With the city center just a few kilometres away, the taxi-vs-transfer decision at Kaohsiung airport is more nuanced than at most airports. Taxis here are genuinely good and run on a published city tariff, so the question is whether a transfer adds enough value to justify booking one at all.
What a taxi actually costs
Kaohsiung taxis are metered on a tariff set by the Kaohsiung City Transportation Bureau (effective 27 March 2024): NT$85 for the first 1.25 km, then NT$5 per 200 m, plus NT$5 per 100 seconds whenever the car crawls below 5 km/h. Pickups at the international terminal add NT$50, and fares rise 20% between 23:00 and 06:00. Run over the short distance into central Kaohsiung, that works out at roughly NT$250–330 including the terminal fee, before traffic.
There is no negotiation and no scam risk worth worrying about. The meter is the price.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Taxi | Private Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | City-set meter + NT$50 terminal fee | Fixed per vehicle at booking |
| Price known before you fly | No | Yes |
| Night tariff | +20%, 23:00–06:00 | None |
| Scam risk | Very low | None |
| Night availability | Good | Guaranteed |
| Flight tracking | No | Yes |
| Child seats | Not provided | On request |
| English | Basic | Usually fluent |
| Wait time | 0–5 min | Driver waits |
Fixed-price private transfer
KHH Kaohsiung City Center
From€65for 2 passengers
When taxis are the clear winner
For most travelers heading to central Kaohsiung during daytime hours, a taxi is the smart choice:
- Fares are low and honest — metered on a published city tariff, no negotiation needed
- Taxis queue outside arrivals with virtually no wait
- The ride is short (10–20 minutes)
- Drivers are professional and safe
The MRT is cheaper still, but if you have luggage, a taxi to Kaohsiung Main Station is excellent value for the money.
When a private transfer is worth it
The transfer premium at KHH is harder to justify for short city trips than at many airports. But there are clear situations where it makes sense:
- Kenting or distant destinations, where a 90 km drive benefits from a fixed price and a comfortable vehicle. (The budget alternative is bus 9117/9117A, which runs to Kenting directly from the airport.)
- Families needing car seats — legally required for children under 4, and unavailable in taxis
- Large groups (5+ people) who need a minivan
- Late night arrivals past midnight, when you want a guaranteed pickup and no 20% night tariff
- Business travelers who want an English-speaking driver and a specific vehicle class
The MRT factor
Unlike most airports where the choice is taxi-vs-transfer, Kaohsiung adds the MRT as a genuine third option. The airport has its own Red Line station (R4), trains run every 4–6 minutes at peak, and the distance-based fare puts a ride into town at the cheap end of the NT$20–60 scale. For solo travelers and couples with manageable luggage, it often beats both taxis and transfers on speed and simplicity.
Bottom line
Kaohsiung is one of those rare cities where the taxi service is reliable and cheap enough that a private transfer is a luxury rather than a necessity for city destinations. Save the transfer booking for Kenting trips, family travel, or late-night arrivals.