• Why Visit Alishan on a Day Trip?
• Where Is Alishan and Why Start from Chiayi?
• Sample Alishan Day Trip DIY Timeline (From Chiayi)
• How to Get from Chiayi to Alishan (Bus vs Forest Railway)
• Alishan Entrance Fees, Train Fares & Estimated Budget
• Best Time to Visit Alishan (Weather, Crowds & Seasons)
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Alishan (DIY Day Trip)
• Alishan Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Which Is Better?
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Visiting Alishan
• Final Thoughts: Is an Alishan Day Trip from Chiayi Worth It?

If you’re looking for a refreshing escape from the city while traveling in Taiwan, a day trip to Alishan National Scenic Area is 100% worth it even without joining a tour.

Alishan is famous for its cool mountain weather, towering ancient cypress trees, and its iconic sea of clouds views. It’s one of those places where the air feels cleaner, the pace slows down, and you really get to enjoy nature without needing to hike for hours.

What many people don’t realize is that Alishan is totally doable as a DIY day trip from Chiayi. You don’t need to book an expensive tour or stay overnight if you’re short on time. With an early start and proper planning, you can explore the main highlights comfortably and still make it back to the city by evening.

This makes Alishan perfect for:

• First-time visitors to Taiwan

• DIY and budget travelers

• Couples and slow travelers

• Anyone who wants a nature break from Taipei, Kaohsiung, or Taichung

For us, Alishan felt like the perfect contrast to Taiwan’s busy cities with it’s misty forests, quiet trails, and scenic views, all in one day. And the best part? You’re free to explore at your own pace.

👉 In the next section, we’ll share where Alishan is located and why Chiayi is the best starting point for this DIY day trip.

Alishan National Scenic Area is located in the mountains of central-southern Taiwan, at around 2,200 meters above sea level. Because of its high elevation, Alishan is known for its cool weather, misty forests, and beautiful mountain scenery.

For a DIY trip, the most practical starting point is Chiayi City, which is widely considered the gateway to Alishan.

Why Chiayi Is the Best Jump-Off Point

Chiayi makes DIY travel to Alishan simple and stress-free, especially for first-timers:

• 🚆 Easy access via TRA and HSR

• 🚌 Direct buses to Alishan with no transfers

• ⏱️ Shorter travel time compared to Taipei

• 💸 More budget-friendly for DIY travelers

Most Alishan-bound buses depart near Chiayi TRA Station, which is why we personally chose to book a hotel near the station.

Staying near Chiayi TRA Station was very convenient for us because:

• It’s close to the city center

• Walking distance to restaurants and convenience stores

• And most importantly, one of the direct buses to Alishan departs right from Chiayi TRA Station

This setup allowed us to leave early in the morning without rushing, which is a huge advantage when doing Alishan as a day trip.

Can You Start from Other Cities?

Yes but it’s not ideal if you want a relaxed day trip.

Starting from other major cities usually means:

• Longer travel time

• Higher transportation costs

• Multiple transfers

• Less time inside Alishan

This is why many travelers who don’t start in Chiayi choose to stay overnight instead.

Best Starting Point for an Alishan Day Trip (Quick Comparison)

💡 Transportation costs are estimates and may vary depending on train type, bus operator, and discounts.

⭐ Chiayi – BEST OPTION

Ideal for DIY day trips

• ⏱️ Travel Time: ~2.5–3 hours (one way)

• 🔁 Transfers: None (Direct bus)

• 💰 Transport Cost (RT):

  • ~NTD 480–600

  • ≈ ₱840–1,050 PHP

• 🚍 Why it’s best: Gateway city to Alishan

• ✅ Day Trip Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

👉 This is why we stayed near Chiayi TRA Station – early bus access + less stress.

