July 8, 2025
How to Get to Alishan
Chiayi to Alishan Bus Schedule
If you take the bus from Chiayi or Fenqihu, your journey will end at the Alishan Bus Station (阿里山轉運站). From there, it’s just a 2-minute walk uphill to reach the official entrance gate of the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area.
Clear signs along the way make it easy to find, and the short walk offers your first taste of Alishan’s cool mountain air and forest scenery.
How to Book Seats of Chiayi to Alishan Bus Online?
Chiayi County Bus: Chiayi ⇌ Alishan
- 7322 Chiayi ⇌ Alishan
to Alishan: 05:55, 07:55, 09:55, 13:55
to Daya Stop: 11:40, 14:40, 16:10, 17:10
Full-Price Tickets Price: NT$251
Half-Fare Tickets Price: NT$126
- 7322A Chiayi ⇌ Alishan (via Fenqihu)
to Alishan: 11:55
to Daya Stop: 09:10
Full-Price Tickets Price: NT$251
Half-Fare Tickets Price: NT$126
- 7322C Chiayi ⇌ Alishan (Taiwan Tourist Bus B)
to Alishan: 07:10, 09:10, 11:10
to Chiayi: 13:40, 15:10, 15:40
Full-Price Tickets Price: NT$240
Half-Fare Tickets Price: NT$120
- 7322D Chiayi ⇌ Alishan (via Fenqihu) (Taiwan Tourist Bus B)
to Alishan: 09:40
to Chiayi: 14:10
Full-Price Tickets Price: NT$251
Half-Fare Tickets Price: NT$126
- 7329 HSR Chiyi Station ⇌ Alishan (Taiwan Tourist Bus A)
to Alishan: 09:30
to HSR Chiayi Station: 13:30
Full-Price Tickets Price: NT$278
Half-Fare Tickets Price: NT$139
- 7329A HSR Chiyi Station ⇌ Alishan (via Fenqihu) (Taiwan Tourist Bus A)
to Alishan: 11:00
to HSR Chiayi Station: 10:10
Full-Price Tickets Price: NT$278
Half-Fare Tickets Price: NT$139
- 7302 Chiaiyi ⇌ Fenqihu
to Fenqihu Destination Stop: 06:55, 14:55
to Daya Stop: 09:00, 17:00
Full-Price Tickets Price: NT$189
Half-Fare Tickets Price: NT$94
- 7315 Chiaiyi ⇌ Ruifeng (Every Sunday)
to Ruifeng: 09:15, 15:00
to Daya Stop: 07:10, 13:00
Full-Price Tickets Price: NT$239
Half-Fare Tickets Price: NT$119
- 7314 Chiaiyi ⇌ Dabang
to Dabang: 05:45, 16:55
to Daya Stop: 08:00, 19:10
Full-Price Tickets Price: NT$212
Half-Fare Tickets Price: NT$106
- 107 Meishan ⇌ Taiping Suspension Bridge
to Taiping: 08:50, 10:10, 11:40, 14:10, 15:30, 16:50
to Meishan: 09:30, 10:50, 12:20, 14:50, 16:10, 17:30
Full-Price Tickets Price: NT$43
Half-Fare Tickets Price: NT$21
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus: Chiayi ⇌ Alishan
- Alishan Route A (7329、7329A)
Departure from THSR Chiayi Station
From Chiayi THSR Station to Alishan: Cash Fares NT$278 or EasyCard Fares NT$244
Alishan Route A: THSR Chiayi Station → Ding-liou Elementary School → Wufeng Temple → Chukou Visitor Center → Love Prairie → Chukou → Gongxing Forest Park(Zhuhu Road Intersection) → Longmei → Eryanping Trail(Anding) → Xiding → Longtou → Shizhuo → Fenqihu → Shizi Community → Youth Activity Center → Alishan
Fenqihu: Only 7329A buses stop at Fenqihu. Please confirm before booking.
- Alishan Route B (7322C、7322D)
(Departure from TRA Chiayi Station via Fengqihu)
From Chiayi TRA Station to Alishan: Cash Fares NT$240 or EasyCard Fares NT$211
: Daya Stop → Chiayi Station → Ding-liou Elementary School → Wufeng Temple → Chukou Visitor Center → Love Prairie → Chukou → Gongxing Forest Park(Zhuhu Road Intersection → Longmei → Eryanping Trail(Anding) → Xiding → Longtou → Shizhuo → Fenqihu → Shizi Community → Youth Activity Center → Alishan
Fenqihu: Only 7322D buses stop at Fenqihu. Please confirm before booking.
