Practical Travel Guide: From Kaohsiung to Taipei, Traveling from South to North
Taiwan boasts distinct characteristics in each of its cities, making travel between them a highlight of the journey. Among these, the northward route from Kaohsiung to Taipei lets you experience the laid-back vibes of the south adorned with sea breezes and the vibrant energy of a sophisticated capital, making it particularly ideal for first-time visitors to Taiwan. This guide covers how to travel from Kaohsiung to Taipei (comparing high-speed rail, regular rail, and bus options), a realistic 3-night, 4-day itinerary, major attractions and food spots, practical information such as location and pricing, and budget, accommodation, and discount tips, including direct booking links. With careful planning, you can execute your trip without hassle.
Exchange rate note: Currency amounts in this post are approximations based on an exchange rate of 1 TWD ≈ 43 KRW, and the actual cost may vary with fluctuations. Local prices in Taiwan dollars (TWD) are provided based on available reference prices.
Preparation
Taiwan’s transport, payment systems, and communication facilities are convenient, making it not too challenging for independent travelers. However, it’s good to prepare clothing considering the climate differences between Kaohsiung and Taipei (the south is warmer and more humid). The voltage is 110V with flat two-pin sockets.
- Communications: SIM cards or eSIMs available at the airport are recommended (stable even during intercity travel).
- Transport cards: Both the Kaohsiung iPASS (一卡通) and Taipei EasyCard (悠遊卡) are interchangeable. TWD 100 deposit, usable for subway, bus, and convenience store purchases upon recharge.
- Cash: Preferred at night markets and small shops. Cards are generally acceptable in urban areas.
- Light umbrella and thin outerwear: Prepare for the strong sun in the south and rain showers in the north.
Prepare Travel Essentials to save time on the ground by packing items like adaptors, portable chargers, and waterproof pouches in advance.
Tip
On the day you travel from Kaohsiung to Taipei, we recommend suitcases of 24–26 inches or smaller. The Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) offers overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of the coaches, but these are quickly filled during peak seasons.
Transportation
The route from Kaohsiung to Taipei offers clear choices. Depending on your time, budget, and itinerary, you may choose one of the following options:
- High-Speed Rail (HSR): Zuoying–Taipei. Takes 1 hour 36 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, costing TWD 1,490 (about 64,000 KRW) for adults. Early booking allows for limited seats with a 10–35% discount. This option offers the best balance of speed and convenience, making it our top recommendation.
- Taiwan Railway (TRA) Express: Kaohsiung–Taipei. Approximately 4–5 hours, fare TWD 843–918 (about 36,000–40,000 KRW). It’s suitable for those who wish to enjoy leisurely travel with extended views of the sea and fields.
- Long-Distance Bus: Takes about 5–6 hours, fare TWD 500–700 (about 21,000–30,000 KRW). Night travel can save on accommodation costs, but rest stops and punctuality are slightly inferior to trains.
Airfare to Taiwan from Korea can fluctuate significantly during peak seasons. Once your schedule is confirmed, it’s advantageous to compare and book early. Book the Cheapest Flights by comparing routes from Incheon to Kaohsiung or Taipei, setting Kaohsiung as the entry city and Taipei as the departure city for a natural travel flow.
Notice
HSR tickets from Kaohsiung to Taipei tend to sell out early on weekends and holidays. Booking 2–3 weeks in advance is advised, especially during the busy 4–8 PM time slot.
Itinerary
Introducing a short but rich 3-night, 4-day standard itinerary. The key is to steadily make your way northward from Kaohsiung to Taipei, quickly capturing the strengths of each city.
- Day 1 (Kaohsiung): A bicycle loop around the artistic Cijin Island → Pier-2 Art Center filled with creative works → Love River walk → Night bites at Liuhe Night Market
- Day 2 (Travel + Taipei): Morning HSR travel from Kaohsiung to Taipei → CKS Memorial Hall → Yongkang Street for xiaolongbao and mango shaved ice → Sunset at Elephant Mountain → Xinyi district night view
- Day 3 (In-depth Taipei): Dihua Street with traditional herbs, stationery, and tea houses → National Palace Museum → Shilin Night Market
- Day 4 (Choice Day): Day trip to Jiufen and Shifen or hiking and tea house stroll with the Maokong Gondola → Departure
Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is imbued with an open nautical atmosphere and artistic vibes that permeate the city. The bicycle paths are well-established and the MRT is straightforward, making it easy to organize your itinerary for Day 1.
- Cijin Island: About 10 minutes by ferry from Gushan Ferry Terminal. Ferry fare is around TWD 30 one way, and bicycle rental is TWD 100–150 per hour. A popular route includes cycling by the lighthouse and black sand beach.
- Pier-2 Art Center: A converted warehouse art district. Hosts permanent outdoor installations, galleries, and weekend flea markets. Many areas are free entry, while paid exhibitions range from TWD 100–300.
- Love River: Ideal for a walk or water taxi (varies by time, fare roughly TWD 150) at dusk to enjoy the nightscape.
- Liuhe Night Market: Famous for oyster omelets, grilled squid, and fruit juices. Cash recommended; budget TWD 250–400 per person for night market snacks.
