Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) sits in the south of the city, and unlike many Asian hub airports, it's built directly into the metro system — there is no separate airport express to think about. For most travellers, the journey into the centre is a simple, cheap metro ride.
The KMRT red line
Kaohsiung's airport is served directly by Kaohsiung Rapid Transit (KMRT) Red Line, with its own station in the terminal basement — you can walk from arrivals straight down to the platform without leaving the building. This is one of the most convenient airport-to-metro connections anywhere, with none of the shuttle buses or separate express trains that many cities require.
The Red Line runs north through the city, reaching the central Kaohsiung Main Station area (interchange with the Orange Line) in around 20–25 minutes, and continuing on to other useful stops including Formosa Boulevard, home to the famous glass Dome of Light, and on towards the northern districts. Trains run frequently — every 6–10 minutes for most of the day — and the fare is low, among the cheapest airport rail links in the region.
You can pay with a single-journey token bought from machines in the station, or tap in with an EasyCard (Taiwan's rechargeable transport card), which is worth picking up at the airport if you're staying more than a day or two, since it also works on Kaohsiung's buses and light rail, and on Taipei's MRT if you're heading north later in your trip.
Bus options
Several city bus routes also serve the airport, connecting to Kaohsiung Main Station and other districts. Buses are cheaper again than the MRT in absolute terms but slower and less frequent, and most visitors find the metro simpler — it's frequent, air-conditioned, easy to navigate with English signage, and drops you within walking distance of the main hotel districts. The bus is mainly useful if your accommodation is somewhere the Red Line doesn't reach directly.
Taxi from Kaohsiung airport
Taxis queue outside the arrivals hall and are metered. The ride into the central districts takes around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and your exact destination, and costs noticeably more than the MRT but is still moderate by international standards. It's a reasonable option late at night, when carrying a lot of luggage, or when the metro isn't running (services stop before midnight).
Ride-hailing apps also operate in Kaohsiung and can be booked from the terminal, offering an alternative to the taxi rank with an upfront estimated fare.
Getting around once you're in the city
Kaohsiung's MRT network (Red and Orange lines) covers most places visitors want to reach, and the light rail circles the old harbour area, useful for the waterfront, Pier-2 Art Centre and the ferry to Cijin Island. An EasyCard bought at the airport will cover all of this without needing separate tickets.
Onward travel from Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is the southern terminus of Taiwan's high-speed rail line, making it a natural base for exploring the rest of the island. If you're heading north, our route guide to Taipei to Kaohsiung covers the HSR journey in detail, and our wider look at Taiwan by train puts the high-speed line in context alongside the slower TRA loop and the scenic east coast. If your trip continues by boat to one of Taiwan's outlying islands, see ferries in Taiwan.
Kaohsiung's other airport terminal: Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2
Kaohsiung International Airport has two passenger terminals, and it's worth knowing which one you're arriving at, since the walk to the MRT station differs slightly between them. Both terminals connect to the same underground MRT station via covered walkways, so there's no need for a shuttle bus between terminals or from either terminal to the metro — just follow the clear directional signage from the arrivals hall down to the station level. If you're being met by a pre-arranged driver or hotel transfer rather than taking the MRT, confirm which terminal number to give them, since Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have separate pickup areas for road traffic.
Connecting onward to the high-speed rail
Travellers heading straight on to Taiwan's High Speed Rail (HSR) network — for instance continuing north toward Taichung or Taipei the same day — can reach Kaohsiung's HSR station (Zuoying) via the Red Line MRT in around 20 minutes from the airport, changing at Kaohsiung Main Station is not required since the Red Line runs directly through to Zuoying. This makes a same-day onward HSR connection from the airport entirely feasible without needing a taxi, provided you've allowed a reasonable buffer between your flight's arrival and your HSR departure — 90 minutes is a comfortable minimum once you account for immigration, baggage collection and the MRT journey itself.
Accessibility and travelling with children or heavy luggage
The direct MRT connection from the terminal basement is a genuine advantage for anyone travelling with heavy luggage, since it avoids the stairs, road crossings or shuttle transfers that many airport-to-city links require. Lifts are available at the airport MRT station for those who prefer not to use escalators, and station platforms are level and well-lit. Families travelling with strollers will find the MRT generally easy to navigate, though, as on any metro system, boarding during the busiest commuter periods on weekday mornings and evenings is more comfortable avoided if possible, particularly with a lot of luggage in tow.
Practical tips
- The airport MRT station is inside the terminal complex — follow the clear "MRT" signage from arrivals rather than looking for a separate building.
- Buy an EasyCard at the airport if you're travelling on to Taipei or staying more than a couple of days; it covers metro, bus and light rail fares across the island with a small discount over single tickets.
- The Red Line stops running shortly before midnight — check the last train time if you're on a late flight.
- English signage is good throughout the MRT system, and station names are announced in English as well as Mandarin.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Kaohsiung airport to the city?
Yes. The KMRT Red Line has its own station inside the airport terminal, and trains run directly into central Kaohsiung, reaching the main station area in about 20–25 minutes.
Do I need a separate ticket for the airport MRT station?
No — it's part of the standard Kaohsiung MRT network, so a single-journey token or an EasyCard works exactly as it would for any other station on the line.
How much does a taxi cost from Kaohsiung airport?
Taxis are metered and moderately priced for a 20–30 minute ride into the centre — more than the MRT, but not expensive by international standards, and a reasonable option late at night or with heavy luggage.
Does the MRT run all night from the airport?
No, services stop before midnight. For late arrivals, a taxi or a ride-hailing app is the more reliable option.
Sources and further reading:
- Airport transport details: Kaohsiung International Airport official site.
- Metro route and fare information: Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation (KMRT).