- Ruili Route (Holiday only, 110)
(Departure from TRA Chiayi Station)
- Taiping Route (Taiping Shuttle bus 113)
Sun Moon Lake to Alishan Bus Schedule
Alishan to Sun Moon Lake Bus Schedule – How to Reserve Seats?
- Yuanlin Bus 6739: Sun Moon Lake ⇌ Alishan
Departure from Sun Moon Lake: 08:00
Departure from Sun Moon Lake: 08:30 (Weekends and Consecutive holidays)
Departure from Alishan: 13:00
Departure from Alishan: 14:00 (Weekends and Consecutive holidays)
Driving time: about 3 hours
Alishan → Zizhong → Shishan → Shangdongpu → Tataka → Fuqi Tree → New Zhongheng overseer Station → Caopingtou → Shenmu Village → Huoshe → Sinyi Township Farmers’ Association → Dingkan → Toushe → Xiangshan Visitor Center → Sun Moon Lake
If you pay in cash, the full price is NT$333 and the half price is NT$167. If you use EasyCard or iPass, the full price is NT$295 and the half price is NT$148. Tickets can be booked two months in advance by calling Suili Station (049-2770041) or sending an email (yulinbus@gmail.com).
Taipei to Alishan Bus Schedule
- Kuo Kuang Bus 1835: Taipei ⇌ Alishan
Driving time: about 5-6 hours
Ticket price: NT$750
Taipei→Alishan
Departure: Every Friday
Summer (March-October) 20:45, Winter (November-February) 21:45
Alishan→Taipei
Departure: Every Saturday at 11:30
Alishan Forest Railway (Chiayi ⇆ Alishan)
Uphill
Train No.1: 09:00 Chiayi → 12:00 Shitzilu (NT$459)
Train No.5: 10:00 Chiayi → 14:56 Alishan (NT$600)
Downhill
Train No.2: 13:21 Shitzilu → 16:51 Chiayi (NT$459)
Train No.8: 11:50 Alishan → 15:45 Chiayi (NT$600)
Stops along: Beimen, Luman(Lumachan), Zhuqi, Zhangnaoliao, Mt. Duli, Liyuanliao, Jiaoliping, Shuisheliao, Fenqihu, Duolin, Erwanping, Alishan
Alishan Forst Rail Main Line Schedule: Click image to view full size
For tourists who want to take the train, there is only one train per day, which departs from Chiayi Station at 10 am and arrives at Alishan at 2:56 pm.
The train will stop at Fenchihu Station for 65 minutes before continuing to Alishan. The train takes 5 hours one way and the bus takes 2.5 hours one way, so taking the train takes twice as long as taking the bus.
Alishan Forest Railway: Main Line Schedule
Branch Line
Alishan Forest Railway Branch Line (inside the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area)
Sunrise time is different each season, and Alishan Station will make time adjustments on their train schedules according to the time of sunrise each day and the number of passengers.
Visitors who wish to ride on the sunrise train must purchase their tickets one day prior to their trip from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm on the 2nd Floor of Alishan Forest Rail Chiayi Station, Beimen Station, Fenqihu Station and Alishan Station.
Zhushan Line: For catching the iconic Alishan sunrise
Shenmu Line(Sacred Tree Line): Takes you to the Sacred Tree area — short, but magical
Zhaoping Line: Scenic and easy walk to forest trails
Alishan Forest Railway: Branch Line Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Alishan?
Alishan Average Temperature by Month
According to the statistics of rainfall days in Alishan, the best tourist season in Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is from October to March of the following year. Due to the influence of the northeast monsoon, it is easier to see sea of clouds and cloud waterfalls during this period.
The Alishan area is surrounded by mountains, with a cool climate, high humidity and abundant rainfall. The rainy season is from April to September, and the dry season is from October to March of the following year.
In addition, dense fog occurs from time to time, so you need to be extra careful when traveling.
What to wear to Alishan?
The temperature on the mountain is relatively low in the early morning, so please prepare warm clothes. Even in summer, early mornings (especially if you’re catching the sunrise at Zhushan) can be below 10°C (50°F). So always pack layers, no matter the season.
Read Alishan Weather and Seasons – A Year-Round Guide
How do I get to Alishan from Taipei?
Yes, you need to take the THSR first (book a discounted ticket here), then take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus Alishan Route A, and you can complete this impossible round trip in one day.
