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5 Taipei to Alishan Transport Options: A Quick Comparison
Let's start with a quick overview of all your choices for how to get from Taipei to Alishan, comparing time, cost, and frequency to help you find your perfect fit. This will give you the big picture before we dive into the details!
| Taipei to Alishan Transport | Time | Total Cost | Frequency | My Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared or Private Car | 4-5h | Shared 5-7 people: NT1,186-1,660/person; Private: NT8,300/car | Bookable 24/7, flexible departure | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Taipei HSR to Chiayi + Bus to Alishan (Route A) | 3.5-4.5h | NT$1323-1358 | HSR every 10-30 mins; Bus Route A: 4 daily | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Taipei TRA to Chiayi + Bus to Alishan (Route B) | 5-9h | NT$723-1233 | TRA every 10-30 mins; Bus Route B: 9 daily | ⭐⭐ |
| Taipei TRA to Chiayi + Train to Alishan | 5-9h | NT$1023-1083 | TRA every 10-30 mins; Forest Railway: 2 daily uphill | ⭐ |
| Night Bus | 6h | NT$690 | Only Fri, Sat (Summer: 8:45 PM; Winter: 9:45 PM) | ⭐ |
For the ultimate ease and comfort, my personal rating is leaning towards a private/shared car.
Your fastest option: the High-Speed Rail (HSR) + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Route A combo.
If you're on a tight budget, the TRA train combined with Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Route B is the most economical, but it does take longer.
As for the direct night bus, I generally don't recommend it due to limited frequency and the tiring journey, unless you're an "elite traveler" aiming to catch the Alishan sunrise!
Distance from Taipei to Alishan: 260-330 km
Before we dive into the specific transport options, let's talk about the Taipei to Alishan distance. The actual driving distance is roughly 260 to 330 kilometers (about 160-205 miles), depending on your exact route and road conditions.
Under smooth traffic, a drive can take about 4 hours. However, during holidays or in rainy weather, it might stretch to 5 hours, as the mountain roads are quite winding and prone to fog.
Be prepared for a scenic, but sometimes winding, journey!
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#1. Direct from Taipei to Alishan by Car (4-5h): The Ultimate Door-to-Door Service (My Top Pick!)
Compared to all the other Taipei to Alishan transport options, booking a private or shared car is, hands down, the easiest and most comfortable way to get there. Here's why it's my top recommendation:
| Taipei to Alishan | By Car | Taipei HSR to Chiayi + Bus to Alishan (Route A) | Taipei TRA to Chiayi + Bus to Alishan (Route B) | Taipei TRA to Chiayi + Train to Alishan | Night Bus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4-5h | 3.5-4.5h | 5-9h | 5-9h | 6h |
| Transfer | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Convenience | ★★★★★ | ★★☆ | ★★☆ | ★★☆ | ★★★☆ |
| Flexibility | ★★★★★ (Can add scenic stops) | ★☆☆ (Fixed route) | ★☆☆ (Fixed route) | ★☆☆ (Fixed route) | ★☆☆ (Fixed route) |
No More Transfers & Waiting: A private or shared car offers direct, door-to-door service, taking only 4-5 hours total. This saves you 30-40% of travel time compared to TRA + bus (5-9 hours) or the direct night bus (6 hours 10 minutes)!
Driver as Your Local Guide & Flexible Taiwan Taiwan Itinerary: When you book a private car, your driver often acts as a guide. You can set your own departure time. Plus, you can request extra stops at scenic spots like Fenqihu or the Tianchangdijiu Bridge.
Private Space & Comfort: You can choose a 9-seater vehicle. Compared to potentially crowded public transport, the comfort level is a significant upgrade.
So, how to book? Want a worry-free, efficient Taipei to Alishan tour? Just contact Asia Odyssey Travel! We'll handle all the details for a seamless experience.
#2. Taipei to Alishan Train Route 1 (3.5-4.5h): Taipei HSR to Chiayi + Bus to Alishan (Route A)
This is my top recommendation if speed is your absolute priority. It's the fastest public transport combo to get you from Taipei to Alishan!
Total Estimated Time: Your combined Taipei to Alishan journey will take 3.5-4.5 hours. You might even find some combo tickets (HSR + bus package) for around NT$850, which can offer a discount!
Step 1. Taipei to Chiayi High Speed Train (1-1.5h)
The HSR is Taiwan's lightning-fast train! Taipei's high-speed trains depart from Taipei HSR Station.
| THSR | Price | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei to Chiayi | NT$1045-1080 | 06:26-22:16 | 08:09-23:29 | 1-1.5h | Every 10 to 30 mins |
| Chiayi to Taipei | NT$1045-1080 | 06:21-22:32 | 07:44-23:59 | 1-1.5h | Every 10 to 30 mins |
Step 2. Chiayi to Alishan Bus Route A (2.5-3h)
Once you arrive at Chiayi HSR Station, head to Exit 2, Platform 7, to catch the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Route A bus.
