Taipei to Kaohsiung

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Planning this trip? Currency converter · Jet-lag calculator · Trip budget · Compare routes

Taipei to Kaohsiung runs almost the full length of western Taiwan, a distance of around 350 km. The Taiwan High Speed Rail makes it a 90-minute trip — genuinely competitive on door-to-door time against everything else. But the slower TRA express trains, coaches and even a short flight all have their advocates. Here is a clear comparison.

The quickest way: Taiwan High Speed Rail

The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is the most convenient way between the two cities for most travellers. Trains depart from Taipei Station (in the heart of the city) and arrive at Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung, with the fastest non-stop services taking around 1 hour 35 minutes. Services that stop at Taichung or Tainan add about 20–30 minutes.

The THSR operates its own fleet of Shinkansen-derived rolling stock on a dedicated track. It runs from early morning until late at night with departures roughly every 10–30 minutes at busy periods, so you rarely need to plan tightly around a specific train. The trains are well air-conditioned and seats are comfortable in both standard and business class.

Reservations are available and advisable on busy days and during Taiwanese public holidays (particularly the Lunar New Year period, when trains sell out days in advance). Outside peak periods, unreserved seats in designated unreserved carriages are available on a walk-up basis at a slight discount to the reserved fare.

The traditional rail option: TRA express trains

The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) operates conventional trains on the classic western corridor, stopping at the original city-centre stations. The Tzu-Chiang Limited Express is the fastest TRA service, taking around 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours Taipei to Kaohsiung. The journey costs noticeably less than the HSR but takes more than twice as long.

The TRA route has a distinct advantage: it serves city-centre stations in Taichung and Tainan, both of which are worth visiting and are reached more centrally by TRA than by the HSR stations on the outskirts. If you plan to break the journey in either city, TRA can actually be more convenient.

The cheapest way: long-distance bus

Intercity coaches run between Taipei Bus Station and Kaohsiung in around 4 to 5 hours via the national freeway. Operators including Ubus, Kamalan and several others offer comfortable reserved seating at fares well below even TRA prices. The bus is a good option for budget travellers who are not in a hurry and prefer to sleep or work en route.

Overnight coaches on this route are also available, useful if you want to save on accommodation — you arrive in the morning at the other end.

Flying between Taipei and Kaohsiung

Airlines including Uni Air and Mandarin Airlines serve the Taipei–Kaohsiung domestic route. The flight itself is very short — around 50 minutes — but adding the transfer to and from Songshan Airport (Taipei) or Kaohsiung International, check-in and boarding makes the total time uncompetitive against the HSR. Flying makes sense mainly if you find a very cheap fare or your itinerary requires it.

The scenic detour: via the east coast

Taiwan's spectacular east coast — cliffs above the Pacific at Taroko Gorge, the isolated beaches of Taitung — lies along an entirely different route via the TRA's Hualien and Taitung lines. Travelling Taipei–Hualien–Taitung–Kaohsiung by TRA takes a full day (or two, if you linger) but passes through some of Taiwan's most dramatic scenery. This is worth considering as an alternative to the direct western corridor if you have three or more days for the trip.

Arriving at Zuoying and getting into central Kaohsiung

Zuoying Station connects directly to Kaohsiung's MRT Red Line, and the ride into the city centre — around Formosa Boulevard or the Kaohsiung Main Station area — takes roughly 20–25 minutes including the walk between platforms. Taxis are also available directly outside the HSR station for those with heavy luggage or a hotel not well served by the MRT. Signage at Zuoying is in Chinese and English throughout, and ticket machines for both the MRT and onward TRA services are straightforward for first-time visitors.

Practical tips and comfort notes

• THSR trains have designated luggage areas at the end of each carriage and overhead racks for smaller bags; oversized luggage should use the dedicated racks rather than blocking the aisle.
• Business class on the THSR offers 2+1 seating with more space and a light snack service — a reasonable upgrade for a longer or particularly busy journey.
• Taiwan's high humidity and heat from late spring through summer make the air-conditioned HSR a genuinely more comfortable option than a multi-hour bus journey for travellers sensitive to the climate.
• If your trip includes multiple long-distance legs around Taiwan, compare the cost of individual THSR tickets against a THSR Tourist Pass before booking each one separately.

Which should you choose?

For a straightforward Taipei–Kaohsiung journey, the THSR wins on almost every measure: speed, frequency and city-centre departure from Taipei. The TRA express is the better call if you are breaking the journey in Taichung or Tainan's city centres, or if budget is a factor. The bus suits the price-sensitive traveller with time to spare. The east coast TRA route is not a shortcut — it is a journey in itself, and a rewarding one. For the return leg from the airport, see Kaohsiung airport to the city, and for the wider network see Taiwan by train.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Taiwan HSR take from Taipei to Kaohsiung?

Non-stop express services take around 1 hour 35 minutes. Trains calling at Taichung and Tainan take approximately 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes. Factor in metro transfers at each end for total door-to-door time.

Do I need to book HSR tickets in advance?

Outside public holidays, unreserved carriages mean you can often board without advance booking. During Lunar New Year and major holidays, trains sell out fast and booking ahead is strongly recommended.

Is the TRA or HSR station closer to central Kaohsiung?

The TRA Kaohsiung Station is closer to the traditional city centre, while the THSR Zuoying Station is further north but connected by metro. Both are accessible, though the TRA station may save a step for some destinations in the city.

Can foreign visitors buy Taiwan HSR tickets?

Yes. Tickets are available at THSR stations, via the THSR website and through rail travel agents. The THSR also offers a Tourist Pass for unlimited travel over a set number of days, which may suit visitors doing multiple long-distance journeys within Taiwan.