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Taipei to Sun Moon Lake Distance: 210-235 km
The distance from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake varies depending on your chosen route.
By road, the shortest path is about 210 kilometers. If you take the train route, it's a bit longer, usually around 235 kilometers.
Taipei to Sun Moon Lake: Picking Your Way
Your best choice depends on your group size, how much luggage you have, your budget, and how quickly you want to arrive.
| Direct Bus | Shared or Private Car | Taipei HSR + Bus | Taipei TRA + Bus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | 4h | 3.5h | 2.5h | 3.5-5h |
| Cost (NT$) | 401-496 | 600-1400 (per person for 5 or 9-seater shared car) | 841-1416 | 515-693 |
| Convenience | No transfer | Goes right to hotel | Needs transfer | Needs transfer |
| Flexibility | Only 4 trips a day (must match times) | Book any time; leave when you want | Set times for HSR/bus (book early) | Many trips, but some are long |
| Extra Services | / | Driver-guide, change plans, add stops | / | / |
| Best for | Low budget / okay with longer trips | Families/Groups/Elders or many bags | Single/Couples (want speed) | Students/Backpackers (cheap) |
| My Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
So, how do you choose your perfect ride from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake? Here's my simple rule:
✔ Traveling with family or elders? A private or shared car offers unmatched ease.
✔ Need to save time? Pick the HSR plus bus option.
✔ On a budget and enjoy longer rides? The direct bus is for you!
Plan A. Taipei to Sun Moon Lake Bus (4h): Direct, But Slower
This bus is your go-to if you love a direct journey without any transfers. It's a straightforward choice, even if the total travel time stretches a little longer.
You'll hop on the 1833 route, departing from Taipei Bus Station and heading directly to Sun Moon Lake's Shuishe Pier. Fares usually range from NT$401-496. And expect the trip to take 4 hours.
Heads Up! With limited daily departures (only 4 buses daily), you'll need to plan your day precisely around their fixed schedule!
Taipei Departures: The first bus leaves at 7:00 AM, with other departures at 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, and a final bus at 3:20 PM. Those early morning services tend to fill up fast, so booking ahead is a smart move!
| Kuo-Kuang Bus (1833) | Price | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei to Sun Moon Lake | NT$401-496 | 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 15:20 | 11:00; 12:00; 13:00; 19:20 | 4h | 4 buses daily |
| Sun Moon Lake to Taipei | NT$401-496 | 09:45; 14:45; 16:45 | 13:45; 18:45; 20:45 | 4h | 3 buses daily |
How to Book the Bus Ticket from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake?
Book Online: You can book your tickets through the Kuo-Kuang Bus official website (order.kingbus.com.tw).
Book at the Station: Tickets can be bought directly at Taipei Bus Station (from counter 30 on the 1st floor). For your return journey, just purchase your ticket at the Shuishe bus waiting area in Sun Moon Lake.
I'd suggest buying on-site only for weekdays during non-peak seasons to avoid queues!
When to Book? Tickets typically become available for booking 15 days before your travel date.
Getting Online Tickets: Collect your tickets at convenience stores like 7-11, FamilyMart, or Hi-Life. You'll just need your ID number and phone number, and a small service fee (NT$8) will apply.
Plan B. Travel from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake by Car (3.5h): Fast, and No Transfer
For the ultimate in comfort, flexibility, and convenience, especially if you're traveling as a family or a group, a direct car service is the top-tier choice. This option gets you from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake in about 3.5 hours.
How much does it cost? For shared car services (in 5 or 9-seater vehicles), expect to pay around NT$600-1400 per person.
Asia Odyssey Travel can assist you. We offer private or shared car services, and even Sun Moon Lake day trips! Why choose us?
Door-to-Door Service: You'll be picked up right from your Taipei hotel and whisked directly to Sun Moon Lake. No wrestling with luggage or stressing over transfers and waiting at busy stations – what a relief!
Total Departure Flexibility: You're in charge! Book your car 24 hours a day and depart precisely when it suits your schedule.
Luggage Freedom: Say goodbye to luggage worries! A 9-seater car can accommodate 4 to 6 large (28-inch) suitcases – a huge advantage over potentially crowded train or bus luggage racks.
