Kaohsiung National Stadium Transportation and Concert Guide: MRT, High-Speed Rail Shuttle, and Nearby Parking Tips!

Source: Round Taiwan Round

If you are planning to attend a concert or major sporting event in Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung National Stadium is one of the most important venues to know.

Located in Zuoying District, the stadium is officially known as Kaohsiung National Stadium and is also commonly called the World Games Main Stadium. It is connected directly to R17 World Games Station on the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line, making it relatively easy to reach even if you are visiting Kaohsiung for the first time.

The stadium is also a popular venue for large-scale performances and international events. For fans traveling from other cities or overseas, however, getting to the venue is only part of the trip. You also need to think about your return journey, concert-day crowds, seat location, bag restrictions and Kaohsiung's hot and humid weather since it's and outdoor arena.

In this guide, we will also cover everything you need to know about Kaohsiung National Stadium transportation, including how to get there from Kaohsiung Airport, Taipei, Zuoying HSR Station and Kaohsiung Main Station.

 

Source: Sports Development Bureau, Kaohsiung City Government

Kaohsiung National Stadium is located in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, in southern Taiwan.

The official address is:

Kaohsiung National Stadium
No. 100, World Games Boulevard, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

The road was formerly known as Zhonghai Road, so you may still see the old name in older travel information or online discussions.

The stadium is also known as the World Games Main Stadium, because it was built as the main venue for the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung.

Information Details
Official name Kaohsiung National Stadium
Also known as World Games Main Stadium
Address No. 100, World Games Boulevard, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
MRT station R17 World Games Station
MRT exit Exit 1
District Zuoying District
Regular seating Around 40,000 seats
Large-event capacity Up to around 55,000 people

One thing that makes this venue particularly convenient is its MRT connection. R17 World Games Station Exit 1 leads directly toward the main stadium, so generally, you don't need to rely on a taxi or complicated bus route just to reach the entrance.

For most visitors, the easiest way to reach Kaohsiung National Stadium is the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line.

The key station is: R17 World Games Station

If you are already staying somewhere along the Red Line, simply take the train toward Gangshan and get off at R17 World Games Station.

From the station, follow the signs for Exit 1 / Main Stadium.

Kaohsiung Airport to Kaohsiung National Stadium

Source: Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corp.

Traveling from Kaohsiung International Airport to Kaohsiung National Stadium is particularly straightforward because the airport is connected directly to the Kaohsiung MRT.

The airport station is R4 Kaohsiung International Airport Station.

🚙 Your route would be:

R4 Kaohsiung International Airport → Red Line → R17 World Games Station → Exit 1

There is no need to transfer between MRT lines.

This is usually the most convenient option for international visitors because you can travel from the airport to the stadium using the same MRT line.

If you have several large suitcases, however, you may find a private car or taxi more comfortable, especially after a long international flight.

From Zuoying HSR Station to Kaohsiung National Stadium

Source: Wikipedia

If you arrive in Kaohsiung by Taiwan High Speed Rail, you will arrive at Zuoying HSR Station.

Zuoying is connected to R16 Zuoying Station on the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line.

From there, it is only one MRT stop:

R16 Zuoying → R17 World Games → Exit 1

This makes staying near Zuoying HSR Station particularly convenient if you are attending a concert and also planning to travel around Taiwan by HSR.

From Kaohsiung Main Station to Kaohsiung National Stadium

If you arrive by Taiwan Railway at Kaohsiung Main Station, you can transfer to the Kaohsiung MRT.

Take the Red Line toward Gangshan and get off at R17 World Games Station, then use Exit 1 to reach the stadium.

This route is simple and very easy to navigate.

Taipei to Kaohsiung National Stadium

Traveling from Taipei to Kaohsiung Stadium is easiest by Taiwan High Speed Rail + Kaohsiung MRT.

The basic route ⬇️

  1. Take the HSR from Taipei to Zuoying.
  2. Follow the signs to Kaohsiung MRT.
  3. Take the Red Line from R16 Zuoying.
  4. Get off at R17 World Games Station.
  5. Use Exit 1 for Kaohsiung National Stadium.