👍 Kaohsiung – Possible but Long

Good if your flight arrives here

• ⏱️ Travel Time: ~4–4.5 hours

• 💰 Transport Cost (RT):

  • ~NTD 800–1,100

  • ≈ ₱1,400–1,925 PHP

• ⚠️ Consideration: Long day, early start needed

• ✅ Day Trip Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐

👍 Taichung – Flexible Option

Better with overnight stay

• ⏱️ Travel Time: ~4–5 hours

• 🔁 Transfers: Train/Bus + Bus

• 💰 Transport Cost (RT):

  • ~NTD 900–1,200

  • ≈ ₱1,575–2,100 PHP

• ⚠️ Consideration: More transfers, timing matters

• ✅ Day Trip Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐

⚠️ Taipei – Not Ideal for a Day Trip

Best if staying overnight

• ⏱️ Travel Time: ~4.5–5.5 hours

• 🔁 Transfers: HSR/TRA + Bus

• 💰 Transport Cost (RT):

  • ~NTD 1,300–1,600

  • ≈ ₱2,275–2,800 PHP

• ❌ Downside: Expensive + very long day

• ✅ Day Trip Friendly: ⭐⭐

💡 *If you’re staying in Kaohsiung or Taichung and don’t want to deal with transfers, there are also *Alishan day tours available on Klook that include transportation. This can be a more relaxed option, but it’s usually more expensive than DIY.

Our Honest Take

If you’re planning to visit Alishan as a DIY day trip, Chiayi is still the clear winner. It offers the best balance of time, cost, and convenience, letting you enjoy Alishan’s forest trails instead of worrying about logistics.

Starting from Kaohsiung is possible especially if your flight arrives there but expect a longer and more tiring day compared to starting from Chiayi.

That’s exactly why we stayed in Chiayi and booked a hotel near Chiayi TRA Station – simple, efficient, and stress-free.

This sample timeline assumes you’re staying near Chiayi TRA Station and taking the 7:10 AM bus, which gives you enough time to have breakfast and prepare without rushing.

⏰ Early Option: If you want to start earlier or prefer more buffer time, there is also a 6:05 AM bus departing from Chiayi TRA Station.

🚨 VERY IMPORTANT: Arrive Early at the Bus Terminal

Even if your bus is scheduled at 7:10 AM (or 6:05 AM), make sure to arrive at the bus terminal at least 30 minutes earlier.

Why this matters:

• Alishan buses have limited seating

• Many travelers line up earlier than the posted schedule

• If you’re unable to board your scheduled bus, you may need to wait up to 1 hour for the next one

⚠️ Being “on time” is sometimes already too late.

💙 A Small Moment of Kindness We’ll Never Forget in Chiayi

While lining up early at Chiayi TRA Station for the Alishan bus, we experienced one of those small moments that quietly stays with you.

We were already in line, a bit anxious about whether we’d make it onto the bus, when a local noticed we were visitors. Without hesitation, they guided us where to line up properly, reassured us about the queue, and even made sure we were in the correct spot for the Alishan bus.

No expectation. No language barrier drama. Just genuine help.

Moments like this happened to us more than once during our Taiwan trip, and it really showed how deeply kindness and consideration are part of everyday life in Taiwan even in something as simple as lining up for a bus.

If you want to read more stories like this, we wrote a separate piece about the kindness we experienced throughout our trip:

👉Read full article – Kindness We Learned in Taiwan

💙 Travel isn’t just about places sometimes it’s the people who make the journey unforgettable.

🕒 Actual Alishan Day Trip Timeline (From Chiayi – 1 Day)

🧠 Why This Timeline Works

• Early lunch = no rushing

• Train + walking combo = best balance of energy and time

• Fixed transport times + guided trail blocks = stress-free DIY pace

🚍 Bus Schedule Reference (Important)

This timeline is based on the Chiayi TRA Station → Alishan bus schedule.
Always double-check the official schedule before your trip, especially on weekends and holidays.

