How to Get from Chiayi to Alishan? Let's Compare the 4 Transfer Options
When planning your trip from Chiayi to Alishan, you've got 4 main ways to reach this mountain paradise in Taiwan. Each has its own perks, depending on your style and budget.
Let's compare them to help you decide!
Chiayi to Alishan | Train | Bus Route A | Bus Route B | Private / Shared Car |
---|---|---|---|---|
Departure | Chiayi Station (No. 528, Zhongshan Rd.) | Chiayi HSR Station (Taibao City) | Chiayi Station (No. 528, Zhongshan Rd.) | Your hotel |
Cost (One-way) | NT$540-600 | NT$278 | NT$240 | Shared: NT$400-600/person; Private: NT$4,500-5,500/car |
Duration | 3.5-5h | 2.5-3h | 2.5-3h | 2.5-3h |
Frequency | 2 daily departures: 09:00, 10:00 | 4 daily departures: 09:30-01:10 | 9 daily departures: 06:05-02:10 | Bookable 24/7, flexible departure |
Best for | Chiayi TRA Station arrivals, railway enthusiasts | Chiayi HSR Station arrivals, prioritizing efficiency | Arriving at Chiayi TRA Station, flexible schedule for solo travelers | Groups of 4+, lots of luggage, seeking comfort & flexibility |
My Vote | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Note: Train and bus schedules can sometimes see minor adjustments, so always double-check their official websites before heading out.
Here are our top transfer combo recommendations!!
For maximum comfort & convenience: Go for a shared or private car for your entire journey. Contact Asia Odyssey Travel!
For a deep cultural experience: Take the Alishan Forest Railway up, and then ride Bus Route A back down (perfect for connecting to the HSR station).
For ultimate efficiency: Grab the early morning Bus Route B (06:05 AM) for your ascent, then book a private or shared car for your return trip to save time.
Chiayi to Alishan Distance: 71-86 km


Before we dive into the specific transfer options, it's good to get a sense of the Chiayi to Alishan distance.
The journey covers anywhere from 71 to 86 kilometers (about 44-53 miles), depending on your mode of transport.
The scenic Alishan Forest Railway covers about 71 km, while the driving distance by road is slightly longer at around 86 km.
Either way, it's a significant climb up into the mountains!
#1. Chiayi to Alishan Train: Departing from Chiayi TRA Station


The Chiayi to Alishan train is the main line of the Alishan forest railway in Taiwan. This isn't just a ride; it's a step back in time!
It's perfect for travelers arriving at Chiayi TRA Station, and especially for all your railway culture enthusiasts out there!
The ride takes about 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on whether you want a Fenqihu stop. A one-way ticket from Chiayi to Alishan costs NT$540-600.
Budget Hacks: You know, you can actually experience the forest train right inside the Alishan Forest Park too, and it's even cheaper – just NT$100-150!
There are 2 daily departures from Chiayi: 09:00 AM and 10:00 AM. For the return trip, trains depart Alishan at 11:50 AM.
Your journey starts from Chiayi TRA Station, passing through Beimen Station, Zhuqi Station, and Fenqihu Station (you have the chance to hop off here to explore the old street, then re-board the same train to Alishan Station). Finally, you'll reach Alishan Station, covering 71.4 km and climbing an impressive 2,186 m!
Let's check the detailed Chiayi to Alishan train schedule below.
Chiayi to Alishan Train Schedule: 2 Daily Trains
Departure | Arrival | Duration | Frequency | Ticket Prices (One-way) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chiayi to Alishan Train (Uphill) | 09:00 | 12:30 | 3.5h | Daily | NT$540 |
Chiayi to Alishan Train (Uphill) | 10:00 | 14:56 | 5h (incl. 1h stop at Fenqihu) | Daily | NT$600 |
Alishan to Chiayi Train (Downhill) | 11:50 | 15:45 | 3.5h | Daily | NT$540 |
Alishan to Chiayi Train (Downhill) | 10:00 | 14:56 | 5h (incl. 1h stop at Fenqihu) | Daily | NT$600 |
A Quick Heads-Up:
1.Train schedules can sometimes be adjusted, so always check the official website (afrts.forest.gov.tw/TI01_1.aspx) before your trip.
2.Also, do note that one extra train might be added on holidays, during the cherry blossom season (Mar-Apr), and in summer (Jul-Aug).
3.This is a world-class mountain railway, famous for its unique "Independent Mountain Spiral" and "Z-shaped Switchback" engineering.
How to Get Your Alishan Train Tickets?
Booking: It's highly recommended to book your Alishan train tickets online up to 14 days in advance via the official website: afrts.forest.gov.tw/OT01_1.aspx
Seating Tip: For the best views (especially during the Independent Mountain Spiral section), try to snag a seat on the right side of the train when heading uphill!
#2. Chiayi to Alishan Bus Route A: Taiwan Tourist Shuttle (Chiayi HSR Station Departure)