This is a good choice for travelers who are coming to Kaohsiung specifically for a concert.

Instead of driving all the way from Taipei, you can let the HSR handle the long-distance journey and use the MRT for the final part of the trip.

There is no single best transportation method for everyone.

Your best option depends on where you are staying, how much luggage you have and whether you are traveling alone or with a group.

Transportation Best For Pros Cons
MRT Most visitors Easy, affordable and convenient Crowded after concerts
HSR + MRT Taipei / Taichung visitors Fast for long-distance travel Requires one transfer
TRA + MRT Budget travelers More train options Slower than HSR
Taxi Small groups Door-to-door service Traffic after events
Private car Families / groups Comfortable and luggage-friendly More expensive
Driving Local visitors Flexible Parking and traffic can be difficult

For most first-time visitors, MRT is the easiest choice.

If you are traveling with large suitcases, young children, older family members or several companions, a private car can be worth considering.

Source: Round Taiwan Round

Getting to Kaohsiung National Stadium before a concert is usually easier than leaving after the concert.

When tens of thousands of people leave the venue at approximately the same time, MRT stations, roads and taxi pickup areas can become extremely busy.

Shuttle Buses May Be Available for Major Events

Do not assume that Kaohsiung National Stadium has a regular free shuttle bus service.

For major concerts, the event organizer may arrange shuttle buses between locations such as HSR stations, railway stations and the stadium. These services can change from event to event.

Always check the organizer's latest transportation announcement before your trip.

How to Get Home After a Concert

Before buying your concert ticket, check your return transportation.

After the show:

  • MRT trains may be very crowded.
  • Taxi pickup areas may be moved because of traffic control.
  • Event shuttle buses may operate only during specific hours.
  • World Games Boulevard may have temporary traffic restrictions.
  • The final HSR or TRA train may leave earlier than you expect.

If you’re heading back to Taipei or another city on the same night, leave plenty of time between the end of the concert and your last train.

Don’t plan your trip around catching the final train with only a few minutes to spare. Concerts can run late, and it can take time to leave the stadium and make your way through the crowds.

If you want a more relaxed way to get back to your hotel or the train station, consider pre-booking a private car. It can save you the hassle of navigating crowded public transport after the show.

If you're searching for the Kaohsiung National Stadium seat view before buying a concert ticket, keep this in mind: there is no single best seat for every concert.

The stage layout can change depending on the artist and event. Some concerts may use a traditional front stage, while others may include an extended stage, center stage or different floor configurations.

Kaohsiung National Stadium Seating Chart

Always check the official seating chart for your specific event before purchasing tickets.

The same section number can provide a very different experience depending on where the stage is placed.

Try to pay attention to:

  • Stage position
  • Extended stage
  • Floor layout
  • Standing areas
  • Lower stands
  • Upper stands
  • Side sections
  • Restricted-view areas

Floor, Lower Stand and Upper Stand Views

Seat Type What to Expect Best For
Floor / Standing Close and immersive Fans who want atmosphere
Lower Stand Good balance of distance and overall view First-time visitors
Upper Stand Wider view of the entire stage Fans who prefer a big-picture view
Side Seats Angled view of the stage Budget-conscious travelers

Is the Kaohsiung National Stadium 2nd Floor View Worth It?

An upper-level or second-floor seat can actually be a good choice for a large stadium concert.

You may be farther away from the artist, but the higher viewing angle can make it easier to see the entire stage, lighting design and audience atmosphere.

If you prefer seeing the complete production rather than being as close as possible to the artist, an upper stand may be worth considering.

Check the Official Seat Map Before Buying

Source: Taiwan Concert View

Make sure you don't choose a seat based only on a generic Kaohsiung National Stadium seating chart.

The official seat map for your concert should always be your primary reference.

One important thing for international visitors to understand is that Kaohsiung National Stadium does not have one universal concert bag policy.

Bag restrictions can change depending on the event and organizer.