The MRT Red Line (R16 Zuoying/HSR) conveniently connects Kaohsiung city to the HSR Zuoying Station. It takes about 15–20 minutes from the city center (near Formosa Boulevard Station) at a fare of TWD 20–40.
Recommendation
In Kaohsiung, it’s more efficient to plan activities for after 4 PM to avoid the humidity. Apply sun protection at Cijin Island and capture vivid photos at Pier-2 Art Center during dusk.
High-Speed Rail (HSR) Journey
The HSR from Kaohsiung to Taipei provides ample space and reliable service, making it a stress-free option even for first-time travelers.
- Booking: Reserve through the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) official website or app. Early bird (10/20/35%) discounts sell out quickly during popular time slots.
- Seating: All seats are assigned. Seating follows a 2–2 configuration with power sockets available underneath. Each car has restrooms and water dispensers.
- Luggage: The overhead shelf accommodates 24–26 inch luggage easily. Large racks at the end of the cars are for bigger suitcases, though space may be limited during busy periods.
- Travel Time and Fare: Zuoying–Taipei takes about 1 hour 36 minutes–1 hour 50 minutes, with an adult fare of TWD 1,490. Discounted fares range from TWD 970–1,340.
Notice
HSR tickets are valid only for specific trains and times. Review any change/cancellation policies before traveling. Platforms are wide, so verify your train and seat number before boarding for a smoother experience.
Taipei
Once you reach Taipei from Kaohsiung, the change in atmosphere is palpable. Efficient MRTs, pedestrian-friendly streets, classic temples, and modern skylines coexist harmoniously.
- CKS Memorial Hall: Free entry. Home to the hourly guard changing ceremony. Located right at MRT CKS Memorial Hall Station.
- Yongkang Street: Famous for xiaolongbao, mango shaved ice, and drip coffee cafes. Suitable for lunch and snack trails.
- Elephant Mountain: A 20–30-minute climb after a short walk from MRT Xiangshan Station. Renowned for sunset and night views.
- Dihua Street: Combines traditional herbal shops, dried fruit, tea stores, and design boutiques. Takeaway tea costs TWD 50–120.
- National Palace Museum: A treasure trove of Eastern art. General admission is TWD 350. Plan for a 2–3 hour leisurely visit.
- Shilin Night Market: One of Taiwan’s representative night markets. Offers diverse foods including fried giant chicken cutlets and bubble tea.
A Taipei MRT day pass costs TWD 150, while the Taoyuan Airport MRT Express ride from Taoyuan TPE to Taipei Main Station is approximately TWD 160 one way. Opt for accommodations with easy airport access right after transitioning from Kaohsiung to Taipei for a smoother last-day schedule.
Tip
You can economically transfer between buses and MRTs within Taipei using one EasyCard. Since the iPASS card you used in Kaohsiung is also valid here, there’s no need for additional purchases.
Local Experiences
Moving between cities is enjoyable in itself, but adding experiential content can enrich your trip. In Taipei, day tours to Jiufen and Shifen (Pingxi Line for sky lanterns) or exploring the Maokong Gondola with a tea house visit are recommended. In Kaohsiung, seasonal kayaking or SUP sunrise experiences are also available. Pre-booking helps overcome language barriers and reduces waiting time.
Book Activity Experiences such as Jiufen and Shifen shuttles, National Palace Museum guides, and Maokong Gondola passes.
Budget
Here’s a sample budget for one person over a 3-night, 4-day itinerary from Kaohsiung to Taipei (excluding flights).
- Intercity Transport: HSR one-way fare TWD 1,490 (about 64,000 KRW)
- Intra-city Transport: TWD 150–250 per day (about 6,500–11,000 KRW)
- Food: TWD 400–800 per day (about 17,000–34,000 KRW) — mainly local cuisine
- Admission/Experiences: TWD 0–600 per day (about 0–26,000 KRW) — optional
- Accommodation: Mid-range hotel TWD 2,200–3,500 per night (about 95,000–150,000 KRW), Guesthouse TWD 1,000–1,800 (about 43,000–77,000 KRW)
Discount promotions vary greatly with booking timing. Check monthly deals and coupons and apply them when needed to avoid overspending.
Check Klook’s Monthly Discount Codes for transport passes and activity coupons and apply them selectively.
Local guided tours or pickup/tour packages often feature seasonal discount events. Check MyRealTrip Discount Codes for Taipei city tours or Jiufen night tours.
Tip
To save on food expenses, have breakfast at a Taiwanese breakfast specialty store (sandwiches, youtiao, soymilk) for TWD 60–120, lunch at a local eatery for TWD 120–200, and plan your dinner around night market snacks to keep the daily food cost around TWD 400.
Accommodation
In Kaohsiung, it’s convenient to stay near Formosa Boulevard (美麗島) Station for easy MRT transfers, or close to Pier-2 Art Center or the Love River to get the most out of your itinerary. In Taipei, choose between the Taipei Main Station (transport hub), Ximending (nightlife), or Daan/Xinyi (quiet and clean) based on your itinerary needs.
