Getting There and Around in Kenting
Part of the Kenting travel guide — see every topic in All Kenting Guides.
Kenting has no train station, so most visitors come by road from Kaohsiung. The usual way is the high-speed rail to Zuoying station in Kaohsiung, then an express bus south. Once you are there, a scooter or car gives you the most freedom, but there are also local buses and taxis. Scooter rules in Taiwan are strict, so read them before you rent.
High-speed rail and the Kenting Express
From Taipei, take the Taiwan High Speed Rail to Zuoying station in Kaohsiung. The fastest trains take about 1.5 hours, others a little longer. At Zuoying, follow the signs to the bus area and look for the Kenting Express bus. The ride to Kenting takes about two to three hours, depending on traffic and stops. Buses run often during the day. On weekends and holidays, lines can be long, so arrive early or book ahead if possible. Some buses also run from Kaohsiung airport and Kaohsiung city. Check current routes and times before you travel.
By car
Driving gives you the most freedom to explore the peninsula. From Kaohsiung, the trip usually takes about two hours along the coast highway, but holiday traffic can make it much longer. Rental cars are available in Kaohsiung, at Zuoying station and at Kaohsiung airport. Some visitors also rent a car in Kenting itself for a day. Parking is easy in most places outside Kenting town, but small fees are common at beaches and parks. Watch for scooters, cyclists and people walking along the road, especially at night.
Scooter rules and safety
Scooters are very popular in Kenting, but the rules are strict. You need a valid motorcycle licence. Visitors usually need a licence from home plus an international driving permit, and it must cover motorcycles. Rules depend on your country, so check before you travel. Good rental shops will always ask to see your licence. Do not rent from a shop that does not. Helmets are required by law for the rider and passenger. Drive slowly, keep to the right, and be careful on sand, wet roads and sharp bends. Strong winter wind can push a scooter sideways.
Buses, taxis and bikes
If you do not drive, you can still get around. Local tourist bus lines link Hengchun, Kenting town and main sights such as Eluanbi and Baisha, but they do not run very often. Look for timetables at the bus stops or ask your hotel. Taxis are easy to find in Kenting town, and many drivers offer day tours around the peninsula for a fixed price. Agree on the route and price first. Electric bikes and normal bicycles can be rented for short rides, but the hills and the heat make long rides hard.
How long to stay
Two or three nights is a good length for a first visit. That gives you one day for the beaches, one day for the national park coast, and time for the night market and a surf lesson. Many hotels and guesthouses are on or near Kenting Street, which is easy if you do not have a scooter. Quieter places to stay are in Hengchun, near Nanwan, or on the east coast near Jialeshui. Book early for summer weekends and long holidays, when rooms sell out and prices go up.
Getting There and Around at a glance
| Getting there | High-speed rail to Zuoying, then the Kenting Express bus, about 2 to 3 hours |
|---|---|
| By car | About 2 hours from Kaohsiung without heavy traffic |
| Hours | Buses from early morning to evening; check current timetables |
| Cost | Bus fares are moderate; scooter and car rental by the day |
| Best time | Weekdays outside summer and long holidays |
| Scooter licence | Home motorcycle licence plus international driving permit; helmet required |