Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) – How to Get to the City

Kaohsiung International Airport is just 6 km from the city center, making it one of the most conveniently located airports in Asia. The MRT Red Line connects the airport to downtown in about 20 minutes for 35 TWD (~1 EUR). A taxi costs 200–350 TWD (~6–10 EUR), and a pre-booked private transfer runs 600–1,000 TWD (~17–29 EUR).

KHH has a single international terminal and a separate domestic terminal connected by a short walkway. After landing from an international flight, immigration is generally efficient but can slow down when multiple flights arrive simultaneously.

Baggage claim is straightforward with clear signage in English and Mandarin. After collecting your bags, you pass through customs and enter the arrivals hall.

The arrivals area has ATMs (most accept international cards), convenience stores (7-Eleven and FamilyMart), and SIM card counters. Taiwan is extremely card-friendly, but having some cash in TWD is useful for smaller purchases and bus fares.

| Option | Cost (TWD) | Cost (EUR) | Time to center | Notes | |--------|-----------|-----------|---------------|-------| | MRT Red Line | 35 | ~1 | 15–20 min | Runs every 7–10 min | | City bus | 12–30 | ~0.35–0.85 | 25–40 min | Various routes | | Taxi | 200–350 | ~6–10 | 10–20 min | Metered, honest | | Private transfer | 600–1,000 | ~17–29 | 10–20 min | Fixed price, meet-and-greet |

The MRT is the standout option here. The airport has its own MRT station (Kaohsiung International Airport Station) on the Red Line. You walk out of arrivals, follow signs down one level, and you are on the platform. Trains run from about 6 AM to midnight, every 7–10 minutes. An EasyCard (available at the station) gives you a discount and works on all public transport.

Kaohsiung taxis are metered, reliable, and honest. Drivers generally do not try to overcharge. The base fare is 85 TWD, and the short distance to central Kaohsiung keeps costs low. Taxis queue outside the arrivals exit.

Buses are the cheapest option but slower and less convenient with luggage. The MRT is a better choice for almost everyone.

| Destination | Taxi (TWD) | Private Transfer (TWD) | EUR estimate | |-------------|-----------|----------------------|-------------| | Kaohsiung Main Station | 200–280 | 600–800 | 6–23 | | Zuoying HSR Station | 350–500 | 800–1,100 | 10–32 | | Love River area | 180–260 | 550–750 | 5–22 | | Cijin Island ferry terminal | 250–350 | 650–900 | 7–26 | | Pier-2 Art Center | 200–300 | 600–850 | 6–25 | | Kenting (beach resort) | 2,500–3,500 | 3,000–4,000 | 72–116 |

Within Kaohsiung city, everything is close and cheap by taxi. The only exception is Kenting, the popular beach area about 90 km south, which is a longer trip better suited to a pre-booked transfer or rental car.

The MRT stops running around midnight. After that, taxis are your main option. Fortunately, taxis remain available at the airport for late flights and the night surcharge is modest — fares increase by about 20% after 11 PM.

Private transfers work around the clock and are worth considering if your flight lands after midnight, especially for destinations outside central Kaohsiung.

The airport itself is quiet but open for arriving passengers. Convenience stores near arrivals stay open late.

The MRT is very family-friendly. Elevators connect all levels, and trains have priority seating and space for strollers and luggage. However, during rush hour (8–9 AM, 5–7 PM), trains get crowded.

Taxis handle 2–3 suitcases in the trunk. For larger families, Kaohsiung taxis include minivan-type vehicles, though you may need to wait a few minutes for one.

Child car seats are not standard in Taiwanese taxis. If you need one, a private transfer with a pre-arranged car seat is the safest option. Taiwan law requires car seats for children under 4.

Taxis: The taxi rank is directly outside the international arrivals exit. An attendant manages the queue during busy times.

Private transfers: Drivers typically wait in the arrivals hall with a name sign or meet you at the curb. Instructions are sent before your flight.

Choose a taxi if you have heavy luggage, your hotel is not near an MRT station, or you arrive when the MRT is not running. Kaohsiung taxis are safe and affordable.

Choose a private transfer if you need a child seat, are heading to Kenting or another distant destination, or want a guaranteed vehicle waiting at any hour.