a roundtrip journey.
While it’s not a long adventure, the Shen’ao Rail Bike is a must do activity, especially if visiting Keelung or looking for things to do around Taipei. The Shen’ao Rail Bike is a great combination of coastal scenery, light activity, and is fun for everyone!
How to Get to Shen'ao Rail Bike
The Shen’ao Rail Bike is located along Taiwan’s northern coast near the coastal town of Keelung and about an hour from Taipei.
The ride itself starts at either Badouzi Station or Shen’ao Station. From what I’ve experienced, most visitors choose Badouzi Station as the starting point. When doing a roundtrip journey, it also ends at Badouzi Station.
There are numerous ways to get to Badouzi Station, I’ll list the specifics here.
From Taipei
Train & Short Transfer
- Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang.
- Transfer to the local line toward Badouzi.
- Get off at Badouzi Station.
Direct Bus
- Take Bus 1579 from Taipei (City Hall area) to Badouzi.
Taxi or Ride Share
- From Taipei, it’s about a 45-60 minute ride.
- Taiwan does use Uber and it works really well.
From Keelung
Taxi or Ride Share
- We stayed in Keelung and just took an Uber to Badouzi Station. This method was quick and inexpensive.
Bus
- Bus 791, 1051, T99
For updated bus routes and times, I recommend visiting the Shen’ao Rail Bike website.
Tickets and How to Book
Booking tickets for the Shen’ao Rail Bike in advance is highly recommended. It’s a popular activity and time slots do sell out. The day we went, there was a bus full of tourists already in line.
Ticket Prices
One-way Ticket Price: NT$150
Round-trip Price (Recommended): NT$300
👉 Each Rail Bike seats 2 people and the ride is about 20-30 minutes one-way.
For updated ticket prices and discount prices, check the official Shen’ao Rail Bike website.
How to Book
You can book tickets directly through the official Shen’ao Rail Bike website.
- You can book your ticket 30 days in advance.
- For online booking, register as a member, through the website.
- At the Login page, you can create an account or use an existing account.
- Go to Book Now, here you have the option to purchase your one-way or Round-trip ticket and select either Badouzi Station or Shen’ao Station.
- Select the date, time, and number of passengers.
- You will then fill in your personal information and pay for your tickets.
- You will then get a confirmation email with a QR Code. Simply show this at the station you are embarking on.
What to Expect on the Ride
I did a similar rail bike experience in the Japanese Prefecture of Akita, but that rail was more of a bike on a small track, so I kind of expected the Shen’ao Rail Bike to be similar.
The Shen’ao Rail Bike was a different experience, each pair of people get their own covered cart with a pedal and brake. For the most part, it was pretty comfortable and easy to operate.
Each cart is designed for two people and runs along a fixed track, no steering involved, just pedaling and enjoying the views.
The day I went, there was a tourist bus that just parked so nearly every cart was full. At first I thought it would take away from the atmosphere but in reality it did not affect my experience one bit.
So, if you already have a ticket, don’t worry if the Shen’ao Rail Bike is crowded.
Once you disembark from Badouzi Station, you’ll start pedaling and notice how quickly the scenery opens up. The track hugs the coastline, so you get amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.
One of the highlights along the ride is passing through the tunnel. The tunnel was lit with colorful lights making the experience even more exciting!
It’s a fun contrast to the natural scenery outside one moment and the next moment, you are going through a tunnel with exciting light displays.
Shortly after the tunnel, we rode through a forested area before making our way to the end of the track. It’s short, only 1.3 kilometers, so I recommend doing what we did, and paying for the round-trip option.
The staff turns all the carts around and you simply pedal back the same way.
Since you are pedaling at a slow pace, there are plenty of opportunities to take photos and videos.
The Shen’ao Rail Bike is all about enjoying the short, scenic ride and creating fun memories with your passenger.
Rules for Riding
Just so you are aware of the Rules and Regulations, I’ve included them below. These are taken directly from the inside of the rail bike.
✅ Keep your seatbelt on at all times.
✅ Take care of personal belongings and don’t disembark or personal items. Contact staff if something is dropped.
✅ Keep 5-meters distance between your cart and the rail bike ahead of you.
✅ Don’t stand, jump, or shake the rail bike.
✅Wear appropriate clothing, don’t let it get caught in the pedals.
✅Be mindful of the surroundings and be careful when getting on/off the rail bikes.
✅ No eating, smoking, or littering on the rail bike.
Is the Shen'ao Rail Bike Worth It?
I spent a long weekend in Keelung and the primary reason I went was to experience the Shen’ao Rail Bike. Because of this, my expectations were kind of high and it did not disappoint. I can honestly say that the Shen’ao Rail Bike is well worth it!
The rail bike is less about the adrenaline like you might think but it’s more about enjoying a short and scenic journey along Taiwan’s beautiful coastline with someone you truly love or at least like enough to share a rail bike with.
Conclusion
The Shen’ao Rail Bike might not be the longest or thrilling adventure Taiwan has to offer, but that is not really the point here. What it does offer is something simple and memorable, a short journey along Taiwan’s beautiful coastline at a relaxed pace.
Its location near Keelung and being close to Taipei it’s an easy addition to any north coast Taiwan itinerary.
I loved the Shen’ao Rail Bike, it was exactly what I expected and needed. It’s a short half-day activity that allowed me to get fresh air, do something fun, and see beautiful nature.
At the end of the day, the Shen’ao Rail Bike is one of those experiences that won’t take up to much of your time and leave you with a great memory.
Have you done the Shen’ao Rail Bike? What was your thought? Leave a comment and share your experience. Safe Travels!
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