For example, recent major concerts have used a maximum bag size of approximately 37 × 25 × 11.5 cm.

Large bags and suitcases may not be allowed inside.

Because policies can change, always check the official announcement for your specific concert before leaving your hotel.

Item Usually Allowed? Important Note
Small bag Usually Check the event's size limit
Large backpack Usually not May fail security inspection
Suitcase No Leave it at your hotel or station
Folding umbrella Event-dependent Check the event rules
Long umbrella Usually not Restrictions may apply
Water Event-dependent Rules vary by organizer
Camera Event-dependent Professional cameras may be prohibited
Selfie stick Usually not Commonly restricted

Kaohsiung Arena Bag Policy Is Different

Be careful when searching online for Kaohsiung Arena bag policy.

Kaohsiung Arena and Kaohsiung National Stadium are two different venues.

Their entry rules, bag restrictions and event arrangements may be different.

Make sure you check the policy for the specific venue and event you are attending.

Source: Round Taiwan Round

If you live in Kaohsiung, driving or riding a scooter may seem like the easiest option.

On a normal day, that may be true. On concert day, however, the situation can be very different.

Why Driving Is Not Recommended for Concerts

Large concerts can bring thousands of people to the area at the same time.

Possible problems include:

  • Heavy traffic
  • Temporary road closures
  • Traffic controls on the day of the event
  • Limited parking
  • Difficult pickup and drop-off
  • Long delays after the concert

For most visitors, the MRT is a more predictable option.

Park and Ride

If you really want to drive part of the way, consider a Park and Ride strategy.

Park your car farther away from the stadium and continue by MRT to R17 World Games Station.

This can help you avoid the most congested roads immediately around the venue.

Scooter Parking

Scooter riders should also check event-day parking arrangements rather than assuming that their usual parking location will remain available.

Large events can change traffic and parking patterns around World Games Boulevard.

If you are unsure, using the MRT is often the simplest option.

If you are traveling to Kaohsiung for a concert or sporting event, we highly recommand turning your trip into a full day schedule of sightseeing.

Instead of spending the entire day around the stadium, you can arrange a private car tour around Kaohsiung and visit several attractions before heading directly to Kaohsiung National Stadium.

This can be especially convenient for families, groups of friends and international visitors carrying luggage. Depending on your itinerary, a 6-, 8-, 10- or 12-hour private car charter can cover several attractions before dropping you off at the stadium for your concert or event.

After the event, you can also arrange a return trip to your hotel, making the entire day easier without having to navigate public transportation between every stop.

6 Hour Kaohsiung Sightseeing Tour → Kaohsiung National Stadium

Best for: Travelers who have a limited amount of time before a concert.

A 6-hour private car charter works well if you want to visit a few of Kaohsiung's highlights before heading to the stadium.

👉🏻 A sample itinerary could be:

Pier-2 Art Center → Love River area → Lotus Pond → Kaohsiung National Stadium

Spend the morning or afternoon exploring Kaohsiung's waterfront and cultural attractions, then continue north toward Zuoying.

Your driver can drop you off near Kaohsiung National Stadium before your concert or sporting event.

This option is a good fit if your main goal is to combine a short Kaohsiung city tour with an evening event.

8 Hour Kaohsiung Day Tour → Concert at Kaohsiung National Stadium

Best for: First-time visitors who want to see several major attractions before a concert.

With 8 hours, you have more flexibility to combine sightseeing with a relaxed meal before heading to the stadium.

👉🏻 A sample itinerary could be:

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum → Lotus Pond → Pier-2 Art Center → Dinner → Kaohsiung National Stadium

You can spend the afternoon exploring Kaohsiung, stop for dinner before the concert and then head directly to the venue.

This itinerary is particularly convenient because you don't have to return to your hotel between sightseeing and the concert. Your private car can take you directly to the stadium at the end of the sightseeing.

After the concert, you can arrange a separate ride back to your hotel if needed.

10–12-Hour Kaohsiung Private Tour + Concert or Sporting Event

Best for: Families, groups and travelers who want a full-day itinerary.