This bus ride takes about 2.5-3 hours, 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.
| Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Route A | Price | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7329 | NT$278 | 09:30 | 12:00 | 2.5h | Daily |
| 7329 | NT$278 | 10:10 | 12:40 | 2.5h | Daily |
| 7329 A | NT$278 | 11:00 | 14:05 | 3h (incl. 30min stop at Fenqihu) | Daily |
| 7329 | NT$278 | 13:10 | 15:40 | 2.5h | Daily |
| Alishan to Chiayi Bus (Return) | NT$278 | 10:10, 13:30, 14:40, 16:40 | 13:10, 16:10, 17:10, 19:10 | 2.5-3h | Daily |
Booking Tips: Always double check the bus schedule and book your tickets online via the official Taiwan Tourist Shuttle website: taiwantrip.com.tw/Frontend/Reservation/Ticket!
#3. Taipei to Alishan Train Route 2 (5-9h): Taipei TRA to Chiayi + Bus to Alishan (Route B)
This route is your budget-friendly pick, offering more flexible bus timings once you reach Chiayi.
Total Estimated Time: Your overall Taipei to Alishan journey using this combo can range from 5-9 hours.
Step 1. Taipei to Chiayi Train (2.5-6h)
You'll take a regular TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration) train from Taipei to Chiayi TRA Station.
The "Tze-Chiang Limited Express" (自强号) trains are faster, getting you there in as little as 2.5 hours, but they cost more. Local trains (区间车) are slower, taking up to 6 hours, but are cheaper.
| TRA | Price | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei to Chiayi | NT$483-750 | 05:45-19:30 | 11:24-23:01 | 2.5-6h | Every 10 to 30 mins |
| Chiayi to Taipei | NT$483-750 | 05:36-20:28 | 10:46-00:02 | 2.5-6h | Every 10 to 30 mins |
Step 2. Chiayi to Alishan Bus Route B (2.5-3h)
Once you're at Chiayi TRA Station, head to the bus stop right in front of the station to catch Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Route B.
This bus route offers 9 daily departures (from 06:05 AM to 02:10 PM), and the ride takes about 2.5-3 hours. A one-way ticket costs NT$240.
| Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Route B | Price | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7322 | NT$240 | 06:05, 08:10, 10:10, 14:10 | 08:40, 10:40, 12:40, 16:40 | 2.5h | Daily |
| 7322A | NT$240 | 12:10 | 15:10 | 3h (incl. 30min stop at Fenqihu) | Daily |
| 7322C | NT$240 | 07:10, 08:40, 09:10, 11:10 | 09:40, 11:10, 11:40, 13:40 | 2.5h | Daily |
| 7322D | NT$240 | 09:40 | 12:40 | 3h (incl. 30min stop at Fenqihu) | Daily |
| Alishan to Chiayi (Return) | NT$240 | 09:10-17:10 | 11:55-19:40 | 2-2.5h | 9 buses daily |
Note & Booking: Double check the bus schedule and book your tickets online via the official Taiwan Tourist Shuttle website: taiwantrip.com.tw/Frontend/Reservation/Ticket
#4. Taipei to Alishan Train Route 3 (5-9h): Taipei TRA to Chiayi + Train to Alishan
This route is truly for the railway enthusiasts or those who aren't in a hurry and want a unique, nostalgic experience!
Total Estimated Time: Your combined journey will take between 5-9 hours.
Step 1. Taipei to Chiayi Train (2.5-6h)
As above, you'll take a regular TRA train from Taipei Main Station to Chiayi TRA Station.
Step 2. Chiayi to Alishan Train (2.5-3h)
From Chiayi TRA Station, you'll connect to the Alishan Forest Railway.
| Alishan Forest Railway | Price | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiayi to Alishan Train (Uphill) | NT$540 | 09:00 | 12:30 | 3.5h | Daily |
| Chiayi to Alishan Train (Uphill) | NT$600 | 10:00 | 14:56 | 5h (incl. 1h stop at Fenqihu) | Daily |
| Alishan to Chiayi Train (Downhill) | NT$540 | 11:50 | 15:45 | 3.5h | Daily |
| Alishan to Chiayi Train (Downhill) | NT$600 | 10:00 | 14:56 | 5h (incl. 1h stop at Fenqihu) | Daily |
Heads Up! The Alishan Forest Railway tickets are highly sought after and open for booking 14 days before your travel date. They often sell out in seconds during peak season!
How to Book? Please double check the bus schedule and book your tickets online via the official Alishan Forest Railway website: afrts.forest.gov.tw/TI01_1.aspx
#5. Direct Night Bus from Taipei to Alishan (6h): Only Runs on Every Friday & Saturday
This option is for the super budget-conscious, those who prefer no transfers, or "elite travelers" aiming for the Alishan sunrise! I don't generally recommend it unless you're prepared for a long overnight bus ride.
