Planning a trip to Hualien and Taitung but not sure how to arrange transportation and attractions? This guide covers how to travel from northern and central Taiwan to the east coast, how many days to spend, classic routes, seasonal events, and why many travelers choose a private charter.
Start Your Eastern Taiwan Trip Here
Hualien and Taitung are among Taiwan’s most relaxing travel destinations. The Pacific coastline, mountain ranges, rice fields, indigenous culture, and summer Taiwan International Balloon Festival make the east coast a favorite for domestic and international travelers.
First-time visitors often ask: how many days are enough, should I drive or take the train, what is the fastest route from the north or central Taiwan, and which attractions are must-visits?
How Many Days Are Best for Hualien and Taitung?
Because Hualien and Taitung are large and attractions are far apart, at least 3 days is recommended.
| Days | Recommended Style | Best For |
| 3 days 2 nights | Hualien and Taitung highlights | First-time visitors, couples, short trips |
| 4 days 3 nights | Deeper east coast exploration | Family trips |
| 5 days 4 nights | Hualien-Taitung round-island route | Friends and graduation trips |
If you want to join the hot air balloon festival, watch sunrise, or stay longer at each stop, 4 to 5 days will feel more relaxed.
How to Get to Hualien and Taitung from Northern Taiwan
Self-driving
Self-driving is flexible and lets you stop along the way, but long-distance driving, mountain roads, peak-season traffic, and limited parking can be tiring.
Train
Trains are good for solo travelers and those who do not want to drive. Taipei to Hualien takes about 2 to 2.5 hours on faster trains. Taipei to Taitung takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. After arrival, you still need local transport to reach attractions.
Private charter
A private charter offers door-to-door pickup, no self-driving, luggage kept in the vehicle, flexible stops, and a more comfortable ride for the whole family. For northern Taiwan to the east coast, a round trip can exceed 10 hours of driving, so a charter greatly reduces fatigue.
How to Get to Hualien and Taitung from Central Taiwan
Self-driving routes
The Central Cross-Island route is suitable for mountain scenery and stops such as Qingjing and Hehuanshan, but road conditions should be checked before departure. The South-Link route is suitable for entering Taitung first and then traveling north toward Hualien.
Rail options
There are direct TRA trains from Taichung to Hualien and Taitung. Taichung to Hualien usually takes about 4 to 4.5 hours, while Taichung to Taitung takes about 4.5 to 5 hours. Another option for Taitung is HSR to Zuoying, then transfer to TRA through the South-Link line.
Recommended 3-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Day 1
Qingshui Cliff → Qixingtan → Dongdamen Night Market. Enjoy dramatic coastal scenery during the day and local Hualien food at night.
Day 2
Yun Shan Shui → Ruisui Ranch → Chishang → Brown Boulevard. Travel slowly from Hualien to Taitung and enjoy countryside views.
Day 3
Luye Highland → Duoliang Station → Sanxiantai. In summer, add the Taiwan International Balloon Festival at Luye Highland.
Must-Visit Hualien and Taitung Attractions
Coastal scenery
- Qingshui Cliff
- Qixingtan
- Shitiping
- Sanxiantai
- Duli Beach
Mountains and countryside
- Chishang Brown Boulevard
- Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree
- Luye Highland
- Ruisui Ranch
Family-friendly stops
- Farglory Ocean Park
- Chulu Ranch
- Luye Highland
Local food
- Dongdamen Night Market
- Chishang lunch box
- Yuli noodles
- Chenggong sailfish dishes
Seasonal Highlights
Summer: Taiwan International Balloon Festival
The summer hot air balloon festival at Luye Highland is one of the most popular events in eastern Taiwan. Book transport and accommodation early.
Autumn: Sixty Stone Mountain Daylilies
The daylily season from August to September is one of the classic flower seasons in Hualien and Taitung.
Winter: Hot springs
Winter is ideal for hot spring trips such as Zhiben Hot Spring and Ruisui Hot Spring.
Why More Travelers Choose Private Charter
Many first-time visitors think having a car is enough, but the trip often involves long driving hours, parking, navigation, luggage, and fatigue. In summer, popular attractions and events make parking even harder.
A private charter allows pickup from northern or central Taiwan, no self-driving, luggage kept onboard, flexible stop times, and a more comfortable ride for seniors and children. Everyone can focus on the scenery instead of the road.
Make Your Hualien and Taitung Trip Easier
The charm of eastern Taiwan is not only the mountains and sea, but also the slow moments along the way. Qingshui Cliff, Brown Boulevard, and Luye Highland are all worth enjoying slowly rather than rushing through.
If you depart from Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, or Taichung, a private charter can reduce long-distance driving and parking stress. GoSpeed Airport Transfer can arrange customized Hualien and Taitung charter routes based on your travel days and needs.