Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit Information

After a long delay in construction, the Kaohsiung MRT finally opened its doors to commuters in 2008 with the introduction of two lines.
A very clean and efficient means of transport, it is the easiest way for commuters to get from one part of the city to another. However, as a relatively new transport network, it does not have the density of some of the country’s other popular metro services. In fact, there will be many occasions when you will have to take a short walk to the nearest station.
Numerous feeder bus services have been introduced to fill the gaps in the network and provide better access to the metro. There are excellent connections between the MRT stations and the local bus service, allowing quick and easy transfers to other parts of the city.

Currently, the metro system is operated by the Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit Operation and serves a total of 37 stations. This 42.7 km network served 178,975 people daily (2013).

The Kaohsiung Metro, also known as the MRT, is an integral part of public transport in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It operates daily from 6:00 am to 1:00 am. However, it does not provide 24-hour service.

The metro trains do not have air conditioning, and it is not possible for passengers to walk between platforms. The trains are not driverless.

The MRT platform has screen doors for safety. The fare system involves the use of gates and the fare is NT$100. The system is operated by the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation.

Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit Map

Map of Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit map in PDF format.

Lines and Stations

The Kaohsiung Metro system consists of three commercial lines, two of which are commuter lines and the remaining one is a light rail line. The total length of these lines is 47.3 kilometres, spread over 45 stations. The metro system serves an average of 170,000 passengers per day. It provides convenient transportation from the northern and southern ends of the city to downtown Kaohsiung.

The specific lines of the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit are as follows:

Red Line

The Red Line starts in the Siaogang district at the junction of Yanhai and Hanmin Roads in the south of the city. Trains then head north along Jhongshan Road, passing the Kaohsiung International Airport, Central Park and the Sanduo business district.

Continuing along Boai Road, the trains reach the Kaohsiung High Speed Rail Station, known as THSR. Along the way, the line also serves the Banpingshan district, the Nanzih Export Processing Zone industrial area and several former Kaohsiung districts.

Finally, the line runs along Gaonan Road, crosses the Qiaotou district and terminates at the southern end of Gangshan district. The Red Line is approximately 28.3 kilometres long and has 24 stations – 15 underground, 8 elevated and one surface.

It started operation on 9 March 2008 and its latest extension was completed on 23 December 2012.

Orange Line

The Orange Line crosses the city from east to west, starting from Sizihwan district in the west. From there, it crosses the Love River via Dayong Road to reach Jhongjheng Road.

Along the way, the trains pass landmarks such as Kaohsiung City Hall, the city’s cultural centre, the martial arts stadium and Weiwuying Park.

The journey ends after crossing Zihyou Road, Guangyuan Road and Jhongshan East Road, which provide access to the Fengshan and Daliao districts.

The Orange Line, with a total length of 14.4 kilometres and 14 stations, was inaugurated on 14 September 2008, coinciding with the Mid-Fall Festival. A last-minute problem with tunnel construction delayed its opening, which was originally planned to coincide with the opening of the Red Line.

Circular Light Rail

The Kaohsiung Metro light rail line, which is currently under construction, is 22.1 kilometres long. It currently operates 14 stations out of a planned total of 38. The estimated total cost of the line is 16,500 million Taiwanese dollars, or approximately US$535,000,000.

The first phase of the LRT line, from Station C1 to Station C14, provides connections to the other two lines at Stations C3 and C14. Construction began on 4 June 2013 and technical tests were carried out in August 2015.

The official inauguration of the tramway was scheduled for 2017, after the completion of the first phase of construction. The construction of Phase II, the rest of the line, is planned to start in 2019, after the necessary preparatory works in the designated areas.

Connections

Many of Kaohsiung Metro’s stations offer connections to other complementary modes of transport, such as suburban train lines and bus routes.

