There are 2 way(s) to get from Taichung to Taoyuan City
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Practical tips
The THSR (High-Speed Rail) serves only the west coast with modern, fast trains. The TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration) circles the entire island with slower, often cheaper trains. For Taichung to Taoyuan, both THSR and TRA are available, but THSR is significantly faster. Don't assume a THSR for every route.
Places like Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, Taroko Gorge, and Kenting are exclusively accessible by bus. Green Island, Orchid Island, and Penghu require ferries or flights. Always confirm your transport method before assuming a train. This avoids unexpected delays or needing to rebook.
THSR stations are often located outside city centers, requiring a local bus or taxi connection. TRA stations are usually centrally located. For Taichung to Taoyuan, factor in travel time and cost from downtown Taichung to the THSR station, and from Taoyuan's THSR station to your final destination.
For popular island destinations like Green Island or Penghu, especially during peak season or holidays, ferries and domestic flights can sell out quickly. Booking online via platforms like 12go.asia or BaoLau.vn with instant confirmation is highly recommended to secure your spot.
While THSR is fast, express buses often offer significant savings for routes like Taichung to Taoyuan. If an extra hour of travel doesn't disrupt your plans, the bus can be a smart, budget-friendly choice, especially if it drops you closer to your final destination.
🛣️ The journey experience
Navigating Taiwan's transport can feel like a puzzle, especially when planning a trip that blends fast trains with mountain buses and island hopping. For your journey from Taichung to Taoyuan, you'll be glad to know it's straightforward, offering both speed and budget-friendly options. We'll cut through the confusion and show you exactly what to expect in terms of time, cost, and comfort, ensuring you pick the best fit for your travel style.
You have two main choices for this route: the High-Speed Rail (THSR) or an express bus. The THSR is your fastest bet, getting you from Taichung to Taoyuan in about 1 hour for around €11. If you're not in a rush and prefer to save some cash, express buses are a great alternative, taking about 2 hours and costing roughly €8. Both are reliable, so it really comes down to whether you prioritize speed or cost savings.
Unlike more complex routes to places like Sun Moon Lake or Taroko Gorge, which rely solely on buses, or islands requiring ferries, this journey is well-served by direct links. You won't have to worry about missing a ferry or taking the wrong mountain bus here. Just be mindful that THSR stations are often outside city centers, so factor in a bit of extra time for local transport to and from the station, ensuring a smooth door-to-door experience without any surprises.
Frequently asked questions — Taichung → Taoyuan City
You have two main options: the THSR (High-Speed Rail) and express buses. The THSR is significantly faster, taking about 1 hour, but is slightly more expensive. Express buses are cheaper, around €8, but take longer, typically 2 hours. Both are comfortable and reliable; your choice depends on whether speed or budget is your priority.
A THSR ticket from Taichung to Taoyuan costs approximately €11. For express buses, you can expect to pay around €8. Prices can vary slightly based on the operator and time of booking, but these figures provide a good estimate for budgeting your trip.
The THSR train journey itself is about 1 hour. However, you need to factor in an additional 30-60 minutes for local transport to and from the THSR stations, as they are outside city centers. For express buses, the journey is approximately 2 hours, often with more central drop-off points, potentially making the overall door-to-door time comparable to THSR for some destinations.
For Taichung to Taoyuan, the THSR is undeniably faster. However, if you're budget-conscious and have an extra hour, the express bus is a very smart choice, saving you about €3. The TRA train is also an option, but it's slower than THSR and often not as direct or frequent as the express buses for this specific route. Evaluate your priorities: speed or cost savings.
✨ Why visit Taoyuan City?
- ✓ Explore Daxi Old Street, famous for its Baroque-style architecture and local street food.
- ✓ Visit Cihu Mausoleum, the temporary resting place of Chiang Kai-shek, set in beautiful gardens.
- ✓ Discover the beauty of Shimen Reservoir, ideal for boating and scenic walks.
- ✓ Experience the vibrant night market culture at Zhongli Tourist Night Market.
- ✓ Enjoy hiking and natural beauty at Lala Mountain (拉拉山), known for its ancient cypress trees.
☀️ When to visit Taoyuan City?
SUBTROPICAL HUMID
October to April — pleasant temperatures, less rain, and ideal for outdoor activities.
What to do in Taoyuan City?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
⏱️ How long to visit Taoyuan City?
For an independent traveler, a 1 to 2-day visit is ideal to explore Taoyuan. This allows for a deep dive into local culture and nature, including Daxi Old Street or Cihu Mausoleum. Focus on specific interests, as Taoyuan is more than just an airport city.
Related searches