The Chiayi to Alishan bus Route A (Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Route A) is super convenient if you're arriving in Chiayi via High-Speed Rail (HSR). It offers a seamless transfer right from the HSR station!
This is a 2.5-3 hours ride. And there are 4 daily departures (from 09:30 AM to 01:10 PM). A one-way Chiayi to Alishan bus fare costs NT$278.
The journey starts directly from Chiayi HSR Station and heads towards Alishan, with stops at Xiding Tea Plantation and Shizhao. Plus, some buses make a stop at the charming Fenqihu, letting you stretch your legs and grab a bite!
Take a look at the Chiayi to Alishan Bus Timetable (Route A) here.
Chiayi to Alishan Bus Timetable (Route A): 4 Daily Buses
Chiayi to Alishan Bus (Route A) | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Frequency | Ticket Prices (One-way) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7329 | 09:30 | 12:00 | 2.5h | Daily | NT$278 |
7329 | 10:10 | 12:40 | 2.5h | Daily | NT$278 |
7329 A | 11:00 | 14:05 | 3h (incl. 30min stop at Fenqihu) | Daily | NT$278 |
7329 | 13:10 | 15:40 | 2.5h | Daily | NT$278 |
Alishan to Chiayi Bus (Return) | 10:10, 13:30, 14:40, 16:40 | 13:10, 16:10, 17:10, 19:10 | 2.5-3h | 4 buses daily | NT$278 |
Just a heads-up: Bus schedules can sometimes be adjusted, so always double-check the official website before your trip.
Finally, how to book bus tickets? You can book your tickets online via the official Taiwan Tourist Shuttle website: taiwantrip.com.tw/Frontend/Reservation/Ticket
#3. Chiayi to Alishan Bus Route B: Taiwan Tourist Shuttle (Chiayi TRA Station Departure)


The Chiayi to Alishan bus Route B (Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Route B) is super handy if you're arriving at the Chiayi TRA Station (Taiwan Railways Administration). Offer more flexible bus times than Bus Route A!
It's a 2.5-3 hours journey. And this route offers more flexibility with 9 daily departures (from 06:05 AM to 02:10 PM). A one-way ticket costs NT$240 – the cheapest!
This bus takes you from Chiayi TRA Station towards Alishan, passing through Cukou (where you'll find the lovely Love Prairie) and some services even detour to Fenqihu.
Here's a Chiayi to Alishan bus timetable for Route B.
Chiayi to Alishan Bus Timetable (Route B): 9 Daily Buses
Chiayi to Alishan Bus (Route B) | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Frequency | Ticket Prices (One-way) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7322 | 06:05, 08:10, 10:10, 14:10 | 08:40, 10:40, 12:40, 16:40 | 2.5h | Daily | NT$240 |
7322A | 12:10 | 15:10 | 3h (incl. 30min stop at Fenqihu) | Daily | NT$240 |
7322C | 07:10, 08:40, 09:10, 11:10 | 09:40, 11:10, 11:40, 13:40 | 2.5h | Daily | NT$240 |
7322D | 09:40 | 12:40 | 3h (incl. 30min stop at Fenqihu) | Daily | NT$240 |
Alishan to Chiayi (Return) | 09:10-17:10 | 11:55-19:40 | 2-2.5h | 9 buses daily | NT$240 |
Note: Bus schedules can sometimes be adjusted, so always double-check the official website before your trip.
Ticket Booking Tips: Grab your tickets online at the official Taiwan Tourist Shuttle website: taiwantrip.com.tw/Frontend/Reservation/Ticket
#4. Chiayi to Alishan Taxi vs Private/Shared Car: I Recommend the Latter! (Hotel to Hotel Service)


