How to Get to Hualien from Taipei, Taiwan (Tickets and more!)

After living in the downtown of the bustling city of Taipei for a month, I was ready to leave the city and explore Taiwan’s natural mountains and seascapes. I heard outstanding reviews about Taiwan’s dreamy township of Hualien from locals and foreigners, an outdoorsy settlement along Taiwan’s east coast. So, I packed my bags and set aside a few weeks to travel from Taipei to Hualien to explore all that Hualien has to offer.

Getting from Taipei to Hualien is simple—if you understand your numerous options and what to do. So, I am here today to explain in depth all the options for how to get to Hualien. Stay until the end for a comparison chart of all your options so you can choose the best option for you!

At the time of writing this post, one of Hualien’s main attractions, Taroko Gorge, is closed due to a large earthquake disaster in April 2024. If you planned to visit Taroko, it is unfortunately closed at this time. We hope for Taroko to reopen safely soon. 

But there is plenty to do when you travel to Hualien! I recommend visiting as there is so much to do, see, and eat. For more information, you can read my guide about what to do in Hualien, what to eat, and my informational blog post on earthquakes in Hualien.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through my link has zero extra cost for you, but it helps me earn a small commission to keep traveling! *

How To Get to Hualien: Options

Option #1- TRAIN

Riding the Taiwan Railway is not just a method of travel for how to get to Hualien; it is truly a relaxing and serene experience. There are a few train travel options to choose from, so let me give you the rundown (as well as how to use the Taiwan Railway Website + App).

Express Trains

The simplest option for traveling from Taipei to Hualien is the Taiwan Railway. Three trains run between Taipei and Hualien: The Taroko Express, the Puyuma Express, and the Tze-Chiang Limited Express. The trips and routes vary slightly, but the journey should last around two and a half hours. 

Ensure you understand the starting point in Taipei (Shulin) and the ending location of Hualien. 

While this route is primarily direct trains, there are one or two trains a day at a transfer (where you take two trains to travel to Hualien). I don’t recommend this. It is not any cheaper and it only takes longer and is more complicated to transfer.

Buying a Ticket

Through Klook, you can actually book train tickets up to 180 days in advance and claim the tickets within 28 days of the ride. Simply enter your starting point (Taipei) and your arrival point (Hualien), and reserve your train ticket!

Or…

You can visit the Taiwan Railway website to buy a ticket for the express trains from Taipei to Hualien. Simply search your starting point, destination, and day of departure. There will be many time options available. Note that the tickets are only sold up to 28 days in advance on the website, and they hardly sell out from Taipei to Hualien (and vice versa) unless it’s a holiday (I bought my tickets the day of). Most tickets are $440 NTD, or $14 USD.

Once you have purchased the ticket on the website, you can redeem it through the app or at a local 7-Eleven. I recommend using the app because having all your booking information on your phone is efficient. View a picture of the app below.

To claim the ticket on the app, go to Booking Inquiry and enter your booking information (Ticket Holder Number (passport number) and Booking Code that you will receive upon booking). Then, press claim ticket to claim your digital QR code. I also recommend screenshotting your QR code, as a just in case. 

Taiwan High-Speed Railway

Unfortunately, the Taiwan High-Speed Rail does not cover the eastern coast of Taiwan, so you cannot use it to travel to Hualien. However, I still wanted to mention it for travelers because it covers the entire west coast of Taiwan—hitting many popular and lively cities along the way! It spans all the way from Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south. 

When traveling along the western coast, buy a High-Speed Railway Pass to use the railway efficiently. The pass has several options, such as varying day amount options and offerings- so choose a pass for you and get traveling! This line is much faster than local trains, and this pass makes getting on and off the train simple because you don’t have to buy individual tickets repeatedly!

Buying a Ticket

You can purchase a THSR Pass below! This includes instructions on redeeming your ticket and information about the pass’s rules and limitations. Happy travels and enjoy the west!

Option #2- BUS

Taking the bus from Taipei to Hualien is a breeze because all the buses are in excellent condition and are simple enough to understand. The route from Taipei to Hualien is quite beautiful, so sitting back and enjoying the view is lovely!

There are four bus options available to get from Taipei to Hualien. Each bus departs from Nangang Bus Station and arrives at Hualien City Bus Station. You can choose between Taipei Bus 1071, Taipei Bus 1071A, Ubus 1663, or Ubus 1663A. The bus trip is longer than the train, taking about four and a half hours. The cost is around the same as the train or slightly cheaper, costing $11-14 USD.

Buying a Ticket

If you want more information about getting to Hualien from Taipei by bus or to buy a ticket, visit the Taiwan Bus website to view the timetables, routes, and fares. You can also inquire about a ticket in person at the Nangang Bus Station!

Option #3- DRIVING

For those who want more travel freedom, you can rent a car and drive from Taipei to Hualien! I love this option because the route is scenic, with views of both the mountains and the sea. The drive is around four hours. But, by driving you can take your time with the journey. Enjoy yourself and stop at the numerous scenic viewpoints along the way!

Renting a Car

Thankfully, renting a car in Taiwan is easier than ever. Choose a vehicle you like and pick it up as soon as today!

You must have an international driver’s license to drive in Taiwan. If you do not have one, do not worry; it is not difficult to obtain. You can apply online!

Option #4- Day Tours

Comparison of Options

Transport	Train	Bus	Driving	Day Tour
Travel Time	2 and a half hours	4 hours	4 hours	12 Hour Tour
Comfort and Convenience	Comfortable train seating, toilet access, can walk around	Comfortable seating	Can stop at viewpoints to get out and walk around	Very comfortable! Picked up and driven by tour guide + day of activities
Scenic Value	4/5	4/5	5/5	5/5
Cost (USD)	$13.70 USD (one way)	$11-40 USD (one way)	$40 USD (per day of rental)	$50-200 USD

Tips for Travelers

• To secure your spot for anything, I recommend booking in advance. The trains and buses can only be booked up to 28 days in advance.
• Luggage storage areas are available in each train car, and on the lower decks of the bus. 
• You must have an international driver’s license if you wish to drive. 
• Due to its location on the fault line, Hualien experiences many earthquakes. Read my blog post to learn more about earthquakes in Taiwan and my experience with earthquakes in Hualien!

More Information for Hualien

Food in Hualien

If you want to know what the locals are eating in Hualien and fuel your food inspiration, you can click here to read my article about my deep dive into Huaien-style Taiwanese foods (with restaurant recommendations!).

Where to Stay in Hualien

For information about where to stay in Hualien, you can click here to view accommodation areas to stay in and recommendations.

What to Do in Hualien

I have a comprehensive guide to what to do in Hualien and an article about my exploration of Hualien’s inspiring indigenous culture! Read for more travel inspo!

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose to travel by train, bus, car, or join a day tour, each mode of transport offers its own unique experience. With its stunning natural landscapes, rich indigenous culture, and delicious local cuisine, Hualien is truly a gem on Taiwan’s east coast. There’s so much to explore and enjoy in this charming township.

So pack your bags, choose your preferred travel method, and enjoy the beauty of Hualien. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or a peaceful getaway from the bustling city life of Taipei- Hualien has something special waiting for you.

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