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Taipei to Hualien Map & Transportation Options Overview
Look at the map, Hualien is located on the east coast of Taiwan, while Taipei sits on the northern tip of the island. They’re well connected by trains and highways.
| Way | Travel Time | Fare (NTD/USD) | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (TRA Express) | 2-3.5 h | NT$583 (~$20) | Most travelers, best and fastest way |
| Bus + Train | 3.5-4 h | NT$434+ (~$15+) | Backpackers, Budget travelers |
| Private Car | 3.5-5 h | NT$1,000+ (~$34+) per person | Family trips, travelers seeking flexibility |
| Flight | 1 h | NT$1,500+ (~$50+) one way |
Taipei to Hualien Train (TRA): Best Way, 2-3 hours
No high speed rail, so regular TRA is the best way to travel from Taipei to Hualien.
Over 30 TRA trains departure from Taipei TRA Station and arrive at Hualien Railway Station every day.
Puyuma, Taroko, Tze-Chiang 3000, and Tze-Chiang are the fastest and most popular options.
TRA Travel Time & Ticket Price
Travel time by TRA train from Taipei to Hualien ranges from 2h 14m to 3h 48m. Puyuma, Taroko and Tze-Chiang 3000 trains run fastest for less than 3 hours. The standard reserved seat is 2+2 layout with the price of US$20.
The following table tells the detailed information about different TRA trains between Taipei and Hualien with travel time, frequency, and ticket price.
| Train Type | Travel Time | Frequency | Reserved Seat (2+2) | Premium Seat (1+2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puyuma | 2-2.5 h | 7+ Daily | NT$583 (~$20) | None |
| Taroko | 2h 18m | 2+ Daily | NT$583 (~$20) | None |
| Tze-Chiang 3000 | 2-3 h | 16+ Daily | NT$583 (~$20) | NT$1,067 (~$36) |
| Tze-Chiang | 3-3.5 h | 5+ Daily | NT$583 (~$20) | None |
| Local Train | 3.5 h | 4+ Daily | NT$376 (~$13) | None |
Tickets sell out quickly on weekends and holidays. You can book online via the TRA official website, or purchase tickets at any train station or convenience store kiosks (7-Eleven, FamilyMart).
Train Scenery – Endless Pacific Ocean View Along Taiwan’s East Coast
Once the train leaves Taipei and passes through Yilan, the real magic begins. You’ll find yourself hugging the Pacific coastline, with breathtaking ocean views on one side and towering green mountains on the other.
The train glides through a series of tunnels and bridges carved into cliffs, offering panoramic glimpses of the Pacific Ocean, often just meters away from your window.
Best Views: Sit on the right side of the train (facing forward from Taipei to Hualien) for the best sea views.
Taipei to Hualien Bus + Train
There is no direct bus from Taipei to Hualien. But if train tickets are sold out, one choice is that taking a bus to Luodong and then a train to Hualien.
Step 1: Take a Bus from Taipei to Luodong
From Taipei Bus Station or Taipei City Hall Bus Station, hop on a bus to Luodong, a town in Yilan County. The ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and buses run frequently all day.
The ticket price is about NT$146 (~$5)
Step 2: Train from Luodong to Hualien
Luodong Railway Station is just 5-minute-walk from Luodong Rear Station (Bus Station). From there, you can take a TRA train to Hualien. The train ride takes 1-2 hours.
Over 40+ daily trains run from Luodong to Hualien. Puyuma, Taroko, and Tze-Chiang 3000 only need 1 hour to get to Hualien, while the Tze-Chiang needs 1.5 hours, and the local trains need 2 hours.
Ticket price for the reserved seats is NT$288 (~$10), and the local trains is much cheaper, only NT$185 (~$6).
This route is a reliable backup, especially during weekends or holiday seasons when direct trains from Taipei sell out fast.
Taipei to Hualien by Car: 3.5-4.5 hours
Want full flexibility and a front-row seat to Taiwan’s east coast beauty? Traveling from Taipei to Hualien by private car is a scenic and customizable option.
The drive takes about 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the route and traffic. Most travelers take Highway 5 through Yilan, then continue along the stunning Suhua Highway, a coastal road carved into cliffs with jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean.
If you hire a local driver or join a private transfer service, you can stop at beautiful spots like Nanfang’ao Lookout. Asia Odyssey Travel offers local Hualien tour packages.
It’s perfect for families, small groups, or anyone wanting a smooth door-to-door ride without hauling luggage across train stations.
- Cost: NT$4,000 - 7,000 (~US$130 - 230) one-way, depending on vehicle type and whether sightseeing stops are included.
- Tip: Avoid traveling during rush hours or typhoon season, coastal roads may be closed during heavy weather.
Taipei to Hualien Flight: 50 Minutes
Surprise! There’s actually a flight from Taipei to Hualien! While most travelers take the train, flying is a fast and easy option, especially if you're short on time or just want a different experience.
Flights depart from Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA), right in the city center, and land at Hualien Airport (HUN) in just about 50 minutes. Compared to the winding 3-hour train ride through the mountains, this is a much quicker way to reach Taiwan’s stunning east coast.
However, flights are limited, usually 1–2 flights per day, mainly operated by Uni Air or Mandarin Airlines, so it’s best to book in advance.
- Ticket Price: NT$1,500–2,500 (~US$ 50–80) one way, depending on the airline and season.
- Convenient Airports: Songshan Airport is easily accessible via MRT in downtown Taipei, and Hualien Airport is just 15 minutes from Hualien City.
- Best for: busy travelers, families with kids, or anyone who wants to skip the train transfer and save time.
How to Plan a Taipei to Hualien Trip
A trip from Taipei to Hualien can be a simple round-trip getaway or part of a longer Taiwan island loop. Just note — as of now, Taroko Gorge and Qingshui Cliff remain closed due to damage from the 2024 earthquake.
However, Hualien still has scenic spots like Qixingtan Beach, so it’s worth a visit.
We recommend traveling counterclockwise around the island, allowing you to enjoy dramatic Pacific Ocean views from both the coastal highway and railway.
Here’s a sample itinerary:
Days 1–4: Explore Taipei & Its Surroundings
Visit highlights like Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, Beitou Hot Springs, and Yangmingshan National Park.
Day 5: Taipei → Sun Moon Lake
Make a stop in Taichung for lunch, then head to Sun Moon Lake for a peaceful boat ride and lakeside stroll.
Day 6: Sun Moon Lake → Alishan → Chiayi (overnight)
Drive or take a tour up to Alishan, famous for its towering cypress forests, sunrise views, and old mountain trains. Stay overnight in Chiayi.
Day 7: Chiayi → Kaohsiung
Before leaving Chiayi, visit the charming Hinoki Village. Then head to Kaohsiung to see Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum and enjoy harbor city vibes.
Day 8: Kaohsiung → Taitung
Travel along the southern coast, stopping by Donggang or Dapeng Bay, and continue through the laid-back eastern region to Taitung.
Day 9: Taitung → Hualien
This stretch offers some of the most beautiful coastal views in Taiwan. Enjoy hot springs, rice terraces, or just soak in the East Coast’s natural beauty.
Day 10: Hualien → Taipei
Head back to Taipei by train or private transfer. If Taroko Gorge has reopened by then, it’s a must-stop before returning.
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
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