Traveling from Kaohsiung to Hengchun and Kenting typically takes around 2 hours. For most travelers, the 9189 Kenting Express from Zuoying HSR Station is the recommended option. For international visitors arriving via Kaohsiung Train Station or Kaohsiung International Airport, the 9117B Kenting Airport Express is ideal.
This guide covers all transportation options to Kenting, including self-driving, the 9189 Kenting Express, 9117B Airport Express, 9188 Kenting Train, Kaohsiung Bus 9117, and private shared rides, along with pros and cons to help you plan a smooth and efficient journey.
1. Rental Car (Self-Drive)
Flexibility & Cost
- Flexibility: Highest, but also the most expensive.
- Cost: NT$1,500–2,500/day; round-trip fuel approx. NT$1,000.
Pickup Locations
- Pickup locations: Zuoying HSR Station, Kaohsiung Train Station, KHH Airport.
Travel Time
- Travel time: ~2 hours.
Pros
- Pros: No schedule constraints; direct travel to Hengchun.
2. Recommended Bus – 9189 Kenting Express
The 9189 Kenting Express is the most recommended public transport option: frequent departures, comfortable buses with USB charging, and very affordable fares.
- Discount: Until 2025/10/31, e-ticket 50% off; fares as low as NT$176.
- Departure point: Zuoying HSR Station.
- Official fare: NT$401 one-way / NT$600 round-trip.
- E-ticket fare: NT$158 one-way to Hengchun Transfer Station.
- Schedule: Every 30 minutes; first 08:15 / last 19:30.
- Travel time: ~2 hours.
Stops
Zuoying HSR → Fangliao → Checheng Farmers Association → Marine Biology Museum Transfer Station → Hengchun Transfer Station → Nanwan → Kenting Archway → Kenting Police Station → Xiaowan
Pets
Allowed in cages under the seat; half-fare applies if occupying a seat.
How to Ride
- On-site reservation: Zuoying HSR Station, 2F north exit.
- Online reservation: Up to 30 days in advance via official website; ensures a seat but not eligible for e-ticket half-price.
- Boarding: Platform 2 outside Zuoying HSR Station.
3. 9188 Kenting Train (Bus Line)
- Pros: Departs from Kaohsiung Train Station.
- Cons: Fewer departures, more stops.
- Fare: NT$306 one-way.
- Schedule: Every 30–60 minutes; first 06:00 / last 22:00.
- Travel time: ~3 hours.
4. Recommended Bus – 9117B Kenting Airport Express
- Discount: Until 2025/10/31, e-ticket 50% off; NT$166.
- Departure: Kaohsiung Train Station, Kaohsiung Airport (KHH).
- Schedule: Kaohsiung first 09:40 / last 18:00; Airport first 10:10 / last 18:30; Kenting first 07:30 / last 18:40
- Travel time: ~3 hours.
Stops
Kaohsiung Train Station → KHH Airport → Dongliu Pier → Donggang → Fangliao → Checheng Farmers Association → Marine Biology Transfer Station → Hengchun → Nanwan → Kenting Archway → Police Station → Xiaowan New stops since 2025/3/1: MRT Xiaogang Station, Linyuan McDonald’s
5. Kaohsiung Bus 9117
- Departures: Kaohsiung Train Station / Kaohsiung Airport (KHH)
- Fare: NT$319.
- Schedule: First 04:15 / last 22:30.
- Travel time: ~4 hours.
From Pingtung Train Station:
6. Private Shared Ride
- Flexible but may surge during holidays or off-peak hours.
- Often requires 4 passengers; drivers may wait to fill seats.
- Departure points: Zuoying HSR, Kaohsiung Train Station, KHH Airport, Fangliao Train Station
- Fare: Kaohsiung → Hengchun ~NT$400–500, Fangliao → Hengchun ~NT$300
- Travel time: ~2 hours, direct drop-off at destination.
7. Local Transportation in Hengchun / Kenting
- Motorbike: NT$500–600/day.
- Electric scooter: NT$400/2 hours.
- Car rental: NT$1,800–2,500/day.
- Bicycle: NT$250–300/day.
- Private car tour: NT$3,000–7,500/day.
- Kenting Street Car: NT$150/day pass.
- Tourist Bus: NT$350+ depending on route.
Tip: Renting a motorbike is highly recommended for convenience and flexibility.
8. FAQ – Kaohsiung to Kenting Travel
Q1. What is the easiest way from Kaohsiung to Kenting?
A: The 9189 Kenting Express from Zuoying HSR Station is the most convenient.
Q2. Is there a direct bus from Kaohsiung Airport?
A: Yes, the 9117B Airport Express offers a direct route.
Q3. How long does it take?
A: 9189 Express ~2 hours; 9117B ~2.5–3 hours; taxi ~1.5 hours.
Q4. How much is the 9189 Express?
A: Standard NT$350–401; e-ticket half-price NT$158.
Q5. Can I bring luggage or diving gear?
A: Yes, both 9189 and 9117B accommodate luggage and freediving equipment.
Q6. Is renting a car worth it?
A: Yes, especially for visiting multiple dive sites or remote beaches.
Q7. What’s the fastest public transit option?
A: Zuoying HSR + the 9189 Express.