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Taipei to Tainan Distance: How far from Taipei to Tainan?
The distance from Taipei to Tainan is about 320 km (200 miles). You'll travel from the north down to the historic heart of the south. Along the way, you'll pass major hubs like Taichung and Chiayi. For a perfect break, stop in Taichung—the halfway point—for its lively arts scene and amazing food. To taste the best of the island, join the Taiwan Food Tour by Asia Odyssey Travel.
Transportation in Taiwan: Easy Card, HSR, MTR & More (with Map)
Taipei to Tainan Transportation: Which is Better?
| Transport | Time | Cost | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSR (High Speed Rail) | Fastest (~2 hrs) | High | Best Way |
| TAR (Regular Train) | Medium (4-6 hrs) | Medium | Convenience |
| Bus | Slowest (5+ hrs) | Low | Budget |
| Car | Medium (4.5-5 hrs) | High | Flexible |
HSR: This is your best bet. It's fast, easy, and the top choice for most people.
TRA Train: A great way to save cash. It's cheaper than the HSR and drops you right downtown.
Bus: Take the bus if you're on a tight budget. It's the cheapest ride, no question.
Car: This is for adventurers. Drive if you want total freedom to explore.
Taipei to Tainan High Speed Train(HSR): Time, Price & More (Fastest & Best Way)
When you're figuring out how to get from Taipei to Tainan, you'll notice options like buses and regular trains. But let's be honest, the High Speed Rail (HSR) is the only one a traveler should seriously consider.
The reason is simple: time. The HSR gets you there in about 1.5-2 hours. Choosing anything else means you're trading a huge chunk of your vacation day just to be in transit.
Taipei to Tainan High Speed Train Time Table: Over 70+ Trains Daily
One of the best parts about the HSR is its frequency. With over 70 trains running daily between roughly 6:30 AM and 10:30 PM, you'll find a train heading south every 15-20 minutes.
This gives you incredible flexibility. There's no need to plan your entire day around a single departure.
The HSR runs frequently all day (70+ trains daily), typically from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM. A train heads south to Tainan every 20 minutes or so. You don't need to plan your day around a specific departure time; just head to the station when you're ready.
A Traveler's Pro-Tip: While you can often buy tickets right before you travel on weekdays, do not try this on weekends or public holidays. Reserved seats sell out fast. To avoid disappointment, book your tickets in advance.
You can book up to 28 days ahead on the official HSR website, through their app, or at any HSR station in Taiwan.
Taipei to Tainan High Speed Train (HSR) Prices: What to Actually Buy
| Classes | Adult Ticket | Concession Ticket | Group Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Car | NT$1350 | NT$675 | NT$1280 |
| Business Car | NT$2230 | NT$1115 | NT$2115 |
| Non-Reserved Seat | NT$1305 | NT$650 | - |
- Standard Reserved Seat: This is the sweet spot and what I always recommend. You get a comfortable, assigned seat where you can stash your things and relax. For about NT$1,350, it's the perfect blend of comfort and value for the 90-minute ride.
- Business Class: It's definitely more spacious, and you get a free drink and a snack. Is it worth the much higher price of NT$2,230? For most tourists, it's an unnecessary splurge. However, if you're on a business trip or just want to treat yourself, it's a very comfortable ride.
- Non-Reserved Seat: These tickets for Cars 10-12 are slightly cheaper, but you aren't guaranteed a seat. During busy times, you will likely have to stand. Think of this as your last-resort option. If reserved seats are sold out and you absolutely have to make the trip, this is your backup plan.
How to Buy HSR Tickets
Online (Recommended): Use the official Taiwan HSR website or download the T-EX app. Both have excellent English interfaces. You can book, pay with a foreign credit card, and you'll receive a QR code that serves as your ticket.
At the Station: You can use the automated ticket machines (which have English menus) or go to the ticket counter to speak with a staff member.
At a Convenience Store: You can book HSR tickets at the multimedia kiosks (like iBon at 7-Eleven or FamiPort at FamilyMart) found in convenience stores all over Taiwan.
Where to Take the High Speed Train in Taipei
Taipei has a few HSR stations, but let's make this simple: you're going to Taipei Main Station. It's the central transportation hub of the city, connecting the HSR to multiple MRT (subway) lines and the regular train system.
The other stations, Nangang and Banqiao, are for commuters or people living on the far ends of the city.
Arrival at Tainangaotie Station & Getthing into Town
Okay, pay attention, because this is the one part where people get confused. The Tainan HSR station is located on the outskirts of the city, not in the center. Your journey isn't over when you step off the train. You have 3 great choices to complete your journey:
- The TRA Shalun Line (Recommended): This is the most efficient method. It's a local train line built specifically to connect the HSR station to the city. Follow the signs inside the HSR station for "TRA". This train will take you directly to the main Tainan Railway Station in the heart of the city in about 25 minutes.
- The Free HSR Shuttle Bus: A solid freebie if you're not in a rush. Go to Exit 1 and look for the bus stop. Just show your HSR ticket to the driver.
- Taxi: If you're tired, have a ton of luggage, or just want to get straight to your hotel door, grab a taxi. You'll find them lined up right outside. It's the most expensive option (around NT$400-500). Alternatively, Uber is also a convenient and readily available choice here.
15 Tainan Things to Do & See [With Tainan Itinerary Guide]
Taipei to Tainan by Train (TAR): Alternative & Budget Option
While most guides point you straight to the High Speed Rail (HSR), let's talk about the other train running from Taipei to Tainan: the TRA.
The decision to take the TRA boils down to two very real benefits: it saves you a significant amount of money, and it drops you off directly in the city center.
