Planning a weekend escape to the golden shores of Kenting National Park? While there are no direct trains, getting from Kaohsiung to Kenting is actually much easier than you might expect.
I’ve made this trip more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve figured out the most efficient routes (and a few small details that make a big difference—especially if it’s your first time tackling this journey).
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the easiest and most practical ways to get to Kenting, so you can spend less time navigating transport and more time enjoying the beach.
Not sure how to get to Kaohsiung in the first place? Here’s my full guide on getting from Taipei to Kaohsiung.
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Option 1: Taking the Kenting Express Bus from Zuoying THSR Station
- Travel time: 2.5–3 hrs
- Cost: TWD 410 one-way / TWD 600 return
- EasyCard discount: TWD 354 (one-way only)
This is my go-to route when I want something hassle-free. The Kenting Express Bus—also known as bus 9189—departs directly from Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung (the final stop on the southbound high-speed rail line). It’s direct, convenient, and easy to navigate—even if you’re new to Taiwan.
Buses start running around 8:15 am and depart roughly every 30 minutes throughout the day until 7:30 pm—but the schedule changes, so it’s always best to check online before your trip. I usually go for a morning bus to avoid traffic and make the most of my time by the sea.
How to Buy Tickets for the Kenting Express Bus
You can pre-book a ticket online, which is a smart move if you’re visiting on a long weekend or during the summer.
That said, I usually just pitch up and grab a ticket at the Kenting Express Bus ticket booth. You’ll find it right outside Exit 2 at Zuoying Station—don’t go down the escalator; the booth is directly in front of you as you walk out.
Tickets cost TWD 410 one-way or TWD 600 return, with a discounted fare of TWD 354 for EasyCard users (one-way only).
Once you’ve got your ticket, head down the escalator to the bus terminal. The bus leaves from Platform 2—just make sure the sign says Xiaowan as the final destination.
Taiwan buses typically operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the Kenting bus is no different. My advice? If people are already lining up, join the queue—otherwise, you might have to wait for the next bus.
Insider tip: I nearly froze the first time I took this bus. Lesson learned! Bus drivers in Taiwan love cranking up the AC, so always bring a sweater, even if it’s muggy outside.
Bus 9189 Timetable
According to the Taiwan iBus Information System, buses are scheduled to leave every 30 minutes. But just a heads-up—these times can change, and some buses do get cancelled from time to time. I’ve shown up more than once to find the schedule slightly different than expected. (See my ticket below with the crossed-out departure times.)
Your best bet? Get to the station early. The first couple of buses are usually the most reliable.
From Zuoying to Kenting:
- First bus: 8:15 am
- Last bus: 7:30 pm
- Roughly every 30 minutes from 08:30 am to 7:30 pm
From Kenting to Kaohsiung:
- First bus: 8:00 am
- Last bus: 7:30 pm
- Roughly every 30 minutes from 08:00 am to 7:30 pm
Where to Get Off in Kenting
The bus stops at multiple locations along the way, so it’s a good idea to listen to the announcements. Another option is to keep Google Maps open so you can track your location and know exactly when to get off. You could also check with your hotel or hostel in Kenting in advance to confirm the best stop—but here’s a quick breakdown:
• If you’re staying near South Beach, get off at the Nanwan stop.
• For Kenting Street and Dawan Beach accommodation, you can get off at get off at Kenting Arch, Police Station, or Xiaowan depending on where your accommodation is located along the strip
• If you’re staying in Chaunfanshi, Eluanbi, or Fengchuisha, you’ll need alternative transport to reach your accommodation. Your best bet is to get off at Kenting Arch and walk down the main road—there are several scooter rental shops nearby. (My go-to is Feng-Xiang Motorcycle Rental). But if don’t want to rent a scooter—or don’t have an International Driver’s License that specifically covers scooters—another option is to catch the Kenting shuttle bus (see route) to travel further.
Option 2: Taking a Shared Taxi from Zuoying Station to Kenting
- Travel time: 2–2.5 hrs
- Cost: Approximately TWD 450 per person (one-way)
If you’d rather skip public transport, a shared taxi from Kaohsiung to Kenting is a faster and more comfortable option. You’ll usually find drivers hanging around just outside Zuoying Station, offering rides for around the same price as the shuttle bus—especially if you’re in a group.
But even if you’re traveling solo, this can still work—you might just need to wait a bit while the driver rounds up a few more passengers. (And obviously, you’ll need to be okay with riding in a car with strangers.)
If you’ve already bought a bus ticket at the ticket booth, don’t stress. I’ve had drivers accept it as part of the fare before. That said, it’s more of an informal workaround than something you can count on 100%. You’ll probably still need to top up TWD 100–200 in cash. It’s a bit pricier than the bus, but you could save 30 to 60 minutes of travel time, which is great if you’re short on time or just want to get to the beach faster.
Option 3: Renting a Car in Kaohsiung
- Travel time: Around 2.5 hrs (depending on traffic)
- Cost: TWD 1200–1600 per day (varies by vehicle)
Another straightforward way to get to Kenting from Kaohsiung is to rent a car and drive down yourself. It’s definitely the most expensive option on this list, but it gives you the freedom to explore all of Kenting’s top attractions at your own pace.
There’s no shortage of rental companies in Kaohsiung, but the easiest places to pick up a car are either at the HSR station or Kaohsiung Airport. Prices generally start around TWD 1200–1600 per day, though that can vary depending on the company and the type of vehicle you rent.
Just a heads-up: you’ll need a valid international driver’s license (specifically for cars) or a local license, plus a credit card to book.
Option 4: Getting from Kaohsiung Airport to Kenting
- Travel time: 2.5–3 hrs
- Cost: TWD 317 (one-way by bus)
If you’ve arrived at Kaohsiung Airport and don’t plan to explore the city, there are a couple of easy ways to get to Kenting.
Bus 9117
Bus 9117 runs directly from the airport to Kenting, but just so you know—it’s quite infrequent and only runs twice a day at 4:15 am and 10:30 pm (see schedule). It’s probably not the best option—especially if you’re trying to visit Kenting on a day trip.
MRT to Zuoying + Kenting Express
The second (and much faster) option is to take the Red MRT Line from the airport to Zuoying Station, where you can hop on the Kenting Express Bus. The MRT ride takes about 26 minutes.
Once you arrive at Zuoying, follow the signs to the HSR station. You’ll need to go up the escalator and head toward Exit 2—that’s where you’ll find the Kenting Express ticket booth (then follow the same steps mentioned above).
Final Thoughts on Getting to Kenting
And that’s it—getting to Kenting from Kaohsiung really doesn’t have to be complicated. I hope this guide helps make your trip smoother, especially if it’s your first time navigating Taiwan’s public transport system.
Personally, I usually go with the bus—it’s super easy and affordable. But if you’re in a rush, you really can’t go wrong with a shared taxi or a rental car!
Have a better route I haven’t tried? Let me know in the comments!
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Ticket booth for Kenting is at Exit 1!
Hey Tom, as far as I know Exit 1 is on the ground floor. The ticket booth is on the second floor by Exit 2. You’ll need to go down the escalator the catch the bus though.