Red Line

Kaohsiung International Airport: Connects with buses on lines 12, 69, Red 3, Red 6, Red 7, and Red 9. It also provides connections to the Airport Express Line A and B buses, which offer direct routes to the airport.
Kaisyuan: Connects with buses on lines 12, 25, 37, 69, Red 12A, Red 12B, 168 East, 168 West, and the Circular light rail line.
Formosa Boulevard: Connects with buses on lines 12, 24B, 52, 60, 69, 72, 100, 218, 248, 8001, and 9117. It also offers connections to the Orange line of the metro.
Kaohsiung Main Station: Provides connections to buses on a multitude of lines including 12, 26, 28, 36, 52, 53B, 56, 69, 72, 82, 83, 88, 92, 100, 205, 218, 245, 248, 301A, 301B, Red 25, Red 27, Red 30, 8008, 8010, 8023, 8040, 8043, E08, E25, E28, and E32. Additionally, it connects with long-distance transportation services on lines 1610, 1621, 1650, 1651, 1655, 1778, 1838, 1862, 1872, 3999, 7502, 7512, 9117, 9127, and 9188. This station also provides access to the West Coast Line commuter rail network.
Aozihdi: Provides connections to buses on lines 0 South, 0 North, 24B, 168 East, 168 West, 301B, 301A, Red 32, Red 33, Red 35, and 8502. It also connects with the Circular light rail.
Zuoying/THSR: Connects to bus lines 3, 16A, 16B, 90, 92, Red 35, Red 50, Red 60A, Red 60B, E01, E02, E03, E04, E08A, E25, 8501, 9188, 9189, 301B, 301A, Red 51A, Red 51B, Red 51C, Red 53A, Red 53B, Red 53C, Red 53D, E05, E11, and 8017. Additionally, it connects to the West Coast Line commuter rail network.
Ciaotou Station: Provides connections to buses on lines 98, E08, E08A, Red 72A, Red 72B, Red 72C, 8015, 8040, 8041B, 8041C, 8049, and 8506. Also, it connects to the West Coast Line commuter rail network.

Orange Line

Sizihwan: Connects with buses on lines 50, 99, 219, 248, Orange 1A, Orange 1B, and E05. Also connects with the Circular light rail line.
Formosa Boulevard: Connects with buses on lines 12, 24B, 52, 60, 69, 72, 100, 218, 248, 8001, and 9117. It also offers connections to the Red line of the metro.
Cultural Center: Connects with buses on lines 76, 77, 82, 168 east, 168 west, 248, Red 21, and 8503. Also connects with the Circular light rail line.
Wukuaicuo: Connects with buses on lines 0 north, 0 south, 50, 81, and 248. Also connects with the Circular light rail line.
Fongshan: Provides connections to buses on lines 5, 87, 88, 248, Orange 8, Orange 11A, Orange 11B, E01, 8001, 8006, 8010, 8041A, 8041B, 8041C, and 8049. Additionally, it connects with the West Coast Line commuter rail network.

Circular Light Rail

Cianjhen Star: Connects with buses on lines 50, 99, 219, 248, Orange 1A, Orange 1B, and E01. It also connects with the metro’s Red line.

Hamasen: Connects with buses on lines 50, 99 (during peak hours), 219, 248, Orange 1A, Orange 1B, and E05. It also connects with the metro’s Orange line.

Schedule

The Kaohsiung Metro operates at convenient times for frequent users. Its stations start operating at 6:00am, with passengers allowed on the platforms a few minutes before the first departing train. Trains run continuously until midnight. Although the last train normally leaves the terminal stations at this time, facilities may remain open until 1:00 am.

During peak hours, trains arrive at platforms every 4 to 6 minutes. At off-peak times, the average waiting time increases to 8 minutes, and after 11 p.m. travellers could be waiting up to 20 minutes for the next train.

Fares

Kaohsiung Metro fares are calculated based on the distance travelled, with a minimum fare of TWD 20.00 (approx. USD 0.65) and a maximum fare of TWD 60.00 (approx. USD 1.95).

