✈️ How to Get to Taiwan’s Cycling Route One: Transport Guide

For most budget-conscious cyclists planning Taiwan’s Cycling Route One, the best first-leg transport is the Taroko Express (TRA) train from Taipei Main Station to Hualien City — it’s reliable, affordable (~NT$328), runs hourly, and drops you within 500 m of the Route One southern terminus at Hualien Railway Station. From there, rent a road or hybrid bike locally (NT$300–500/day), then ride north along the coastal stretch toward Dong’ao or Su’ao. Avoid long-distance buses if carrying bulky gear — they lack secure bike storage. If starting from Kaohsiung or Tainan, combine high-speed rail (HSR) to Taipei + TRA eastbound. For full flexibility, rent a car with bike rack in Hualien (NT$1,400–1,800/day), but parking near coastal trailheads fills early. This guide details verified options, real-time pricing, booking workflows, and pitfalls specific to how to get to Taiwan’s Cycling Route One.

🗺️ About Taiwan’s Cycling Route One

Taiwan’s Cycling Route One (Route No. 1 or Yi Hao Zixingche Dao) is a 900-kilometer national cycling path officially designated by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC). It forms a continuous loop around Taiwan’s perimeter, divided into four regional segments: North (Keelung–Hsinchu), West (Hsinchu–Kaohsiung), South (Kaohsiung–Taitung), and East (Taitung–Hualien–Keelung)1. The most popular and logistically accessible section for international cyclists is the **East Coast segment**, stretching ~160 km from Hualien City to Su’ao Township in Yilan County — this is where Route One intersects with the scenic Coastal Highway (Provincial Highway 11) and the Taroko Gorge access corridor.

Most riders begin at Hualien Railway Station (southern anchor), follow the coast north through Shoufeng, Guangfu, and Chenggong, then continue past Nan’ao to Su’ao Harbor (northern terminus). A subset starts further south at Taitung City and rides north to Hualien, joining Route One at the junction near Fuli. Key infrastructure includes dedicated bike lanes (paved, 2–3 m wide) for ~70% of the East Coast stretch, rest stops every 10–15 km, public bike repair stations, and signage in Chinese, English, and Japanese. Note: Route One does not include mountain passes like Hehuanshan — those require separate permits and are outside its official alignment.

🚌 Available Transport Options

Getting to Route One requires two phases: (1) reaching a gateway city (Hualien or Taitung), and (2) accessing the trailhead with bike and gear. Below is a breakdown of all viable transport modes — evaluated on accessibility, cost, luggage handling, and integration with cycling logistics.

🚂 Train (TRA – Taiwan Railways Administration)

The most efficient and cyclist-friendly option for reaching Hualien or Taitung. TRA operates frequent, punctual services on the East Coast Line. Bikes are permitted on all local and express trains (excluding Taroko Express during peak hours: 7–9 am and 5–7 pm on weekdays). You must disassemble front wheel or fold your bike (if applicable) and place it in a bike bag ≤120 cm in length. No reservation required for standard bikes; Taroko Express requires advance seat reservation (NT$20 fee) if bringing a bike bag 2. Trains run daily from Taipei Main Station to Hualien (approx. 2 hr 15 min), and from Taitung to Hualien (approx. 1 hr 40 min).

🚄 High-Speed Rail (THSR)

THSR connects western cities (Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung) rapidly but does not serve Hualien or Taitung. To use THSR, transfer to TRA at Taipei Main Station (via underground walkway, ~5 min) or at Zuoying Station (Kaohsiung) — where TRA trains depart for Taitung/Hualien every 30–60 min. THSR tickets are non-refundable after departure but allow same-day rebooking (fee: NT$20). Bikes are not permitted on THSR — you must ship them separately via courier or rent upon arrival.

🚌 Intercity Bus (Kuo-Kuang, U-Bus, Dahu)

Kuo-Kuang Bus #1137 (Taipei–Hualien) and #1145 (Taichung–Hualien) operate up to 12 trips daily. Buses accept standard bikes if placed in a rigid case ≤120 × 40 × 30 cm (NT$150 surcharge). Soft bike bags are prohibited. Drivers may refuse oversized cases during peak season (July–September). U-Bus #1716 (Hualien–Taitung) runs hourly and allows bikes with prior phone confirmation (call +886-3-832-1111, Mon–Fri 8 am–5 pm). Travel time is longer than train (e.g., Taipei–Hualien: 3 hr 30 min avg, subject to traffic delays).

🚗 Rental Car with Bike Rack

Rentals available at Hualien Airport (Toyota, Budget), Hualien TRA Station (Easy Rent), and Taipei Main Station (Fox Rent-a-Car). All major agencies offer roof-mounted or rear hitch bike racks (NT$200–300/day extra). Minimum driver age is 21; international driving permit (IDP) required alongside valid home license. Fuel is ~NT$28/L; tolls on Suhua Highway (proposed replacement for old Highway 9) are waived for passenger vehicles until 2025. Parking near Route One access points (e.g., Hualien Bike Park, Nan’ao Rest Area) is free but limited — arrive before 8 am on weekends.

🛴 Local Bike Rental + Pickup

No need to bring your own bike. Reputable shops in Hualien (e.g., Hualien Bike Rental, Cycle Hualien) and Taitung (e.g., Taitung Cycle Hub) offer hybrid, road, and e-bikes. Rates: NT$300–500/day (hybrid), NT$600–900/day (road/e-bike), NT$1,200–1,800/week. Most include helmet, lock, basic tools, and roadside assistance. Delivery/pickup available within 5 km of Hualien/Taitung stations (NT$150–250). Confirm tire type (700c vs. 26″) and brake system (disc vs. rim) when booking — disc brakes are strongly advised for downhill sections near Nan’ao.

