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How to Get from Chiayi to Alishan: Chiayi HSR or TRA Station Departure?

Written by Lydia|Updated: 2025-07-23

Chiayi is a perfect base to explore Alishan. How to get from Chiayi to Alishan?

It's a journey from the plains up into the clouds! I'm going to give you all the practical tips based on the latest info, helping you choose the best way to get from Taiwan Chiayi to Alishan.

Whether you're considering the iconic Chiayi to Alishan train (Chiayi TRA Station departure), jumping on a Chiayi to Alishan bus route A (Chiayi HSR Station departure) or B (Chiayi TRA Station departure), or opting for a comfy Chiayi to Alishan taxi, private or shared car, we've got you covered.

And here's the golden rule: Always try to start early in the morning! This helps you beat the afternoon fog and witness Yushan's peaks floating above a sea of clouds.

So, ready? Let's roll towards Taiwan's cloud fairyland!

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  • triangleHow to Get from Chiayi to Alishan? Let's Compare the 4 Transfer Options
  • triangleChiayi to Alishan Distance: 71-86 km
  • triangle#1. Chiayi to Alishan Train: Departing from Chiayi TRA Station
  • triangle#2. Chiayi to Alishan Bus Route A: Taiwan Tourist Shuttle (Chiayi HSR Station Departure)
  • triangle#3. Chiayi to Alishan Bus Route B: Taiwan Tourist Shuttle (Chiayi TRA Station Departure)
  • triangle#4. Chiayi to Alishan Taxi vs Private/Shared Car: I Recommend the Latter! (Hotel to Hotel Service)
  • triangleHow to Do a Day Trip to Alishan from Chiayi?
  • triangle, Explore Taiwan's Oxygen Bar with Asia Odyssey Travel

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

Chiayi Hinoki Village
Chiayi Hinoki Village
Alishan with Cherry Blossom
Alishan with Cherry Blossom

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

Alishan Forest Train
Alishan Forest Train
Alishan Forest Railway Inside
Alishan Forest Railway Inside

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)

HSR Chiayi Station
HSR Chiayi Station
Taiwan Bus to Alishan
Taiwan Bus to Alishan

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)

TRA Chiayi Station
TRA Chiayi Station
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus

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$240the 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)

Choose Asia Odyssey Travel's Car Service
Choose Asia Odyssey Travel's Car Service
Taxi in Taiwan
Taxi in Taiwan

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 Hinoki Village
Chiayi Hinoki Village
Chiayi Hinoki Village
Chiayi Hinoki Village

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)

Stunning Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan, Nantou
Stunning Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan, Nantou
Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake

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)

Shifen Old Street
Shifen Old Street
Cijin Beach
Cijin Beach

Why stop at Alishan? Extend your adventure and explore more of Taiwan's wonders!

Follow this 8-day Taiwan tour route: TaipeiSun Moon LakeAlishanKaohsiung.

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!

If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.

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