City, Taiwan
Getting around Hualien
How to get around Hualien
Trains run along the coast to Taipei; in Hualien use tourist buses, scooters or a car. Taroko is reached by tour bus, taxi or train plus bus.
Ways to get around Hualien
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan Railways (TRA) | About 440 TWD to Taipei | Taroko Express, 2 hr–2 hr 30; book ahead on weekends |
| Taroko Gorge shuttle bus | About 100 TWD day pass | Check the Taroko National Park site for running status |
| Taxi tour | About 1,800–2,500 TWD per half-day | Common way to see Taroko; share with others |
| Scooter | 400–600 TWD a day | Popular for the coast |
Ride-hailing apps in Hualien
A 5 km ride costs about NT$200–350 ($6.3–11.0).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Limited drivers outside the center; allow wait time |
- Taxis are available at the station but scarce at night. Arrange tours or drivers for Taroko in advance.
Arriving in Hualien
Hualien Airport (HUN)
Domestic flights from Taipei and Taichung; taxi to center about 200 TWD, 10 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Widely rented; needs a recognised licence or IDP. Roads near Taroko are narrow with tour buses and rockfall.
- Driving: on the right. IDP valid 30 days; for longer stays, register it at a motor vehicles office. Scooters need a motorcycle endorsement.
- Onward travel in Taiwan: High-speed rail runs the west coast, Taipei to Kaohsiung in about 1.5–2 hours. TRA trains reach the east coast; intercity buses are cheaper and frequent.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Hualien?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber.
What's the best way to get around Hualien?
Trains run along the coast to Taipei; in Hualien use tourist buses, scooters or a car. Taroko is reached by tour bus, taxi or train plus bus.
How do I get from the airport to Hualien?
Domestic flights from Taipei and Taichung; taxi to center about 200 TWD, 10 min.
Is Hualien walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Hualien
Going to Hualien solo?
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.