[Move] Taiwan – Round trip transportation guide from Taoyuan Airport to Taichung Station

I last visited Taichung 5 years ago and back then getting to Taichung from Taoyuan International Airport was inaccessible, however, things have changed now. A simple transportation guide covering the bus services, where to purchase your tickets, cost, duration and with attached photos for easy reference. On top of that, a short summary of the High-speed rail from Taoyuan International Airport to Taichung.

From Taoyuan Airport to Taichung Bus Terminal

What bus to take?

Bus no: 1623, 1860

How to get there?

Arrival at Taoyuan Terminal 1: Follow the sign “Bus to City”

Follow the sign to Ticketing counter

Terminal 2, follow the Bus to city sign to the bus sales counter

UBus No.1632

Where to buy a ticket?

Terminal 1

Klook ( Same Price as over the counter, Klook use QRcode to exchange voucher)

Counter 2

Terminal 2

Klook ( Same Price as over the counter, Klook use QRcode to exchange voucher)

Counter 6

Ticket Counter Operating Hour:

Terminal 1 

24/7

Terminal 2 

06:00~23:59

Bus Schedule

Terminal 1

Cost?

Adult: 280 NTD

Child: 170NTD

Duration

2 Hours 10 Minutes

(**Depends on traffic condition)

Boarding area

Terminal 1: Boarding no.13 (Image as shown below)

Terminal 2: Boarding no. 4

Bus Interior 

USB charging port

Reclining seats

There is no traffic jam that day and had a smooth 2 hours 10 minutes ride to Taichung.

Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport, No.1860

Where to buy a ticket?

Terminal 1

Counter 7

Terminal 2

Counter 2

Ticket Counter Operating Hour:

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 

24/7

Cost?

Adult: 280 NTD

Child: 145NTD

Bus Schedule

Terminal 1

Duration

2 Hours 10Minutes

(**Depends on traffic condition)

Boarding area

Terminal 1: Boarding no.3 (Image as shown below)

Terminal 2: Boarding no. 2

Overall experience:

The bus leaves the station on time, the reason I chose Ubus because I overheard someone heading to Taichung commented that she prefers Ubus over Kuo-Kuang. Curious about why she made the comment, I decided to give it a try since both are of the same price, and the departure time schedule is quite close. I am happy that I made this decision because the interior is clean and seats are comfortable with wide leg space. It actually has lesser seats than Kuo-Kuang bus, hence, the seats are filling up fast. When I was buying the ticket, the seats at the earlier departure time were all reserved, and I had to reserve the seat that leaves an hour later.

Getting to Taoyuan Airport from Taichung

Ubus 

Where to buy a ticket?

Klook ( Same Price as over the counter, Klook use QRcode to exchange voucher)

Ticket Office

Duration:

2 hours 10 mins

(**Depends on traffic condition)

Cost?

Adult: 280 NTD

Child: 170NTD

Where to board the bus?

Boarding No.13

Kuo-Kuang

Where to buy a bus ticket?

Ticket Vending Machine

Kuo-Kuang Ticket Counter

Cost?

Adult: 280 NTD

Child: 145NTD

Duration

2 hours 10 mins

(**Depends on traffic condition)

Boarding area

Boarding No. 5

Bus Interior

USB charging port available

Arrived at Taoyuan Airport

Overall experience:

We tried to purchase the ticket for Ubus again, however, all the buses were reserved and the earliest bus that is available for boarding is too late for us. We were left with no choice but to go with Kuo-Kuang Bus since there are seats available. The journey was smooth and no traffic jam, we reached the airport 2hours before our flight. To conclude between the 2 bus service provider, I prefer Ubus because of the seats and the comfort level. However, if you have time constraint, both bus providers cost is the same, it does not matter which bus you choose to take.

Other option?

High-Speed Rail Taoyuan to/fro Taichung

From Taoyuan International airport (TPE) you will need to transfer via Airport Metro or shuttle bus to THSR Taoyuan Station

How to get there?

Bus no.: 705

Cost?

Adult: 30 NTD

Child: 15 NTD

Duration:

25 mins

For travellers taking the bus, you will alight right next to entrance 5.

Travellers taking the Airport Metro, a 2-3 minutes walk will be required to reach THSR Taoyuan.

Cost?

25 NTD

Duration

12 Mins~20 Mins

(**Depends on your Terminal and if it is express or commuter train)

Check your train here.

To note: 

TSHR Taichung station is not Taichung station.

Please note that if you are intending to stay near Taichung Railway station, you will need to change the train.

THSR Cost? (One way)

540 NTD

Duration

36mins~41 mins

**Depends on the type of High-speed rail**

Where to buy?

Klook (Discount price)

540NTD 432NTD

Online (Official website) **Early bird discount can go up to 35%**

KKday

Ticket Counter

(Source: thsrc official website)

Suggestion:

Taking the highspeed rail can save half of the time needed, however, changing from bus to train, followed by train and train is not a good idea if you are carrying big luggage. It will be tiring and between the train stations, there will be a short walking distance before you can catch your connecting train.

For your information, inside the High-Speed rail, storage space might not be sufficient for your large luggage, therefore, be prepared that you might need to push your luggage in front of your seat (which will take up your leg space), overhead compartment is available but depending on your large luggage weight and size, it might be a little dangerous to put at the overhead. The train might not be as comfortable as compared to the bus, where the seat is more spacious and someone to help you with your luggage, and most importantly, cost cheaper.