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Distance from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake: 70-85 km
First of all, it's good to know the distance from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake so you can plan your day. Well, it's around 70-85 kilometers (about 43-53 miles), depending on the exact route you take.
While it's not a huge distance, the roads are winding as you get into the mountains, which is why even though it's less than 100km, the travel time can be around 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus.
Top Things to Do in Taichung: Night Markets, Day Trips
10 Sun Moon Lake Things to Do (in 1 Day): Well-planned!
Comparing Your Ride: Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Options
To help you pick the perfect way to get from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake, I've put together a quick comparison table. This should make it super clear to see which option is best for your adventure!
| Bus (from HSR) | Bus (from TRA) | Car Service (Taxi/Shared/Private) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Departure | Taichung HSR Station | Taichung TRA Station (Gancheng) | Your Hotel or Chosen Location |
| Approx. Price | NT$166 (one-way) | NT$193 (one-way) | Taxi: NT$1,800-2,500 per car; Shared: NT$300-500 per person; Private: NT$2,000-3,500 per car |
| Travel Time | 1.5 hours | 2 hours | 1.5 - 2 hours |
| Flexibility | Fixed schedule, fixed stops | Fixed schedule, fixed stops | High (your schedule, optional stops!) |
| Best For | Solo travelers who depart from Taichung HSR Station | Solo travelers who depart from Taichung TRA Station | Families, groups, lots of luggage, comfort, directness |
#1. Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Bus Route 1 (1.5h): Taichung HSR to Sun Moon Lake
For anyone arriving in Taichung by High-Speed Rail, continuing on to Sun Moon Lake couldn't be easier! Just hop on the shuttle bus from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake, and you'll be set.
Just a quick heads-up: the main bus routes are 6670B.E.F and 6670A.D. Some of these might make a few stops in Puli along the way, so the journey might vary slightly, but don't worry, they'll all get you exactly where you need to go in Sun Moon Lake!
Where to Hop On: Just make your way to Exit 5 on the 1st floor of Taichung HSR Station. I'd suggest getting in line for the bus about 10 minutes before it's set to leave.
Where You'll Arrive: The bus will drop you off right in the heart of beautiful Sun Moon Lake. Couldn't be easier!
Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Bus Timetable (Taichung HSR Station Departure)
Here's a handy breakdown of the Taichung to Sun Moon Lake bus schedule from Taichung HSR Station:
| Sun Moon Lake Line | Price | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taichung (HSR Station) to Sun Moon Lake | NT$166 | 07:45-19:10 | 09:05-20:30 | 1.5h | Every 10-60 minutes |
| Sun Moon Lake to Taichung (HSR Station) | NT$166 | 06:50-18:25 | 07:50-19:50 | 1.5h | Every 10-60 minutes |
See? The Taichung to Sun Moon Lake bus fare is a very wallet-friendly NT$166 for a one-way ticket, and the ride itself only takes about 1.5 hours.
Good news: you'll find over 25 Taichung to Sun Moon Lake bus services running every single day.
#2. Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Bus Route 2 (2h): TRA Taichung Station to Sun Moon Lake
Starting from Taichung's main TRA Station? Great! Your ride to Sun Moon Lake by shuttle bus from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake is also easy.
Boarding Point: Just a quick 3-minute walk from the TRA Station gets you to Taichung Gancheng Station. This is where you hop on the bus.
Arrival Point: The bus will take you directly to Sun Moon Lake.
Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Bus Schedule (From Taichung TRA Station)
Here's a handy look at the Taichung to Sun Moon Lake bus schedule from Taichung TRA Station (Gancheng Station):
| Sun Moon Lake Line | Price | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taichung (TRA Station) to Sun Moon Lake | NT$193 | 07:20-18:45 | 09:05-20:30 | 2h | Every 10-60 minutes |
| Sun Moon Lake to Taichung (TRA Station) | NT$193 | 06:50-18:25 | 09:15-20:15 | 2h | Every 10-60 minutes |
As you can see, the Taichung to Sun Moon Lake bus fare is a very reasonable NT$193 for a one-way trip, and the ride itself takes about 2 hours.
Buses run pretty often, so you won't be waiting around for long! You'll find over 25 bus services every day, making it a really flexible option.
#3. Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Taxi, Shared or Private Car (1.5-2h): Which Is Better?
