7 Ways to Get to Alishan! Besides the Alishan Shuttle, There's Something for Sneaky Transportation

Alishan in Taiwan is a famous mountain resort known for its stunning sunrises and sea of clouds. It features scenic hiking trails, ancient forests, and the historic Alishan Forest Railway. Visitors often come to experience the beauty of nature and the rich indigenous culture. Therefore, the choice of transportations to Alishan National Forest has become a necessary research topic for visitors. When planning your trip to Alishan, it’s helpful to first check an Alishan map to understand the layout of the scenic area and nearby attractions.

Some people may ask, "How to get to Alishan? Is it easy to drive to Alishan? How long does it take to drive up to Alishan?" In addition to driving, what are the other transportation options to Alishan?

Due to Alishan's altitude of over 2,000 meters, the roads up the mountain are rugged and winding, making it quite challenging to drive. It takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to drive from Chiayi City to Alishan. However, there are alternative transportation options available.

In addition to driving on your own, Taiwan Tourist Shuttle provides public transportation options for the Alishan route. You can also choose to ride the century-old Alishan Forest Railway. If you are unfamiliar with the road conditions or prefer not to use public transportation in Alishan, chartering a vehicle for your trip is also a good option.

So, what are the usual ways to get to Alishan? No rush — your trusty editor is here to sort it all out for you!

Common Alishan Transportation Options

Alishan Transportation | Charter Service

Before going on a trip, do you ever feel the need to do a lot of research and worry about how to take the high-speed rail, Taiwan Railways, or buses for transfers? If you have such concerns, then Tripool's charter service is the best choice for you! Whether you need a one-way or round-trip transfer, Tripool can arrange it for you. Simply make an easy reservation on the Tripool official website, and a professional driver will pick you up at your doorstep. You can depart with peace of mind and fully enjoy your journey!

Tripool's charter service is also highly suitable for the following situations:

• First-time travelers to Alishan who are unfamiliar with the route
• Travelers who find long mountain drives to Alishan tiring or stressful
• Travelers accompanied by elderly family members or young children
• Travelers heading to Alishan during peak seasons (e.g., cherry blossom season) who want to avoid the hassle of finding parking

Common Transportation Methods in Alishan

Alishan Transportation | Shared Ride & Carpool Services (With Guaranteed Departures)

Carpooling means sharing a ride with others in the same vehicle. Not only does it help split travel costs, but it also reduces traffic congestion and air pollution!

Think carpooling is only for short trips? Think again! Carpooling is well-suited for a variety of different senerios—like airport or cruise terminal transfers, where fixed schedules make ride-sharing even more efficient. These are some of the most popular among tripool carpool users!

Take tripool’s newly launched carpool service as an example: we offer a Guaranteed Departure Plan.

Yes, even if you’re the only passenger booked for a specific time slot, we'll still send a car—no need to worry about early-morning flights or tight schedules. tripool's carpooling service eliminates the frustration of waiting for a group to form (as is often the case with other platforms or LINE carpool groups), saving you the stress of scrambling for last-minute alternatives.

Travel should be enjoyable—not a source of stress due to transportation issues.

What’s even better? tripool's carpooling service lets you customize your pick-up and drop-off points, just like a private car—but at a fraction of the cost.

And if you’re open to flexible departure times (letting the driver pick you up within a selected time window), you’ll unlock extra discounts to help you save even more!

Bonus Feature:OneCar Multi-Day Intercity Shuttle – A Budget-Friendly New Way to Reach Alishan!

Have you ever run into these problems?

1. Want to plan for an Alishan tour but can't connect the high-speed rail, buses, and the forest train smoothly?
2. Transfer routes are too complicated—worried about getting lost or missing your ride?
3. Want to drive yourself, but mountain roads seem tough and risky?
4. Traveling solo and can’t find an affordable option?
5. Planning a multi-day trip but tired of booking each leg of the journey separately?

If this sounds like you, OneCar is your smart, simple travel solution!

What is OneCar? Who is it for?

OneCar is a multi-day, cross-county shuttle service designed especially for independent travelers. It combines the convenience of a private car with the value of ride-sharing, letting you:

📍 Travel directly from any city to Alishan — no transfers required
📆 Choose your own pick-up time and location — flexible and hassle-free
🚗 Book all your transportation in one go — no need to check schedules or make multiple bookings
💰 More affordable than Uber or taxis — and yes, even solo travelers can ride!

Perfect for:

✔ Travelers who want the ease of a private ride without the high cost
✔ Those who prefer no transfers and no driving
✔ Multi-day trip planners looking for seamless transportation
✔ First-time visitors to Taiwan who want an easy way to reach Alishan

🎒 Your go-to transportation tool for Taiwan travel — no login, no credit card needed.
Try it now and get a price quote to Alishan in just 30 seconds!