There are several payment options, including paying the exact fare for your journey with a single ticket or purchasing one of four rechargeable cards compatible with the Metro system. These options include

Single ticket: The cost is based on the distance travelled on the metro. It’s only valid on the day of purchase. A fine of TWD 50 will be imposed if it’s damaged or lost.
Bicycle ticket: Costs TWD 100 in addition to the fare. It allows you to take your bicycle on trains and is only valid on the day of purchase.
Group ticket: Available for groups of 10 or more, it offers a 20% discount on the regular fare.
24 Hour Kaohsiung MRT Ticket: Allows unlimited travel on the Kaohsiung Metro for 24 hours and costs TWD150. It’s only valid on the day of purchase.
48 Hours Kaohsiung MRT Ticket: Allows unlimited travel on the metro system for 48 hours and costs TWD 250. It’s valid for two days from the date of purchase.

Passengers can also use rechargeable cards from iPASS Corporation, EasyCard Corporation, iCash Corporation and Yuan Hsin Digital Payment Co. Ltd. Each of these cards offers different benefits and options for travelling on the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit System.

Rules

Attempting to board or jump onto a moving train is strictly forbidden and may result in prosecution.
Interfering with train doors, whether by attempting to open them or obstructing them while closing, is not permitted.
Unauthorised access to areas reserved for authorised Kaohsiung Metro staff is prohibited.
Begging is not allowed in the facilities of the Metro.
Fundraising, leafleting, advertising or selling products in the stations and trains of the Metro is prohibited.
Animals are not allowed on metro vehicles without prior authorisation.
Consumption of food or drink, chewing gum or nuts is not permitted at stations or on trains.
Obstructing the path of other passengers is strictly forbidden.
Lying on the seats of the vehicles or on the floors of the platforms is not permitted.
It is forbidden to carry potentially dangerous objects, including flammable materials, on the trains of the system.
Luggage must not cause inconvenience to other passengers.
If you are bringing balloons, you are allowed a maximum of five. Any more and you may be refused access to the trains.
Harassment will be strictly monitored and offenders may be refused access.
It is not permitted to enter stations shirtless or wearing smelly clothes.
It is forbidden to use roller skates or similar items in the metro.
Passengers travelling without a ticket or using a card that doesn’t belong to them will be fined 50 times the cost of the journey made.

Connection to the Airport

The Kaohsiung Metro provides a direct link to Kaohsiung International Airport, making it easy for users to get around. Kaohsiung International Airport Station is conveniently located to the north of the airport. From here, passengers can board the Airport Express Line A and B buses, which provide a short ride to the airport terminals. Alternatively, passengers can walk to the airport from the nearby subway station, eliminating the need for additional transportation. Ticket prices vary depending on the station from which you board, as the fare system is based on distance travelled.

Future Expansions

Several expansion projects are underway to improve Kaohsiung’s metro network. For example, an underground tunnel is being built south of Zuoying Station on the Red Line to connect the Linyuan area, and five additional stations are planned. Other plans include extensions to the Hunei, Lujhu, Sinyuan and Donggang districts, bringing the total number of stations on the Red Line to 43.

Network expansion projects are also underway on the Orange Line, with 18 additional stations planned to extend the current system to the Daliao, Linyuan, Fongshan and Pingtung districts. These works will add 28 kilometres of track, bringing the total to 43 kilometres.

Work is already underway to extend the Circular Light Rail Line, which will cover the districts of Gushan, Zuoying, Sanmin, Lingya and Cianjhen, adding 24 stations to the network. These projects will make the metro system one of the most important means of transport in Kaohsiung.

Tourist Attractions

The city of Kaohsiung offers a variety of interesting places for visitors to explore. At Love Pier Station on the Light Rail Line, you can enjoy the tranquil setting of Love River Park, a green space along the Love River that is an integral part of local culture. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, relax with a book, picnic with friends or simply enjoy the picturesque views of the river.

A short walk from Yanchengpu Station on the Orange Line brings you to Pier-2 Art Centre. This vibrant hub is dedicated to urban art, showcasing professional graffiti works and hosting various fairs for the public. Regular cultural events provide a meeting place for all ages, where young people and seniors can share their perspectives on art. It is undoubtedly a must-visit destination in Kaohsiung.