There are 2 way(s) to get from Taoyuan Airport to Taichung
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Practical tips
For many routes without THSR or TRA connections, like Taoyuan Airport to Taichung, express buses are your direct, cost-effective, and most convenient choice. Don't assume a train is always available or better.
THSR stations are often outside city centres. Factor in extra time and cost for local transfers to your final destination. TRA and bus stations are typically more central, saving you hassle.
For popular destinations like Sun Moon Lake or Alishan, which are bus-only, booking your bus tickets online, especially on weekends, is highly recommended to secure your seat and avoid delays.
While THSR is fast, the TRA train or express buses can be significantly cheaper and offer scenic routes. Evaluate if saving an hour is worth the extra cost, especially on shorter routes or if you're on a budget.
For Green Island, Orchid Island, and Penghu, it's either a ferry or a flight. Always confirm schedules and book well in advance, as services can be less frequent or affected by weather.
🛣️ The journey experience
Navigating Taiwan's transport from Taoyuan Airport to Taichung can feel a bit complex at first glance, but it's simpler than you might think. Many travellers instantly jump to trains, but for this specific route, direct buses often prove to be the smartest choice. Our goal is to give you honest door-to-door times and real prices, so you can see whether a high-speed train, a regular train, an express bus, a ferry, or a flight is best for any given journey.
From Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to Taichung, you have two primary bus options. The Airport Bus offers a direct connection for around €5, taking approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, other express bus services from the airport also reach Taichung for about €8, with a similar travel time of 2 hours. Both options are efficient, comfortable, and significantly more straightforward than combining trains and local transfers for this specific route.
Unlike many other routes in Taiwan where the THSR or TRA train might be the go-to, for your initial journey from Taoyuan Airport to Taichung, buses eliminate the need to transfer between different train systems. This saves you the hassle of figuring out if it's the THSR (west coast only) or the slower TRA (island-wide) and when a bus is actually better. For destinations like Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, or Taroko Gorge, you'll find yourself on a bus anyway, so starting your trip with a simple bus connection here sets a practical tone for exploring Taiwan's diverse transport network.
Frequently asked questions — Taoyuan Airport → Taichung
For this route, the most efficient and direct option is an express bus. Services like the Airport Bus offer direct connections, avoiding the need for transfers that would be required if you were to combine the Airport MRT with a THSR or TRA train.
An express bus ticket typically costs between €5 and €8. This makes it a very budget-friendly option compared to potentially more complex and expensive train combinations, especially when considering the door-to-door convenience.
The bus journey usually takes around 2 hours, making it a competitive option in terms of travel time, especially when you factor in waiting times and transfers for other transport modes. It's a direct route with minimal stops.
There's no direct train. You would need to take the Airport MRT to Taoyuan THSR Station, then a THSR train to Taichung, and finally a local transfer. This involves multiple steps and often takes longer overall than a direct bus.
✨ 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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