Taichung Port has a few ways to get around – grab the 308 or 310 buses for just $2-4, or jump in a taxi for $24-29 if you’re in a hurry (downtown’s about 45 minutes away).
For other Taiwan Cruise destinations check out our Taiwan Cruise Ports Guide page.
The port itself is pretty basic but you’ll find a Travel Service Center, water fountains, and a seafood market nearby to grab a bite.
It’s mostly industrial around here, though Rainbow Village is only 3.5km away and the famous Miyahara Dessert Store is 4km from port.
Make sure to bring TWD cash! If you want to make the most of your Taiwan stop, consider booking shore trips to Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, or check out some local cultural spots.
Map of Taichung Cruise Ship Port
Getting to Taichung Port: Transportation Options
Heading to Taichung Port? Don’t sweat the journey! The port sits about 32 km from downtown Taichung, but you’ve got options.
Hop on buses 308 or 310 to save some cash – they’ll only set you back $2-4. Some routes even offer free rides if you’re traveling less than 10 km. Just remember to budget 45-90 minutes depending on traffic jams.
Need a ride at odd hours? Taxis run 24/7 with a flat rate between $24-29, typically getting you there in about 45 minutes. Traveling with friends or family? Look into private transfers – might be cheaper than multiple taxi fares.
Prefer to be behind the wheel? Take Highway 12 and you’ll reach the port in about 45 minutes. Don’t worry about breaking the bank on tolls – they’re minimal.
Port Facilities and Passenger Services
Port Facilities and Passenger Services
Taichung Port is mainly Taiwan’s second-largest cargo hub, but it’s slowly building up its cruise passenger setup. When you get off your ship, you’ll spot the Travel Service Center with all the basics – customs, bathrooms, and water fountains that never close.
Let’s be honest – the amenities aren’t fancy, but there’s a cool seafood market nearby where the vendors will cook whatever you buy right in front of you. The port has this massive Free Trade Zone (over 600 hectares!) with various shops and services.
They’re planning to beef up the passenger facilities eventually, but for now, expect more industrial vibes than those fancy cruise terminals you might be used to elsewhere.
Local Attractions Near the Port
Local Attractions Near the Port
Looking to explore around Taichung Port? You’ve got plenty of cool spots to check out, broken down into three types: cultural spots, nature escapes, and impressive buildings. Trust me, there’s something for everyone just a short trip away.
- Rainbow Village – Only 3.5km from port, this place is a splash of color created by an old veteran named Huang Yung-Fu who basically turned the walls into his canvas
- Miyahara Dessert Store – Got a sweet tooth? Head 4km to this converted eye clinic that now dishes out some of the best treats in town
- National Taichung Theater – Worth the 8km trip to see Toyo Ito’s wild, curvy concert hall that doesn’t believe in straight lines
- Dakeng Scenic Area – Stretch your legs on any of the 10 trails about 15km away – bonus points for the sweet city views
- Gaomei Wetlands – Drive 18km to this massive 300-hectare coastal preserve where birds take pit stops during migration
See what’s on offer from the Port of Hualien for a different Taiwan Cruise destination.
Shore Excursion Opportunities
Beyond exploring the port on your own, Taichung offers some great shore excursions to make the most of your Taiwan visit. You can book full-day Taipei cultural tours that include stops at Longshan Temple and the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall – don’t worry, they’re timed around your ship’s schedule with guaranteed returns.
If nature’s more your thing, check out the half-day trips to Sun Moon Lake or watch migratory birds at Gaomei Wetland. For a local cultural fix, the Rainbow Village walking tours or Lukang Township explorations are worth your time.
Got an adventurous streak? Grab a cycling excursion or hit the hiking trails. And if you want something totally your own, private tours let you customize everything with guides who speak your language and promise to get you back to your ship on time.
Practical Travel Tips for Cruise Visitors
When you hop off your cruise ship in Taichung, you’ll want a solid plan to get around. Grab a taxi for a quick 20-minute trip to the city center, or catch bus 308 to Shalu Station if you don’t mind figuring out the local transit.
- Make sure to have some New Taiwan Dollars (TWD) in your pocket – you’ll need cash for those awesome markets and street food stalls
- Grab a translation app before you go – not everyone speaks English here
- Don’t forget to kick off your shoes when visiting temples (big no-no if you forget!)
- Pick up an EasyCard for bus trips – they charge by how far you travel
- Watch your stuff, especially when you’re checking out the crazy-busy night markets
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Wi-Fi Available at the Port Terminals?
You’ll be happy to know there’s iTaichung free Wi-Fi at the port terminals – kind of like finding an oasis when your data’s running low! It’s available throughout government facilities including cruise terminals, so you can get connected as soon as you step off the boat.
Are There Currency Exchange Services at Taichung Port?
Yes, you can exchange currency at the Post Office in Taichung Port. They set up exchange services when cruise ships dock, right in the terminal areas. Don’t forget your passport! Just keep in mind they only operate when ships are in port.
What Security Procedures Should Cruise Passengers Expect?
You’ll go through bag checks, ID verification, health screenings, and have to fill out customs forms before you get on the ship. There are security cameras watching throughout the cruise, so make sure you don’t bring anything on the no-no list. When the trip’s over, customs might want to dig through your luggage again before letting you back on home soil.
Can Passengers With Disabilities Access All Port Areas?
Cruise ports do a good job with accessibility! You’ll find wheelchair services waiting at the terminal, and there are accessible bathrooms everywhere you need them. All the main areas are set up for easy access, so you can get around without hassle.
Are There Luggage Storage Facilities at the Cruise Terminal?
The Taichung Cruise Terminal doesn’t have its own luggage storage spots. Your best bet is to check out the lockers at Taichung Railway Station, or see if your tour guide or a hotel nearby would watch your bags for a few hours while you explore.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Taipei (Keelung) Cruise Ship Port.
