Kaohsiung to Kenting: Express Bus, Taxi/Shared Car, Train, Scooter (2025)

Kaohsiung to Kenting Distance: 115-170 km

Cijin Island

Eluanbi Lighthouse, Kenting

First things first, let's talk about the Kaohsiung to Kenting distance. The journey spans about 115-170 kilometers, varying with your exact starting point and final destination.

For example, from Kaohsiung City (like Kaohsiung Main Station) to Kenting Street or the National Park, it's roughly 115-135 kilometers.

If you're coming from Zuoying HSR Station to Kenting Street, expect about 120 kilometers and a 1.5-2 hour drive via Kenting Express Bus.

From Kaohsiung International Airport (Xiaogang), it's around 170 kilometers, taking 2-2.5 hours by bus.

Related Article(s):

Best Things to Do in Kaohsiung, 2025 Attractions Guide

9 Best Beaches in Kenting for Swimming, Snorkeling or Surfing

7 Kaohsiung to Kenting Transfer Plans, How to Choose?

Choosing your ride from Kaohsiung to Kenting is all about balancing cost, comfort, and adventure. We've got 7 TESTED ways to make this journey, each with its own perks and things to consider.

Let me break them down to help you pick your perfect transfer!

Ultimately, for the best bang for your buck and seamless connection, the Kenting Express Bus is often our top pick.

If you're with family or a group, a private/shared car or taxi offers ultimate comfort and convenience.

For adventurous souls, a scooter provides freedom, but requires a license and attention to battery range for electric models.

Cycling is only recommended for serious riders due to endurance and safety concerns!

Plan 1: Kaohsiung to Kenting by Private or Shared Car – Best for Groups or Families

Asia Odyssey Travel Taiwan

Choose Asia Odyssey Travel's Car Service

If you value comfort, convenience, and direct service, especially when you're traveling with family or a group, then a private or shared car is probably the best choice for your Kaohsiung to Kenting transfer.

Private Car (Ultimate Comfort)

Thinking about a private car? Typically, a 4-seater costs around NT$2000 for a one-way trip and can whisk you directly to your Kenting hotel. The journey usually takes about 2 hours, and drivers can often take flexible routes, like zipping along Provincial Highway 88 to avoid traffic.

Book ahead! It's a good idea to book in advance through your guesthouse or trusty platforms like Klook/Asia Odyssey Travel.

Shared Car (Cheaper!)

For a more budget-friendly option, shared cars are available for about NT$300-400 per person, offering convenient point-to-point pick-up and drop-off.

Book through us. NO waiting! While you might wait a little for other passengers if booking on the spot, it's best to book online in advance through us at Asia Odyssey Travel!

Plan 2: Kaohsiung to Kenting Express Bus (Routes 9189, 918) – Perfect for HSR or Flight Arrivals

This is one of the most popular and convenient ways to get to Kenting, especially from Kaohsiung's transport hubs.

Kaohsiung (Zuoying) HSR Station to Kenting Express Bus: Route 9189

HSR Zuoying Station

Take Kenting Express to the Sun-kissed Beaches in Kenting

The Kaohsiung to Kenting Express Bus (Route 9189) is your direct line! Perfect for high-speed rail (HSR) arrivals! You'll find the Kenting Express counter at Exit 2 of Zuoying HSR Station. This is ideal for HSR travelers with less luggage seeking value.

Route: Kaohsiung Zuoying HSR Station → Dapeng Bay → Fangliao → Hengchun → Nanwan → Xiaowan (Kenting Street)

Here's the Kaohsiung to Kenting Express Bus schedule:

Duration & Frequency: The ride takes about 1.5-2 hours, with buses every 30 minutes, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Cost: A one-way ticket is NT$418, or grab a round-trip package for NT$650, valid for 14 days!

Kaohsiung Airport to Kenting Bus: Route 918 (Temporary)

Kaohsiung International Airport

Kenting Baisha Bay

Flying in? Good news! The Kenting Express Bus also has a special "Temporary 918 Express Line" from Kaohsiung Airport (Xiaogang).

