Take China Group Tours in 2025 to enjoy 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price!
Kaohsiung to Taichung Map & Overview of 4 Ways
If you look at a Taiwan travel map, Kaohsiung is near the southern tip of the island, while Taichung is roughly in the middle. They’re well connected by high-speed rail, regular trains, and highways.
| Method | Time | Fare (NTD/USD) | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Speed Rail (HSR) | 42-70 min | NT$790+ (~$27+) | Business travelers, time-sensitive travelers |
| Train (TRA Express) | 2-5 h | NT$616+ (~$21+) | Budget travelers, those heading to downtown |
| Bus | 3.5-4 h | NT$370+ (~$13+) | Backpackers, overnight trips to save on accommodation |
| Private Car | 2-3 h | NT$3,000+ (~$95+) per car | Family trips, travelers seeking flexibility |
Kaohsiung to Taichung High Speed Rail (HSR)- 1 hour
The High Speed Rail takes you from Zuoying Station (Kaohsiung) to Taichung HSR station in just 42-70 minutes.
Over 70 HSR trains run every 10–30 minutes from 5:50 AM to 10:55 PM every day!
Pro Tips: Zuoying Station (Kaohsiung) is located in the north of Kaohsiung, easy to reach by MRT (Red Line).
HSR Ticket Price
| Car | Standard Car | Business Car | Non-Reserved Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | NT$790 (~$27) | NT$1390 (~$47) | NT$765 (~$26) |
Standard Car: 3+2 seating layout, spacious and comfortable.
Business Car: 2+2 layout with more legroom, soft seats, bigger windows, reading lights, and complimentary snacks.
Non-Reserved Seat: First-come, first-served seating. No guaranteed seat—if full, you'll have to stand. Not recommended during peak hours.
Tickets can be bought at the station, online, or via the HSR app. Early bird discounts may be available if you book in advance.
How to Get to Taichung City Center from HSR Station?
Upon arrival at Taichung HSR Station, you can:
- Transfer to a regular train (TRA) at Xinwuri Station (connected via footbridge). It takes about 10–15 minutes to reach Taichung Railway Station, which is in the city center.
- Take a taxi (approx. NT$250–300 / 20–30 mins).
- Local buses also connect the HSR station with downtown, but may take longer.
For most travelers, especially those short on time, HSR is the top choice — quick, clean, and reliable. Next, let’s explore the slower but cheaper option: regular trains.
Kaohsiung to Taichung Train (TPA) - 2-5 hours
TRA (regular train) is a budget-friendly choice. Unlike HSR, TRA trains departure from Kaohsiung Station (city centre), and arrive directly in central Taichung Station. This is more convenient if your hotel or itinerary starts near Taichung Park, Second Market, or Art Museum area.
Over 40 trains run frequently throughout the day, so it's easy to find a departure that fits your schedule.
TRA Travel Time & Ticket Price
Travel time by TRA train from Kaohsiung to Taichung ranges from 1h 58m to 4h 40m. Puyuma and Tze-Chiang 3000 trains run fastest for less than 2.5 hours. The standard reserved seat is 2+2 layout with the price of US$21.
The following table tells the detailed information about different TRA trains between Kaohsiung and Taichung with travel time, frequency, and ticket price.
| Train Type | Travel Time | Frequency | Standard Car (2+2) | Business Car (1+2) | Non-Reserved Seat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puyuma | 2 h | 3+ Daily | NT$616 (~$21) | None | None |
| Tze-Chiang 3000 | 2-2.5 h | 7+ Daily | NT$616 (~$21) | NT$1,105 (~$47) | NT$585 (~$20) |
| Tze-Chiang | 2.5-3 h | 13+ Daily | NT$616 (~$21) | None | None |
| Local Train | 4-5 h | 18+ Daily | None | None | NT$396 (~$13) |
Kaohsiung to Taichung Bus - 3.5-5 hours
If you're traveling on a tight budget, the intercity bus is the most affordable way to get from Kaohsiung to Taichung. The journey takes around 3.5 to 5 hours and costs as little as NT$370 (~US$13).
Major bus companies like Ubus, Kuo-Kuang (King), and Ho-Hsin offer frequent departures throughout the day and night.
These buses are clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned, with reclining seats, and some even offer onboard Wi-Fi or personal entertainment screens.
You can board from Zuoying HSR Station or Kaohsiung Bus Terminal (close to Kaohsiung Station), and arrive in Taichung at places like Taichung Railway Station or Chaoma Bus Station, depending on the route.
This is a great pick for budget travelers, backpackers, or anyone who prefers a more relaxed, no-rush journey between cities.
Kaohsiung to Taichung Private Car (2.5-3.5 hours)
The drive takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic and your route. You’ll take National Highway No. 1 or 3, both of which offer scenic countryside views along the way.
The biggest perks? Door-to-door service, zero transfers, and full control of your schedule. You can stop at places like Tainan, Lukang Old Street, or even take a detour to Sun Moon Lake if you’re turning the transfer into a day tour.
Private transfers typically cost NT$3,000–6,000 (~US$95–190) per car depending on vehicle size, distance, and any sightseeing detours.
It’s expensive but with great flexibility and comfort, totally worth it especially traveling with kids and large luggage.
How to Get from Taichung to Kaohsiung?
Getting from Taichung to Kaohsiung is super easy. The fastest way is by High-Speed Rail (HSR), It takes just 1 to 1.5 hours and runs frequently throughout the day.
If you want to save money, the regular train (TRA) is slower but cheaper, taking 3.5 to 5 hours.
For budget travelers or those who like to travel overnight, intercity buses are a comfy and affordable choice.
And if you’re traveling with a group or want to turn the trip into a scenic road journey, booking a private car gives you total freedom and comfort.
How to Plan a Kaohsiung to Taichung Trip?
If you have 2–3 days and want to experience the natural beauty of Taiwan along the way, this route is for you.
From Kaohsiung, head northeast to Alishan, Taiwan’s most famous mountain getaway. Explore the Alishan Forest Railway and peaceful cedar forests, hike along the Giant Tree Cluster Trail.
Then continue north to Sun Moon Lake, where you can take a boat ride, visit temples, and enjoy lakeside cycling. From there, it’s just a 1.5-hour ride to Taichung.
This route is perfect for nature lovers and those doing a Taiwan round-island trip at a relaxed pace.
Trace Taiwan with Your Local Guide - Asia Odyssey Travel
Ready to see the best of Taiwan, from north to south? Asia Odyssey Travel is here to guide your journey around the island. With expert local partners and well-planned routes, we make your Taiwan trip smooth, exciting, and unforgettable.
We offer carefully designed tour packages and in-depth travel guides, including:
✔ Popular Tour Packages: Taiwan Group Tours, Taiwan Tours, Taiwan Family Tours, Taiwan Food Tours
✔ Useful Travel Guide: Taiwan Night Markets, Taiwan Temples, Taiwan Beaches, Taiwan Mountain, Taiwan Food, Taiwan Transportation
✔ Various Destinations: Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, Kaohsiung
✔ Classic Itineraries: Taiwan Itinerary, Taipei Itinerary, Taichung Itinerary, Kaohsiung Itinerary
Data in submission...
