Kaohsiung's taxis run on the meter: NT$85 to start, then NT$5 for every 200 metres, with 20% more at night. Hail one on the street, or book through Uber, which also books licensed taxis and lets you pay by card. For a flight before about 06:30, a taxi is the way to the airport: the first MRT train doesn't get there until then.
- Start NT$85 for the first 1.25 km
- Then NT$5 per 200 m; NT$5 per 100 seconds waiting
- Night +20%, 23:00 to 06:00
- Airport +NT$50 for taxis from the rank at either terminal
The meter
The city's fare, in force from 1 September 2026, is NT$85 for the first 1.25 km, NT$5 for each further 200 m, and NT$5 for every 100 seconds spent at walking pace. Between 23:00 and 06:00 the meter runs 20% higher. Two flat extras are built in: NT$50 a trip over the Lunar New Year holiday (in 2026, 13 to 22 February) and on days the city declares a full typhoon or heavy-rain work suspension.
Apps and Uber
Uber operates in Kaohsiung, and the Uber app can also book a licensed taxi, with payment by card in the app. Uber says verifying a foreign phone number works the same as a local one. The city also lists other booking platforms, including Taiwan Taxi (55688), LINE TAXI and yoxi. App-only cars must be booked and can't pick you up off the street; their fares can run up to double the meter.
Good to know: scooter ride-hailing is illegal in Taiwan, whatever an app may offer.
To and from the airport
- Taxi rank: outside the 1F arrivals exits of both terminals. Meter fare plus the NT$50 airport fee.
- Booked taxis: since June 2026, taxis booked by app can pick up at the airport, between the domestic and international terminals in front of the car park, by MRT exit 2. Show your booking before you get in.
- Early flights: the international terminal opens at 04:20 and the domestic at 05:00. The first MRT trains toward the airport leave Kaohsiung Main Station at 06:10, Formosa Boulevard at 06:12 and Sanduo Shopping District at 06:16, reaching the airport (R4) at about 06:27. Earlier than that, take a taxi.
- Late arrivals: the last train from the airport into the city leaves at 24:02.
Scooters
Many visitors want to rent a scooter. Taiwan's rules let holders of an International Driving Permit from countries with a reciprocal agreement drive for stays of up to 30 days, but the rule's text covers cars, and we couldn't find an official statement on motorcycles. Check with the Highway Bureau or your rental shop before you ride. Helmets are compulsory for rider and passenger, with a NT$500 fine. The light rail, MRT, buses and YouBike need no licence at all.
→ Getting around · Getting to Kaohsiung
Sources: fares and the airport fee: Kaohsiung Transportation Bureau; booking platforms: Transportation Bureau; Lunar New Year 2026: Transportation Bureau; airport taxis and hours: Kaohsiung International Airport and terminal hours; Uber and its help page; scooter ride-hailing: Focus Taiwan; first and last trains: KRTC; driving permits: Road Traffic Safety Rules; helmets: Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act. Checked October 2026.