If you have most of the day available, a 10 or 12 hour private charter gives you much more flexibility.

👉🏻 For example:

Kaohsiung Airport / Hotel → Cijin Island → Pier-2 Art Center → Love River → Lotus Pond → Dinner → Kaohsiung National Stadium

You can plan your stops based on what you want to see and what time your concert or event starts.

The best part is that you don’t have to carry your bags around or switch trains and buses between every stop. Your driver can take you from one attraction to another, then drop you off at Kaohsiung National Stadium before the event.

If your concert ends late, you can also arrange a ride from the stadium back to your hotel. Just keep in mind that pickup arrangements may vary, and traffic controls may be in place on event days.

For international visitors, this can be one of the easiest ways to combine Kaohsiung sightseeing + a concert or sporting event in the same day.

📌 Note: If you're carrying suitcases, you can also plan your hotel as a stop before heading to the stadium.

Which Private Car Tour Should You Choose?

Charter Time Suggested Use Sample Plan
6 hours Short sightseeing trip before an event Pier-2 → Love River → Lotus Pond → Stadium
8 hours Sightseeing + dinner + concert Fo Guang Shan → Lotus Pond → Pier-2 → Dinner → Stadium
10 hours Full-day sightseeing + event Cijin → Pier-2 → Lotus Pond → Dinner → Stadium
12 hours Full-day customized itinerary Multiple attractions → Meal → Stadium → Hotel

Plan your itinerary around your concert or event start time. For big events, it’s a good idea to leave some extra time for traffic and crowds around the stadium.

If you want to spend most of the day sightseeing, a 10- or 12-hour charter gives you more time and flexibility. If you only want to visit a few places before the concert, 6 or 8 hours should be enough.

Check the price!

tripool private charter

If you are visiting Kaohsiung specifically for a concert, choosing the right hotel location can make your trip much easier.

Area Best For Why
Zuoying / HSR Station Concert + day trip Easy HSR and MRT access
Kaohsiung Arena area Food and shopping Convenient MRT access
Central Kaohsiung Sightseeing and nightlife More city attractions
Near the airport Early flights Convenient airport access

Staying Near Zuoying HSR Station

Zuoying is one of the most convenient areas for travelers coming from Taipei, Taichung or other cities by HSR.

You can reach R17 World Games Station with only one MRT stop from R16 Zuoying.

It is also convenient if you plan to leave Kaohsiung soon after the concert.

Staying Near Kaohsiung Arena

The Kaohsiung Arena area is another convenient option.

Although Kaohsiung Arena is not the same venue as Kaohsiung National Stadium (Also known as 高雄national stadium), the two areas are connected by the MRT Red Line.

The area around Kaohsiung Arena also has plenty of restaurants, shopping and other services, such as Ruifeng Night Market.

Staying in Central Kaohsiung

Source: Round Taiwan Round

There are plenty of activities and night life fun in Central Kaohsiung.

You get to visit famous attractions like Kaohsiung Central Park, Formosa Boulevard Station, Shinkuchan Shopping Area, Love River and Kaohsiung Music Center.

If you're staying in Kaohsiung more than one day, we strongly suggest you to find a hotel in this area since it has everything you need!

Kaohsiung is very warm and humid for much of the year, and Kaohsiung National Stadium is an open-air venue.

That means concert preparation is different from attending an indoor arena.

Prepare for Hot Weather

Depending on the season, consider bringing:

  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Breathable clothing
  • Portable fan
  • Rain poncho
  • Drinking water (If permitted by the event)

Taiwan's weather can also change quickly, so checking the forecast before leaving your hotel is essential.

Keep Your Ticket Ready

If you are using a mobile ticket, make sure your phone has enough battery.

Before leaving your hotel:

  • Open your ticket or QR code.
  • Save important booking information.
  • Make sure your phone is charged.
  • Keep your hotel address available offline.
  • Bring a fully charged power bank

You don't want to discover that your phone battery is almost dead while standing in a crowded concert entrance.