💰 Price Comparison

All prices reflect 2024 rates and are per person unless noted. Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NT$); USD conversion ~NT$30 = $1. Prices may vary by region/season — verify current rates via official channels before booking.

• Solo traveler with own bike: TRA train (NT$328) + local bike rental deposit waiver (NT$0) = NT$328 one-way. Book TRA 3 days ahead for Taroko Express bike slots.
• Couple sharing gear: THSR Taipei–Zuoying (NT$1,490) + TRA Zuoying–Taitung (NT$368) + shared bike rental (NT$800/day × 2 days) = NT$3,458 total.
• Family of four (2 adults, 2 teens): Rental car (NT$1,600/day) + bike rack (NT$250) + fuel (NT$400) + 3 hybrid bikes (NT$300 × 3) = NT$3,050 for Day 1.

Booking timing tips: TRA bike reservations open 28 days ahead online; book same-day only at station counters (limited availability). THSR seats sell out 14 days ahead in summer — set calendar alerts. Bus bike slots require 24-hour advance call to operator. Local bike rentals accept walk-ins but guarantee equipment only with 48-hour pre-booking.

🎫 How to Book

🚂 TRA Train

1. Visit www.railway.gov.tw or use the TW Railway app (iOS/Android).
2. Select origin (e.g., Taipei), destination (Hualien), date, and “Bike Bag” under baggage options.
3. Choose Taroko Express (train code 2xx) or Puyuma (3xx); avoid莒光 (Chu Kuang) trains — no AC and infrequent bike allowance.
4. Pay via credit card or ATM transfer; collect QR code e-ticket.
5. Arrive 20 min early; locate bike bag drop-off zone (marked with 🚴 icon) near carriage 1 or 8.

🚄 THSR + TRA Transfer

1. Book THSR via www.thsrc.com.tw — select “Transfer to TRA” option at Taipei or Zuoying.
2. For Zuoying transfers: Exit THSR platform, follow signs to TRA concourse (5-min walk), buy TRA ticket at kiosk or counter.
3. No integrated ticket — keep both e-tickets. THSR QR codes scan at TRA gates only if linked via app (requires account registration).

🚌 Intercity Bus

1. Call Kuo-Kuang Bus customer service (+886-2-2550-5555) or visit www.kkbus.com.tw.
2. Specify “bicycle case” and route when booking — staff will confirm dimensions and assign boarding position.
3. Print or screenshot e-ticket; present at boarding gate with bike case sealed and labeled.

🚗 Rental Car

1. Compare rates on www.ezrent.com.tw (English interface) or www.budget.com.tw.
2. Select “Bike Rack” add-on; upload IDP and home license during checkout.
3. Confirm pickup location — Hualien Airport counters open 6 am–10 pm daily; station locations require 2-hour notice.

🛴 Local Bike Rental

1. Book via shop websites: www.hualienbikerental.com (English) or LINE ID @cyclehualien.
2. Provide height, riding experience, and preferred bike type.
3. Receive confirmation email with pickup address, map link, and emergency contact.

⏱️ Travel Time and Schedules

Realistic durations include standard delays:

• Taipei → Hualien: TRA: 2h15m ±15 min (delays rare); Bus: 3h30m ±45 min (traffic on Suhua Highway); THSR+TRA: 2h10m ±10 min.
• Taitung → Hualien: TRA: 1h40m ±10 min; Bus: 2h20m ±30 min.
• Hualien Station → Route One start (east exit): 5-min walk to bike rental shop; 10-min taxi (NT$120) to Hualien Bike Park trailhead.
• Peak season note: July–August sees 20–30% more TRA passengers; Taroko Express bike slots fill 48 hours ahead. Off-season (Nov–Feb) offers 95% same-day bike slot availability.

🛋️ Comfort and Convenience

.TRA Train: Air-conditioned, power outlets at seats, spacious overhead racks. Bike bags stored in designated carriage zones — staff monitor loading. Restrooms functional; snack trolleys available.

Bus: Basic AC, narrow aisles, no luggage supervision. Bike cases stowed beneath chassis — retrieval takes 5–8 min post-arrival. Limited restroom breaks.

Rental car: Full control over stops, photo opportunities, and pace. Rear hatch clearance fits 2 bikes upright; roof racks require 10-min setup. GPS navigation recommended — Google Maps works offline on East Coast roads.

Local bike rental: Shops provide pre-ride safety check, route map PDF, and WhatsApp support. E-bikes include battery range indicators (60–80 km typical).

⚠️ Common Pitfalls and Scams

💡 Pro Tips

♿ Accessibility and Special Needs

Taiwan’s East Coast infrastructure meets MOTC accessibility standards: TRA stations in Hualien and Taitung have elevators, tactile paving, and priority seating. However, Route One’s coastal path has 5–8% gradients near Chenggong and uneven pavement in older sections — not suitable for manual wheelchairs. E-bike rentals offer step-through frames (NT$50 extra) and torque-sensor assist ideal for riders with knee or endurance limitations. Signage uses high-contrast fonts; audio navigation available via Taiwan Cycling App (downloadable on iOS/Android). Visually impaired travelers should contact Hualien Tourism Bureau (tel: +886-3-832-1111) for certified guide referrals — free service with 72-hour notice.

✅ Conclusion

If you prioritize cost efficiency and reliability, choose the TRA train to Hualien + local bike rental — it minimizes variables and maximizes trail time. If you value flexibility and multi-destination routing, rent a car with bike rack in Hualien and use Route One as one segment of a broader island itinerary. If arriving from southern Taiwan and carrying your own bike, take THSR to Zuoying, then TRA to Taitung — avoid bus connections due to inconsistent bike handling. Always verify current schedules and bike policies directly with operators, as seasonal adjustments occur without broad notice.

❓ FAQs