Hualien Getting there & around

Getting there & away

Land

Bus

The bus situation along the east coast is rather confusing (even to locals), with multiple companies operating out of multiple stations. Thankfully, the information centre at the train station is up to date on all this and can advise you on the latest. You are well advised to seek their help to confirm times and departure points.

The Hualien Bus Company (832 3485) has a full station downtown at the end of Jung Shan Rd and a small kiosk to the right of the train station information centre (as you face the centre).

The Dingdong Bus Company (089-333 023; 138-6 Guo Lian 1st Rd) has no station, just a small bus stop sign to the left of the train station information centre as you face the centre.

Both companies run buses to Taitung via Hwy 11. Dingdong runs about four buses a day (NT479, three hours), while the Hualien Bus Company runs one every hour or so. However, most Hualien buses only go as far as Chengkung.

Between Hualien and Taitung, it’s possible to get off the bus at certain spots, do some exploring and hop on the next bus when it comes by. This is a slow way to travel, but possible. Verify when the next bus is supposed to come to avoid being stranded.

The Hualien Bus Company also runs buses to Tienhsiang and the National Park Headquarters in Taroko Gorge.

Train

There are frequent trains running between Taipei and Hualien (fast/slow NT455/343, 2½/four hours). They can be crowded, so make sure you buy tickets ahead of time to reserve a seat.

In early 2007, the Taiwan Railway Administration purchased a fleet of tilting trains from Japan that can cover the distance from Taipei to Hualien in less than two hours. They should be running by the time you read this.

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Air

Far Eastern Air Transport (826 5702),Mandarin Airlines (826 8785) andTransasia Airways (826 1365) have reservation counters at Hualien Airport (www.hulairport.gov.tw). There are flights from Hualien to Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung.

There’s an information desk (821 0768; 7am-9pm) on the airport’s 2nd floor.

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