• Chiayi TRA Station → Alishan
  https://www.taiwantrip.com.tw/Frontend/Bustime/TimeTable/R0008

• Chiayi HSR Station → Alishan
  https://www.taiwantrip.com.tw/Frontend/Bustime/TimeTable/R0007

⚠️ Arrive at the bus terminal at least 30 minutes early to line up.

If you’re doing Alishan as a DIY day trip, there are two main transportation options from Chiayi:

1. Direct Bus – the most practical choice
2. Alishan Forest Railway – scenic but limited

Here’s how they compare and which one actually makes sense depending on your situation.

🚌 Transportation Option 1: Direct Bus from Chiayi (BEST for DIY Day Trip)

For most travelers, especially first-timers, the direct bus is the best and easiest way to reach Alishan.

✅ From Chiayi TRA Station (Highly Recommended)

This is the route we personally used and recommend.

• 📍 Departure: Chiayi TRA Station

• 🚌 Bus Numbers: 7322C / 7322D

• ⏱️ Travel time: ~2.5–3 hours

• 💰 Fare: ~NTD 214–240 (one way)

• 🕰️ First bus: as early as 6:05 AM

👉 Official Bus Schedule (Chiayi TRA → Alishan):
https://www.taiwantrip.com.tw/Frontend/Bustime/TimeTable/R0008

Why this route is ideal:

• Earliest departure times

• More suitable for a full-day itinerary

• Easy if you stay near the city center

⚠️ Important:
Arrive at the bus terminal at least 30 minutes early. Seats are limited, and missing your bus may mean waiting another hour.

🚄 From Chiayi HSR Station (Alternative, Less Ideal for Day Trip)

If you arrive via HSR, there is a different bus route to Alishan.

• 📍 Departure: Chiayi HSR Station

• 🚌 Bus Numbers: 7329 / 7329A

• 🕰️ First bus: around 8:40 AM

• ⏱️ Travel time: ~2.5–3 hours

👉 Official Bus Schedule (HSR → Alishan):
https://www.taiwantrip.com.tw/Frontend/Route/Select?p=RouteSelect&RouteID=R0010

⚠️ Because the first bus departs later, this route is less ideal for a relaxed day trip.

🎟️ How to Buy Bus Tickets (Very Important)

There are multiple ways to buy tickets, but not all queues are treated equally.

🥇 Option 1: Printed Ticket (Priority Queue)

You can buy printed tickets via:

• Taiwan FamilyMart FamiPort / FamiTicket machines

  • 💰 NTD 240 ticket price

  • ➕ NTD 20 booking fee

• Online platforms like Klook

👉 Important observation:
We noticed that passengers with printed tickets are usually prioritized in the queue, especially during busy hours.

This can be a big advantage if the bus is close to full.

We personally booked our ticket through Klook.

⚠️ Queue & Boarding Tips (Do NOT Skip This)

• Arrive at the bus terminal at least 30 minutes early

• Printed-ticket holders are usually boarded first

• IC card, cash, and QR users line up together

• If you miss your scheduled bus, you may wait another hour for the next one

⚠️ Being early matters more than how you pay.

Based on the official Alishan Forest Railway schedule, there is:

🚆 Train Schedule (Chiayi ↔ Alishan)

• Chiayi → Alishan

  • 🕙 10:00 AM departure

  • ⏱️ ~5 hours travel time

• Alishan → Chiayi

  • 🕚 11:50 AM departure

  • ⏱️ ~5 hours travel time

⚠️ Important:
There is only ONE train per day in each direction.

💰 Ticket Cost

• 💵 NTD 600 per person (one way)

• Much more expensive compared to the bus

• Tickets sell out easily and usually require advance planning

✅ When This Option Makes Sense

The Chiayi–Alishan Forest Railway may be a good choice if:

• You value scenic views and slow travel

• You want the full heritage railway experience

• You are staying overnight in Alishan

• You don’t mind spending most of the day on the train

This route is more about the journey itself, not efficiency.

