There are 2 way(s) to get from Chiayi to Taichung
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Practical tips
THSR stations are often outside city centres (e.g., Chiayi HSR is a bus ride from downtown). TRA stations and bus terminals are usually more central. Always confirm your departure point to avoid turning up at the wrong station.
Taiwan's rail network is extensive, but key destinations like Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, and Taroko Gorge are only accessible by bus. Plan your mountain excursions with bus connections in mind to avoid surprises.
For shorter intercity routes like Chiayi to Taichung, a bus might be significantly cheaper and only slightly slower than the TRA train, especially if its stops are more convenient. Don't overpay for THSR if a budget option suits your schedule.
For Green Island or Penghu, it's essential to pre-book ferries or flights, especially during peak season. Missing the last ferry can disrupt your entire itinerary. Use platforms like 12go.asia for reliable booking.
Even with THSR, you'll often need local buses to reach your final destination from the HSR station. These are efficient and cheap, so factor them into your overall travel time and cost calculations.
🛣️ The journey experience
Navigating Taiwan's transport system can seem a bit like a puzzle at first, with its mix of super-fast THSR trains, island-circling TRA trains, and a comprehensive network of express buses. For your journey from Chiayi to Taichung, you'll be glad to know you have clear, efficient options. We're here to cut through the confusion and give you the honest door-to-door times and real prices, so you can make the best choice for your trip without overpaying or arriving at the wrong station.
When travelling from Chiayi to Taichung, both the THSR (High-Speed Rail) and the TRA (conventional rail) are available, along with express buses. The THSR is incredibly fast, connecting Chiayi HSR Station to Taichung HSR Station in around 0 hours and costing approximately €8. If you opt for the TRA, it's a slower journey but offers a different experience, often stopping at more central stations. Express buses are also a viable choice, taking around 1 hour and costing about €4, offering a budget-friendly alternative that can sometimes be more convenient depending on your exact departure and arrival points.
Ultimately, the 'best' option depends on your priorities. For sheer speed, the THSR is unmatched for west coast travel, but remember its stations are usually outside city centres. For destinations like Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, or Taroko Gorge, trains won't take you there directly – you'll need to factor in bus connections. For islands like Green Island or Penghu, it’s always a ferry or a flight. For Chiayi to Taichung, consider the THSR for speed if you're connecting to somewhere further, or the bus for direct city-centre convenience and savings.
Frequently asked questions — Chiayi → Taichung
From Chiayi to Taichung, you have three main options: the THSR (High-Speed Rail), the TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration) train, and express buses. The THSR is the fastest, connecting HSR stations, while the TRA train offers a more scenic, slower journey between city-centre stations. Express buses provide a budget-friendly and often direct connection.
A THSR ticket costs about €8 for a journey of around 0 hours between HSR stations. For TRA trains or express buses, prices start from around €4, with travel times of approximately 1 hour. Remember to add transfer time to and from THSR stations, which can add 20-30 minutes to your total door-to-door journey.
For Chiayi to Taichung, if your primary concern is budget or if your destination is closer to a TRA station or bus terminal, then a TRA train or express bus can be smarter. While slower, they can be more convenient door-to-door once you factor in transfers to/from THSR stations, and they offer significant savings.
You can book THSR and TRA tickets directly on their respective official websites (Taiwan High Speed Rail, Taiwan Railways Administration) or via platforms like 12go.asia or Klook, which often provide e-tickets and instant confirmation. For buses, operators like Ubus or Kuo-Kuang also have online booking. For island ferries, local ferry companies or 12go.asia are your best bet.
✨ Why visit Taichung?
- ✓ Explore the vibrant street art and unique architecture of Rainbow Village.
- ✓ Indulge in a boba tea tasting tour, Taichung is the birthplace of bubble tea.
- ✓ Visit the Gaomei Wetlands for stunning sunsets and rich biodiversity.
- ✓ Discover the creative hub of the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts.
- ✓ Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the Houli Bicycle Path and see the Flower Drum Art Park.
☀️ When to visit Taichung?
SUBTROPICAL HUMID
October to April — pleasant temperatures, less humidity, and lower chance of rain, ideal for outdoor activities.
What to do in Taichung?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
⏱️ How long to visit Taichung?
For an independent francophone traveler, Taichung warrants at least 2 days to explore its urban core and some unique spots like Gaomei Wetlands. If you wish to venture into nearby mountains or cultural villages, allocate 3-4 days. Focus on specific interests to maximize your time.
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