Why Choose OneCar Over Regular Transportation?

Wondering how tripool’s original Carpool compares to the new OneCar service?

In short, OneCar is the upgraded version of carpool — not only can you book multi-day trips in one go, but you can also combine them with flexible day-tour private rides. It's perfect for long-distance travel and multi-day Taiwan adventures, giving you more convenience and freedom than standard carpool options.

Alishan Transportation Methods | Taiwan Tourist Shuttle

The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle offers an Alishan Shuttle Bus (also known as the Alishan Transportation Bus) that primarily follows Provincial Highway 18, commonly referred to as the Alishan Highway. This scenic road winds all the way up the mountain, passing by highlights such as the Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park. Along the journey, you can enjoy breathtaking natural landscapes and ecological beauty that are sure to leave you amazed.

Alishan-A Line (Departing from High-Speed Rail)

Ticket price: Calculated by mileage, one-way fare is NT$278

Boarding locations:

• High-Speed Rail Chiayi Station Exit 2 → BRT Express Bus → Chiayi Railway Station → Taiwan Trip Alishan B Line
• High-Speed Rail Chiayi Station Exit 2 Platform 7 → Taiwan Trip Alishan A Line

Timetable: Please refer to the Alishan-A Line (Departing from High-Speed Rail) Timetable

Alishan-B Line (Departing from Taiwan Railways)

Ticket price: Calculated by mileage, one-way fare is NT$251

Boarding location: Chiayi Railway Station → Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Alishan B Line

Reminder: Currently, advance seat reservation is available for Alishan-B Line (Taiwan Railway Chiayi Station to Alishan or Alishan to Taiwan Railway Chiayi Station) by following these methods:

• On-site seat reservation: Daya Station of Chiayi County Bus (No. 635, Section 2, Daya Road, Chiayi City) or 7-Eleven convenience store at Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
• Advance Tickets: Available at FamilyMart convenience stores via FamiPort. You can pre-order tickets at FamilyMart from one month up to 12:00 a.m. the day before departure. Please board according to the departure time and route shown on your ticket. For ticket cancellations, please refer to the instructions and address printed on your ticket. For more information, contact the Chiayi County Bus Service Center at: 05-2788177

FYI: The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle also offers transfer service from Alishan to Sun Moon Lake. Please check Taiwan Tourist Shuttle official website for the price and schedule.

(Source: Taiwan Tourist Shuttle official website)

Timetable: Please refer to the Alishan-B Line (Departing from Taiwan Railways) Timetable

Alishan Transportation | High-Speed Rail

For travelers departing from other cities or counties, you can take the high-speed rail to Chiayi Station and then transfer to Taiwan Tourist Shuttle's Alishan Line:

• High-Speed Rail Chiayi Station Exit 2 → BRT Express Bus → Chiayi Railway Station → Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Alishan B Line
• High-Speed Rail Chiayi Station Exit 2 Platform 7 → Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Alishan A Line

Timetable: Please refer to the Alishan-A Line (Departing from High-Speed Rail) Timetable, Alishan-B Line (Departing from Taiwan Railways) Timetable, and High-Speed Rail Timetable

Alishan Transportation | Train

One of the most famous attractions here is the forest railway Alishan left over from the Japanese era. It is a special forest railway used for timber transportation! However, if you want to take this Alishan train, there are some important things to note!

Taiwan Alishan weather can be quite unpredictable due to the region’s high elevation and varying climate zones. The Alishan height contributes to sudden changes in temperature, fog, or rain, which may affect travel plans. Since Alishan is located at a high altitude, the Alishan Forest Railway can be divided into two sections: the flatland and the mountainous area. Moreover, it spans four climate zones: hot, warm, temperate, and cold, so the scenery in each climate zone is different! In addition, this train has a history of over a hundred years and is susceptible to weather conditions. If you want to take the small train, be sure to check if it is in operation and some routes can be reserved in advance.

In order to help everyone better understand the information about the railway, the Alishan Forest Railway map below shows all 13 stations from Chiayi to Alishan, making it easier to plan your stops along the route. We hope it can make it more convenient for you to plan your trip!

Image source: Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Management Office

Alishan Forest Railway

Here are the routes of the Alishan Forest Railway:

Main Line: Chiayi ⇆ Shizi Road

If you're wondering how to get to Alishan from Chiayi, taking the Alishan Forest Railway is one of the most scenic and memorable options.The entire line is now fully operational, with Alishan Forest Railway Chiayi Station as the starting point of the historic mountain railway, serving a total of 13 stations: Chiayi, Beimen, Zhuci, Zhangnaoliao, Duli Mountain, Liyuanliao, Jiaoliping, Shuishaliao, Fenqihu, Duolin, Shizilu, Erwanping, and Alishan. (Alishan train schedule can be found on Alishan Forest Raiway Network Ticketing System