❌ Why It’s NOT Ideal for a Day Trip

For a DIY day trip, this option is very limiting because:

• ❌ 5 hours travel time each way

• ❌ Very little time left to explore Alishan

• ❌ Only one departure per day

• ❌ Higher cost compared to bus

If you take the 10:00 AM train from Chiayi, you’ll arrive in Alishan around mid-afternoon, and the next day’s 11:50 AM return train means you’ll almost certainly need to stay overnight.

🧠 Our Honest Recommendation

• 🚌 Day trip from Chiayi: Take the direct bus

• 🚞 Scenic experience: Use the Forest Railway inside Alishan only

• 🏨 Overnight stay: Consider the full Chiayi–Alishan Forest Railway

For most travelers doing Alishan as a DIY day trip, the bus still offers the best balance of time, flexibility, and cost.

Doing Alishan as a DIY day trip from Chiayi is not only doable but it’s also budget-friendly compared to joining packaged tours. Below is a clear breakdown of expenses, based on what we personally paid.

🎟️ Alishan Entrance Fee

Upon entering Alishan National Scenic Area, you’ll need to pay the entrance fee.

• 💰 NTD 300 per person (regular adult)

• 🎫 Valid for the entire day

• 💵 Cash accepted (some counters accept cards, but don’t rely on it)

💡 Best to prepare exact cash to save time at the entrance.

🚌 Transportation Cost (Chiayi ↔ Alishan Bus)

If you’re taking the direct bus from Chiayi, here’s what to budget:

• 💰 NTD 240–300 (one way)

• 🔁 NTD 480–600 round trip

• 💳 Cheaper fare when using IC cards (EasyCard / iPASS)

👉 This is why DIY is much cheaper than tours from other cities.

🚞 Alishan Forest Railway (Inside the Park)

We used the forest train inside Alishan only, not from Chiayi.

• 💰 NTD 100 per ride / per person

• Routes we used:

  • Alishan Station → Zhaoping Station

  • Sunshe Station → Alishan Station

• 🔁 Total: NTD 200 per person

🚶 Walking the trail is free but takes more time and energy.

🍴 Food & Snacks (Inside Alishan)

Food options inside Alishan are simple and slightly more expensive than in Chiayi.

• 🍜 Early lunch / light meal: NTD 150–250

• ☕ Snacks / drinks: NTD 50–100

💡 This is why we recommend eating early near the Visitor Center.

🛍️ Souvenirs (Optional)

Totally optional, but easy to budget for:

• Tea, snacks, small items: NTD 100–300

💰 Estimated Total Budget (Per Person)

💱 Conversion used: 1 NTD = ₱1.88 PHP
(Exchange rates may vary.)

🧠 Is DIY Cheaper Than a Tour?

Yes, by a lot.

DIY lets you:

• Control your pace

• Spend more time in the forest

• Save thousands of pesos compared to tours

✅ Our Honest Take

For a day trip, DIY from Chiayi is:

• Sulit

• Flexible

• Budget-friendly

Especially if you plan your bus and train rides properly.

📍 Located at around 2,200 meters above sea level, Alishan National Scenic Area has a very different climate compared to Taiwan’s cities. Knowing when to visit can greatly affect your experience especially for a DIY day trip.

🌤️ Overall Best Months to Visit Alishan

March to May and October to November are generally the best months.

Why these months work well:

• Cooler, comfortable temperatures

• Less extreme fog compared to summer

• Good balance between scenery and walking conditions

🌸 Spring (March–May): Fresh Air & Blooms

Spring is one of the most pleasant times to explore Alishan.

What to expect:

• Mild weather (cool mornings, comfortable afternoons)

• Flowers starting to bloom

• Trails are enjoyable for long walks

Crowd level: Medium
Best for: First-timers, couples, photographers

🌦️ Summer (June–September): Lush but Rainy

Summer in Alishan is cooler than the cities, but also the rainiest season.

