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

Kaohsiung International Airport is close to the city — around 6 km to the centre, and one of the most conveniently located airports in Asia. The MRT Red Line has a station in the airport itself (R4) and reaches downtown in about 15–20 minutes. Kaohsiung MRT fares are distance-based, running from NT$20 to a maximum of NT$60, and a short hop into town sits at the bottom of that scale.

A taxi is metered on the city tariff: NT$85 for the first 1.25 km, then NT$5 per 200 m, plus a NT$50 fee for pickups at the international terminal (Kaohsiung City Transportation Bureau, effective 27 March 2024). That works out at roughly NT$250–330 into central Kaohsiung, before any waiting time in traffic, with 20% added between 23:00 and 06:00.

A pre-booked private transfer is priced per vehicle and fixed at booking. Tariffs are revised from time to time — check the current one before you travel.

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.

The MRT is the standout option here. The airport has its own station — Kaohsiung International Airport Station (R4) on the Red Line — with Exit 6 serving the international terminal and Exit 2 the domestic one. You walk out of arrivals, follow signs down one level, and you are on the platform. The airport reports trains every 4–6 minutes at peak and no more than 8 minutes off-peak.

KMRT fares are set by distance on a published formula: NT$20 covers the first 5 km; from 5 to 17 km each additional 2 km adds NT$5; from 17 to 20 km each additional 3 km adds NT$5; and the fare is capped at NT$60 (Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation). Because the airport is near the centre, rides into town sit at the cheap end of that scale, while Zuoying at the far north of the Red Line costs considerably more. The exact fare to your station is shown on the ticket machine and on the fare enquiry at krtc.com.tw. An iPass or EasyCard gives a discount and works on all public transport.

Kaohsiung taxis are metered, reliable and honest — drivers generally do not try to overcharge, and there is nothing to negotiate. The city sets the tariff: NT$85 for the first 1.25 km, then NT$5 for every 200 m, with a delay charge of NT$5 per 100 seconds whenever the car drops below 5 km/h — which is what traffic actually costs you. Two surcharges matter here: pickups from the international terminal carry a NT$50 fee (domestic pickups do not), and fares rise 20% between 23:00 and 06:00. On those rates the run into central Kaohsiung comes to roughly NT$250–330 including the terminal fee, before waiting time. 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. Two intercity routes are worth knowing about, though: 9117/9117A runs south from the airport to Kenting and Fangliao, and 111 runs north to Tainan — both direct from the terminal.

Within Kaohsiung city, everything is close and cheap. Rather than a table of invented fares, here is what is actually published and how to apply it.

MRT — the fare depends only on distance: NT$20 for the first 5 km, then NT$5 per extra 2 km to 17 km, then NT$5 per extra 3 km to 20 km, capped at NT$60. Central destinations near the airport sit at the low end. Zuoying HSR station, at the northern end of the Red Line, is the longest ride on the line from the airport and costs accordingly. The machine shows the exact fare before you pay.

Taxi — metered on the city tariff (NT$85 for the first 1.25 km, then NT$5 per 200 m, plus NT$5 per 100 seconds of crawling), with a NT$50 international-terminal fee and a 20% surcharge from 23:00 to 06:00. Central Kaohsiung works out at roughly NT$250–330 including the fee. Anywhere further multiplies from the same formula, so a trip to Zuoying or across to Cijin costs proportionately more.

Private transfer — priced per vehicle and fixed at booking, so the number is known before you fly. Get a quote for your actual address and party size.

Kenting is the one real exception. The beach area is about 90 km south — roughly a 2-hour drive — and is a poor fit for a metered taxi. Bus 9117/9117A runs there directly from the airport, and a pre-booked transfer or rental car is the comfortable alternative.

All of the taxi and MRT figures above come from the operators' and the city's own published tariffs, and both are revised from time to time. Check before you rely on them.

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 set by the city rather than by the driver: fares rise 20% between 23:00 and 06:00. On the standard tariff that turns a roughly NT$250–330 run into central Kaohsiung into something closer to NT$300–400 — noticeable, but not punishing. The NT$50 international-terminal fee applies at any hour.

Private transfers work around the clock, are priced per vehicle and fixed at booking, and carry no night tariff. They 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. Remember the NT$50 international-terminal fee applies to the vehicle, not per person.

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.

MRT: Follow signs inside the terminal to the underground MRT station. It is well-marked and easy to find.

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 the MRT if you are heading anywhere along the Red Line (most central Kaohsiung destinations). It is fast, cheap, and stress-free.

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.