Tip for Sunrise Chasers: If you're using this bus to see the Alishan sunrise, remember that the daily schedule updates for the Alishan to Zhushan train are posted at 4:30 PM the day before (check official website: afrts.forest.gov.tw/TP01_1.aspx). This train takes you to the sunrise observation deck!
| Kuo-Kuang Bus | Price | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei to Alishan (Route 1835) | NT$690 | Summer (March-Oct): 8:45 PM; Winter (Nov-Feb): 9:45 PM | Next day 03:00 AM | 6h | Every Fri, Sat |
The bus ride departs from Taipei Bus Station and arrives at Alishan Bus Station. The whole journey takes about 6 hours 10 minutes. No transfers needed, and the bus often provides Wi-Fi/USB charging.
Night travel can be tiring, and the frequency is very limited, so advance booking is essential!
Is One-day Taipei to Alishan Tour Possible? Let's Sort It Out!
Conquer Alishan in a Day: A Trip from Taipei
Yes, while a Taipei to Alishan day trip packs a lot in, it's possible! However, I only recommend it for those with limited time. Success hinges on an early morning departure, focusing on the core scenic spots, and strict time management for the return!
- Transport Recommendations for a Day Trip
If your budget allows: Go for a private or shared car. It's the most time-efficient option and drops you right at the scenic area.
For a balance of cost-effectiveness: Take the HSR + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Route A. Aim to arrive at Chiayi before 09:00 AM to catch the 09:30 AM Route A bus.
- Sample Itinerary (Private Car Option)
| Suggested Schedule | Suggested Itinerary |
|---|---|
| 06:00 AM | Depart from Taipei (enjoy breakfast in the car). |
| 10:30 AM | Arrive at Alishan Forest Recreation Area (purchase entrance ticket, NT$300). |
| 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (Quick tour of core attractions) | Take the Alishan Station → Zhaoping Station forest train (6 mins, NT$100). Zhaoping Park is excellent during cherry blossom season! |
| Walk to Sister Ponds → Giant Trees Trail → Shoujhen Temple (cultural landmark + quick snack stop). | |
| From Sacred Tree Station → Alishan Sacred Tree Remains (a must-see) → Giant Tree Cluster Trail → Xianglin Sacred Tree (pick 3-5 key giant trees) → back to Alishan Station. | |
| 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM | Before heading back, consider a brief stop at the Er Yan Ping Trail observation deck in Xiding for cloud views. |
| 02:00 PM | Depart for Taipei. |
| 06:30 PM | Arrive back in Taipei city. |
If you opt for public transport for a day trip: Be mindful of the last departure times from the park. The last train from Sacred Tree Station to Alishan Station usually departs at 4:10 PM (arriving 4:17 PM) to connect with the last public transport from Alishan to Chiayi.
Consider a Classic 8-Day Taipei to Alishan Route
Want to experience Taiwan at a more relaxed pace and see even more? Consider this classic 8-day Taiwan tour route!
| Where to Go | What to See | Where to Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Taipei | / | Taipei |
| Taipei | Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, Shifen Old Street (sky lanterns) | Taipei |
| Taipei | National Palace Museum, Dadaocheng, Dihua Street, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei 101 (exterior) | Taipei |
| Taipei | Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Geothermal Valley, Yangmingshan | Taipei |
| Taipei to Sun Moon Lake | Pineapple Cake DIY, Sun Moon Lake (boat tour) | Sun Moon Lake |
| Sun Moon Lake to Alishan | Taste fresh high-mountain tea, Alishan Forest Recreation Area | Chiayi |
| Chiayi - Tainan - Kaohsiung | Tainan: Anping Tree House, Anping Fort; Kaohsiung: Sizihwan, Former British Consulate at Takao | Kaohsiung |
| Kaohsiung | Lotus Pond Scenic Area, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center | / |
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel, DIY Your Day Trip from Taipei to Alishan
Planning your Taipei to Alishan journey doesn't have to be complicated! Whether you're considering the speed of the Taipei to Alishan train, the convenience of a Taipei to Alishan bus, or the comfort of Taipei to Alishan by car (private or shared), we're here to help.
At Asia Odyssey Travel, we can help you tailor your perfect Taipei to Alishan tour, ensuring a unique and authentic trip. Why not let us help you DIY your dream Taipei to Alishan adventure?
As your local experts, we know Alishan, Taiwan inside and out! For more in-depth insights, check out these Taiwan travel guides:
✔ Sun Moon Lake to Alishan: 3 Direct Transport Plans
✔ Chiayi to Alishan: Chiayi HSR or Chiayi Station to Alishan?
✔ Taichung to Alishan: Train, Bus or Car in 3h via Chiayi
✔ Alishan Maps: Day Trip Route, Train, Trail Map of Alishan
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