Pros:

• Very green landscapes

• Cooler escape from city heat

Cons:

• Frequent rain

• Fog can block views

• Slippery trails

Crowd level: Medium to high (school holidays)
Best for: Flexible travelers, slow pace walkers

❄️ Winter (December–February): Cold but Calm

Winter is often seen as a risky time to visit Alishan, but our actual experience was better than expected.

Our personal experience:
We visited during the first week of January, and while the weather was cold, we were lucky to experience:

• ❌ No rain

• ❌ No fog

• ❌ No winter frost

The trails were clear, visibility was good, and walking was still very manageable with proper layers.

Crowd level:

• Average, but not overwhelming

• Busy enough to feel lively, but never uncomfortable

• No extreme queuing inside the park

What to expect in winter:

• Cold mornings and cool afternoons

• Clear air on good weather days

• Fewer tour groups compared to peak seasons

Best for:

• Travelers who don’t mind cold weather

• DIY day trippers who prefer calmer trails

• Those who want a quieter Alishan experience without peak crowds

⚠️ Winter frost can happen on some days, but we personally did not experience it during our visit.

📅 Best Days of the Week to Visit

• Best: Tuesday to Thursday

• Avoid if possible: Weekends & holidays

Crowds affect:

• Bus queues

• Trail congestion

• Food stall lines

🚞 Want to Ride the Iconic Wooden Train? Plan for a Wednesday

If riding the classic wooden train is part of your Alishan experience, timing matters.

The Alishan Forest Railway operates its traditional wooden train on Wednesdays.

What this means:

• 🪵 The wooden train is not daily

• 📅 Wednesday is your best chance to ride it

• Schedules may still depend on weather and operations, so always double-check on-site

💡 If the wooden train experience is a priority for you, plan your Alishan visit around a Wednesday especially if you’re staying overnight.

🧠 Quick Recommendation Summary

• 🌸 Best overall: Spring & Autumn

• 🚶 Best for DIY day trip: Weekdays

• 🌦️ Most unpredictable: Summer

• ❄️ Quietest: Winter

✅ Our Honest Take

If you’re doing Alishan as a DIY day trip from Chiayi, aim for:

• Weekdays

• March–May or October–November

This gives you the best chance of good weather, manageable crowds, and a relaxed pace.

Doing a DIY day trip to Alishan National Scenic Area is very doable but only if you avoid these common mistakes. We saw (and almost experienced) some of these ourselves.

❌ 1. Arriving “On Time” for the Bus

This is the most common mistake.

Many travelers arrive exactly at the bus departure time and end up missing the bus.

What to do instead:

• Arrive at the bus terminal at least 30 minutes early

• Queue as soon as you arrive

• Printed tickets are usually prioritized

⚠️ Buses have limited capacity. Missing one can mean waiting another hour.

❌ 2. Not Checking the Return Bus Schedule First

Some travelers explore first and only check the return schedule later big mistake.

Why this is risky:

• Afternoon buses can fill up

• Missing your target bus affects your dinner plans or onward travel

What we did:

• Checked the return bus schedule immediately upon arrival

• Planned our trail pace around the return time

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❌ 3. Skipping Early Lunch

Food options are limited and clustered near the Visitor Center.

If you go deep into the trails first:

• You’ll need to backtrack

• Or rush your walk just to eat

Better approach:

• Eat early lunch (around 10–11 AM)

• Then enjoy the trails stress-free

❌ 4. Wearing the Wrong Shoes

Alishan is not extreme hiking, but it’s also not a city walk.

Avoid:

• Slippers

• Fashion sneakers with flat soles

• Smooth-soled shoes on wet days

Wear instead:

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Sneakers with good grip

⚠️ Trails can get slippery after rain or in cold weather.

❌ 6. Not Dressing for Cold Weather

Even if it’s warm in Chiayi, Alishan can feel much colder.