You can catch this bus easily at the waiting area to the right of the Kaohsiung Airport terminal. It's a nice choice for solo travelers or small groups on a budget who want a direct and no-fuss transfer!

Route: Kaohsiung International Airport → Chaozhou → Fangliao → Hengchun → Nanwan → Kenting

Check out the Kaohsiung to Kenting Express Bus (temporary!) times below:

Alternative Solution! If the Express Line isn't running, don't worry! You can hop on the regular Kaohsiung to Kenting Bus Route 9117, which covers more ground and makes more stops (3h). Or, reach out to us at Asia Odyssey Travel to get a private or shared car!

Travel Time & Frequency: The Kaohsiung Airport to Kenting bus ride is a bit longer, around 2.5 hours, with about 16 daily departures timed to match flight schedules.

Price: A one-way ticket is NT$400, and you might even snag some online booking discounts.

Plan 3: Regular Kaohsiung to Kenting Bus (Routes 9188, 9117) – Ideal for Departures from Kaohsiung City

Kaohsiung Love River

Longpan Park Grassland, Kenting

For those starting adventure from downtown Kaohsiung, the regular Kaohsiung to Kenting bus routes like 9188 and 9117 are great options. They depart from Kaohsiung Main Station or Kaohsiung Airport.

The pick-up point is easily found: it's just in front of Kaohsiung Main Station or to the right of the airport terminal. This option is perfect if you're not in a rush and want a more leisure route through the area!

How do they differ from the Kenting Express Bus? Well, these buses make more stops at places like Hengchun, Nanwan, and Sail Rock. Naturally, they take longer.

The Bus Routes:

• Route 9188: Kaohsiung Main Station → Fangliao → Hengchun → Kenting Street → Eluanbi
• Route 9117: Xiaogang Airport → Linyuan → Donggang → Hengchun → Kenting Street

Here comes the regular Kaohsiung to Kenting bus schedule:

Duration & Frequency: Buses leave hourly between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM, taking a relaxed 2 to 3 hours to reach Kenting.

How much does it cost? The fares range from NT$300-400.

Plan 4: Kaohsiung to Kenting Taxi – Direct, Flexible, and Expensive

Taxi in Taiwan

Taxi in Taiwan

For a swift and direct journey, a Kaohsiung to Kenting taxi is always an option!

From Zuoying HSR Station, a taxi ride to Kenting will cost approximately NT$2000. This is a solid choice if you're traveling with 3-4 people and can split the fare, or if you're simply in a hurry and want to leave immediately without waiting for schedules.

Plan 5: Kaohsiung to Kenting Train – Not Direct, A Mix of Rail and Road

Taiwan TRA Tze Chiang Train

Taiwan TRA Tze Chiang 3000 Train Tengyun Car

This route fits for train enthusiasts looking to shorten your bus journey, and it's convenient for travelers coming from Taiwan's east coast (like Taitung or Hualien).

Here's an important point: Kenting doesn't actually have its own train station! So, while you can't take a direct Kaohsiung to Kenting train, you can incorporate rail travel.

For a popular train-bus transfer from Kaohsiung to Kenting, head to Fangliao TRA train station - located at the junction of the Pingtung Plain and the Hengchun Peninsula. From this southernmost train station, bus stops are just 50 meters away for buses like the Kenting Express!

Take a look at the Kaohsiung to Kenting (Fangliao) train schedule:

• Train (TRA) from Kaohsiung Main Station to Fangliao Station: 2 hours.
• Kenting Express Bus from Fangliao: This leg takes about 1 hour directly to Kenting Street. Quite frequent, usually every 30-60 minutes!

Plan 6: Ride a Scooter from Kaohsiung to Kenting – For the Adventurous Rider

Scooter Adventures in Kenting

Enjoy a Scooter Adventure in Kenting

If you're feeling adventurous and love the open road, riding a scooter from Kaohsiung to Kenting offers incredible freedom!

