Travel From Taipei to Taichung

Traveling between Taipei (in the northern part of Taiwan) and Taichung (in central Taiwan) is cheap, safe, and fast. The distance between the two cities is 138 kilometers (86 miles).

Taipei to Taichung by Bus

Approx. travel time: 2.5 hours

Approx. cost: NT$250

The most convenient place to catch a bus is at the big bus terminal located behind Taipei Main Station. The cheapest rides are offered by the Kuo Kuang Bus Company and UBus. Bring a warm sweater along with you as most buses are like fridges (because of the AC that's always set at the coldest) even in the summer months.

Taipei to Taichung by Train (TRA)

Approx. travel time: 2 hours

Approx. cost: NT$380

The fastest normal train in Taiwan is called Taroko and the second fastest is the Tze-Chiang. Tze-Chiang trains run every hour and they have a lot of leg room and that's what I recommend you take. You can board a train to Taichung at Taipei Main Station. You can buy food on the train.

Taipei to Taichung by High Speed Rail (HSR)

Approx. travel time: 50 minutes

Approx. cost: NT$750

You can board the high speed train at Taipei Main Station. You will have to take a taxi or public bus to get downtown in Taichung as the HSR station is located in Wurih, 20 minutes out of the city.

Taipei to Taichung by Car

Approx. travel time: 2.5 hours if the traffic is good

Approx. cost: toll-fee: NT$240, gas: NT$500

The fastest way to drive from Taipei to Taichung is to get on Highway 1. Do not drive faster than the limit as there are some speed cameras along the way.

Return from Taipei to Taichung to
Taipei Travel Guide.