Optional Scenic Stops & Driver-Guide Insights: Here's where it gets really fun! With a car, you can add scenic stops (e.g. Cingjing Farm) along the way at no extra charge. Plus, your driver doubles as a guide, sharing insider insights about the region as you travel.
Plan C. Taipei to Sun Moon Lake Train (2.5h by HSR): Your Fastest Bet via Taichung
This option is perfect if you prioritize speed and efficiency. It's the quickest way to travel from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake, with HSR trains running often.
Step 1. Taipei HSR to Taichung (1h)
Start your trip on the High-Speed Rail (HSR). You'll go from Taipei HSR Station to Taichung HSR Station, taking NT$675 to 1250. These trains are frequent, zipping off roughly every 10 minutes, from early morning until late evening!
The high speed train journey takes 1 hour.
| THSR | Price | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei to Taichung | NT$675-1250 | 06:26-23:00 | 07:30-23:59 | 1h | Every 10 minutes |
| Taichung to Taipei | NT$675-1250 | 06:56-23:03 | 06:05-23:49 | 1h | Every 10 minutes |
- Buying Your HSR Tickets:
Official Sites: Book on the Taiwan High Speed Rail website (www.thsrc.com.tw) or their app. Look for Early Bird Discounts; booking 28 days ahead can save you up to 35%!
At the Station: Of course, you can always buy tickets directly at Taipei Main Station. Just use self-service machines or ticket counters. Expect lines during busy times!
- Getting Your HSR Tickets:
If you booked online, picking up your paper tickets at any HSR station's self-service machines is simple. Just use your booking code or ID.
Step 2. Connect with a Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Bus (1.5h)
After your lightning-fast HSR ride to Taichung, the next part of your journey is a comfy bus trip straight to Sun Moon Lake.
Buses are frequent, with around 25 services daily. They leave every 10-60 minutes, and the bus ride itself takes about 1.5 hours. A one-way ticket from Taichung HSR Station (Xinwuri) to Sun Moon Lake costs about NT$166.
Where to Depart: Just head over to Exit 5 on the 1st floor of Taichung HSR Station. It's super easy to find!
Where You Arrive: The bus will drop you off right in the main area of beautiful Sun Moon Lake.
| 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 |
- Buying Your Bus Ticket:
Online: You can easily grab your tickets through the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle official website or the Nantou Bus App.
Convenience Stores: For that extra bit of ease, you can pick up tickets directly at 7-11 or FamilyMart stores. Just a quick note, there's a small NT$8 service fee.
At the Station: Tickets are also available right at the bus counter located at Exit 5 on the 1st floor of Taichung HSR Station.
- Getting Your Bus Tickets:
If you've bought your tickets online, collect them at the counter at Exit 5 on the 1st floor of Taichung HSR Station. Super simple!
Plan D. Taipei to Sun Moon Lake Train (3.5-5h by TRA): Slower, Transfer via Taichung
This option is an economic choice, suited for budget-conscious travelers like students or backpackers who are fine with a longer journey and a transfer.
Step 1. Taipei TRA to Taichung (1.5-3h)
You'll begin by hopping on a Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) train from Taipei TRA Station down to Taichung TRA Station.
If you're in a bit of a hurry, faster options like the Tze-Chiang Limited Express or Puyuma Express will get you there quicker. For a more laid-back feel, local "Jian-Chiang" trains are slower.
| TRA | Price | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei to Taichung | NT$322-500 | 05:24-21:00 | 07:57-23:21 | 1.5-3.5h | Every 10-60 minutes |
| Taichung to Taipei | NT$322-500 | 05:23-21:43 | 08:45-00:02 | 1.5-3.5h | Every 10-60 minutes |
- Buying Your TRA Tickets:
TRA Official Website: You can easily book your tickets through the TRA official website (tickets for faster trains usually go on sale 14 days in advance).
Convenience Stores: Tickets can also be purchased at 7-11 or FamilyMart stores using their in-store kiosks (a small NT$8 service fee applies).
At the Station: You can buy tickets directly at the ticket windows or self-service machines at Taipei Main Station. A little tip: try to avoid public holidays for this method to bypass those long queues!
- Getting Your TRA Tickets:
Station Pickup: Grab your physical tickets at any TRA station's self-service machines using your booking code – it's free!