Alishan Route A Timetable:
THSR Chiayi Station → Alishan
(09:30→12:00) (10:10→12:40) (11:00→14:05) (13:10→15:40)
or
You can take bus no. 1835 from Taipei to Alishan.
Driving time: about 5-6 hours
Ticket price: NT$750
Taipei→Alishan
Departure: Every Friday
Summer (March-October) 20:45, Winter (November-February) 21:45
How do I get back to Taipei from Alishan?
You can take bus no. 1835 from Taipei to Alishan.
Alishan→Taipei
Departure 11:30 Every Saturday
I recommend you take the bus to Chiayi High Speed Rail Station first, then take the high speed rail to Taipei.
Can I do a day trip to Alishan from Taipei?
Yes, you need to take the THSR first (book a discounted ticket here), then take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus Alishan Route A, and you can complete this impossible round trip in one day.
Alishan Route A Timetable:
09:30 THSR Chiayi Station → 12:00 Alishan
14:40 Alishan → 17:10 THSR Chiayi Station
16:40 Alishan → 19:10 THSR Chiayi Station
How long is the journey from Chiayi to Alishan?
The bus journey from Chiayi Railway Station to Alishan takes 2 hours and 30 minutes.
How much is the bus fare to Alishan?
From Chiayi TRA Station to Alishan: Cash Fares NT$240 or EasyCard Fares NT$211
From Chiayi THSR Station to Alishan: Cash Fares NT$278 or EasyCard Fares NT$244
Can I use EasyCard to take the bus?
Just like taking a bus, you need to swipe your card when you get on and swipe it again when you get off. If you use cash, QR code or EasyCard, I recommend lining up at the bus stop 30 minutes early so you can get a good queue position.
How long in advance should I queue at the bus stop?
If you use cash, QR code or EasyCard, I recommend lining up at the bus stop 30 minutes early so you can get a good queue position.
During off-peak hours on weekdays, there are usually seats available for passengers to take the bus using cash, QR code or EasyCard.
It is recommended to purchase tickets and reserve seats in advance on weekends and consecutive holidays, otherwise there may be no seats available. If the bus is full before you get on, you will have to wait for the next bus.
Are Alishan buses on time?
Stopping times are estimates only. Mountain routes are subject to delays due to roadworks or traffic control. Travelers should allow for plenty of waiting time. For actual bus times, please check the Taiwan Trip E-Bus system.
Can I bring luggage on the bus?
Yes, you can bring luggage on the bus. If you take the bus from Chiayi TRA or THSR Station, the driver will open the luggage compartment for passengers to place their luggage.
If you catch a bus on the side of the road, the driver may not open theluggage compartment because it would hinder traffic.
Is there any luggage storage in Alishan?
1. Alishan Visitor Centre: open lockers (FREE), which are not responsible for storage (please carry valuables with you). The opening hours are 08:00-17:00. Remember to pick up your luggage during the opening hours.
2. Alishan Train Station: Paid lockers
3. Fenqihu Train Station: Paid lockers
Is one day enough for Alishan?
If you take the first bus to Alishan around 9AM and then the 4PM bus back to Chiayi, you’ll have about 6-7 hours to explore.
One day in Alishan can be enough if you’re strategic about what you want to see—but it really depends on your travel style and what kind of experience you’re after.
One day might not be enough if you
- Want a slow, immersive forest experience
- Plan to do longer nature walks or photography
- Care about catching both sunrise and sunset
It is recommended to stay for 2-3 days so that you have enough time to enjoy the beauty of Alishan.
How much is the Alishan entrance fee?
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
Full fare Ticket: NT$300 (Foreigner ticket)
Standard Discount Ticket: NT$150 (Tourist holds a ticket for taking public transportation bus or shuttle)
How to buy an Alishan train ticket?
You can use the online system to buy tickets here.
How much time to spend in Alishan?
It is recommended to stay for 2-3 days so that you have enough time to enjoy the beauty of Alishan.
Is Alishan worth visiting?
Yes, Alishan is definitely worth visiting. Alishan is less about flashy attractions and more about atmosphere, nature, and chill vibes. If you’re the kind of person who gets excited about fog rolling through ancient forests, a scenic train, and a peaceful escape from the city—then it’s so worth it.
How to dress for Alishan?
General Tips (Year-Round):
● Layer up: Weather can shift fast—from sunny to foggy to rainy—so dress in layers you can add/remove.
