Port information & tips for Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is Taiwan's vibrant port metropolis and impresses with a fascinating blend of state-of-the-art architecture and traditional culture. The island's second-largest city welcomes its guests with a dynamic waterfront and a relaxed atmosphere along the picturesque Love River. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the creative Pier-2 Art Center with its impressive street art installations and the futuristic Kaohsiung Music Center. Cruise ships dock at the ultra-modern Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal, which is an architectural landmark in its own right thanks to its striking design. From this centrally located berth, visitors can easily reach the lively city center and local attractions within a few minutes via the modern light rail or a short walk along the waterfront promenade.
Kaohsiung, Taiwan's dynamic port city, welcomes cruise guests in modern terminals that are excellently connected to the city's transport network. The Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminals are centrally located in the Asia New Bay Area and are easily accessible thanks to the surrounding Light Rail Transit (LRT).
Airplane
The nearest airport is Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), located only about 10 to 11 kilometers from the port. A taxi ride to the terminal takes around 12 minutes and costs approximately 10 to 14 US dollars. Alternatively, you can easily reach the cruise terminal from KHH by taking the subway (Kaohsiung Metro Red Line) to Kaisyuan Station and then the Light Rail Transit (LRT) to Cruise Terminal Station (C09) in about 20 to 27 minutes. For travelers from the DACH region arriving at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), onward travel by High-Speed Rail (HSR) to Kaohsiung is recommended.
Train
The most important station for arrival is the Zuoying High Speed Rail (HSR) Station, which connects Kaohsiung with the rest of Taiwan, including Taipei, in about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours. From the Zuoying HSR station, you can reach the Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal by taxi in around 32 minutes, with costs amounting to approximately 300 NT$. Another option is to take the MRT Red Line, which brings you to transfer options for the LRT, which stops directly at Cruise Terminal Station (C09).
Transfer & Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight time from the DACH region, arriving in Kaohsiung at least one day before embarkation is advisable to start your cruise relaxed. Many hotels in the city offer convenient accommodation options. Numerous transfer options are available from the airport or train stations, including taxis and ride-sharing services. The Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminals also offer their own underground parking spaces for vehicles, with fees charged hourly or as a daily flat rate (approx. 160 NT$ per day).
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Kaohsiung, Taiwan's dynamic port city, welcomes cruise guests in modern terminals that are excellently connected to the city's transport network. The Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminals are centrally located in the Asia New Bay Area and are easily accessible thanks to the surrounding Light Rail Transit (LRT).
Airplane
The nearest airport is Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), located only about 10 to 11 kilometers from the port. A taxi ride to the terminal takes around 12 minutes and costs approximately 10 to 14 US dollars. Alternatively, you can easily reach the cruise terminal from KHH by taking the subway (Kaohsiung Metro Red Line) to Kaisyuan Station and then the Light Rail Transit (LRT) to Cruise Terminal Station (C09) in about 20 to 27 minutes. For travelers from the DACH region arriving at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), onward travel by High-Speed Rail (HSR) to Kaohsiung is recommended.
Train
The most important station for arrival is the Zuoying High Speed Rail (HSR) Station, which connects Kaohsiung with the rest of Taiwan, including Taipei, in about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours. From the Zuoying HSR station, you can reach the Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal by taxi in around 32 minutes, with costs amounting to approximately 300 NT$. Another option is to take the MRT Red Line, which brings you to transfer options for the LRT, which stops directly at Cruise Terminal Station (C09).
Transfer & Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight time from the DACH region, arriving in Kaohsiung at least one day before embarkation is advisable to start your cruise relaxed. Many hotels in the city offer convenient accommodation options. Numerous transfer options are available from the airport or train stations, including taxis and ride-sharing services. The Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminals also offer their own underground parking spaces for vehicles, with fees charged hourly or as a daily flat rate (approx. 160 NT$ per day).
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Kaohsiung impresses with its state-of-the-art infrastructure and immediate proximity to the city's cultural heart. Thanks to the centrally located terminal, connections to the public transportation network and the picturesque waterfront promenade are excellent.
Circular Light Rail (LRT)
The Cruise Terminal station (C09) of the modern ring tram is located directly at the terminal exit. With the LRT, you can reach the most important sights along the waterfront promenade comfortably and cost-effectively, and you will also find quick connections to the comprehensive metro network (MRT).
On Foot
The famous Pier-2 Art Center and the futuristic Kaohsiung Music Center are reachable in about ten to fifteen minutes on foot. A walk along the well-maintained harbor promenade offers wonderful views of the skyline and leads you directly into the maritime artists' quarter with its numerous galleries.
Taxi
Official yellow taxis are available in large numbers directly in front of the terminal building. They offer a comfortable option for excursions to more distant destinations such as Lotus Lake and can be used easily and directly thanks to fair, meter-based prices.
To make the most of your stay in Kaohsiung, a combination of the modern harbor promenade and the magnificent temple complexes in the north of the city is recommended.
Pier-2 Art Center & Great Harbor Bridge
Located directly at the harbor, the Pier-2 Art Center delights with its creative street art installations in converted warehouses and, thanks to the elegant Great Harbor Bridge, is perfect for a stroll with a wide view over the city's maritime skyline.
Lotus Pond & Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
This cultural oasis in the north of Kaohsiung impresses with its colorful pagodas and temples on the lakeshore; furthermore, walking through the mouth of the dragon and exiting through the tiger is considered a symbolic experience for luck and prosperity.
Cijin Island
The charming island is easily accessible from the harbor area thanks to a short ferry ride and invites you to take a relaxing break with its wide sandy beach and historic lighthouse, while at the same time the busy main street beckons with a variety of freshly caught seafood.
Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond
The impressive Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at the picturesque Lotus Pond are easily accessible from the port in about twenty to thirty minutes by taxi and offer an incomparable cultural experience in the heart of Kaohsiung. A walk through the mouth of the dragon and exiting through the tiger promises special luck according to local tradition and also allows for spectacular photos of the colorful architecture directly above the water. The extensive lakeside promenade is ideal for a relaxed stroll and features charming cafes as well as small stalls for authentic refreshments. It is best to plan your visit for the morning to admire the pagodas in the soft morning sun, and thanks to the good transport links, return to the ship relaxed about two hours before departure.
The way back to the futuristic cruise terminal of Kaohsiung is particularly safe and punctual thanks to excellent transport links and the central location of the port.
Light Rail (LRT) and Metro
The modern Circular Light Rail (LRT) offers a direct connection and stops at the Cruise Terminal station (C9), which is located just a one-minute walk from the port entrance. From popular destinations such as the Pier-2 Art Center (station C12) or the Love Pier (station C11), trains run at short intervals and bring you back to the ship comfortably and without traffic.
Taxi and Ridesharing
Official yellow taxis are available at all major hotels, shopping centers, and well-known sights such as the Lotus Pond or the 85 Sky Tower. Thanks to the availability of apps like Uber, you can also easily call a vehicle to your current location and reach the terminal building directly and without language barriers.
On Foot and Ferry
From the neighboring art district Pier-2, you can stroll back to the terminal in about 25 minutes along the picturesque waterfront promenade if you wish, enjoying the view of the skyline. If you spend the day on the island of Cijin, the ferry will take you quickly back to the Gushan Ferry Pier, from where you can easily cover the last leg to the port by light rail or taxi.
