How to Get to Hualien. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports

While Hualien possesses its own airport, international travelers typically arrive at Taiwan's larger international gateways.

Airport Locations

Hualien Airport (HUN): Mainly serves domestic flights within Taiwan.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): Near Taipei, TPE acts as Taiwan's primary international gateway.
Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH): In southern Taiwan, KHH serves as another international gateway.

Airlines & Routes

No direct international flights land at Hualien Airport (HUN). International connections occur via TPE or KHH.

Flight Information

Domestic to Hualien (HUN): Mandarin Airlines and Uni Air operate frequent flights from Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA).
International to TPE/KHH: Major global airlines connect Taiwan to global hubs in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Domestic flights to Hualien can become fully booked during peak Taiwanese holiday periods. Book well in advance.

Price Watch

International flight prices vary by season. Peak international travel usually presents higher fares. Booking several months ahead often yields better prices. Explore Dollar Flight Club for deals.

Airport Facilities

Hualien Airport (HUN) offers basic facilities. TPE/KHH present extensive options: duty-free, dining, currency exchange, SIM card counters, and various transport links. Check Skyscanner for flight options.

Transfer To Hualien

From TPE, take Airport MRT or bus to Taipei Main Station (40-60 min). From there, a TRA express train (Puyuma/Taroko Express) to Hualien Station takes 2-3 hours. This is the most common method.

Transfer Options from TPE

By Train Recommended

Take the Airport MRT or an airport coach from TPE directly to Taipei Main Station. This journey takes approximately 40-60 minutes.
From Taipei Main Station, take a Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) express train (Puyuma Express or Taroko Express) directly to Hualien Station. This train journey typically lasts 2-3 hours.
The train journey offers scenic views.
Book express train tickets several weeks in advance, especially for weekends or national holidays, as they sell out very quickly.

By Domestic Flight

Take a shuttle bus from TPE to Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA). This transfer usually takes about SIXTY minutes, depending on traffic.
From TSA, take a domestic flight to Hualien Airport (HUN), which lasts approximately 50 minutes.
This option can be less efficient due to the transfer time between airports and the additional check-in process.

Train & Self-Driving

Train Connections

Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) trains present the most popular and efficient way to reach Hualien. Hualien Station serves as a major hub on the East Coast Line. Frequent express trains (Puyuma Express and Taroko Express) connect Hualien directly with Taipei in 2-3 hours, offering scenic views.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Limited direct long-distance bus services operate from major cities like Taipei to Hualien. The efficient train network and the mountainous terrain make direct bus travel less common. Buses often take significantly longer than trains.

Self-Driving Considerations

You must possess a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your original national driver's license. The IDP must correspond to your home country's license. Drivers are typically required to be at least 20-25 years old. Roads in Taiwan are generally well-maintained. Check DiscoverCars.com for rentals.

Road Conditions & Safety

Driving Laws & Parking

Drive on the correct lane for traffic. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Helmets are mandatory for all scooter riders and passengers. Speed limits are enforced.

Parking Details

Parking is available in Hualien City (often paid parking lots).
Parking can be limited and challenging in famous visitor areas, especially around Dongdamen Night Market.
Scooter parking is generally more abundant.

Road Conditions

Roads in Taiwan are generally well-maintained. Mountain roads, especially those through Taroko Gorge, are winding, narrow, and call for careful driving. Traffic can be heavy on weekends or holidays.

Highways

Suhua Highway (Provincial Highway 9): Famous for breathtaking coastal views. Prone to landslides, especially during heavy rain or typhoons.
Suhua Highway Improvements (Suhua Gai): This newer route includes more tunnels, rendering it safer and quicker than the old Suhua Highway.
Central Cross-Island Highway (Provincial Highway 8): Runs through Taroko Gorge, is narrow, winding, and susceptible to rockfalls.

Checking Road Status

In advance of traveling, especially on mountain roads like the Suhua Highway or Central Cross-Island Highway, always verify current road conditions and any warnings.

Sources for Information

Directorate General of Highways site or app.
Taroko National Park Administration website for park-specific trail and road closures.
Weather conditions can change quickly, so re-check close to your travel time.

Sea/River Arrivals

Sea and river transportation options for arrival in Hualien are limited for general tourism.

Ferry & Cruise Port

Hualien Port occasionally serves as a port of call for international cruise ships.
No regular passenger ferry services connect Hualien to other international or domestic destinations.
For island-hopping (e.g., to Green Island or Orchid Island), ferries depart from Taitung, more to the south.

River Transportation

Not applicable for arrival or departure to Hualien.
River tracing and river rafting are recreational activities within Hualien's rivers.
These are part of guided adventure tours, not ways of getting around for reaching the city.

For cruise passengers making it to Hualien Port, immigration procedures happen directly at the port terminal.
Cruise passengers can access taxis, local buses, or pre-arranged tour buses for transfers.
The port is close to the city center.

Departure Information

Departure Timing

No specific departure taxes or exit fees apply for travelers setting off from Taiwan by air. Your airline ticket price generally comprises any relevant fees.

Recommendations

For domestic flights from Hualien Airport (HUN): Show up at LEAST 1 to 1.5 hours before scheduled departure.
For TRA train departures from Hualien Station: Arrive at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure.
For international leaving from TPE/KHH: Arrive at least 2 to 3 hours before scheduled international departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Hualien Airport (HUN) offers limited facilities for departing travelers. Hualien Train Station provides convenience stores, different food stalls, and comfortable waiting areas.

Major Hub Offerings

TPE/KHH feature extensive facilities for departing travelers, including a wide array of duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges.
These provide efficient check-in, baggage drop, and security screening.
Allow ample journey time from Hualien to TPE for international connections.

Optimal Train Routes

TRA trains offer comfortable, clean, and pleasant travel. Routes connect Hualien along the East Coast to Taitung and to major cities on the West Coast via Taipei.

Self-Drive Routes

From Taipei, use National Highway 5 to Yilan, then Provincial Highway 9 (Suhua Highway) or the newer Suhua Highway Improvements. From Southern Taiwan, use Provincial Highway 9 or 11.

Port Accessibility

Hualien Port is close to the city, allowing easy access to taxis, local buses, or pre-arranged tour buses for cruise passengers.

Seamless Travel

Whether by a scenic rail trip journey or a convenient domestic flight, the paths to Hualien belong to the adventure. The ease of access, combined with a clear understanding of departure protocols, brings a seamless journey from arrival to farewell.

How to Get to Hualien