Taichung International Airport (RMQ) is about 20 km from downtown Taichung, according to the Taichung City Government, and the cost of getting into the city depends on which transport you choose and what time you arrive.
Taxi Fares
Taxis here are metered on a published city tariff rather than negotiated. The Taichung City Government Transportation Bureau sets it at NT$85 for the first 1,250 m, then NT$5 for every additional 200 m, plus NT$5 a minute whenever the car is stopped or crawling. A flat NT$20 is added between 23:00 and 06:00. These rates have been in force since August 2023 and are revised from time to time, so check the current tariff before you travel.
Fixed-price private transfer
RMQ Taichung City Center
From€58for 2 passengers
Run the roughly 20 km into central Taichung through that meter and you land at about TWD 550–750, depending on how much of the trip is spent in traffic. The Fengjia Night Market area and the Taichung High Speed Rail station are charged off the same meter — the fare simply follows the distance. Expressway tolls, if used, are added to the meter fare.
Bus Fares
Bus route 302 runs from the airport to Xinguang Li via the Taichung Railway Station area. Taichung city buses are charged by distance travelled, so what you pay depends on where you get off; you tap an EasyCard, iPass or iCash card, or pay with exact change. Check the current fare on the Taichung city bus site before you travel. It is by far the cheapest option, but it only works during daytime hours when the bus is running, and the journey takes considerably longer with multiple stops along the way.
Private Transfer Pricing
A pre-booked private transfer is quoted and fixed at the time you book, so the total is on screen before you pay — no meter, no surcharges, no toll arithmetic on arrival. Larger vehicles for families or groups cost more than a standard sedan. This includes meet-and-greet at the arrivals hall and door-to-door service.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Taxi drivers at RMQ generally use meters, but occasionally a driver may suggest a flat fare — this almost always works in their favor, not yours. Insist on the meter; the tariff above is the published city rate and the driver is working from it. Expressway tolls are legitimate charges added to your fare. Tipping is not expected in Taiwan, though rounding up is appreciated. If you use Uber, surge pricing can apply during peak hours, pushing the fare above what a regular taxi would charge.
What Makes the Price Change
Three factors affect your final cost: time of day (a flat NT$20 is added between 23:00 and 06:00), route chosen (expressway is faster but adds tolls), and traffic conditions — the meter charges NT$5 a minute whenever the car is stopped or crawling, so a rush-hour crawl around 5–7 PM costs real money on top of the distance. Weekend traffic into the Fengjia area can also be heavy.
Bottom Line
For a solo traveler or couple arriving during the day, a metered taxi at roughly TWD 550–750 offers the best balance of cost and convenience. For late arrivals or families, a pre-booked transfer costs more but removes all uncertainty. The bus works for the very budget-conscious, but the savings come at the cost of time and comfort.