How to Get to Alishan
As you’ve seen on my ig @nextpgtravel, I had an unforgettable, healing trip to Alishan, Taiwan (thanks to the recommendations). I got a few questions about how to travel from Taipei City to Alishan mountains without a car, so I’ll share my itinerary and some tips here:
The public transport route is: Taipei → Chiayi→ Alishan
First by Train (HSR, High Speed Rail), and then by Bus.
BOOK YOUR HOTEL FIRST
But before you book your Train and Bus, be sure to book your hotel first.
Alishan has limited hotel availability, and the ones with good location gets booked out pretty quickly by big parties. I kept extending my stay in Alishan and actually had to move hotels all 3 nights, since all my hotels were sold out the next day. Out of the three, here are the ones I recommend for an affordable, comfortable (but not luxury) stay:
Alishan Shermuh Hotel: affordable, very friendly staff, comfortable, amazing location
Maria Hotel: price is a bit higher but larger rooms, heated blanket, very friendly staff, comfortable, amazing location (right next to Shermuh hotel)
BOOK TRAIN + BUS ON Klook (Taipei → Chiayi→ Alishan)
After a few trips to different cities in Taiwan, I realized taking advantage of Klook and the package deals are often the way to go. (I paid for my own trips, not sponsored!)
if you search “Chiayi Alishan” on Klook, you’ll see this: Link to Chiayi Alishan Bus + Ticket to Alishan
Click on this, and select the bundle:
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Alishan Route Round-Trip Ticket + Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Ticket
This should be about $20 USD
Then, when you check out, select the free add on that gives you a discount for your train ticket to Chiayi.
You’ll get a QR code via email that you show the bus driver from Chiayi, then the same QR code when you enter Alishan. Make sure to arrive 15-20 minutes early for the bus to secure a seat.
Bus 7322 Departure Times: 6:05, 7:10, 8:10, 8:40, 9:10, 10:10, 11:10, 14:10
And the bus ride is about 2.5 hours. Once you decide on a bus time that works for you, book the train.
NOW BOOK THE TRAIN
You can totally book your tickets directly on the TRA App and pick up tickets at the station or 7 eleven, but if you like a good deal…
On Klook, check your HSR Discount Add-on in your email or under “bookings”. They should have instructions. If not click on the discount link, or I think this should work too: https://www.klook.com/zh-TW/activity/185893?spm=BookingDetail.What%27s%20included.Link&clickId=929887501f
This will be cheaper than buying your train ticket with the train app, but you’ll have to book it the day before. It says try to book 24 hours in advance, but still got my tickets for my early morning train when I booked the night before (maybe you don’t wanna risk it like me)
Once you book the train through Klook, the tickets get emailed to you the next day
That’s it! Take the train to Chiayi, line up for the bus early, and get ready for the winding 3-hour bus ride!!
I have to say the ride to Alishan had the most breathtaking views, but also the windiest, dizziest ride ever. If you get carsick, maybe this isn’t for you, or be sure to take some meds before.
Enjoy your trip!!