● Good walking shoes: Lots of trails and uneven paths—wear comfortable, non-slip shoes or hiking boots.
● Rain protection: Alishan is often misty or drizzly, so a light rain jacket or poncho is smart.
● Warm at night/sunrise: It gets cold, even in summer, especially if you’re going for the Zhushan sunrise.
Alishan Weather and Seasons – A Year-Round Guide
Alishan is about 2,200 (7,200 ft) meters above sea level. Alishan has a cool, temperate mountain climate — a peaceful escape from Taiwan’s humid lowlands. Here’s a detailed introduction to Alishan’s four seasons and temperatures, so you’ll know exactly what to expect (and pack) when visiting.
Spring (March – May)
Average Temperature: 5°C – 20°C (41°F – 68°F)
Weather: Mild days, chilly mornings & evenings. Occasional mist or light rain.
Highlights:
- Cherry blossoms (mid to late March) – one of the biggest attractions
- Lush forests waking up from winter
- Sunrise and “sea of clouds” views are often stunning
What to Pack:
- Light jacket or fleece for daytime
- Warm layers (like a hoodie or puffer) for early mornings and nights
Summer (June – August)
Average Temperature: 12°C – 24°C (54°F – 75°F)
Weather: Cool and comfortable, but can be humid. Frequent afternoon fog or rain, especially in July/August.
Highlights:
- Perfect for escaping Taiwan’s city heat
- Lush green landscapes and hiking trails
- Misty, mysterious forest vibes in the late afternoon
What to Pack:
- Light layers, breathable clothes
- Rain gear (umbrella or light rain jacket)
- A light jacket for night, especially after rain
Autumn (September – November)
Average Temperature: 7°C – 20°C (45°F – 68°F)
Weather: Clear, dry, and pleasantly cool. Probably the best weather of the year.
Highlights:
- Maple leaves turning red and gold (late Oct to Nov)
- Crisp air, less fog, clearer views for sunrise and cloud sea
- Great for photography, hiking, and peaceful walks
What to Pack:
- Medium jacket, long sleeves
- Scarf or extra layer for chilly evenings
- Good walking shoes – this is prime hiking season
Winter (December – February)
Average Temperature: 1°C – 15°C (33°F – 59°F)
Weather: Cold, especially at night. Rare snow, but frost and icy mornings are common.
Highlights:
- Serene and peaceful — fewer crowds
- If it snows, Alishan becomes a quiet, snow-dusted fairytale
- Beautiful sunrises over crisp, frosty forests
What to Pack:
- Warm jacket or coat (puffer, down, etc.)
- Gloves, scarf, hat
- Layers – it can warm up slightly mid-day
Bonus Tip
The temperature on the mountain is relatively low in the early morning, so please prepare warm clothes.
Even in summer, early mornings (especially if you’re catching the sunrise at Zhushan) can be below 10°C (50°F). So always pack layers, no matter the season.
What to buy in Alishan?
Special Souvenir Gifts: Fenqifu rice crackers, Turmeric, Tea Seed Oil, Brown Sugar, and Wild Boar Handicrafts
Alishan Multi-Day Tour and Private Day Tour
Day Tour
From Taipei
■ Chiayi Alishan & Nantou Sun Moon Lake 3-day tour (From Taipei)
■ Alishan Private 2-Day Tour (Fom Taipei)
■ Sun Moon Lake & Alishan Private 3-Day Tour (From Taipei)
■ Chiayi Alishan 2-day tour, including cultural experience and attraction tickets (From Taipei)
From Taichung
■ Alishan Forest Railway 1-Day & Multi-Day Tour (From Taichung)
From Chiayi
■ Chiayi: Alishan Day Tour & Multi-Day Tour (From Chiayi)
■ Alishan Mianyue Line Hiking Day Tour (From Chiayi)
From Kaohsiung
■ Alishan Day Tour (From Taichung, Chiayi, or Kaohsiung)
■ Chiayi: Alishan Mountain Discovery Journey (From Kaohsiung)
■ Chiayi: Alishan Mountain Discovery Journey (From Kaohsiung)
Tickets:
■ Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus Alishan Route Round-trip Tickets (4 times get-on or get-off each way for both Route A or B; one ticket per person; please scan the QR code every time getting on the bus and finish using within 3 days)
■ Chiayi Alishan – Xuyue Sightseeing Train
■ Alishan National Forest Recreation Area Ticket