The journey is about 110 km, primarily along Provincial Highway 1 then Provincial Highway 26 (Ping-E Highway). The road is mostly flat, but be aware it can get quite busy, especially on holidays.

Travel Time: On a gasoline scooter, the ride takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Electric scooters, with about 40km range per battery, will definitely require planning for charging stops (e.g. Fangliao or Checheng).

Rental Cost: NT$400-1200 per day.

Rental Requirements: For gasoline scooters, you'll need an international driving permit. Without these, you can only rent electric bicycles with a maximum speed of 25 km/h.

Safety Alert: Downhill sections, like near Sheding Park, can be dangerous, so always wear a helmet and control your speed.

A safer alternative? Take the Kaohsiung to Kenting express bus (about 2 hours) and then rent a scooter locally to explore the area – much more relaxed!

Plan 7: Cycle from Kaohsiung to Kenting – For the Experienced Bikers Only

Go Cycling in Kenting

Cycle from Kaohsiung to Kenting, for the Experienced Bikers Only

For the ultimate challenge, cycling from Kaohsiung to Kenting is a unique experience!

The route is about 103 km. You can expect amazing coastal views, but be prepared for the Shoukajiao section on Provincial Highway 9, which includes a challenging 40-km continuous uphill climb.

Route: Kaohsiung → Lin-yuan → Donggang → Fangliao → Fenggang → Kenting

Time & Pacing: For those with good physical stamina, the ride typically takes 6 to 8 hours. You can break it into two days, staying overnight in Donggang or Fangliao.

Pricing: Bike rentals usually cost around NT$250 per day.

Safety Risks: The Ping-E Highway has a lot of large trucks, so always stick to the side. Some sections lack dedicated bike lanes, and night cycling can be dangerous!

A common alternative for cyclists is to do a partial ride: cycle from Kaohsiung to Fangliao (about 60 km) and then transfer to an express bus for the remaining 1-hour journey to Kenting, which is often a safer and less strenuous option!

Kaohsiung to Kenting Trip, How to Plan?

Kaohsiung Fo Guang Shan

Sail Rock, Kenting

Integrating Kaohsiung and Kenting into one trip is a fantastic idea! Here's how you might plan a 3-5 day Kaohsiung to Kenting adventure:

Kaohsiung + Kenting (3-5 Days)

• Kaohsiung (1-2 Days):

Kaohsiung itself is easily explored in about 1 day. Plus, the transfer journey from Kaohsiung to Kenting can actually become another full day of amazing stops along the way!

• Kenting (2-3 Days):

For a relaxed Kenting trip that really covers the best beaches in Kenting, I'd suggest planning for at least 2 days to truly enjoy the coastline and attractions.

Recommended Tours:

4 Days Southern Taiwan Tour - Explore Kaohsiung Port & Kenting Shores

Connect with More of Taiwan’s Best

Want to see even more of Taiwan? Well, here's a fun route that takes you beyond Kaohsiung and Kenting for a 7-day, 6-night journey: Kaohsiung → Kenting → Taipei City → Sun Moon Lake → Alishan → Tainan → Kaohsiung.

How does that sound? Check the Taiwan itinerary layout:

Recommended Tours:

7 Days Taiwan Nature Tour - Kaohsiung, Kenting Sun Moon Lake & Alishan

Travel from Kaohsiung to Kenting with Asia Odyssey Travel

Navigating Kaohsiung to Kenting transport can be a real headache. Forget wrestling with public buses!

For stress-free travel from Kaohsiung to Kenting, a private or shared car is often your best bet. Just contact Asia Odyssey Travel to get yours! No need to wait at the HSR station or airport!

At Asia Odyssey Travel, we team up with awesome local guides, drivers, and hotels to ensure an authentic experience.

Want more Taiwan travel guides? Follow us to explore sun-kissed Kenting beaches! Skip the Taiwan transportation worries and check out things to do in Taiwan, Taiwan travel cost insights, and why Taiwan is worth visiting.