Convenience Store Pickup: While there's a small NT$8 service fee, convenience stores offer super long operating hours (usually 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM), making it a flexible option.
Step 2. Connect with a Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Bus (2h)
Once you arrive at Taichung TRA Station, it's just a short, easy walk to catch your connecting bus to Sun Moon Lake.
A one-way ticket costs around NT$193. And buses are quite frequent, with around 25 services daily, departing every 10-60 minutes. The bus ride itself takes about 2 hours.
Boarding Point: From Taichung TRA Station, it's just about a 3-minute stroll to Taichung Gancheng Station, where you'll board your bus.
Arrival Point: The bus will take you directly to Sun Moon Lake.
| 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 | 07:25-18:25 | 09:15-20:15 | 2h | Every 10-60 minutes |
- Buying Your Bus Ticket:
Online: Tickets are available via the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle official website or the Nantou Bus App.
Convenience Stores: You can buy and pick up tickets at 7-11 or FamilyMart stores (a small NT$8 service fee applies).
At the Station: Purchase your ticket directly at the Gancheng Station counter.
- Getting Online Bus Tickets:
If you've bought your tickets online, you can pick them up at the Gancheng Station counter, which, as a reminder, is just a 3-minute walk from Taichung TRA Station.
Planning Your Sun Moon Lake Day Trip from Taipei & Local Transportation
What to do at Sun Moon Lake? Once you've arrived at Sun Moon Lake, the very best ways to truly soak in its breathtaking beauty are by boating, cycling, and hiking.
Here's our suggested Taipei to Sun Moon Lake day trip route, mixing boating, hiking and cycling:
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.
Sun Moon Lake Cruise (A Must-Do!): A full-day pass (around NT$300) allows you to hop on and off at the main piers: Shuishe, Xuanguang, and Ita Thao. Boats depart every 30 minutes.
Hiking: Take your time to stroll the scenic Ita Thao Trail around Sun Moon Lake.
Cycling: You can rent bicycles near the Shuishe Pier or Xiangshan Visitor Center for around NT$300 for 3 hours. The most picturesque section, the "Water Bicycle Path," runs from Xiangshan Visitor Center to Shuishe Pier – truly a breathtaking ride!
Your Next Steps: Heading Home or Exploring More of Taiwan?
After a full day soaking in the beauty of Sun Moon Lake, it's time to think about your journey back to Taipei or connect with more Taiwan attractions.
For Your Return Journey from Sun Moon Lake to Taipei
Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus back to Taichung HSR Station, and then transfer to the HSR for your swift journey back to Taipei.
The last bus from Sun Moon Lake to Taichung HSR departs around 7:50 PM. This should give you plenty of time to catch the last HSR train to Taipei (which departs around 11:49 PM).
To ensure a smooth connection, I recommend allowing at least 1.5 hours for your transfer!
20 Must Do in Taipei: Top Things to Do & Non-Touristy Spots
Explore More Attractions in Taiwan
If you're looking for more Taiwan things to do after Sun Moon Lake, we've got some combined tour plans at Asia Odyssey Travel just for you!
Connect with Alishan and Taipei: This journey starts with a Taipei airport pickup. You'll enjoy a full day on Sun Moon Lake with a boat cruise, then a day trip to Alishan for fresh mountain air. This tour comfortably ends in Chiayi.
Connect with Alishan, Taipei and Kaohsiung: For a deeper adventure, begin with a 3-day tour exploring Taipei city and nearby. Then visit beautiful Sun Moon Lake, the majestic Alishan mountains, and spend a full day discovering lively Kaohsiung city. This amazing trip concludes right in Kaohsiung.
Travel from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake with Asia Odyssey Travel
Whether you prioritize speed, sticking to a budget, or simply desire the ultimate comfort, Asia Odyssey Travel is here to help you plan your perfect day trip from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake.
We offer seamless car services and are ready to assist you in crafting an itinerary that perfectly aligns with your every need and travel style. Also, we offer local insights on Taiwan travel guide:
✔ When is the Best Time to Visit Taiwan? Fall (Oct to Nov) or spring (Mar to May).
✔ What to do in Taiwan? Here are the top 13 Taiwan things to do with an island loop tour.
✔ Is Taiwan worth visiting? Check the reasons!
Travel with us to make your Taiwan adventure fun, every step of the way!
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