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Kaohsiung to Tainan: Distance, By Train & HSR (2025)

Written by Celine Schneider|Updated: 2025-07-24

How to Get from Kaohsiung to Tainan? The cities are only 50 kilometers apart in southern Taiwan. Your main choices are two types of trains: the regular TRA train and the fast High-Speed Rail (HSR).

The HSR seems like the obvious winner with its super short 13-minute ride. However, the choice is not that simple. The HSR stations are located far from the city centers, while the slower TRA train uses stations right in the heart of both cities.

This means the TRA is often the more convenient and direct option for going from one downtown area to another.

Check this Kaohsiung to Tainan guide compares the HSR and TRA. We cover total travel time, station locations, and costs. It also includes how to get from Kaohsiung Airport. This helps you choose the right train for your needs.

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  • triangleKaohsiung to Tainan Distance: 50 KM (31 MI)
  • triangleKaohsiung to Tainan Train: HSR vs. TRA
  • triangleKaohsiung to Tainan Train (TRA): Best Way from Kaohsiung to Tainan
  • triangleKaohsiung to Tainan HSR (High Speed Rail): 11-13 Min Train Ride
  • triangleHow to Get from Kaohsiung Airport to Tainan
  • triangleTravel to Tainan with Your Local Guide - Asia Odyssey Travel

Kaohsiung to Tainan Distance: 50 KM (31 MI)

Kaohsiung to Tainan Map
Kaohsiung to Tainan Map

Kaohsiung and Tainan are very close neighbors in southern Taiwan. The distance between the two cities is only about 50 kilometers, which is 31 miles.

This short distance makes traveling between them very quick and easy. You can think of them almost as one large connected area. Because they are so close, it is very easy to stay in one city and take a day trip to the other. Many people live in Tainan and work in Kaohsiung, or the other way around.

If you drive a car, the trip on the highway usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Trains are also a very popular way to travel this short distance. You can take regular train (TRA) or HSR (High Speed Rail).

Related Article:Transportation in Taiwan: Easy Card, HSR, MTR & More (with Map)

Kaohsiung to Tainan Train: HSR vs. TRA

Taiwan TRA Puyuma Train
Taiwan TRA Puyuma Train
Taiwan High Speed Rail Train
Taiwan High Speed Rail Train

For most tourists who want to go from the center of Kaohsiung to the center of Tainan, the TRA (regular train) is the better choice. It is simpler, often faster door-to-door, and costs less.

The HSR (High Speed Rail) is only better for specific situations, like visiting attractions near its station in Tainan.

Feature Regular Train (TRA) High-Speed Rail (HSR)
Station Location Inside the city centers Outside the city centers
Train Ride Time 30-50 min 11-13 min
Total Travel Time About 35-60 minutes About 50-60 minutes
Convenience Very convenient, no transfers Requires transfers to city
Cost NT$102-472 NT$135-410

Kaohsiung to Tainan Train (TRA): Best Way from Kaohsiung to Tainan

Taiwan Railway Train
Taiwan Railway Train
Taiwan TRA Train Standard Seat
Taiwan TRA Train Standard Seat

Taking the TRA train is the best way to travel from Kaohsiung to Tainan. It connects the center of Kaohsiung directly to the center of Tainan.

Your trip begins at Kaohsiung Main Station. It is very easy to get there. From popular spots like Liuhe Night Market or Formosa Boulevard, it is just a short trip by metro or taxi.

You will arrive at Tainan TRA Station, which is perfectly located in the city center. You can walk to many hotels and historical sites. This is much more convenient than the HSR train, which arrives at a station far outside the city.

The journey is fast and affordable. Over 70 trains run this route every day. The fastest train, the Puyuma Express, takes only 27 minutes. The ticket price is also very good, ranging from about 102 to 472 New Taiwan Dollars.

At the station, you will see different train names like Puyuma, Tze-Chiang, and Local Train. Below, we introduce 4 different types of trains. You can choose the best one for your needs.

Fastest Train: Tze-Chiang Ltd. Expree (3000) & Puyuma Express

Taiwan TRA Tze Chiang 3000 Train
Taiwan TRA Tze Chiang 3000 Train
Taiwan TRA Puyuma Train
Taiwan TRA Puyuma Train

For the fastest and most comfortable ride, look for the Tze-Chiang 3000 or Puyuma trains. They have the newest and most comfortable facilities. The seats are arranged in pairs, just like on an airplane, and your ticket comes with a reserved seat number.

This means you are guaranteed a place to sit. These trains are the most expensive, with a standard seat costing around 158 NTD. You will need to buy a specific ticket for these trains, either online or at the station counter.

