There are 2 way(s) to get from Tainan to Kaohsiung
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Practical tips
THSR stations are usually outside city centers, requiring an extra transfer. TRA stations are typically downtown. Factor this into your total travel time and cost to avoid surprises and choose the most convenient option for your final destination.
Remember that iconic spots like Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, and Taroko Gorge are only accessible by bus, not train. Plan your mountain itineraries around bus schedules from major hubs like Taichung or Hualien to avoid booking the wrong transport.
For journeys like Tainan to Kaohsiung, the TRA train, despite being slower, often provides a better door-to-door experience due to its central station locations, saving you money and time on transfers to and from THSR stations.
If you're heading to Green Island or Penghu, ferries and flights can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Book these connections online well in advance through recognized platforms to secure your spot and avoid missing out on your island adventure.
Taiwan's express bus network is extensive and offers great value, often serving routes not covered by trains. Don't hesitate to consider buses, especially for shorter inter-city journeys or to reach destinations without train access.
🛣️ The journey experience
Navigating Taiwan's transport system from Tainan to Kaohsiung is straightforward, but knowing your options can save you time and money. Forget the myth that only the fastest bullet train matters – we’ll show you genuine door-to-door times and real prices for all modes of transport. You want to know instantly whether a route is THSR, TRA, or bus? We’ve got you covered with honest comparisons so you can make the best choice for your trip.
For the Tainan to Kaohsiung route, you have excellent choices. The THSR (High-Speed Rail) zips between the two cities in just 15-20 minutes, costing around €6. However, remember THSR stations are often outside city centers. The slower but often more convenient TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration) train offers frequent departures, taking about 30-45 minutes and costing roughly the same, but crucially, it drops you right in the heart of both cities. Express buses are also available, taking about an hour and costing around €4.
While Taiwan's rail network is superb, it's vital to remember its limitations for planning your whole island adventure. The THSR serves only the west coast, and popular mountain destinations like Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, and Taroko Gorge are exclusively accessible by bus. Similarly, island escapes to Green Island or Penghu require ferries or flights. For Tainan to Kaohsiung, the TRA train is often the smartest choice for city-center convenience, saving you the hassle and extra cost of transfers to and from THSR stations.
Frequently asked questions — Tainan → Kaohsiung
You have options for all three! The THSR is the fastest, while the TRA train offers a balance of speed and convenience, dropping you in city centers. Express buses are also available and are generally the most affordable, though they take slightly longer.
For THSR, it's about 15-20 minutes for the ride, plus travel to/from stations, costing around €6. TRA trains take 30-45 minutes for about the same price, often with less transfer time. Buses typically take an hour and cost around €4. Consider the total journey time, including transfers.
Yes, often! For Tainan to Kaohsiung, the TRA train is frequently the smarter choice. It's only slightly slower than THSR when you factor in transfers to the high-speed station, and it drops you right in the city center, saving you time and extra costs for local transport.
These destinations are bus-only. For Sun Moon Lake and Alishan, you'll typically take buses from Taichung. For Taroko Gorge, buses depart from Hualien. It's best to check specific bus routes and schedules on local transport websites or 12go.asia for accurate departure points and times.
Both are options, depending on the island and your preference. Green Island is primarily reached by ferry from Taitung. Penghu can be reached by ferry from Chiayi or by flight from several major cities. You can book ferries and flights online via 12go.asia or directly on airline/ferry operator websites.
✨ Why visit Kaohsiung?
- ✓ Explore the Lotus Pond with its iconic Dragon and Tiger Pagodas.
- ✓ Visit Fo Guang Shan Monastery, one of Taiwan's largest Buddhist centers.
- ✓ Stroll through Pier-2 Art Center, a vibrant hub of art and creativity.
- ✓ Enjoy fresh seafood and local delicacies at Liuhe Tourist Night Market.
- ✓ Take a ferry to Cijin Island for beaches, historical sites, and cycling.
☀️ When to visit Kaohsiung?
TROPICAL MONSOON CLIMATE
October to April — Enjoy pleasant, dry weather with comfortable temperatures, avoiding the hot and humid summer.
What to do in Kaohsiung?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
⏱️ How long to visit Kaohsiung?
For an independent francophone traveler, 3 to 4 days are ideal to explore Kaohsiung. This allows you to visit major sites like Lotus Pond, the Pier-2 Art Center, and take a day trip to Fo Guang Shan Monastery. With 5 days, you can add a visit to Cijin Island and enjoy the city's relaxed pace.
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