Essential Travel Information
Planning a trip from the vibrant capital of Taipei to the picturesque coastal city of Hualien? With its stunning Taroko Gorge and serene beaches, Hualien offers an unforgettable escapade. Here’s your comprehensive guide to make your journey seamless and unforgettable.
1. High-Speed Rail (HSR)
A. Travel Time and Ticket Costs:
- Travel time: Approximately 2 hours
- Regular ticket cost: Starting from NT$490 (approximately $16)
B. How to Book HSR Tickets:
- Online: Visit the Taiwan High Speed Rail website (https://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/) for online reservations.
- Train stations: Purchase tickets at Taipei Main Station or Banqiao Station.
C. Departure and Arrival Stations:
- Taipei: Taipei Main Station
- Hualien: Hualien Station
2. TRA Train
A. Travel Time and Ticket Costs:
- Travel time: Approximately 3 hours
- Ticket cost: Starting from NT$330 (approximately $11)
B. How to Book TRA Train Tickets:
- Online: Visit the Taiwan Railways Administration website (https://www.railway.gov.tw/) for online reservations.
- Train stations: Purchase tickets at Taipei Main Station or other TRA stations.
C. Departure and Arrival Stations:
- Taipei: Taipei Main Station
- Hualien: Hualien Station
3. Bus
A. Travel Time and Ticket Costs:
- Travel time: Approximately 3-4 hours
- Ticket cost: Starting from NT$390 (approximately $13)
B. How to Book Bus Tickets:
- Online: Visit the Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport website (https://www.kingbus.com.tw/en/) for online reservations.
- Bus terminals: Purchase tickets at Taipei Bus Station or Hualien Bus Station.
C. Departure and Arrival Terminals:
- Taipei: Taipei Bus Station
- Hualien: Hualien Bus Station
4. Driving
A. Travel Time and Distance:
- Travel time: Approximately 3-4 hours
- Distance: 120 kilometers (75 miles)
B. Rental Car Options:
- A wide range of rental car companies are available at Taipei Songshan Airport and Taipei Main Station.
- Prices typically start from NT$1,500 (approximately $49) per day.
C. Parking in Hualien:
- Parking spaces in Hualien are limited, so it is recommended to check with your hotel for parking arrangements.
5. Flight
A. Travel Time and Ticket Costs:
- Travel time: Approximately 55 minutes
- Ticket cost: Starting from NT$1,500 (approximately $49)
B. How to Book Flight Tickets:
- Online: Visit airline websites such as China Airlines, EVA Air, or Mandarin Airlines for online reservations.
- Travel agencies: Contact travel agencies or visit their offices for assistance with flight bookings.
C. Departure and Arrival Airports:
- Taipei: Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA)
- Hualien: Hualien Airport (HUN)
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not making reservations in advance: Especially during peak season, it is crucial to secure your tickets as early as possible.
- Assuming trains will be on time: While Taiwan’s transportation system is generally reliable, delays can occur. Allow extra time for your journey.
- Not bringing proper identification: You will need to present a valid ID when purchasing tickets or boarding the train or bus.
- Not checking for discounts: Students, seniors, and military personnel may be eligible for discounts on transportation fares.
- Not exploring Hualien beyond Taroko Gorge: While Taroko Gorge is a must-see attraction, Hualien offers other hidden gems worth exploring.
7. Highlights of Hualien
- Taroko National Park: Home to the stunning Taroko Gorge, Seven Star Mountain, and Yushan National Park.
- Qingshui Cliff: A breathtaking coastal cliff with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Hualien County Museum: Showcases the history and culture of Hualien.
- Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park: A vibrant hub for art, music, and handicrafts.
- Chihsingtan Beach: A picturesque seaside destination perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
8. Case Detail
A family of four traveled from Taipei to Hualien by taking the High-Speed Rail. They booked their tickets in advance online to secure the best available fares. The travel time was approximately 2 hours, allowing them ample time to relax and enjoy the scenic views from the train. Upon arriving at Hualien Station, they picked up their rental car and drove to their hotel in Taroko Gorge. The rental car provided them with the flexibility to explore the park at their own pace and avoid crowds.
9. Useful Tables
Table 1: Transportation Methods and Key Information
| Transportation Method | Travel Time | Cost | Departure/Arrival Stations/Terminals |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Rail (HSR) | 2 hours | Starting from NT$490 | Taipei Main Station / Hualien Station |
| TRA Train | 3 hours | Starting from NT$330 | Taipei Main Station / Hualien Station |
| Bus | 3-4 hours | Starting from NT$390 | Taipei Bus Station / Hualien Bus Station |
| Flight | 55 minutes | Starting from NT$1,500 | Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) / Hualien Airport (HUN) |
Table 2: Travel Time and Distance via Driving
| Destination | Travel Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Taroko Gorge | 3-4 hours | 120 kilometers (75 miles) |
| Qingshui Cliff | 30 minutes | 20 kilometers (12 miles) |
| Hualien City | 20 minutes | 10 kilometers (6 miles) |
Table 3: Estimated Transportation Costs
| Transportation Method | Single Ticket Cost | Round-Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Rail (HSR) | Starting from NT$490 | Starting from NT$980 |
| TRA Train | Starting from NT$330 | Starting from NT$660 |
| Bus | Starting from NT$390 | Starting from NT$780 |
| Flight | Starting from NT$1,500 | Starting from NT$3,000 |
Table 4: Transportation Fares from Taipei Bus Station to Hualien Bus Station
| Bus Company | Ticket Cost | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport | Starting from NT$390 | 3-4 hours |
| U-Bus | Starting from NT$390 | 3-4 hours |
| HO-HSIN Bus | Starting from NT$400 | 3 hours |