Kaohsiung National Stadium has hosted major concerts

Kaohsiung National Stadium is not just a sports venue, it has also become one of Taiwan’s biggest concert venues. Over the years, it has welcomed major international artists such as Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, and BLACKPINK, as well as popular Taiwanese acts including Mayday and A-Mei.

With its huge capacity and open-air design, the stadium can host up to 55,000 fans for large-scale concerts. If you’re visiting Kaohsiung for a show, expect a lively atmosphere and plenty of fans coming from across Taiwan and overseas.

Q: How to Go to Kaohsiung National Stadium from Kaohsiung Airport? 

Take the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line from R4 Kaohsiung International Airport Station to R17 World Games Station. Then use Exit 1 for Kaohsiung National Stadium.

Q: Which MRT Station Is Closest to Kaohsiung National Stadium? 

R17 World Games Station is the closest Kaohsiung MRT station. Exit 1 provides access to the main stadium.

Q: How Do I Get From Taipei to Kaohsiung National Stadium? 

Take the Taiwan High Speed Rail from Taipei to Zuoying HSR Station. Transfer to the Kaohsiung MRT at R16 Zuoying Station and travel one stop to R17 World Games Station.

Q: How Long Does It Take From Taipei to Kaohsiung National Stadium? 

If you take the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR), the train from Taipei to Zuoying takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the service.

From Zuoying HSR Station, take the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line to R17 World Games Station. The MRT ride takes only a few minutes, followed by a short walk to the stadium.

In total, allow around 2 to 2.5 hours from Taipei to Kaohsiung National Stadium, including the HSR, MRT, and walking time. If you’re traveling on a concert day, we recommend leaving extra time for crowds and possible traffic controls around the stadium.

Q: What Is the Kaohsiung National Stadium Bag Policy? 

There is no single permanent concert bag policy that applies to every event. Bag size and prohibited-item rules can vary by organizer. Recent major events have used a 37 × 25 × 11.5 cm maximum bag size, but you should always check your event's official announcement.

Q: Can I Bring a Suitcase Into Kaohsiung National Stadium? 

Large suitcases should not be taken to the stadium for a concert. If you are traveling with luggage, arrange storage at your hotel or another suitable location before heading to the venue.

Q: What Is the Best Kaohsiung National Stadium Seat View? 

There is no universally best seat because the stage layout changes between concerts. Check the official seating chart for your specific event and compare floor, lower-stand, upper-stand and side sections.

Q: Is Kaohsiung Arena the Same as Kaohsiung National Stadium? 

No. Kaohsiung Arena and Kaohsiung National Stadium are different venues. Make sure you check your ticket carefully before traveling to the venue.

Q: How Late Does the Kaohsiung MRT Run After a Concert? 

Kaohsiung MRT operates late into the night, the last train might leave around 12 a.m., but it varies depending on the direction and whether you need to transfer. After a big concert, it can also take some time to leave the stadium and walk to the station, so don’t wait until the last minute.

If you’re coming to Kaohsiung National Stadium for a concert or a sport event, getting there is actually pretty simple. For most international visitors, we’d recommend taking the MRT if you’re traveling light.

R17 World Games Station is right next to the stadium, so you won’t need to deal with complicated transfers or long walks. It’s one of the easiest ways to get to the venue, especially on your first visit.

However, if you're traveling with large luggage, young children, older family members, or a group of friends, a private car may be a more comfortable choice. You won’t have to carry your bags through multiple stations, and you can travel at your own pace.

And if you're coming from Taipei, Taichung, or another city, taking the HSR to Zuoying and then transferring to the MRT is usually a simple and convenient option.

There's one thing we always recommend: don’t just plan how you’ll get to the concert, plan how you’ll get home, too.

After a major event, the biggest challenge is often getting away from the stadium when a massive crowd of people leave at the same time.

Before you head out, check the event organizer’s latest transportation updates, confirm your last train, MRT options or just pre-book a private car, and keep your ticket information easy to access. Arriving a little early can also save you a lot of stress.

With a little planning, you can spend less time worrying about transportation and more time enjoying the concert.