Taipei to Kaohsiung: HSR or Bus?

Taipei to Kaohsiung runs the length of Taiwan's west coast, and the High Speed Rail makes it a breeze at under two hours. Buses are much cheaper and slower, and the conventional train is a scenic middle ground. Here is how they compare.

Distance	About 350 km
Fastest	High Speed Rail (about 1h40)
Cheapest	Coach
Arrive at	Zuoying HSR, on the Kaohsiung metro

Mode	Operator	Duration	Approx fare	Overnight
Train	Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Fastest, very frequent. Kaohsiung's HSR is at Zuoying, linked to the metro.	about 1h40	approx €40 to €50	No	Check on 12Go →
Bus	Kuo-Kuang / Ho-Hsin coach Cheapest, with frequent departures and night buses.	about 5 hours	approx €10 to €18	No	Check on 12Go →

Fares are approximate and shown for comparison. Confirm live prices and times on 12Go before booking.

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How long is the HSR from Taipei to Kaohsiung?

About 1 hour 40 minutes on the High Speed Rail, with departures several times an hour to Zuoying station.

What is the cheapest way from Taipei to Kaohsiung?

An intercity coach, from roughly EUR 10. It takes about five hours, with day and overnight departures.

Where does the HSR arrive in Kaohsiung?

At Zuoying station in the north of the city, which connects to the Kaohsiung metro and conventional rail for the centre.

Hotel options and prices come from Agoda and update at booking time; sample data shown if live pricing is unavailable. Transport fares are estimates, confirmed on 12Go.