Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to Taichung in 2026 – Complete Transport & Private Transfer Guide

If you’re landing at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) but your actual destination is Taichung, you’re not alone. Many exchange students, families, business travelers and long-stay visitors land in Taoyuan first, then continue south to central Taiwan.

The good news: by 2026, getting from TPE to Taichung is very straightforward. The two cities are about 140 km apart by road, and most routes take 1.5–2.5 hours depending on how you travel.

This guide walks you through all the main options:

• Taoyuan Airport MRT + High Speed Rail (HSR)
• Direct intercity bus from TPE to Taichung
• Taxi or pre-booked private airport transfer

We’ll compare time, cost, comfort and convenience, and end with real-life scenarios so you can quickly choose the best option for your 2026 trip.

Quick Comparison – TPE → Taichung in 2026

Approximate door-to-door comparison (for typical daytime conditions):

Important for 2026: timetables and fares can change. Always check the latest schedule for buses and HSR trains before you travel.

If you already know you prefer a non-shared, door-to-door car, you can also check this dedicated service page for a private transfer: Taoyuan Airport (TPE) → Taichung private pickup by LaLa Transfer .

Option 1 – Taoyuan Airport MRT + High Speed Rail (HSR)

This is usually the fastest public-transport way to get from TPE to Taichung, especially during the day.

How this route works

1. From TPE to Taoyuan HSR Station by Airport MRT
   At Taoyuan Airport, follow signs to the Airport MRT (stations A12 for Terminal 1, A13 for Terminal 2). Both Express and Commuter trains run roughly every few minutes and stop at Taoyuan HSR Station in about 20–25 minutes.
2. From Taoyuan HSR Station to Taichung HSR Station
   At Taoyuan HSR, buy a ticket to Taichung HSR (Xinwuri). The HSR ride is around 35–40 minutes on most trains.
3. From Taichung HSR Station to your final destination
   Taichung HSR is in Wuri (south of the city), not downtown. You can transfer to TRA Xinwuri Station and take a regular train to Taichung Station or other stops, or take a city bus or taxi straight to your hotel.

Pros

• Fastest option in many cases
• Frequent HSR departures from morning to late evening
• Comfortable, clean and easy to navigate with English signs
• Great for solo travelers or couples with manageable luggage

Cons

• Requires multiple transfers (MRT → HSR → possibly city bus or taxi)
• Can be confusing with kids, strollers or bulky luggage
• Not ideal for very late arrivals, as HSR does not run 24/7

Who should choose this

• Travelers who value speed over convenience
• People comfortable with navigating trains and timetables
• Those staying near Taichung HSR area or central Taichung and traveling light

Option 2 – Direct Intercity Bus (Ubus / Kuo-Kuang, etc.)

If you prefer to sit down once and stay on the same vehicle until Taichung, a direct intercity bus from Taoyuan Airport is a very popular choice.

How this route works

From Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, follow signs to the Bus Boarding Area. Look for buses heading to Taichung, such as U Bus (Tonglian) or Kuo-Kuang routes that operate between Taoyuan Airport and Taichung Chaoma / Taichung Station. Travel time is typically around 2–2.5 hours, depending on route and traffic.

Tickets & seating

• You can buy tickets at airport bus counters or ticket machines near the platforms.
• Some online platforms also sell e-vouchers, but many services board on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Fares are usually around NT$240–300 for a one-way adult ticket, depending on operator and route.

Pros

• No train transfers – just sit down and relax
• Budget-friendly, especially for solo travelers
• Luggage goes in the under-bus compartment, so you don’t need to carry it around stations
• Good choice if your hotel is near Chaoma, Taichung Station, or major bus stops

Cons

• Longer travel time than HSR in most cases
• Limited room to move around; can be uncomfortable with very young kids
• Seats might be crowded at peak times; some services cannot guarantee a seat even with vouchers
• Fewer late-night departures compared to taxis / private cars

Who should choose this

• Backpackers and budget travelers
• Solo or couple travelers with one suitcase each
• Anyone who prefers a simple “get on and zone out” ride without transfers

Option 3 – Taxi or Pre-Booked Private Airport Transfer

If you want to walk out of the arrival hall and go straight to your car, then arrive at your Taichung hotel door without any transfers, a private transfer is the most convenient option.

