How to Get to Penghu: The Best Transport Methods

If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan’s dreamy Penghu Islands, one of the very first things you’re probably trying to find out is how to get to Penghu. If so, keep reading because I’ll share exactly how to do just that in this guide!

Penghu (澎湖) is the collective name for nearly 90 islands and islets located just off the western coast of Taiwan. With dreamy ivory beaches, ancient temples, all kinds of yummy food, and some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Taiwan, Penghu is a huge must on any travel itinerary in Taiwan!

While the Penghu archipelago consists of dozens of smaller islands, its main tourist hub is Magong Island (more commonly known as Penghu main island). Magong City (馬公市) is the largest city on the island, and as the main gateway to the Penghu archipelago, it’s also here where you’ll start your journey. The city is full of history, culture, food, and breathtaking natural scenery, making it a popular getaway spot among locals and expats alike.

Along with Xiaoliuqiu and Green Island, Penghu is one of the most popular offshore islands to visit in Taiwan. And as a result, planning a trip there is actually quite easy (even if you don’t speak any Chinese). But since there’s not much transport information available in English online, finding the best way to go to Penghu can be a bit overwhelming. So to help you out, here’s a quick guide on exactly how to get to Penghu!

If you’re getting to Penghu by plane, you’ll get to see the beautiful Jibei Sandtrail from above.

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Table of Contents

Before you go to Penghu Island

Before we dive into how to get to Penghu, here are a few tips and tricks to make your trip all the easier.

Read my detailed Penghu guide to discover all of Penghu’s best bits. It’s packed with things to do, where to stay, and much more!

Penghu can only be accessed via plane or ferry. Make sure you check the weather forecast before booking your flights or ferry tickets, as things can change quickly!

Penghu is a popular tourist spot in Taiwan, so make sure to search for the best hotel deals at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Since boats and flights could easily be canceled on short notice due to bad weather conditions, make sure you book a room with a free cancelation policy.

If you suffer from seasickness, don’t forget to bring some medication along for the ferry ride, as it can get choppy.

Bring your Easy Card if you’re going to use the bus in Magong City. And if you want to rent a scooter, don’t forget your IDP or local license!

Download Google Translate and Google Maps so that you can access maps, plan your stops, and translate Chinese menus on the go.

How to Get to Penghu by Plane or Ferry

There are essentially only two ways to go to Penghu: plane or ferry. As you might have guessed, flying is the easiest option, but if you’re itinerary is flexible, taking the ferry can be an adventure in itself. Here’s what you need to know about each one.

Getting to Penghu by Plane

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Penghu is to fly into Magong Aiport (MZG). Only two airlines offer flights to Penghu, but the good news is that you can catch a flight from almost any main hub in Taiwan, including Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. And since the flights take less than an hour, you’ll be able to hit the beach in no time!

The two main carriers that fly to Penghu are Mandarin Airlines and Uni Air. Both airlines have English booking platforms, so you can easily book a flight online in a couple of minutes. You can also check and compare flights on Skyscanner.

Mandarin Airlines flies from these locations:

Songshan Airport (TSA) in Taipei
Kaohsiung Airport (KHH)
Taichung Aiport (RMQ)

Mandarin Airlines tickets can be redeemed island-wide at your local 7-Eleven, but remember to bring your passport, flight number, and booking number with you.

See their website for more info on flights and prices.

And Uni Air offers flights from these airports:

Songshan Airport (TSA) in Taipei
Kaohsiung Airport (KHH)
Taichung Aiport (RMQ)
Tainan Airport (TNN)
Kinmen (KNH)

See their website for more info on flights and prices.

However, if you prefer to do things old-school, many local travel agencies like Lion Travel and EZ Travel can also help you make a booking.

A return flight to Penghu usually costs around NT$3,000 to NT$5,000, but if you’re traveling during peak season (Jun-Aug) or special holidays, expect prices to be higher. If you plan to visit Penghu during the busy season, it’s wise to book your flights at least a few weeks in advance to avoid disappointment.

Getting to Penghu by Ferry

If you want to take a more adventurous route, taking the ferry to Penghu is for you!

The Penghu ferry goes from several places in Taiwan to Magong Harbor, including Budai Harbor in Chiayi. Kaohsiung Port, and Anping Harbor in Tainan.