Common mistake:

• Wearing only a shirt or thin hoodie

What works better:

• Light jacket or windbreaker

• Layering instead of thick coats

❌ 7. Trying to See Everything

Alishan is big. Trying to cover all spots in one day leads to:

• Rushing

• Fatigue

• Less enjoyment

Better mindset:

• Choose a clear trail flow

• Focus on the forest experience, not ticking boxes

🧠 Quick Mistake-Prevention Checklist

✔ Arrive early for the bus
✔ Check return schedule first
✔ Eat early
✔ Wear proper shoes
✔ Dress in layers
✔ Don’t rush

✅ Our Honest Take

Alishan rewards slow, prepared travelers. Most problems we saw weren’t about the weather, they were about planning mistakes.

Avoid these, and your DIY day trip will feel smooth, relaxed, and sulit.

Whether you should do Alishan as a day trip or stay overnight depends on your travel style, time, and priorities. Both options are valid but they offer very different experiences.

Here’s a clear, honest comparison to help you decide.

🕒 Option 1: Alishan as a Day Trip (From Chiayi)

This is the option we personally did, and it works very well if planned properly.

✅ Best for:

• First-time visitors

• Travelers short on time

• DIY travelers who prefer flexibility

• Those staying near Chiayi TRA Station

👍 Pros:

• No need to change hotels

• Lower overall cost

• Flexible pacing

• Easier logistics

⚠️ Cons:

• No sunrise viewing

• Limited time inside the park

• Requires early start and careful bus planning

🌄 Option 2: Staying Overnight in Alishan

Overnight stays unlock some experiences you cannot do on a day trip.

✅ Best for:

• Sunrise and sea-of-clouds chasers

• Photography enthusiasts

• Slow travelers

• Those wanting the full railway experience

👍 Pros:

• Sunrise views (weather permitting)

• Fewer crowds early morning

• Relaxed pace

• More chances to ride the forest railway

⚠️ Cons:

• More expensive (hotel + food)

• Fewer dining options at night

• Requires advance booking

🧠 Quick Comparison: Day Trip vs Overnight

🧠 Our Honest Recommendation (Personal Take)

We personally chose to do Alishan as a day trip because we had a limited number of days for our Taiwan trip and wanted to maximize time across different cities.

With proper planning, the day trip felt sulit and not rushed, and we were able to experience:

• The forest trails

• Giant trees

• Scenic railway rides

• The overall Alishan atmosphere

That said if we come back, we would definitely choose to stay overnight in Alishan.

Why?

• To experience sunrise without rushing

• To enjoy the forest early in the morning with fewer crowds

• To explore more areas within the Alishan region, not just the main trails

👉 Day trip worked perfectly for our itinerary, but an overnight stay would be our choice next time for a slower, deeper Alishan experience.

🧠 Final FAQ Tip

If you’re unsure about something, remember this rule:

Plan transport first, then build everything else around it.

That mindset makes Alishan DIY much easier.

For us, doing Alishan National Scenic Area as a DIY day trip from Chiayi was absolutely worth it.

With proper planning, we were able to:

• Enjoy the cool mountain air

• Walk through ancient giant trees

• Experience the forest railway

• Take our time without feeling rushed

Even without catching the famous sunrise, Alishan still delivered a calm, refreshing, and memorable experience.

💭 Our Honest Personal Take

We chose a day trip mainly because we had limited travel days and wanted to see more of Taiwan. For that reason, the day trip setup worked perfectly for us.

That said—if we come back, we’d happily stay overnight in Alishan to:

• Experience sunrise at a slower pace

• Explore more areas in the Alishan region

• Enjoy the forest early in the morning with fewer people

👉 Day trip = efficient and sulit
👉 Overnight stay = deeper and slower experience

Both are great, it just depends on your travel style and schedule.

❤️ Final Word

Alishan isn’t about ticking attractions off a list. It’s about slowing down, breathing in fresh mountain air, and appreciating nature, whether you’re there for a few hours or a full night.

If this guide helped you plan your trip, we hope Alishan becomes one of those places that quietly stays with you too.