route chart
Due to the severe damage caused by the April 3 (0403) Earthquake and the impact of Typhoon Kong-rey on October 31, 2024, trails and scenic spots in the Taroko Gorge (Taroko - Tianxiang 18.1 km) remain closed along the Provincial Highway 8.
The reopening dates for these areas are uncertain. Please adjust your plans.
Additionally, we recommend including some unique mountain and coastal village attractions around the area in your travel plans. These offer opportunities to experience both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Highlights include Chongde Village (Chongde Beach with views of the Qingshui Cliffs, indigenous art, and specialty dining), Fushi Village (Taroko Cultural and Creative Park and Asia Cement Ecological Park), Xincheng Old Town (featuring unique architecture, local shops, and the Xincheng Seawall), and Sanzhan-Pratan Village. These sites provide an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the region's natural and cultural charm. We suggest using the TaiwanTrip Tourist Shuttle Bus (Route 310) from Hualien Bus Station or Xincheng Railway Station to explore these attractions.
An economical alternative is to take the train from Taipei to Hualien. For the express Tai Lu Ge or Zi Qiang train: a ticket costs NT$ 440, for adults. It takes 2 -3 hours according to different train types.
From North Taiwan-Taipei to Taroko National Park:
The Eastern-link Line: from Taipei City to Xincheng (Hualien County, 5 km away from the park HQ) or Hualien (26km away from Taoko National Park Headquarters visitor center)
Option 1 by Train - Taipei to Hualien or Xincheng:
Taipei to Hualien (Note: Train fares may change. Please check in advance.)
- *express (Taroko or Puyouma) or limited express (Tze-Chiang): The price is NT$ 440/person one way. It takes 2 hrs to 3 hrs according to different train types.
- *express (Chu-Kuang): The price is NT$ 340/person one way. It takes about 4-4.5 hours according to different train types.
- *semi express (Fu-Hsing): The price is NT$ 259/person one way. It takes about 4-4.5 hours according to different train types.
Taipei to Xincheng
- *Taroko or Puyouma express or Tze-Chiang limited express: NT$ 403/person one way.
- *Chu-Kuang express: NT$ 311/person one way.
- *Fu-Hsing semi express: NT$ 259/person one way.
Contact phones
Up to 28 days advanced ticket booking is available. After reserving tickets from the website, write down the ordering code, and go to the nearest train station or Post Office or 7-11/FamilyMart store to pick up your tickets. You may have to show the counter clerk your passport while getting tickets. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter; alternatively, you can also use the Taipei Metro EasyCard, iPass, or iCash to pay the fare at the ticket barrier.
Xincheng train station (the nearest) is 5 km/3 miles from the Park Headquarters. You could rent a scooter (international driver’s license required) at Xincheng station (to the left square of train station exit). Take a TaiwanTrip Bus - Taroko Route or Taroko Bus #302 (7-8 minutes bus time) run by Taroko Bus Company to Taroko National Park Headquarters Visitor Center after getting off train at Xincheng.
Hualien train station is 26km/15.6miles to the Park Headquarters. You may rent a car or a scooter (international driver’s license required) at Hualien train station. It takes 30 ~ 40 minutes to drive to Taroko National Park Headquarters Visitor Center. Or you can take a TaiwanTrip Bus-Taroko Route (via Qixingtan Beach) or local bus from Hualien station to Taroko National Park Headquarters Visitor Center (TaiwanTrip Tourist Shuttle Bus# 310- 1.5 hrs bus time, Local Bus- about 1 hr bus time).
Option 2 by bus/train:
Bus/Train combination from Taipei to Xincheng:
Travelling from Taipei to Xincheng station via a combination of bus (from Taipei to Luodong) and train (from Luodong to Xincheng) takes roughly 3 hours and does not require any advance ticket reservations.
A number of bus companies provide transport from Taipei to Luodong (~1 hour):
- Capital Bus #1570 from Taipei City Hall Bus Station (every 10-15 minutes):
- Kou-kuang Bus #1879 from MRT Yuanshan, MRT Nangang Exhibition Center Stations (every 15-20 minutes):
- Kamalan Bus #1917 from MRT Banqiao, Taipei Main Bus Station, MRT Technology Building Stations (every 15-20 minutes):
- MTC Bus #9028 from MRT Dapinglin, MRT Xindian Stations (every 30-45 minutes):
From Luodong, local (Qu Jian Che), fast local, semi-express (Fu-Hsing), express (Chu-Kuang), limited express (Tze-Chiang), and express (Taroko or Puyouma) trains travel to Xincheng averaging 45-87 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter; alternatively, you can also use the Taipei Metro EasyCard, iPass, or iCash to pay the fare at the ticket barrier.
Bus timetables are available from #iBus Info System, and please check Route Search/ Search by Bus Operator/ Choose Bus Company/ download the bus timetable.