Departure & Arrival Stations: True Downtown-to-Downtown Travel
The TRA's biggest advantage is that its stations are always in the heart of the city. Unlike the HSR, which has stations on the outskirts, you'll depart from Taipei Main Station (from the regular train section, not the HSR platforms) and arrive at Tainan Station.
When you step off the train in Tainan, you are there. You're in the middle of the city, a short walk from historic sites and great food. Consider a guided trip like the Taiwan Food Tour by Asia Odyssey Travel to simplify your culinary journey.
Which Trains to Take: Aim for the Express
Taking the TRA is a more traditional train experience, and the type of train you choose makes a big difference. For this long-haul journey, you should only consider the express classes.
- Puyuma / Tze-Chiang Ltd. Express (Tze-Chiang 3000): This is the fastest and most comfortable TRA train. It makes fewer stops and uses more modern carriages. If you're taking the TRA, this is the one you should aim for. The fastest is Puyuma Express, able to complete the journey in as little as 3h10m.
- Tze-Chiang Limited Express: Think of this as the classic, reliable express train. While not quite as speedy as the Puyuma, it's still a comfortable and efficient choice, with a journey time of around 4 to 4.5 hours. It's the most common express option you'll find.
- Chu-Kuang Express: This is a slower train that makes more stops. It's a bit older and the journey can take closer to 5-6 hours. It's cheaper, but the time difference is usually not worth the savings over the Tze-Chiang.
TRA Train from Taipei to Tainan: Schedule & Booking Ahead
You'll find around 26 express trains running this route daily. This works out to roughly one or two departures per hour. The main operational window for these express trains is from about 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
Because the desirable express trains are less frequent than the HSR, booking your tickets in advance is key, especially for weekend travel.
Taipei to Tainan Train Ticket Prices: The Budget Advantage
| Classes | Adult Ticket | Concession Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Car | NT$687-891 | NT$344-446 |
| Business Car | NT$1381 | NT$816 |
| Non-Reserved Seat | NT$846 | NT$446 |
Tainan Maps: City, Tourist, Food Map & More (2025)
Taipei to Tainan By Bus: Cheapest Option
Alright, let's talk about the most budget-friendly way to get from Taipei to Tainan: taking the intercity bus. While the trains offer speed and convenience, the bus is the undisputed champion of low-cost travel.
For backpackers, slow travelers, or anyone trying to make their travel funds stretch as far as possible, the bus often the best choice. The journey is long. You should plan for 4.5-5 hours during the day, and potentially longer if you hit bad traffic leaving Taipei.
Bus Prices, and How to Buy Tickets
This is where the bus is unbeatable. A one-way ticket will cost somewhere between NT$400 and NT$600.
For most international travelers, the simplest method is to buy your ticket at the bus station right before you plan to leave. On the ground floor of the Taipei Bus Station, each company has its own set of ticket counters.
The Bus Companies: Who to Ride With
You'll see a few companies running this route, but the two big, reliable names you should look for are UBus (United Bus) and Kuo-Kuang Bus. Both are reputable, have modern fleets, and run frequent services, so you can confidently book with either one.
Departure & Arrival: Getting On and Off
In Taipei (Taipei Bus Station): You'll catch your bus from the Taipei Bus Station. While it's connected to the massive Taipei Main Station complex, it's actually a separate, modern building. The key is knowing exactly where to look.
The bus station is integrated into the Q Square shopping mall, which is located on the north side of the main Taipei Station building, across Chengde Road.
In Tainan: The main terminals for both UBus and Kuo-Kuang are clustered together right in Tainan's city center. Specifically, they are located just north of the Tainan Railway Station.
Transportation in Taiwan: Easy Card, HSR, MTR & More (with Map)
Taipei to Tainan by Car: A Road-Tripper's Guide
From Taipei to Tainan, there's a third option for the more adventurous traveler: driving yourself. The most important part! To rent a car as a tourist, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country, in addition to your original driver's license.
The main artery connecting the two cities is National Highway 1 (also called the Sun Yat-sen Freeway). It's a modern, well-maintained highway that runs down the entire west coast of Taiwan.
- Distance: Roughly 320 kilometers (about 200 miles).
- Driving Time: With no stops and no traffic, you could theoretically do it in about 4 hours. Realistically, after factoring in city traffic and at least one stop, plan for 5-6 hours.
- Tolls: The highways use a fully electronic toll system called eTag. You won't have to stop to pay. An electronic scanner reads a tag on the car, and the rental company will bill you for the accumulated tolls when you return the vehicle. It's seamless.
- Cost: Expect to pay around NT$1,500 - NT$2,500 per day for a standard sedan. This doesn't include the cost of gas, tolls, or parking.
Taipei Airport to Tainan
So you've just landed at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), and your destination is the historic city of Tainan. The first and most important thing to know is: you do not need to go into Taipei City first.
Option 1: The Best Overall Method - Airport MRT + High Speed Rail (HSR)
Step 1: Take the Airport MRT to Taoyuan HSR Station
After you clear immigration and customs, follow the signs for the "Airport MRT." Buy a ticket for the Taoyuan HSR Station (A18). Take the purple Express train. The ride is quick—about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Take the HSR from Taoyuan to Tainan
The Airport MRT drops you right inside the Taoyuan HSR station. From here, buy an HSR ticket to Tainan. The high-speed journey itself takes about 80-90 minutes.
Option 2: The Direct Bus
Companies like UBus (United Bus) run direct routes from Taoyuan Airport straight to Tainan's city center. There are no transfers. You get on the bus at the airport.
In both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, follow the signs for "Bus to City." You'll find the bus company ticket counters in the arrivals hall. Just go to the UBus counter and buy a ticket for Tainan.
Kaohsiung to Taichung: 4 Ways via HSR, TRA, Car or Bus
Travel to Tainan with Your Local Guide - Asia Odyssey Travel
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