- Kaohsiung Formosa Boulevard/Station Vicinity: Convenient for night market and art district access by foot or MRT.
- Taipei Main/Ximending: Easy connections for airport, HSR, and TRA for smooth check-in/out itineraries.
Compare Hotel Prices and Book by checking daily rates of the same hotel before booking. During peak season (weekends and holidays), pre-booking refundable rates is strategic until you finalize your schedule.
Airport
Here’s some advice on airport transfers. Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) is directly connected to the city via the MRT Red Line, making city access easy. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is about 35–40 minutes to Taipei Main Station via the Airport MRT with a fare of around TWD 160.
- Kaohsiung KHH → Downtown: Use MRT R4 Kaohsiung International Airport Station. If you have a lot of luggage, consider arranging for a vehicle pickup.
- Taipei TPE → Downtown: Choose between the Airport MRT Express and the ordinary train. For late-night or early morning arrivals, pickup services are efficient.
Reserve Airport Pickup to have a private car waiting for you upon arrival, reducing language and payment stress.
Notice
From June to October, typhoon season can affect train operations on the day you travel from Kaohsiung to Taipei. Check the latest train info the day before your departure. During the Lunar New Year (Spring Festival), some shops and restaurants may close.
Cuisine
In Kaohsiung, enjoy fresh seafood dishes, and in Taipei, focus on noodle dishes and desserts.
- Kaohsiung: Oyster omelets, grilled squid, grilled perch, fruit juices (mango, watermelon). Cijin Island seafood restaurants have high turnover, ensuring freshness.
- Taipei: Beef noodles TWD 150–250, xiaolongbao per tray TWD 200–300, mango shaved ice TWD 150–250, bubble tea TWD 50–80.
Recommendation
For the morning you travel from Kaohsiung to Taipei, start with a light breakfast of sandwiches and youtiao (warm soymilk). Upon arrival in Taipei, rejuvenate quickly by combining xiaolongbao and beef noodles for lunch at Yongkang Street.
Transport Tips
- One Card for All: Both iPASS and EasyCard can be used interchangeably in other cities. Recharge instantly at convenience stores and subway stations.
- Transport Pass: Taipei offers 24/48/72-hour transport passes and combo packages with museum and gondola access. Only cost-effective with a tight schedule.
- Transfers: Free/discounted transfers on buses depend on card type and routes—tapping the same card automatically applies benefits.
Safety and Culture
- Tap Water: Boiling for safety is common. Drinking bottled water is recommended.
- Waste Disposal: Public trash cans are scarce. Use designated bins at convenience stores or stations.
- Local Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting temples, and follow any signs regarding internal photography or flash usage.
Practical Q&A
- What time should I leave from Kaohsiung to Taipei? Taking the train between 9 AM and 10 AM is ideal for starting your Taipei itinerary by lunchtime.
- How can I secure early HSR discounts? Selecting dates and times generously and avoiding peak hours increases the likelihood of 20–35% discounts.
- When should I choose TRA or bus? Prioritize the budget or enjoy slow scenery with TRA for relaxed travel, or opt for overnight bus travel to save on accommodation costs.
Tip
The easiest way is to first secure your ticket for travel from Kaohsiung to Taipei before filling in the rest of your itinerary. Once your primary travel is confirmed, accommodation and activities will sync into place.
Conclusion
This route captures the essence of both the southern sea breeze and the northern urban sophistication within one journey, from Kaohsiung to Taipei. It’s especially satisfying given the time investment and the clear transport options make even a first-time visit manageable. Let’s wrap up with a practical checklist.
- Flight: Search for and confirm return or multi-city flights from Incheon to Kaohsiung and Taipei to Incheon. Continuously check for pre and post-peak-season deals.
— Book the Cheapest Flights - Transport: Secure early discount seats for HSR and reserve TRA/bus alternatives if necessary.
- Activities: Book tours like Jiufen/Shifen, National Palace Museum guides, Maokong Gondola passes
— Book Activity Experiences - Lodging: Prioritize locations close to transport hubs, with 1–2 nights in entry city (Kaohsiung) and 2 nights in departure city (Taipei).
— Compare Hotel Prices and Book - Airport Transfers: For comfort during late-night, family, or heavy luggage travel, reserve dedicated car services
— Reserve Airport Pickup - Budget Savings: Use monthly coupons and events strategically to maximize discounts
— Check Klook’s Monthly Discount Codes,
Check MyRealTrip Discount Codes - Essentials: Transport cards, SIM/eSIM, adaptors, portable chargers, light outerwear, umbrella
— Prepare Travel Essentials
The key to a well-organized travel itinerary is confirming your transportation. The route from Kaohsiung to Taipei makes it simple—secure your HSR seats first, then match the accommodations and activities. Advance booking for flights, hotels, and airport transfers is recommended. Check the links provided for a seamless experience.
Your journey from Kaohsiung to Taipei offers the fun of seeing a city’s nature shift distinctly over even a short period. Travel paths are straightforward, and delicious choices are endless. Once you complete your itinerary, all you need is the courage to set off. Wishing you a safe and delightful adventure in Taiwan.