When comparing a Chiayi to Alishan taxi with a Chiayi to Alishan shared (or private) car, we definitely lean towards the latter! It offers more flexibility and, surprisingly, can be more cost-effective per person for groups.
How's the price? For a 9-seater car, a one-way trip might be around NT$4,500-5,500 (working out to NT$400-600 per person if split).
Who it's for? It's perfect for families or groups of friends (4+ people) and those with a lot of luggage.
How to book? Book through platforms like Klook, KKday, or directly with us at Asia Odyssey Travel. Travel with us, forget about waiting! You get direct hotel pick-up and drop-off, making your trip truly hassle-free!
Here's more on the comparison of taking a taxi or private/shared car from Chiayi to Alishan:
Chiayi to Alishan Taxi or Private/Shared Car, How to Pick?
Chiayi to Alishan Private/Shared Car | Chiayi to Alishan Taxi | |
---|---|---|
Cost | Shared: NT$400-600/person (split among 4-8); Private: 9-seater from NT$4,500-5,500 | NT$5,000-7,000/car (includes return empty fee) |
Time | 2.5-3h (includes scenic stops) | 2.5h (point-to-point direct) |
Route | Customizable: Add stops like Fenqihu (1h), Tianchangdijiu Bridge, tea plantations | No stops, direct to destination only |
Best for | Shared: 1-3 individual travelers, budget travelers; Private: 4+ groups/families, comfort seekers | 1-3 people needing urgent travel, minimal luggage, willing to pay premium |
Luggage Room | e.g. 9-seater: 8 pieces (includes roof rack) | Limited (2-3 large suitcases in trunk) |
So, when would I recommend a taxi? Only if you're 3 people or less, need an immediate, last-minute ride, and your top priority is getting directly to the Alishan Recreation Area entrance as fast as possible (e.g., to catch the sunrise). Otherwise, the car service wins!
How to Do a Day Trip to Alishan from Chiayi?
Chiayi Is a Base to Explore Alishan


Chiayi truly is the ideal base to explore Alishan. If you're staying in Chiayi for a bit, why not explore the city too?
Hinoki Village: Wander through 29 beautifully preserved Japanese-style wooden dormitories from the Japanese colonial era. It's a great spot to try on a kimono for photos or do some DIY crafts.
Culture Road Night Market: A must-visit for foodies! Dive into a bustling atmosphere and savor all sorts of delicious local Taiwanese snacks.
Beimen Station: This charming century-old wooden station was once the starting point of the Alishan Forest Railway. It's still part of the route, so you might even pass through it if you choose to take the Chiayi to Alishan train!
Connect Alishan with Sun Moon Lake (2 Days)


Linking Alishan with Sun Moon Lake is a brilliant idea for a 2-day nature immersion!
Sun Moon Lake (0.5-1 Day): Spend half a day to a full day here. A classic boat tour (Shuishe Pier → Xuanguang Pier → Ita Thao Pier → Shuishe Pier) is highly recommended. Plan to stay overnight at Sun Moon Lake. Check out more things to do at Sun Moon Lake >>
Alishan (Next Day, 0.5-1 Day): Head to Alishan early the next morning. Once there, embrace nature with walks, breathe in the fresh air, and experience the forest railway. Afterwards, you can head down the mountain and return to Chiayi. Explore the Alishan map >>
Extend Your Trip to Taipei and Kaohsiung (8-10 Days)


Why stop at Alishan? Extend your adventure and explore more of Taiwan's wonders!
Follow this 8-day Taiwan tour route: Taipei – Sun Moon Lake – Alishan – Kaohsiung.
It's a classic journey starting from the vibrant capital and ending in the bustling southern city, covering natural gems like Sun Moon Lake and Alishan.
Important Travel Reminders!
Peak Season Warning: During cherry blossom season (Mar-Apr) and summer vacation (Jul-Aug), train and bus tickets for Alishan are popular and often sell out instantly. Book at least one month in advance!
Weather Gear: Alishan's average annual temperature is 14°C (57°F). Always pack a windproof jacket and non-slip shoes. If you're traveling during the rainy season (Jun-Sep), a raincoat is a must.
Saving Money: Remember you can get a half-price discount when using your EasyCard to ride the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle (valid until August 2025)! Mind that if the bus is full, you might be standing for hours!
From Chiayi to Alishan, Explore Taiwan's Oxygen Bar with Asia Odyssey Travel
Getting from Taiwan Chiayi to Alishan should be part of the adventure, not a headache!
At Asia Odyssey Travel, we team up with local drivers, guides, and hotels to ensure you transfer smoothly and experience Alishan – Taiwan's true "oxygen bar" – seamlessly and authentically.
Forget worries about is Taiwan worth visiting, Taiwan travel cost, best time to visit Taiwan, things to do in Taiwan! We're here to help! We offer useful Taiwan travel guides.
Just contact Asia Odyssey Travel to arrange your perfect trip in Taiwan!