Taiwan

How to get from Keelung to Taichung

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

⏱
FASTEST
0h 54min
💶
From
8€
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Distance
153 km
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There are 2 way(s) to get from Keelung to Taichung

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Keelung
📍For Keelung to Taichung by TRA train, you'll depart from Keelung Station (基隆車站). This station is centrally located in Keelung City, right by the harbour, making it easy to find and access. It's a key hub for local and regional TRA services.
🚇Keelung Station is very central. You can easily walk to it from most downtown hotels and attractions. Local buses also serve the station extensively. If arriving by taxi, it's a short and inexpensive ride from anywhere in Keelung city center, typically under €5.
⏰TRA trains from Keelung to Taipei and direct to Taichung operate frequently throughout the day, typically every 20-30 minutes for Taipei connections. Services usually run from early morning (around 5:30 AM) until late evening (around midnight).
💸 Transport from 8€ per person
⚡ Fastest: 0h 54min
⭐ Recommended: THSR / TRA Train — 15€
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

Practical tips

💡
Check THSR & TRA stations carefully

THSR stations are often outside city centers, requiring an extra transfer. TRA stations are usually centrally located. For Keelung to Taichung, if using THSR, you'll transfer at Taipei Main Station, then travel to THSR Taichung station, which is suburban.

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Don't assume a train exists for all destinations

Iconic spots like Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, and Taroko Gorge are bus-only. Always verify your transport method beforehand to avoid last-minute surprises, especially when booking. For Keelung to Taichung, both train and bus are viable.

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Consider express buses for value and directness

Sometimes an express bus can be cheaper and more direct than a train, especially if you're travelling between cities without a THSR connection or where the TRA takes a very long detour. For Keelung to Taichung, buses offer a good balance.

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Book island ferries/flights in advance

If your itinerary includes Green Island or Penghu, ferries and flights, especially during peak season or weekends, can fill up fast. Booking online with instant confirmation through platforms like 12go.asia or BaoLau.vn is highly recommended.

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Compare door-to-door times and costs

Don't just look at the fastest leg. Factor in transfers, travel to/from stations, and waiting times. Sometimes a slightly slower but direct option saves more time and stress overall. For Keelung to Taichung, evaluate the total journey duration.

🛣️ The journey experience

Navigating Taiwan's transportation can feel like a puzzle, with the lightning-fast THSR, the island-circling TRA, and numerous bus routes. For your journey from Keelung to Taichung, we'll cut through the confusion and give you the real picture: your options are primarily train (both THSR and TRA) or express bus. Forget just the fastest bullet train – we'll look at genuine door-to-door times and transparent prices so you can make the best choice for your trip.

From Keelung to Taichung, you're looking at flexible choices. The fastest option involves taking a TRA train from Keelung to Taipei Main Station, then transferring to the THSR for Taichung. This combined route costs around €15 and takes approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, a TRA train directly from Keelung to Taichung will take longer, about 3-4 hours, but often for a similar or slightly lower price. Express buses are also a solid choice, typically costing around €8 and taking about 2 hours, sometimes offering direct routes.

When planning your Taiwan adventure, always remember that while the THSR is excellent for speed on the west coast, many iconic spots like Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, and Taroko Gorge are bus-only. For your Keelung to Taichung leg, if speed is paramount and you don't mind a transfer, the TRA + THSR combo is efficient. However, if you're value-conscious and prefer a direct, albeit slower, journey, the express bus or direct TRA train can be a smarter choice, saving you money for other adventures or those important island ferries to places like Green Island or Penghu.

Frequently asked questions — Keelung → Taichung

✨ 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.
🌙
Recommended stay
2 to 3 nights — allows you to explore city attractions and nearby natural sites at a relaxed pace.

☀️ When to visit Taichung?

SUBTROPICAL HUMID

October to April — pleasant temperatures, less humidity, and lower chance of rain, ideal for outdoor activities.

Jan 😐
Feb 😐
Mar 😊
Apr 😊
May 😐
Jun 😞
Jul 😞
Aug 😞
Sep 😐
Oct 😊
Nov 😊
Dec 😐
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In Taichung — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Taichung
Compare the best rates available
via trip.com

What to do in Taichung?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
🌈
Rainbow Village's Colorful Houses
Explore the vibrant, hand-painted houses of Rainbow Village, a unique art installation created by a veteran. This whimsical site is perfect for photos. Arrive early to avoid crowds, as it's a very popular free attraction.
🎭
National Taichung Theater's Architecture
Admire the fluid, cave-like architecture of the National Taichung Theater, designed by Toyo Ito. Take a guided tour to understand its unique 'sound cave' concept, or simply enjoy the public spaces and rooftop garden. Entry to the building is free, performances cost extra.
🏞️
Gaomei Wetlands Sunset Views
Experience the stunning sunset over the Gaomei Wetlands, a rich ecosystem and popular spot for birdwatching. Walk along the wooden boardwalk. Check tide times for the best reflections and arrive about an hour before sunset for optimal viewing and photography.
🍦
Miyahara's Historic Confectionery
Visit Miyahara, a former ophthalmology clinic transformed into a luxurious confectionery store, famous for its ice cream, pastries, and traditional Taiwanese treats. The interior's old-world charm is captivating. Expect queues for ice cream, but it's worth the wait for unique flavors.
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Fengjia Night Market Food Tour
Dive into the culinary delights of Fengjia Night Market, one of Taiwan's largest and most famous. Sample local street food like stinky tofu, pearl milk tea, and various skewers. Go on an empty stomach and allocate at least 2-3 hours to explore the vast array of options.
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Dongshi Forest Garden Escape
Seek tranquility at Dongshi Forest Garden, a vast recreational area ideal for hiking, forest bathing, and enjoying nature. Discover various plant species and scenic trails. Consider renting a scooter or taking a local bus, as it's a bit outside the city center.
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Shenji New Village Crafts & Cafes
Explore Shenji New Village, a revitalized dormitory complex for government employees, now home to independent craft shops, quirky boutiques, and charming cafes. It's a great spot for unique souvenirs and a relaxed atmosphere. Weekends are livelier, but weekdays offer a calmer experience.
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Chun Shui Tang Original Teahouse
Visit the original Chun Shui Tang Teahouse, credited with inventing bubble milk tea. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony or savor a classic pearl milk tea in a historical setting. Prices for a drink start from around 3-5€. It's more than just a drink; it's a piece of Taiwanese culinary history.

⏱️ How long to visit Taichung?

2 to 4 days

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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