There are 2 way(s) to get from Taoyuan City to Kaohsiung
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Practical tips
Always factor in the time and cost to reach the THSR station from the city center. For Taoyuan, the THSR station is not at Taoyuan Airport (TPE) itself, but a short MRT ride away. In Kaohsiung, it’s a quick MRT connection from the city center.
For shorter routes or when THSR is too pricey, express buses often offer a better balance of cost and speed than the TRA train. They are generally more direct and can sometimes be faster than the TRA for specific city-to-city connections.
Remember, destinations like Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, and Taroko Gorge are bus-only after reaching a major train station (e.g., Taichung for Sun Moon Lake/Alishan, Hualien for Taroko). Plan your connections accordingly and always confirm the bus routes.
For Green Island, Orchid Island, and Penghu, it's either a ferry or a flight. Book these well in advance, especially during peak season. Websites like 12go.asia often list ferry schedules and booking options, and flights can be found via standard airline sites.
When comparing THSR, TRA, and bus, don't just look at the main journey time. Add in the travel to/from stations or bus terminals. Sometimes, a slightly slower main journey might be faster overall if its departure/arrival point is more convenient.
🛣️ The journey experience
Navigating Taiwan's transport system from Taoyuan to Kaohsiung can seem a bit complex at first glance, especially with the mix of fast THSR trains, slower TRA trains, and express buses. You want to know what’s what, the real door-to-door times, and honest prices, right? Let's cut through the confusion and get you straight to Kaohsiung efficiently and without overspending.
For your journey from Taoyuan to Kaohsiung, you have solid choices. The THSR (High-Speed Rail) is your fastest option, whisking you there in about 2 hours for around €28. It’s perfect if time is paramount. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly alternative and don't mind a longer ride, express buses are a fantastic choice. They take around 4 hours and cost significantly less, about €14. While there's also the TRA (conventional train), for this specific route, the THSR or an express bus are generally more practical.
Unlike routes to Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, or Taroko Gorge, which are exclusively bus-only from their nearest train stations, or the island destinations requiring ferries or flights, Taoyuan to Kaohsiung is a straightforward west coast connection. You won't face the problem of assuming a train exists where there isn't one. The key here is deciding between speed and cost, knowing that both THSR and express buses are reliable choices with clear pricing and journey times. You can easily book either online with instant confirmation and avoid any station confusion.
Frequently asked questions — Taoyuan City → Kaohsiung
From Taoyuan to Kaohsiung, you primarily have two excellent choices: the High-Speed Rail (THSR) and intercity express buses. The THSR is the fastest, connecting you in about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Express buses offer a more budget-friendly option, taking around 4 hours. While the slower TRA train exists, it's generally less efficient for this specific route compared to the THSR or buses.
The THSR from Taoyuan to Kaohsiung costs approximately €28 and takes about 2 hours. For a more economical trip, an express bus will set you back around €14, but the journey will be longer, typically 4 hours. Keep in mind that these are direct journey times; you'll need to factor in additional time for transfers to and from the stations or bus terminals.
For Taoyuan to Kaohsiung, express buses often present a smarter alternative to the THSR if you're value-conscious. They are significantly cheaper (€14 vs €28) and while slower (4h vs 2h), the journey is still comfortable. The TRA train, while an option, is generally slower and less direct than express buses for this specific intercity connection, making buses a better budget choice for this route.
You can easily book THSR tickets on the official THSR website or platforms like 12go.asia, often with instant confirmation. For express buses, tickets can be purchased directly from the bus operators' websites or via travel booking sites. We recommend using reputable platforms that provide clear schedules, prices, and instant booking confirmations for a hassle-free experience.
✨ 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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