How to Get to Alishan National Forest from Taipei by Public Transportation

I spent three weeks in Taiwan, and I know that my time here wouldn’t have been complete without stopping by Alishan National Forest. After intensive research about transportation and accommodation options—and getting underwhelmed and anxious about the lack of resources—I decided to share my travel itinerary. I hope this guide will make your journey to Alishan easier and smoother because mine was NOT, LOL.

My Route:

1. Taipei to Chiayi: I took the high-speed train (HSR) from Taipei Main Station to the Chiayi HSR station, which took 1 hour and 27 minutes. I paid 915 Taiwanese dollars (~27.74 USD) and purchased my ticket via Klook on the morning of my travel since it was cheaper than the official website.

2. Chiayi HSR to Chiayi Train Station: I waited for almost 2 hours for the complimentary shuttle to Chiayi train station, which took approximately 1 hour.

3. Overnight Stay in Chiayi: I stayed the night at a hostel that was a 3-minute walk from the Chiayi train station. The bus stop heading to Alishan National Forest is in front of the station.

4. Chiayi to Alishan: I purchased round-trip bus tickets, including the Alishan National Forest entrance pass via Klook, for 620 Taiwanese dollars (~18.79 USD). I took the 7322C bus, which departed at 8:40 a.m. from the Chiayi train station to Alishan National Forest. The trip took 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 10-minute restroom break in Shizhuo. However, a friend told me her bus didn’t stop for a break. I

5. Alishan to Shizhuo: I took the 7329 bus to Shizhuo at 4:40 pm and arrived around 5:22 pm. I stayed one night at the Legendary Bed & Breakfast. If you enjoy watching the sunset surrounded by beautiful tea plantations, drinking tea, and appreciating a peaceful vibe, please stay at least one night there. You won’t regret it! I would have totally extended my stay in Shizhuo if I had more time.

6. Shizhuo to Fenqihu: The next day, I took a taxi (300 Taiwanese dollars, around 9.09 USD) to Fenqihu instead of waiting for the bus. The Shizhuo bus to Fenqihu operates only twice daily, at 8:40 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to get to Fenqihu. I wanted to spend more time hiking in Shizhuo, so I opted for a taxi instead.

7. Fenqihu to Chiayi: I stayed one night at the Fenqihu Hotel and took the last train from Fenqihu at 2:31 pm to Chiayi. The train arrived at the Chiayi station around 4:51 pm. I planned to take the bus initially, but the hotel’s front desk agent informed me that I could purchase a train ticket at the station. I arrived at the Fenqihu Train Station 30 minutes before closing and scored a ticket back to Chiayi.

8. Chiayi to Taipei: I took the 5:32 pm train and arrived back in Taipei around 9:08 pm. I messed up and bought the wrong date for my train, so I had to purchase a new ticket at the counter. I paid 598 Taiwanese dollars (~18.13 USD).

Suggestions:

1. Skip the HSR if Possible: I regretted taking the high-speed rail to Chiayi because the HSR station is located 1 hour outside the city center, and the local bus only operates every 1.5 hours. Next time, I will take the regional train to Chiayi station, even though it’s 1.5 hours slower.

2. Consider Taking the Train to Fenqihu: Instead of taking a bus from Chiayi to Alishan, I would take the train from Chiayi Station to Fenqihu, then take a bus or taxi to Alishan. The bus ride to Alishan was intense—the driver drove recklessly, passing multiple cars. I asked a Taiwanese woman I befriended, and she said this wasn’t normal (and she had visited Alishan nine times!). Also, if you are prone to motion sickness, I highly recommend bringing medication. Many people on my bus threw up, and I felt extremely nauseous. Luckily, I bought a herbal inhaler at a 7/11 near the bus stop, which helped drastically.

3. Train Over Bus for Fenqihu to Chiayi: Honestly, I preferred taking the train rather than the bus from Fenqihu to Chiayi. While the train was old (built in 1920), I felt safer and less nauseous than on the bus. Plus, the train had bathrooms and scenic views.

4. Chiayi to Taipei: I highly recommend taking the complimentary shuttle bus or taxi from Chiayi train station to Chiayi HSR and then taking the high-speed train back to Taipei. You will arrive two hours faster, and it is totally worth it.

5. Click here to get 5 USD off on Klook.

I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Alishan National Forest! Have you been to Alishan before? Share your experience in the comments below!