Branch Lines: (Inside Alishan National Forest Recreation Area)

• Zhushan Line: The sunrise time varies every day throughout the year. Alishan Forest Railway Station adjusts its schedule based on the daily sunrise time and the number of passengers. For passengers planning to take the Sunrise Train, the operation status will be announced at 4:30 PM on the day before departure via the following channels: Alishan Railway Station official website (homepage), 2nd floor of Alishan Station, Alishan National Scenic Area main entrance, Alishan Visitor Center. You can purchase tickets in advance through the Alishan Forest Railway online booking system, or at the following stations: Chiayi Station, Zhuci (Zhuqi) Station, Jiaoliping Station, Fenqihu Station, Alishan Station (2nd Floor). Please note: It takes about 20 minutes on foot to reach the Zhushan Sunrise Viewing Platform from the station.
• Shenmu Line: In operation.
• Zhaoping Line: In operation. A special Hinoki (cypress wood) carriage is attached every Wednesday.
• Shuishan Line: Please refer to the Zhaoping Line timetable. After arriving at Zhaoping Station, follow the trail on foot to access the Shuishan Line route.
• Mianyue Line: Service is suspended due to route damage. Entry is prohibited for safety reasons.

Ticket Booking Instructions: Due to the high popularity and limited availability of the Alishan Forest Railway tickets, it is recommended to purchase them in advance. Buying an Alishan train ticket is the first step to experiencing one of Taiwan’s most iconic mountain railways. Tickets can be bought online or at stations like Chiayi, Beimen, or Alishan Station, and it's recommended to book in advance during peak travel seasons. Additionally, if you’re planning a round trip, don’t forget to check the Alishan to Chiayi train schedule in advance, as return tickets may also sell out quickly.

Data source: Alishan National Scenic Area Headquarters

Timetable: Branch Lines Timetable

Alishan Transportation | National Highway Bus

For travelers from other counties and cities: You can make use of the National Highway Bus service. After arriving at Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station or Chiayi Train Station, you can transfer to the Alishan Line introduced in detail above to go up the mountain.

For Taipei travelers: You can choose to take the "Guoguang Bus 1835 Line" directly from Taipei Bus Station to Alishan. From March to October, the departure time from Taipei Bus Station is 20:45 on Fridays, and from November to February, the departure time is 21:45 on Fridays.

• Travel time: Approximately 6 hours and 10 minutes.
• Fare: Full fare 690 NTD / Half fare 315 NTD / Round trip 1330 NTD
• Timetable: Refer to Guoguang Bus 1835 Line Timetable and Fare
• Friday evenings are the most suitable for direct departure from Taipei. If you want to spend the weekend in Alishan and catch the sunrise, taking the Guoguang Bus will be another cost-saving option for you.

Alishan Transportation | Self-Driving

If you are traveling by car, please pay special attention. Due to the high terrain of Alishan Forest Recreation Area, heavy fog often occurs on the roads in the afternoon. It is recommended to go up the mountain in the morning and be cautious of your speed. Do not violate traffic rules, and it is safer to avoid overtaking or changing lanes. Here are three driving routes and some reminders:

• Route 1: National Highway 3 ➜ Provincial Highway 3 ➜ Meishan Interchange (279K) ➜ County Road 162 (Meishan, Ruili, Ruifeng, Taihe area)
• Route 2: National Highway 3 ➜ Provincial Highway 3 ➜ Zhuzi Interchange (290K) ➜ County Road 166 (Zhuzi, Taixing, Ruili)
• Restrooms: There are scenic rest areas near 56K and 66K on the Alishan Highway, but there are no toilets. However, there is a restroom located next to Shizhao Daming Auto Repair Shop (No. 21, Alishan Highway, Zhuzi Township, Chiayi County).
• Gas Stations: Alishan National Scenic Area Highway 18 Gas Station
• Alternative Road (to be used when the main roads are blocked, but it is a single-lane road suitable for small cars):
• Crossroad-Shizhao: There is an industrial road at the crossroad that leads to Tefuye and then to Shizhao. The road conditions are good, but it is narrow and not suitable for frequent passing of vehicles. Beware of falling rocks.
• Shizhao-Chukou: At Shizhao, you can take Dahua Highway to Fanzhulu and then reach Chukou. There is also a road leading to Gongtian between Loutou and Xiding, which connects to the Alishan Highway near Chukou.
• For road closure information, you can contact the Alishan Works Section of the Fifth District Engineering Office of the Directorate General of Highways at 05-2592427, or visit the Website of the Fifth District Maintenance Engineering Office of the Directorate General of Highways.
• Route 3: National Highway 1 ➜ Jiayi System Interchange (272K) ➜ Route 82 Expressway ➜ National Highway 3 ➜ Zhongpu Interchange (297K) ➜ Provincial Highway 18 (Source: Alishan National Scenic Area Administration)

Alishan Transportation | National Highway Bus

For travelers from other counties and cities: You can take an intercity highway bus to Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station or Chiayi Train Station. From there, transfer to the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle – Alishan Route, as detailed above, to continue your journey up the mountain.

