How to Get to Alishan. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Connections

Taiwan's main international gateway is Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).

Airport Details

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): Near Taipei, main international gateway.
Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH): Serves southern Taiwan, closer to Chiayi, fewer international links.
Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA): Primarily domestic, limited East Asian international flights.

Flight Considerations

Major international airlines connect TPE to hubs worldwide, including Taiwanese carriers like EVA Air and China Airlines.

Seasonal & Pricing

Direct flights from major global cities available to TPE.
Flight prices increase during peak seasons: cherry blossom, Lunar New Year, summer.
Booking well in advance for peak periods secures better fares.

Airport Facilities

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) has extensive facilities and services for travelers. This includes currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, and SIM card sales desks.

Airport Transfers to Chiayi

Your goal is generally to reach Chiayi City, the gateway to Alishan.

Transfer Methods

From TPE, High-Speed Rail (HSR) is the fastest option.

HSR Travel

To Chiayi HSR

From TPE, take Airport MRT to Taoyuan HSR Station (~20 min).
Take HSR south to Chiayi HSR Station (~1 hr). Total travel from TPE to Chiayi HSR is ~1.5-2 hours.
Direct intercity buses from TPE to Chiayi take ~3-4 hours.
Buses are cheaper, but HSR brings time savings.

From KHH to Chiayi

Take shuttle bus/taxi from Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) to Zuoying HSR Station (~20-30 min).
Take HSR north to Chiayi HSR Station (~30 min).
Total travel from KHH to Chiayi HSR is ~1 hour.
This option is efficient from southern Taiwan.

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Land Transportation

Rail Travel in Taiwan

Once in Chiayi, land transportation to Alishan starts.

Hsr & Tra

Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR): Connects major cities, rapid service to Chiayi HSR Station.
Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA): Slower, conventional system, connects to Chiayi TRA Station (downtown).
TRA has scenic journeys, serving central city locations.

Bus to Alishan

The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle is the most popular way to reach Alishan from Chiayi.

Shuttle Routes

Alishan Route A (7329): Chiayi HSR Station directly to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area (~2.5 hours).
Alishan Route B (7322): Chiayi TRA Station to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area (~2.5 hours).
Purchase tickets at bus stations, from driver (cash), or use EasyCard/iPass.

Alishan Forest Railway

This historic narrow-gauge railway has an unique attraction and local transport.

Railway Services

Direct service from Chiayi TRA Station to Fenchihu on specific days/trains.
Full line to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is not fully operational (typhoon damage).
Travelers often take HSR/TRA to Chiayi, then bus to Alishan, or railway to Fenchihu then bus.

Self-Driving in Alishan

Car rental is available in major cities, but driving to Alishan has challenges.

Driving Considerations

International Driving Permit (IDP) and home country driver's license are necessary.
Roads to Alishan (Highway 18) are winding, mountainous, and steep.
Road conditions affect travel during rain, fog, or landslides.

Road Safety

Drive cautiously on mountain roads, especially in fog or rain.
Watch for local drivers and scooters.
Road closures due to landslides are possible after heavy rain.

Speed limits are 40-60 km/h on mountain roads.
Follow all posted signs and warnings.
Avoid riding scooters to Alishan due to dangerous conditions for inexperienced riders.

Sea/River Arrivals

Sea Travel to Taiwan

Sea or river arrivals are not applicable for Alishan. Alishan is an inland mountain destination.

Ferry Services

Taiwan grants international ferry services to some of its offshore islands.
Services also available from mainland China.
These do not present direct connections to Alishan.

River Travel

No river travel options exist for reaching Alishan due to its mountainous terrain and lack of navigable rivers extending to the area.

Geographical Limitations

Alishan's elevation means rivers are mainly fast-flowing mountain streams, unsuitable for transport.
The region's topography isolates it from major river systems for travel purposes.
Focus on air and land transport for Alishan journeys.

Departure Check-in

For international flights departing from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), arrive at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time. Allow 3 hours during peak travel times.

Timing from Alishan

If departing from Alishan, allow generous time for the bus journey back to Chiayi (up to 2.5 hours). Factor in the High-Speed Rail or conventional train journey from Chiayi to your departure airport city.

Airport/Station Facilities

Taiwan's major airports and High-Speed Rail stations present a range of facilities for departing travelers, including check-in, baggage, duty-free, dining, and lounges.

Smooth Departure

Consider potential delays due to mountain road conditions, traffic, or public transport schedules. Taiwan's major airports and HSR stations present excellent facilities for departing travelers.

How to Get to Alishan