Wondering which car option is best, especially if you're with family (kids or elders) or have lots of luggage? Let's compare the Taichung to Sun Moon Lake taxi and other car services!
| Taxi | Shared or Private Car | |
|---|---|---|
| Fare | NT$1,800~2,500 one-way | Private: NT$2,000~3,500/car (5-8 seats); Shared: NT$300~500/person |
| Travel Time | 1.5-2h | 1.5-2h |
| Flexibility | Pickup/drop-off only, no scenic stops | Flexible route, optional stops (e.g., Puli Distillery) |
| Best for | Up to 3 people, last-minute travel, higher budget | Families with elders or kids, groups, or lots of luggage |
| Booking | Hail on the spot | KKday, Klook, or Asia Odyssey Travel |
Choosing Asia Odyssey Travel means opting for comfort, flexibility, and great value! We offer 9-seater vehicles, helping you maximize comfort while keeping the per-person cost down. Contact us!
How to Book Your Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake?
Booking your Taichung to Sun Moon Lake bus ticket is super easy!
At the Station: You can buy tickets directly at the Nantou Bus counter at:
- Taichung Gancheng Station (No. 35-8, Section 1, Shuangshi Road, North District)
- Taichung HSR Station (1st floor, Exit 5, Platform 3)
Online: For convenience, buy your tickets online (ntbus.welcometw.com/).
Online Ticket Pickup: If you buy online, simply exchange your booking code for a ticket at the Nantou Bus counter at either Taichung Gancheng Station or Taichung HSR Station.
How to Plan a Sun Moon Lake Day Trip from Taichung? Step by Step!
Your Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Day Trip
Want to make the most of your day? Here's a simple plan for your Taichung to Sun Moon Lake day trip:
Step 1. Early Start Strategy: Take the 07:20 AM Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus from Taichung. You'll arrive at Sun Moon Lake by 09:05 AM, ready to explore!
Step 2. The Best Sun Moon Lake Day Trip Route: Shuishe Pier → Lake Cruise → Xuanguang Pier → Grandma's Tea Eggs, Xuanguang Temple & Xuanzang Temple → Ita Thao Pier → Ita Thao Old Street → Ita Thao Trail → Ita Thao Pier → Lake Cruise → Shuishe Pier → Cycling the "Water Bicycle Path" → Xiangshan Visitor Center.
The biking route stretches from Shuishe Pier to Xiangshan Visitor Center, very impressive!
10 Sun Moon Lake Things to Do (in 1 Day): Well-planned!
Step 3. Return Trip Reminder: The last bus from Sun Moon Lake to Taichung departs at 18:25 (6:25 PM). Make sure you get to the station and queue at least 30 minutes before departure!
Extend Your Trip to Discover More of Taiwan
Keep your Taiwan adventure going! For those looking to explore even more things to do in Taiwan after your time at Sun Moon Lake, we've got some ready-made tour plans at Asia Odyssey Travel just for you!
- Connect with Alishan and Taipei
This journey kicks off with an airport pickup in Taipei. Then, spend a day soaking in Sun Moon Lake with a relaxing boat cruise. After that, we'll take you on a refreshing day trip to Alishan, perfect for breathing in that crisp mountain air!
This tour happily wraps up in Chiayi.
- Connect with Alishan, Taipei and Kaohsiung
We start with a great 3-day tour exploring Taipei. From there, you'll visit the stunning Sun Moon Lake, then head to the majestic Alishan mountains, and finally, spend a full day discovering the lively southern city of Kaohsiung.
This amazing, multi-region trip ends right there in Kaohsiung.
Join Asia Odyssey Travel's Group Tour from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake!
So, there you have it! Whether you're heading straight for a beautiful Sun Moon Lake day trip from Taichung, or you're eager to discover more of Taiwan's gems, getting around is truly easier than you might think.
I really hope this guide has made your travel planning a breeze. Remember, your comfort is our top priority! At Asia Odyssey Travel, we help you sort out all the little details, from private rides to itinerary DIY just for you.
For more practical Taiwan travel guides, check out our articles on Taipei to Sun Moon Lake, Sun Moon Lake to Alishan, things to do in Taiwan, Taiwan food, and Taiwan transportation!
Taiwan is waiting, and we can't wait for you to see its beauty. Happy exploring, and we look forward to seeing you here soon!
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