Travel time & distance

• Road distance between Taoyuan Airport and Taichung is around 137–140 km.
• In normal traffic, a direct drive usually takes about 1.5–2 hours.

Even with moderate traffic, it’s typically faster door-to-door than bus, and similar to HSR once you factor in all the transfers.

What a private transfer typically includes

While services differ between companies, a good TPE → Taichung private transfer in 2026 usually offers:

• Meet & greet in the arrivals hall with a name sign
• Help with luggage and strollers
• A clean, air-conditioned car or van (sedan, MPV, or larger van for groups)
• Fixed price confirmed in advance
• Optional child seats (reserve in advance)
• Late-night and early-morning service, when buses and HSR are limited

Cost

Rates depend on:

• Vehicle type (sedan, SUV, Tesla, Mercedes van, etc.)
• Exact pick-up / drop-off location in Taichung
• Date, time, and number of passengers / luggage

For families or small groups, the per-person cost can become quite reasonable compared to buying multiple HSR tickets and then taking taxis at both ends.

Instead of focusing only on a per-person price, think about:

• Total door-to-door cost
• Number of transfers you avoid
• Comfort level for kids, seniors, or after a long-haul flight

If you want to see a concrete example of pricing and routes, you can refer to LaLa Transfer’s English service page here: Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to Taichung · Private Pickup with No Late-night Surcharge .

Who should choose this

• Families with children, strollers and multiple suitcases
• Travelers with elderly parents or mobility issues
• People arriving on late-night or very early flights
• Business travelers who want to go straight from airport to meeting / hotel
• Anyone who dislikes dragging luggage through multiple stations

Which Option Fits You Best in 2026? – Real-Life Scenarios

Instead of just comparing numbers, imagine your situation:

1. Solo traveler / couple, light luggage, daytime arrival

• You want to save money and don’t mind transfers.
• Best choice: Airport MRT + HSR, or direct bus if you prefer a single ride.
• Why: HSR is fast and comfortable; bus is cheaper and still straightforward.

2. Family with 2 adults + 2 kids + stroller + 3–4 suitcases

• You’re tired after a long flight, kids are sleepy or active, and you have lots of bags.
• Best choice: Pre-booked private transfer.
• Why: No transfers, no escalators with luggage, everyone can sit down and rest immediately.

3. Traveling with seniors or someone with limited mobility

• Transfers, stairs and crowded stations can be challenging.
• Best choice: Private transfer, or at least direct bus with minimal walking.
• Why: Door-to-door service, fewer steps, driver can help with luggage.

4. Red-eye or very late arrival at TPE

• Some bus and train options don’t run overnight or have reduced frequency.
• Best choice: Pre-booked private transfer or taxi (confirm availability in advance).
• Why: You don’t want to get stuck in the terminal trying to figure out limited late-night options.

5. Business traveler with tight schedule

• You need to arrive at a specific time for a meeting or event.
• Best choice: HSR + taxi or private transfer, depending on your schedule.
• Why: HSR is very punctual; private car can pick you up directly at the airport and bring you to your meeting venue.

Step-by-Step – How to Use Each Option in 2026

A. Airport MRT + HSR (Fastest public transport)

1. At TPE Terminal 1 or 2, follow signs to Airport MRT.
2. Buy a ticket or tap an EasyCard to Taoyuan HSR Station.
3. Take the MRT to Taoyuan HSR (around 20–25 minutes).
4. At Taoyuan HSR, buy a ticket to Taichung HSR (you can reserve online in advance if you like).
5. Board the HSR and ride to Taichung (around 35–40 minutes).
6. At Taichung HSR, use TRA trains, buses or taxi to reach your hotel.

B. Direct Airport Bus to Taichung

1. After clearing immigration and baggage claim, follow signs to Bus / Coach area.
2. At the bus counters or machines, look for routes to Taichung (e.g., U Bus 1623, Kuo-Kuang 1860).
3. Buy your ticket and check the platform number.
4. Queue at the correct platform; buses usually load luggage into the under-floor compartment.
5. Ride to Chaoma, Taichung Station or other Taichung stops (around 2–2.5 hours).
6. From your arrival stop, take a short taxi or city bus to your final destination.

