Via Taoyuan Airport and high-speed rail
From Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), take the Airport MRT to HSR Taoyuan station, then the high-speed rail to HSR Taichung station. This is how many international travelers arrive.
Taichung Travel Guide
Central Taiwan's big city, with milder weather and an easygoing mix of night markets, cafes and bubble tea. See sunset over coastal wetlands, a painted village and striking theater architecture, and take a day trip to Sun Moon Lake.
Plan your Taichung trip
We never take payment — compare, then book on the official partner site.
✈ From Taoyuan Airport to Taichung takes about 1.5-2 hours by Airport MRT and high-speed rail. Check official transport information for fares and timetables.
Lowest fare: Seoul (ICN) → Taoyuan Airport (TPE)
Based on recent searches — the price may change when you book.
See round-trip flights for these dates →Lowest saved nonstop round-trip fare per person for a 4-day trip.
See on MyRealTrip ↗No recent round-trip prices for a 4-day trip yet.
Check prices →Seoul Incheon → Taoyuan Airport (TPE) flights →
Busan Gimhae → Taoyuan Airport (TPE) flights →
At a glance
- Currency
- TWD (NT$)
- Power & plugs
- 110V · Type A/B
- Driving side
- Right
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Local language
- 中文(繁體)
- How long to stay
- 3 to 4 days
Emergency numbers
- Police110
- Ambulance119
- Fire119
- Tourist hotline0800-011-765
When to go
October-April is drier and sunnier, the best time to visit. May-September is hot with afternoon showers, and typhoons are possible from summer into autumn. Many shops close and sights are crowded over Lunar New Year.
Airport to the city
Taichung International Airport (RMQ) by bus or taxi
Taichung's airport is northwest of the city. Check official airport information for bus routes and times; with luggage, use the official taxi rank.
From HSR Taichung station to the city
The high-speed rail station is outside the center. Continue by the MRT Green Line, a regular train from neighboring Xinwuri station, or bus.
Getting around
Transit card (EasyCard or iPASS)
Buy one at a convenience store or station for buses, the MRT, trains, YouBike and small purchases.
Buses
The main way to get around. Find routes in a map app and tap your card when boarding and getting off.
MRT Green Line
A single line from HSR Taichung station to the northern districts. No eating or drinking in stations or on trains.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Easiest for the wetlands and out-of-town sights. Taxis are metered and ride-hailing apps work too.
YouBike
Shared bikes across the city, good for parks and wide boulevards.
Where to stay
Around Taichung railway station
Good for: Train travel, old town
Near the conventional railway station, with older buildings and an old-town feel. Lots of bus routes.
Xitun (new downtown)
Good for: Shopping, stylish stays
The modern center with the National Theater, a large park and malls. Hotels cost a bit more.
Around Fengjia Night Market
Good for: Night market, value
Next to a university and one of Taiwan's biggest night markets. Busy and noisy late into the night.
Around Yizhong Street
Good for: Student area, cheap eats
A student district full of inexpensive food and shops, close to Taichung Park.
Map of stays in Taichung
Compare prices from many booking sites on the map
Search stays in Taichung in the appMap & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site
Top sights
Gaomei Wetlands
Tidal flats lined with wind turbines, famous at sunset. Follow on-site guidance on accessible areas and tides.
Gaomei Wetlands · Photo: 阿爾特斯 / CC BY 3.0 Rainbow Village
A small village covered in colorful murals. It takes 30 minutes to an hour to see.
National Taichung Theater
A performing arts center known for its flowing, curved architecture. Check official information on visiting public areas and the roof garden without a ticket.
Fengjia Night Market
One of Taiwan's largest night markets and a testing ground for new street snacks. Lively until late.
Sun Moon Lake (day trip)
A large mountain lake for boat rides and lakeside cycling. About two hours by bus, so allow a full day and check the timetable.
Sun Moon Lake · Photo: Mitchell Hirsch / CC BY 2.0 National Museum of Natural Science
Dinosaur skeletons and a botanical greenhouse, great with kids. Allow half a day. Closed on Mondays (except public holidays).
Luce Memorial Chapel (Tunghai University)
A graceful curved-roof chapel on a university campus. Combine it with a campus walk.
Luce Memorial Chapel (Tunghai University) · Photo: Kenneth Lee / CC BY-SA 2.0 Taichung Park
An old downtown park whose lakeside pavilion is a city symbol. Nice for a morning stroll.
What to eat
Bubble tea
Taichung is one of the cities credited with inventing bubble tea. About NT$50-90 a cup.
Sun cakes
Flaky pastries filled with sweet malt, Taichung's classic souvenir.
Night market snacks
Fried chicken cutlets, oyster omelets and Taiwanese sausages in small portions. About NT$50-100 each.
Beef noodle soup
Rich broth with big pieces of beef, Taiwan's signature noodles. About NT$150-250 a bowl.
Lu rou fan
Braised pork over rice, cheap and filling. About NT$40-70 a bowl.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout NT$1,300-1,800 per day: guesthouse, night markets, buses
Mid-rangeabout NT$3,000-4,000 per day: city hotel, restaurant meals, some taxis
Comfortabout NT$7,000+ per day: upscale hotel, car with driver
Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
High-speed rail from Taoyuan Airport to Taichung, check in, then Fengjia Night Market.
- Day 2
Rainbow Village in the morning, the National Theater and Xitun in the afternoon, then sunset at Gaomei Wetlands.
- Day 3
Day trip to Sun Moon Lake by bus for a boat ride or cycling, then bubble tea and beef noodles back in town.
- Day 4
The science museum or Taichung Park, sun cakes to take home, then the high-speed rail to the airport.
Local tips
- Night markets and small eateries are often cash only. Carry Taiwan dollars; convenience store ATMs accept foreign cards.
- HSR Taichung station is outside the center; check the MRT, train or bus link to your hotel in advance.
- Gaomei Wetlands is windy and access depends on the tide. Follow on-site signs and staff instructions.
- Sun Moon Lake buses get busy on weekends; check the timetable and the last bus back.
- There is no tipping; some restaurants add a 10% service charge.
- Entry rules, including visa-free stays, can change. Check official Taiwan government information before you travel.
- Complete the online Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) on the official site (twac.immigration.gov.tw) within 3 days before arrival. It is free, so avoid lookalike sites that charge fees, and check the National Immigration Agency for details.
Related articles
TipsPlanning a year-end or winter-break trip — where to go and what to do firstDecember to February is peak season for year-end and school-break travel, so earlier…
ComparisonWhere to travel in November — cities with good weather and places to think twice aboutNovember mixes crisp autumn cities with the start of the dry season on some Southeast…
TipsBaggage Weight and Carry-on Rules at a Glance: Liquids, Power Banks and Excess FeesBag allowances depend on your airline and fare. Where to check them, the near-universal…
SafetyLost or Stolen Phone Abroad: What to Do, Step by StepLosing your phone abroad cuts off maps, payments and log-ins at once. Locate and lock…Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.