There are 2 way(s) to get from Taichung to Chiayi
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Practical tips
When comparing THSR and express buses, always factor in the travel time and cost to get to and from the THSR station, which is typically outside the city center. An express bus might take longer on paper but could be quicker door-to-door if it departs and arrives in convenient downtown locations.
Remember that iconic spots like Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, and Taroko Gorge are not accessible by train. You'll need to take an express bus from major hubs like Taichung or Hualien. Always research your mountain connections to avoid arriving at a train station only to find out you need a bus.
For islands like Green Island or Penghu, trains are not an option. You'll need to either book a ferry (from Taitung for Green Island, or Chiayi/Kaohsiung for Penghu) or a domestic flight. Check schedules and book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Especially for popular routes or during holidays, booking your train, bus, or ferry tickets in advance is highly recommended. Online platforms like 12go.asia or BaoLau.vn can provide instant confirmation and save you time and hassle at the station, ensuring you don't miss a connection.
Be aware that THSR stations are often built outside city centers. Always confirm the exact station name and its location. For example, 'Taichung Station' usually refers to the TRA station in the city center, while 'THSR Taichung Station' is further out and requires a shuttle or local train connection.
🛣️ The journey experience
Navigating Taiwan's transport can feel like a puzzle, especially when you're an independent traveler weighing speed against cost and convenience. You want to know exactly what you're getting, whether it's the sleek THSR, a local TRA train, an express bus, or even a ferry or flight for those island getaways. For your Taichung to Chiayi journey, we cut through the confusion to give you honest door-to-door times and real prices, so you can pick the best option for your adventure.
For the Taichung to Chiayi route, you have two primary land transport options: the high-speed THSR train or a direct express bus. The THSR is incredibly fast, covering the distance in about 30 minutes for around €8. However, remember THSR stations are often outside city centers. The express bus offers a more budget-friendly alternative, taking approximately 1 hour and costing around €4. Both are reliable and comfortable, with frequent departures.
While the THSR is tempting for its speed, for shorter inter-city hops like Taichung to Chiayi, don't overlook the express bus. It often offers a direct city-to-city connection that can sometimes beat the THSR when you factor in the time and cost of getting to and from the THSR stations. Always consider your exact starting and ending points, as well as your budget and time constraints, before making your final decision. You'll find that for some routes, the TRA train or a bus is indeed the smarter and more practical choice.
Frequently asked questions — Taichung → Chiayi
You can choose between the THSR high-speed train or an express bus. The THSR is the fastest, costing around €8 and taking about 30 minutes. The express bus is more economical, priced at approximately €4, but takes a bit longer, usually around 1 hour. Both are direct services.
While the THSR train is only 30 minutes, you need to factor in travel time to/from the THSR stations (typically 20-30 minutes each way by shuttle/local train). So, THSR could be 1.5-2 hours door-to-door. An express bus often takes about 1 hour directly between city centers, making its door-to-door time comparable or even faster in some cases.
For Taichung to Chiayi, the express bus can indeed be a smarter choice if you prioritize convenience and cost-effectiveness. The time saving with THSR is minimal once you consider transfers to/from its suburban stations, and the bus is significantly cheaper with direct city center connections. It's often the most practical balance.
THSR tickets can be booked online via its official website, at station counters, or through convenience stores. Express bus tickets are available at bus stations, online via operator websites, or on platforms like 12go.asia. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for THSR during peak hours.
✨ Why visit Chiayi?
- ✓ Hike the scenic trails and admire the tea plantations of Alishan National Scenic Area.
- ✓ Explore the historic Hinoki Village with its Japanese-style wooden architecture.
- ✓ Savor authentic Chiayi turkey rice, a renowned local delicacy.
- ✓ Visit the National Palace Museum Southern Branch for exquisite art and cultural artifacts.
- ✓ Ride the Alishan Forest Railway, an iconic narrow-gauge mountain railway.
☀️ When to visit Chiayi?
SUBTROPICAL MOUSSON
October to April — cooler temperatures are ideal for hiking, with less rainfall, especially in winter.
What to do in Chiayi?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
⏱️ How long to visit Chiayi?
For an independent francophone traveler, allocate 2 full days to explore Chiayi and its immediate surroundings. This allows you to visit Alishan National Scenic Area and experience local culture. If you're short on time, a day trip to Alishan is feasible but rushed.
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