Domestic Flights and Ferries

Domestic Flights

Taiwan’s small size means flights rarely make sense for most travellers, but specific routes justify flying.

Island destinations: Regular flights connect Taiwan proper to offshore islands: Kinmen, Matsu, Penghu, Lanyu, and Green Island. Reaching these islands otherwise involves lengthy ferry journeys, which are sometimes weather-dependent or uncomfortable in rough seas. Flying saves considerable time and avoids seasickness.

Domestic routes: Airlines fly between Taipei (Songshan Airport), Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Hualien, and Taitung. These flights cost more than trains but save time if you’re on a tight schedule. Taipei to Taitung, for example, takes 3-4 hours by train but just one hour flying, including airport time. Since the launch of HSR, the necessity of fast travelling across cities on the west via flights are reduced and HSR takes its place.

Ferries: Reaching Taiwan’s Islands

Taiwan’s identity extends beyond the main island to several inhabited outlying islands, each accessible by ferry and offering distinct experiences. If visiting outlying islands, ferries become essential unless flying. For mainland Taiwan, ferries aren’t part of standard transport, except for short crossings like Cijin Island from Kaohsiung or Tamsui-Bali ferry near Taipei.

Major ferry routes: The most common ferry journeys connect:

• Kaohsiung to Penghu (4 hours)
• Budai (Chiayi County) to Penghu (90 minutes)
• Taitung to Green Island (50 minutes) and Lanyu (2-3 hours)
• Keelung to Matsu islands (8-10 hours overnight)

Ferry schedules vary seasonally, with more frequent services during summer tourism peak. Winter services reduce dramatically due to rough seas, some routes suspend completely during typhoons or high winds.

You can book ferries online through operator websites or at ports on the day, though popular dates sell out quickly. Bring identification (passport) for check-in. Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure.

Ferry comfort levels vary enormously. Large vessels to Penghu and Matsu have cabin classes (business, economy) with seats or bunks. Smaller boats to Green Island and Lanyu provide basic seating. Seasickness is common in rough seas, you should take medication beforehand if susceptible. Some ferries have outdoor decks; fresh air helps queasy stomachs.