Port information & tips for Keelung
Keelung is the impressive maritime gateway to Taiwan's vibrant capital, Taipei, and captivates with its fascinating location between green mountains and the Pacific. The city welcomes travelers with an authentic harbor atmosphere and, thanks to its central orientation, offers a direct insight into the rich culture of the island nation. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the famous Miaokou Night Market with its diverse food stalls, Zhongzheng Park with its monumental Buddha statue, and the modern Maritime Plaza right on the water. Cruise ships dock at the Keelung Port East Passenger Terminal or the West Passenger Terminal, both of which are located right in the heart of the action, allowing for a convenient, short walk directly into the pulsating city center.
Keelung serves as the maritime gateway to Taiwan's capital, Taipei, and impresses with its excellent connection to the international transport network. The two modern processing buildings, the East Passenger Terminal and the West Passenger Terminal, are centrally located in Keelung Bay and are easily accessible from the city center on foot or via a short transfer.
Airplane
Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the primary arrival point for travelers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and is served from cities such as Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, or Zurich directly or with only one stopover. The onward journey to the port, which is about 70 kilometers away, is a relaxed trip by taxi or private transfer in approximately 60 to 90 minutes; in addition, the comfortable express bus line 1961 connects the airport directly with Keelung city center.
Train & Transfer
From the Main Station in Taipei, regular train connections of the Taiwan Railways (TRA) lead directly to Keelung Station, which is within direct sight of the ship berths. The journey takes about 45 minutes depending on the train type and offers a very reliable travel option thanks to modern trains; furthermore, numerous taxis are available at the station forecourt for the short way to the terminal entrances.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the time difference and the long flight duration from the DACH region, an overnight stay before embarkation in Taipei or directly in Keelung is highly recommended. A stay in the Taiwanese capital not only allows for a stress-free start to the cruise but also enables a visit to famous sights such as Taipei 101 before the journey via National Highway No. 1 leads directly to the ship the next day.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Keelung serves as the maritime gateway to Taiwan's capital, Taipei, and impresses with its excellent connection to the international transport network. The two modern processing buildings, the East Passenger Terminal and the West Passenger Terminal, are centrally located in Keelung Bay and are easily accessible from the city center on foot or via a short transfer.
Airplane
Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the primary arrival point for travelers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and is served from cities such as Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, or Zurich directly or with only one stopover. The onward journey to the port, which is about 70 kilometers away, is a relaxed trip by taxi or private transfer in approximately 60 to 90 minutes; in addition, the comfortable express bus line 1961 connects the airport directly with Keelung city center.
Train & Transfer
From the Main Station in Taipei, regular train connections of the Taiwan Railways (TRA) lead directly to Keelung Station, which is within direct sight of the ship berths. The journey takes about 45 minutes depending on the train type and offers a very reliable travel option thanks to modern trains; furthermore, numerous taxis are available at the station forecourt for the short way to the terminal entrances.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the time difference and the long flight duration from the DACH region, an overnight stay before embarkation in Taipei or directly in Keelung is highly recommended. A stay in the Taiwanese capital not only allows for a stress-free start to the cruise but also enables a visit to famous sights such as Taipei 101 before the journey via National Highway No. 1 leads directly to the ship the next day.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Keelung is extremely centrally located and offers travelers direct access to the vibrant city as well as ideal connections to the metropolis of Taipei.
On Foot
The city center of Keelung, with its famous Miaokou Night Market and the expansive Maritime Plaza, is only a few minutes' walk from the terminal. In about 5 to 10 minutes, you can reach the first sights while enjoying a direct view of the busy harbor basin.
Train (TRA)
Keelung railway station is located in the immediate vicinity of the port and allows for convenient onward travel towards Taipei. The regional trains of the Taiwan Railways Administration run at high frequencies and, thanks to the modern infrastructure, take you directly into the heart of the capital in around 45 to 50 minutes.
Taxi & Shuttle Buses
Official taxis are available directly in front of the cruise terminal exits and offer a fast service to destinations in the surrounding area. In addition, many travelers use the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle buses, which transport you easily and directly to famous sights such as Yehliu Geopark or to Jiufen.
For an authentic experience, it is recommended to combine the culinary diversity directly at the harbor with the historic mountain villages or natural wonders of the nearby surroundings.
Miaokou Night Market
This legendary market is located just a few minutes' walk from the terminal and, with its colorful lanterns and countless food stalls, invites you on a discovery tour of local specialties.
Jiufen Old Street
The former gold mining village impresses with its winding alleys and traditional tea houses, offering visitors a breathtaking view over the northern Taiwanese coast thanks to its hillside location.
Yehliu Geopark
The bizarre rock formations shaped by the sea directly on the ocean create a fascinating backdrop and, thanks to the short travel time, are an ideal place for impressive holiday photos.
Jiufen Old Street
The historic mountain town of Jiufen can be easily reached from Keelung port in approximately thirty minutes by taxi, where you will dive directly into a fascinating world of narrow alleys and glowing red lanterns. This magical place impresses with its nostalgic architecture and sweeping panoramic views over the Pacific. Additionally, the famous A-Mei Teahouse provides an ideal setting for a relaxing break with traditional tea and coastal flair. It is best to start your excursion early in the morning to explore the charming staircases in peace, and for safety, plan your return journey to the ship about ninety minutes before departure.
The way back to the Port of Keelung is extremely convenient thanks to the central location of the docking berths and the excellent connection to the city center.
Taxi
Numerous yellow taxis are available at Keelung Station as well as in front of the modern E-Square Mall and near the Miaokou Night Market. The drivers will take you quickly and directly to the East or West Passenger Terminals, ensuring a relaxed arrival at the pier thanks to the short distances.
Train and Public Transport
Keelung Main Station serves as the central arrival point for all guests returning from Taipei or the surrounding area. From the platforms, the harbor is directly visible, and you can also reach your ship comfortably via the barrier-free paths around the harbor basin.
On Foot
From the popular Miaokou Night Market or the busy harbor promenade, you can easily walk back to the ship, as the terminals are excellently integrated into the city center. The path is safe and offers easy orientation for the way back thanks to the striking architecture of the cruise terminals and the clear lines of sight along the water.