Great Value: Tze-Chiang Limited Expree & Chu-Kuang Express

Taiwan TRA Tze Chiang Train
Taiwan TRA Tze Chiang Train
Taiwan TRA Juguang Train
Taiwan TRA Juguang Train

If you want a good balance of speed and price, the Tze-Chiang and Chu-Kuang trains are a great choice. They are a little slower, taking about 35 to 45 minutes, but still offer very comfortable seats.

A great benefit is that you can use your EasyCard to ride them to take a Non-reserved Seat. You will not have a reserved seat, but you can sit in any empty one.

Fast Local Train: Best for Budget Travelers

You might also see a Fast Local Train. This is a fantastic budget option. It has the same low price as a regular Local Train but gets you to Tainan much faster, in about 37 to 51 minutes. You can also use your EasyCard or other transit cards to hop on this train easily.

Local Train: The Flexible Option

The Local Train is the most common and frequent type of train to Tainan. The cars are set up more like a subway, with bench-style seats. The best part is that you do not need to worry about missing your train. If you miss one, another will come along very soon.

This is especially true when you use a transit card, as you can just tap and ride the next available train. This simple tap-and-go convenience also works for the other trains that accept these cards.

Kaohsiung to Tainan HSR (High Speed Rail): 11-13 Min Train Ride

Taiwan High Speed Rail Train
Taiwan High Speed Rail Train
Taiwan High Speed Rail Train Bento
Taiwan High Speed Rail Train Bento

The High-Speed Rail, or HSR, can take you from Kaohsiung to Tainan in just 11 to 13 minutes. This sounds very fast. However, this is only the train ride time.

If you travel from one city center to another, the total trip takes much longer. You need to add the time to/from HSR station in Kaohsiung and Tainan. The full journey will take you about 1 hour. For this reason, the TAR train is often a better choice for going between the city centers.

But the Kaohsiung to Tainan HSR is the best option for some trips. It is perfect if you want to visit the MITSUI OUTLET PARK. This large shopping mall is right next to the Tainan HSR station. You can shop and eat there easily.

About 70 HSR trains run this route every day. Each trip takes between 11 and 13 minutes. The service operates from 07:17 in the morning until 23:48 at night.

Where to Board in Kaohsiung: Zuoying HSR Station

To take the HSR in Kaohsiung, you must go to Zuoying Station. This station is in the northern part of the city. You can take the MRT Red Line directly to the HSR station. The MRT ride from the city center takes about 15 minutes.

Arrival Station: Tainangaotie Station

You will arrive at Tainangaotie Station. This station is in a southern area, not the city center. The HSR station connects directly to a local train station called TRA Shalun Station.

From there, you can take a local TRA train to the main Tainan Railway Station in the city center. Shuttle buses and taxis are also at the Tainan HSR station. This ride takes about 35 minutes.

Kaohsiung to Tainan HSR Price

  Adult Ticket Concession Ticket Group Tickets
Standard Car NT$140 NT$70 NT$130
Business Car NT$410 NT$205 NT$385
Non-Reserved Seat NT$135 NT$65 -

How to Get from Kaohsiung Airport to Tainan

Kaohsiung International Airport
Kaohsiung International Airport
Tainangaotie Station
Tainangaotie Station

First, you should know that Kaohsiung International Airport (code: KHH) is in the Xiaogang District, in the southern part of Kaohsiung City.

One of the best things about this airport is its easy connection to the Kaohsiung MRT. The red MRT line has a stop called Kaohsiung International Airport Station (R4), which is right inside the terminal.

This makes it very simple for travelers to go to Kaohsiung Main Station, or even farther to Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station.

Option 1: By TRA (Regular Train)

Just follow the signs to the MRT station. From Kaohsiung International Airport Station (R4), ride the red line north for about 15 to 20 minutes and get off at Kaohsiung Main Station (R11).

Next, leave the MRT area and follow signs to the TRA (regular train) station. Buy a ticket to Tainan Station.

Option 2: By HSR (High-Speed Rail)

Take the MRT red line north all the way to the last stop, Zuoying Station (R16). This ride takes about 25 to 30 minutes. After arriving at Tainangaotie Station (Shalun Station), which is outside the city center, you’ll need to transfer to the local TRA train on the Shalun Line.

Option 3: By Taxi

This is the easiest way. It is also the most expensive way. You can find taxis outside the airport. The taxi will drive you to Tainan. The ride is about 45 to 60 minutes. The taxi can take you right to your hotel.

Related Article:Transportation in Taiwan: Easy Card, HSR, MTR & More (with Map)

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