If you can, fly straight into Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH): it has its own MRT station, and you're in the city centre in minutes. Coming from Taipei or Taoyuan Airport, take the High Speed Rail to Zuoying, which is on the same MRT line. The fastest HSR trains from Taipei take 1 hour 34 minutes.
- Fly Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), MRT Kaohsiung International Airport (R4)
- HSR Taipei to Zuoying, 1 h 34 to 2 h 14, NT$1,490 (standard reserved)
- From TPE Airport MRT to Taoyuan HSR, then HSR to Zuoying (the HSR leg from 1 h 24, NT$1,330)
- Train TRA Taipei to Kaohsiung, about 3 h 46 to 4 h 36, NT$994
Flying into KHH
Kaohsiung International Airport has an international and a domestic terminal, joined by a walkway. Its international flights are mostly regional. In late 2026 the schedule includes Hong Kong (the busiest route), Macau, Tokyo, Osaka and many smaller Japanese cities, Seoul, Busan and Jeju, Manila, Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and several cities in mainland China. From further away, you'll usually fly into Taoyuan (TPE) and take the HSR south.
At the airport: a Chunghwa Telecom counter in the international terminal sells SIM cards (08:00 to 20:00), Bank of Taiwan and Mega Bank change money (there's no exchange after immigration), and there's a post office with an ATM. Free Wi-Fi is "FREE Kaohsiung-Airport".
Into the city: the MRT Red Line from Kaohsiung International Airport (R4), exit 6 for international, runs every 4 to 6 minutes at peak times to Formosa Boulevard (R10), Kaohsiung Main Station (R11) and Zuoying (R16). Taxis from either terminal add a NT$50 airport fee to the meter. → Taxis and Uber The 9117B Kenting Airport Express runs straight to Kenting.
High Speed Rail from Taipei
The HSR runs from Nangang and Taipei down to Zuoying, its southern end, about 68 trains a day. The fastest take 1 hour 34 minutes from Taipei; most take about 2 hours. Zuoying connects to the MRT (R16) and the TRA.
| Taipei to Zuoying | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Standard, reserved | NT$1,490 | NT$745 |
| Standard, non-reserved | NT$1,445 | NT$720 |
| Business | NT$2,440 | NT$1,220 |
- Early Bird: a limited number of reserved seats at 10%, 20% or 35% off, sold online, in the T Express app or at convenience stores until five days before travel. Your passport number works as ID.
- THSR Pass: for short-term foreign visitors only. NT$2,200 for 3 consecutive days, or NT$2,500 for any 2 days within 7 (standard class). Collect it at a station counter with your passport.
- Non-reserved tickets are only sold for the same day.
From Taoyuan Airport
Take the Airport MRT to Taoyuan HSR Station (A18), then the HSR to Zuoying. The HSR ride takes from 1 hour 24 minutes and costs NT$1,330 for a standard reserved seat; add the Airport MRT ride to Taoyuan HSR Station.
The regular train
Taiwan Railway's Tze-Chiang and Puyuma expresses run from Taipei to Kaohsiung Station, in the city centre, in about 3 hours 46 minutes to 4 hours 36 minutes, for NT$994. Slower than the HSR, but cheaper and straight downtown.
Starting your trip in the north? Inside Taipei explains getting to Taipei and Taoyuan Airport.
→ Getting around Kaohsiung · Kaohsiung and Tainan
Sources: Kaohsiung International Airport (transport, services, flight schedule). HSR times and fares from the THSR timetable and fare tool (queried for 10 November 2026); Early Bird; THSR Pass. Airport MRT: Taoyuan Airport. TRA: Taiwan Railway timetable and CNA (fare). Checked October 2026.