C. Taxi or Private Airport Transfer

1. Before your trip, contact a private transfer company and book a TPE → Taichung ride for your date and flight.
2. Share details like flight number & landing time, number of passengers, luggage count, child seats needed, and destination address.
3. When you land, turn on Wi-Fi/data, send a quick message to confirm you have arrived.
4. Meet your driver at the agreed meeting point (usually arrival hall with a name sign).
5. The driver helps with luggage and takes you directly to your Taichung hotel or home – no transfers, no extra tickets.

Late-Night & Early-Morning Arrivals – 2026 Tips

• HSR: Most services run between about 6:00 and 23:00; there are no overnight trains.
• Buses: Some routes have late departures, but frequencies drop at night; you may have to wait longer.
• Private transfers: Can usually be booked for very late or very early hours; confirm any surcharge in advance.

If your flight lands after 22:00 or before 6:00, strongly consider:

• Booking a private transfer, or
• Staying one night near Taoyuan and continuing to Taichung the next morning.

This is especially important if you’re:

• Traveling with children
• Carrying many bags
• Worried about missing the last HSR / bus

Luggage, Strollers & Accessibility

Airport MRT + HSR

• Stations have escalators and elevators, but you’ll still push or carry luggage across platforms.
• Fine for one suitcase per person; more tiring with kids, strollers and multiple bags.

Direct Bus

• Large suitcases go in the under-bus compartment; smaller bags you keep with you.
• Walking distance inside the airport is shorter than going into the MRT + HSR network.
• Good balance for travelers who want fewer transfers but still keep costs low.

Private Transfer

• Driver loads and unloads your luggage.
• No need to move bags between vehicles or up/down stairs.
• Best choice if someone in your group has mobility issues or you simply want to minimize physical stress.

FAQ – Taoyuan Airport to Taichung in 2026

Q1. How long does it take from Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to Taichung?

Most travelers spend between 1.5 and 2.5 hours door-to-door, depending on the option:

• MRT + HSR: around 1.5–2 hours including transfers
• Direct bus: around 2–2.5 hours
• Private transfer: often about 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic

Q2. What is the cheapest way to go from TPE to Taichung?

The cheapest public option is usually a direct intercity bus from Taoyuan Airport to Taichung, with fares commonly around NT$240–300 for adults.

Q3. Is HSR worth it if I’m going straight to Taichung?

Yes, if you:

• Arrive during the daytime or early evening
• Don’t mind changing from Airport MRT to HSR, and possibly to a city bus or taxi in Taichung
• Want the fastest train experience

If you hate transfers or arrive very late, a direct bus or private transfer may feel more comfortable.

Q4. Can I use a private transfer if I have kids and need child seats?

Many private transfer providers offer child seats if you book them in advance. Always mention your child’s age and approximate weight when reserving.

Q5. Is it safe to travel at night from Taoyuan Airport to Taichung?

Generally, yes. Major buses and highways are well-managed, and private transfer companies are used to late-night arrivals. The key is to check last bus / train times if using public transport, or pre-book a private transfer so you don’t need to worry about missing the last service.

Q6. Do I need to book in advance?

• HSR: You can buy tickets on the spot, but booking ahead is helpful during weekends / holidays.
• Buses: Airport buses generally don’t require reservations; just buy a ticket and queue.
• Private transfers: Yes, you should book in advance, especially if you need child seats or are arriving late at night.

About Our Taichung-Based Private Transfer Service

If you like the idea of a door-to-door ride from Taoyuan Airport to Taichung without changing vehicles, you can also consider booking with our Taichung-based private transfer team, LaLa Transfer.

We specialize in:

• Airport transfers between Taoyuan (TPE), Songshan (TSA) and Taichung (RMQ)
• Family-friendly rides with space for strollers and luggage
• Simple communication in basic English, plus full support in Chinese
• Clear, upfront pricing and no surprise charges at the end of the trip

For an overview of all airport routes we cover, you can also check: Airport Transfer – Taichung ⇄ TPE / TSA / RMQ .

To book, simply send us a message with:

• Your flight number and landing date / time
• Number of passengers
• Number of suitcases and any special items (stroller, wheelchair, etc.)
• Your hotel name or full address in Taichung

You can reach us via LINE, WhatsApp or Telegram using the contact details on: LaLa Transfer – Contact Us .