Kinmen Getting there & around

Getting around

Boat

There is a frequent ferry service between Shuitou harbour in Kinmen and Chiukang harbour (NT20, around 15 minutes) on Little Kinmen (Liehyu) Island. During winter, the ferry service can be suspended if the water is too choppy. There’s also a boat to Fujian, but at the time of writing, only ROC nationals with the proper paperwork can board it.

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Public transport

Kinmen has bus stations in Kincheng, Shanwai and Shamei. Though buses run regularly, you’ll have less flexibility if you decide to see Kinmen by public transport. Buses run every one or two hours between 6am and 5pm, with a few buses offering services into the evenings. Bus schedules are posted in the bus stations in Chinese but people are pretty willing to help if you know where you’re going.

Buses 1 and 2 travel between Kincheng and Shanwai, and buses 5 and 18 go to Shamei. Buses run hourly and cost NT15.

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Car & motorcycle

Car, motorcycle & scooter

Cars, motorbikes and scooters can easily be rented in Kincheng. Scooter rental is generally NT300 to NT500 a day, depending on the number of days rented. Cars can be rented for about NT1300 a day, excluding petrol. Kinmen has very little traffic and driving or riding a scooter is the easiest way to see the island.

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Local transport

Taxi

Most taxi drivers in Kinmen prefer to ask for a flat fare rather than use the meter. If you think your trip will be cheaper with the meter on (probably so), then by all means insist on this method. Rides to and from the airport and for taxis waiting in taxi stands are flat fares that range from NT200 to NT300.

Taxi tours will cost around NT2000 to NT2500 a day and it’s unlikely your driver will speak English. Most hotels can arrange discounted tours, as can the Youth Activity Centre (325 772).

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