There are two main ways in: Kaohsiung International Airport, on the MRT Red Line, or the High Speed Rail at Zuoying, on the same line. From there one card, an iPASS, gets you onto the MRT, the light rail round the harbor and the ferry to Cijin. Start with how the city moves, then decide how much of the south to add: Tainan is half an hour north by train, and Kenting a couple of hours south by bus.
- ArrivingGetting to KaohsiungKHH airport, the HSR from Taipei and Taoyuan, fares and the THSR Pass.
- TransportGetting aroundThe MRT, the light rail, the Cijin ferry, iPASS and YouBike.
- TimingHow many days?Two for the city, three with a day trip, more for Kenting.
- BaseWhere to stayThe best areas, by MRT station.
- WeatherBest time to visitDry from October to April; rain and typhoons in summer.
- Before you goThe basicsVisas, money, SIM cards, plugs and emergency numbers.
- Next doorKaohsiung and TainanAbout 30 minutes by express train, and a new Tainan Station.
- FamiliesKaohsiung with kidsTrams, a ferry, a science museum and a small zoo.
- Further outDay tripsKenting, Fo Guang Shan, Meinong, Xiaoliuqiu and Tainan.
- Ready-madeItinerariesOne day, two days, and Kaohsiung with Kenting.
- Your listMy picksSave places as you read, and keep them on your phone.
Coming down from Taipei? Inside Taipei covers the start of the trip: getting to Taipei and the airport there.