Reaching Alishan National Scenic Area from Taipei takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours: board the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) bullet train from Taipei to Chiayi Station (1 hour 15 minutes, NT$1,080 Standard / NT$1,560 Business), followed by a private 2-hour mountain transfer ascending Provincial Highway 18 through Fenqihu tea estates to 2,200 meters elevation. The Alishan Forest Railway main line reopened full service in July 2024 (fare NT$600), while the famous Zhushan sunrise train departs daily around 05:30 based on dawn timings posted at 16:30 the afternoon prior.
“The full reopening of the Alishan Forest Railway after 15 years of meticulous alpine engineering allows travelers to journey seamlessly through tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate forest zones directly into the sacred 2,000-year-old red cypress groves.”
Huang Chun-Hsiung — Chief Engineer, Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office(Alishan Railway Commemorative Engineering Report)
Step 1: Taipei to Chiayi
Take the high-speed rail from Taipei to Chiayi HSR station, about 1.5 hours. From there a private car can take you straight up the mountain, or to Chiayi city for the Forest Railway.
Step 2: up the mountain
- By car: about 2.5 hours on winding mountain roads, with stops in the tea gardens. The most flexible option.
- By Alishan Forest Railway: after 15 years of partial service, the full line from Chiayi to Alishan reopened on 6 July 2024. CNA reported a full fare of NT$600; the first through train left Chiayi at 10:00. The trip takes several hours, with a stop at the old railway town of Fenqihu.
Holiday train tickets go on sale on set dates and sell out quickly. The railway publishes the reservation schedule; we book as soon as it opens.
The sunrise at Zhushan
The Zhushan line runs a short sunrise train from Alishan station to the Zhushan viewing platform. Because sunrise moves through the year, the departure time is set daily and posted at 16:30 the day before. That is why the night before must be spent in the Alishan Forest Recreation Area.
When to go
- October to April gives the clearest sunrises.
- Cherry blossom peaks around March to early April, with weekend crowds.
- Nights are cold year-round at altitude; bring warm layers.
- July to September is typhoon season, when mountain roads can close.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Taipei to Alishan?
About 4 hours: 1.5 hours by high-speed rail to Chiayi, then about 2.5 hours by car up the mountain. The Forest Railway is slower but scenic.
Is the Alishan Forest Railway fully open?
Yes. The full line from Chiayi to Alishan reopened on 6 July 2024.
What time is the Alishan sunrise train?
It changes daily with sunrise. The time is posted at 16:30 the day before.
Can you visit Alishan as a day trip from Taipei?
It is possible but long, and you would miss the sunrise. We recommend at least one night.
How much is the Alishan Forest Railway ticket?
CNA reported a full fare of NT$600 from Chiayi to Alishan when the full line reopened in 2024. Check the railway’s site for current fares.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked on 20 October 2026 against these sources, mostly official Taiwanese government and news sites in Chinese. Hours, prices and road access change; we confirm them again before every trip.
- Alishan Forest Railway: full line reopens 6 July 2024 (阿里山林鐵7月6日全線通車)
- CNA, 5 Jul 2024: full line reopens after 15 years (中央社)
- CNA, 2 Jul 2024: full line reopens, full fare NT$600 (中央社)
- CNA, 5 Jul 2024: first through train leaves at 10:00 for Alishan (中央社)
- Alishan Forest Railway: main line timetable
- Alishan Forest Railway: Zhushan line
- Alishan Forest Railway: 2026 second-half holiday ticket reservation schedule
- Taiwan High Speed Rail: timetable
- Central Weather Administration, 颱風百問 (Typhoon FAQ), Sept 2026 edition (PDF)