Travelers from Taipei: You can take the Kuo-Kuang Bus Route 1835, which goes directly from Taipei Bus Station to Alishan. Departure time: Every Friday at 8:45 PM.

• Friday evenings are the most suitable for direct departure from Taipei. If you want to spend the weekend in Alishan and catch the sunrise, taking the Kuo-Kuang Bus will be another cost-saving option for you.
• Travel time: Approximately 6 hours and 10 minutes.
• Fare: Full fare 710 NTD

Alishan Transportation | Self-Driving

If you are planning an Alishan travel by car, please pay special attention to the driving conditions. Due to the high terrain of Alishan National Scenic Area, heavy fog often occurs on the mountain roads in the afternoon, which can reduce visibility and make driving dangerous. Therefore, it is highly recommended to go up the mountain in the morning and always be cautious of your speed. Make sure not to violate any traffic rules, and for safety reasons, it is best to avoid overtaking or changing lanes on winding roads. Below are three suggested driving routes along with important reminders to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience:

• Route 1: National Freeway No. 3 ➜ Provincial Highway 3 ➜ Meishan Interchange (279K) ➜ County Road 162A → Recommended for travel to Meishan, Ruili, Ruifeng, and Taihe areas.
• Route 2: National Freeway No. 3 ➜ Provincial Highway 3 ➜ Zhuqi Interchange (290K) ➜ County Road 166 → Recommended for travel to Zhuqi, Taixing, and Ruili.
• Route 3:National Freeway No. 1 ➜ Chiayi System Interchange (272K) ➜ Expressway No. 82 ➜ National Freeway No. 3 ➜ Zhongpu Interchange (297K) ➜ Provincial Highway 18
• Rest Stops and Facilities: Scenic rest stops are located near KM 56 and KM 66 along Alishan Highway (Provincial Highway 18), but no public toilets are available there. Public restroom available near Shizhao at Daming Auto Repair Shop(No. 21, Alishan Highway, Zhuqi Township, Chiayi County)
• Gas Station: Available along Provincial Highway 18 (Alishan Highway)
• Alternative Routes (in case of road closure). Note: These are narrow roads suitable for small vehicles only.
• Shizilu ↔ Shizhao: From Shizilu, take an industrial road to Tefuye, then continue to Dabang and finally reach Shizhao. Road is passable but narrow with potential rockfalls—drive cautiously.
• Shizhao ↔ Chukou: From Shizhao, take Dahua Highway to Fanlu Township, or use the road between Longtou and Xiding to reach Gongtian, then connect back to Alishan Highway near Chukou.
• Longmei ↔ Chashan: From Longmei, use the Caoshan branch road to reach Zengwen Reservoir (Dapu Bridge section) along Provincial Highway 3. Alternatively, take Township Road 129, pass through Shanmei, Danayigu, and Xinmei to reach Chashan. At Chashan, two forks are available—one to Zengwen Reservoir, another to Namasia District, Kaohsiung, via Mount Zion to Jiaxian.
• Laiji (5th Neighborhood) ↔ Fenqihu: Cross the bridge next to Laiji Resort, go uphill to County Road 149, then connect to County Road 169 toward Fenqihu.
• Road Condition Updates: Alishan Work Section, Yunlin–Chiayi–Tainan District Maintenance Office: +886-5-2592427. Or check the Taiwan Directorate General of Highways, Maintenance Section 5 official website.

Where are the Alishan Shuttle Bus stops?

The Alishan Shuttle Bus is currently provided on a non-regular basis and is usually available during specific festivals or holidays to alleviate congestion within the park.

About Alishan Transportation: Questions from PTT Users

Let’s Talk About Alishan shuttle services! Aside from the various transportation options we’ve already introduced, we’ve also gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about Alishan transportation on the PTT forum. Let’s go through them one by one and clear up your travel concerns!

Q1: Where can I find late-night Alishan shuttle services?

Q2: What are the transportation options from Fenqihu to Alishan?

Q3: How long does it take to travel from Chiayi Train Station to Alishan?

Q4: What’s the most cost-effective way to get to Alishan?

Questions You Might Have About Tripool

Q: Does Tripool offer airport transfer services for international arrivals?

Q: Can Tripool help with group transportation using minibuses or large tour buses?

Q: Can Tripool help if I need a multi-day travel itinerary in Taiwan?

Your Best Travel Partner to Alishan – Tripool: Saving You Time and Hassle!

If you're planning a trip to Alishan, don't miss out on Tripool's private transfer service—a convenient and cost-effective alternative to other transportation options we've introduced.