Alishan Transportation Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Trains, Buses, and Private Transfers

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.

Common Alishan Transportation Options

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

Alishan Transportation | Charter Service

Planning a trip to Alishan can be overwhelming—especially when trying to figure out how to coordinate multiple transfers between high-speed rail, Taiwan Railways, and buses. If you're stressed about piecing together connections, navigating unfamiliar stations, or just want to travel in comfort, tripool’s charter service is the perfect solution.

With tripool, you can book a door-to-door private transfer that eliminates all the guesswork. Whether you're looking for a one-way trip to Alishan or a round-trip journey, tripool makes it effortless. Simply visit the official website to reserve your ride, and a professional driver will arrive right at your doorstep—no transfers, no delays, no worries. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic route to Alishan without the stress of planning every leg of the journey.

This service is especially ideal for:

• First-time visitors to Alishan who are unfamiliar with the mountainous route
• Travelers who find long drives physically tiring or mentally stressful
• Those traveling with elderly family members or young children, where safety and convenience are top priorities
• Tourists visiting during peak seasons (like cherry blossom or maple leaf season), when parking is scarce and traffic is intense

In addition, tripool’s vehicles are clean, spacious, and driven by experienced, licensed drivers familiar with mountain driving conditions—offering both safety and comfort. You’ll also appreciate the flexibility of choosing your departure time, pick-up location, and even vehicle size based on your group’s needs.

Exclusive Alishan Charter Offers – Reserve Today!

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

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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? Carpooling is well-suited for a variety of different scenarios—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: it 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.

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!

Check Out Our Latest Carpool Offers

Alishan Transportation | Taiwan Tourist Shuttle

Source: Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Service

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 Platform 7 → Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Alishan A Line

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

Source: Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Service

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

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

Source: Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Service

👉🏻 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.

Alishan Transportation | High-Speed Rail

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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

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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!

1. Unpredictable Weather in Alishan:
   • Located at a high elevation, Alishan experiences rapid weather changes.
   • Fog, sudden rain, and temperature drops are common and may affect travel plans.
2. Two Sections of the Alishan Forest Railway:
   • The railway is divided into a flatland section and a mountainous section, each with distinct landscapes and elevations.
3. Spanning Four Climate Zones:
   • The route passes through tropical, subtropical, temperate, and cold climate zones.
   • Scenery varies significantly depending on the climate zone.
4. Historic Mountain Railway:
   • With over 100 years of history, the Alishan Forest Railway is sensitive to weather conditions and may experience service disruptions.
5. Check Train Operations Before You Go:
   • Always verify if the train is running, especially during bad weather.
   • Some routes, like the sunrise train, require advance reservations.

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.

Source: Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Management Office

Here are the routes of the Alishan Forest Railway:

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.

• 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).
  • 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.

 🕒 Timetable: Branch Lines Timetable

👉🏻 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.

Alishan Transportation | National Highway Bus

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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

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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:

1. Route 1: National Highway 3 ➜ Provincial Highway 3 ➜ Meishan Interchange (279K) ➜ County Road 162 (Meishan, Ruili, Ruifeng, Taihe area)
2. Route 2: National Highway 3 ➜ Provincial Highway 3 ➜ Zhuzi Interchange (290K) ➜ County Road 166 (Zhuzi, Taixing, Ruili)
3. Route 3: National Highway 1 ➜ Jiayi System Interchange (272K) ➜ Route 82 Expressway ➜ National Highway 3 ➜ Zhongpu Interchange (297K) ➜ Provincial Highway 18

• Restrooms: There are scenic rest areas near 56K and 66K on the Alishan Highway. While the 66K rest area does not have a public toilet, you can find restrooms at Chukou Visitor Center and in the nearby town of Shizhao (e.g., 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.

Alishan Transportation Comparison

Transportation Option	Starting Point	One-Way Fare	Travel Time	Flexibility	Recommended For
Self-Driving	Anywhere in Taiwan	Depends on fuel and tolls	Approx. 2.5–3 hrs	High (own schedule)	Experienced drivers
Charter Service (tripool)	Anywhere in Taiwan	From NT$4,402/vehicle (shareable cost)	Approx. 2.5–3 hrs	Very high (customizable)	Families, seniors, peak-season travelers
Shared Ride/Carpool (tripool)	Major cities with flexible pick-up	From NT$500/person (approx.)	Approx. 2.5–3 hrs	Moderate (time windows)	Solo travelers, budget-conscious users
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle – A Line	Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station	NT$278	Approx. 2.5 hrs	Low (fixed schedule)	HSR passengers on a budget
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle – B Line	Chiayi Railway Station	NT$251	Approx. 2.5 hrs	Low (fixed schedule)	Train travelers on a budget
Alishan Forest Railway	Chiayi Station (or other line stations)	Varies by section	Approx. 2.5–3.5 hrs	Low (weather-dependent)	Scenic seekers, railway enthusiasts
National Highway Bus (Guoguang)	Taipei Bus Station (Fridays only)	NT$690 (full) / NT$315 (half)	Approx. 6 hrs 10 min	Very low (weekly only)	Weekend travelers from northern Taiwan

Alishan Transportation FAQs

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

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

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

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

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