While taking the ferry is by far the cheapest way to get to Penghu, you should know that the journey can take anywhere from 1.5 hrs to 4 hrs depending on where you catch the boat.

Another thing to know is that ferry rides can be disrupted and even canceled if the weather is not good, especially during typhoon season in Taiwan (Jun-Sept), while boats are usually limited during wintertime in Taiwan. Therefore, if you decide to take the ferry, keep an eye on the weather forecast, be flexible, and plan well.

Taking the ferry from Chiayi to Magong Harbor

Taking the ferry from Chiayi is a great way to get to Penghu for slow travelers. The boat ride only takes 1.5 hrs, and it will be much cheaper than flying.

Boats sail from Budai Port just on the outskirts of Chiayi City, and the harbor is accessible via local train, bus, or taxi.

The only problem with taking the ferry from Chiayi is that it does not always sail outside peak seasons. So make sure to confirm the sailing times first before booking your accommodation. You can do so on Klook’s website when booking a ferry ticket through them.

Sailing Times from/to Chiayi

10 am from Chiayi to Magong Harbor.

4 pm from Penghu to Budai Port.

If you’re not in Chiayi yet, one option is to book a night’s stay in Chiayi and then continue your journey the next morning. [Search/book a hotel in Chiayi here on Agoda].

However, if that’s not an option for you, the fastest way to get there is via Taiwan’s high-speed train (HSR). Note you’ll need to catch one of the early trains to make it in time for the ferry (10 am departure).

Here’s what your journey will look like.

From Taipei:

Take the high-speed train from Taipei Main Station (accessible via MRT) to Chiayi HSR Station.

Duration: 90 -110 minutes

Cost: NT$1080

Grab a discounted high-speed train ticket to/from Chiayi here. (Only available to tourists)

Check scedules on the THSR website.

2. Then take a taxi to Budai Port.

Duration: 30-40 minutes

From Taichung:

Take the high-speed train from Taichung THSR Station (accessible via taxi or the Taichung MRT Green Line) to Chiayi HSR Station.

Duration: 30 minutes

Cost: NT$380

Grab a discounted high-speed train ticket to/from Chiayi here. (Only available to tourists)

Check scedules on the THSR website.

2. Then take a taxi to Budai Port.

Duration: 30-40 minutes

From Kaohsiung:

First, take the high-speed train from Zuoying Station (accessible via KMRT) to Chiayi HSR Station.

Duration: 35 minutes

Cost: NT$410

Grab a discounted high-speed train ticket to/from Chiayi here. (Only available to tourists)

Check scedules on the THSR website.

2. Then, from Chiayi HSR, hop in a taxi to Budai Port.

Duration: 30-40 minutes

The Twin Stone Weir on Qimei Island is a popular attraction in Taiwan. — The twin stone weir at Qimei Island.

Buying Chiayi Ferry Tickets

While you could buy ferry tickets directly from the operators at the harbor (NT$1000), it’s best to book them in advance online first as seats tend to fill up quickly.

One-way ferry ticket from Chiayi to/from Penghu.

Round trip ferry ticket from Chiayi to Penghu (3 days)

Both options above offer transfers from Chiayi HSR Station and Chiayi Train Station to Budai Port. This would save you a lot of hassle as you won’t need to worry about still getting to the port. Another thing to note is that boarding times usually start an hour before departure. Also, don’t forget your passport or ID card!

Taking the ferry from Kaohsiung Harbor

There’s not a lot of English information online about taking the ferry from Kaohsiung to Penghu. Still, if you want to take the ferry directly from Kaohsiung to Penghu, your best bet is the Taihwa ferry (Taiwan Hangye Company). The company has boats year-round to Penghu, but apparently, the schedule changes a lot, and the service is unreliable in winter.

The ride takes about 4 hours, and a standard ticket costs NT$860. However, know that you’ll need to buy tickets directly from the harbor where it might be hard to find someone who can speak English. If you still want to go this route, you can find more details on the Penghu Tourism website.

Getting to Penghu in Conclusion

Getting to Penghu is quite easy, so if you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway from Taiwan’s bustling city life, you should absolutely visit here! I always fly to Penghu, but taking the ferry is a good option if you prefer to travel at a slower pace.

There you have it – the very best ways to get to Penghu! So, how will you travel to Penghu? If you have any other ways to access Taiwan’s Pescadores Islands, let me know in the comments below!