How to get from Taitung to Green Island

Getting from Taitung to Green Island (Lyudao) is straightforward once you understand the ferries, flights, and transfers that connect Taitung City with this tiny volcanic island paradise.

At A Glance (Taitung to Green Island)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🛳️ Fast Ferry (Fugang Harbor → Green Island Nanliao)	~50–60 min on water (+20–30 min Taitung → Fugang)	Most travelers, budget-friendly & straightforward
🏷️ Cost: ~TWD 600–800 one-way (TWD 1,200–1,400 round-trip) » compare ferries | online round-trip tickets
✈️ Flight (Taitung (TTT) → Green Island (GNI))	~15 min flight (+30–60 min check-in & transfers)	Fastest trip, seasickness-prone travelers
🏷️ Cost: ~TWD 1,300–2,500 one-way » check flights into Taitung
🚕 + 🛳️ Taxi/Bus Transfer to Fugang + Fast Ferry	~70–90 min total (city/airport → harbor → island)	Arrivals by train/plane, flexible budgets
🏷️ Cost: Bus ~TWD 25 or taxi ~TWD 150–200 each way + ferry TWD 600–800 » ferry times | boat ticket listings
🛢️ Package: Transfers + Ferry + Activities	Same as ferry/flight (+hotel pickup & activity time)	Hassle-free trips, first-time visitors, groups
🏷️ Cost: from ~TWD 3,000–6,000 pp for 2–3 day packages » sample Green Island packages | Trip.com island overview

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & most convenient: If you can secure a seat, the Taitung → Green Island flight (Option #2) is the quickest and smoothest, especially during choppy-sea days.
• Cheapest & most popular: The standard fast ferry from Fugang Harbor (Option #1) is what most travelers use, especially if you stay overnight in Taitung and don’t mind a bumpy ride.
• Most flexible for timing: Taxi/bus + ferry (Option #1 & #3 combined) gives you freedom to match your harbor arrival with whichever ferry departure you’ve booked.
• Most hassle-free: If you prefer not to think about logistics, go for package transfers and tours (Option #3), which bundle station/airport pickup, ferry tickets, scooters, and even snorkeling.
• For wider Taiwan itineraries: If you’re looping Green Island into a larger East Coast trip, consider pairing this guide with organized Taitung City tours and experiences so you don’t have to plan every leg yourself.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Book ferries in advance in peak season: From April to September, ferries can sell out. Reserve online through platforms like Klook’s Green Island ferry tickets or compare operators on 12Go Asia.
• Decide where to base yourself: Many travelers overnight in Taitung before/after the island. You can browse stays around the train station or seafront on Booking.com Taitung hotels or Taitung hotels on Trip.com.
• Get into Taitung easily: If you’re flying into Taiwan first, check flights from Taipei to Taitung. For airport-to-city transfers in Taipei itself, door-to-door services such as Welcome Pickups are a stress-free option, while regular ride-hailing apps like Uber and local services (e.g. LINE Taxi) work well in the big cities.
• Private car to Taitung or Fugang: If you prefer a long-distance car instead of trains, you can compare offers on GetTransfer; in major Taiwanese cities this can be an alternative to long bus rides or patching together multiple trains.
• Scooters and bikes: Green Island is easiest by scooter. Many ferry or lodging packages include rentals, but you can also pre-book scooters around Taitung on Taitung scooter rentals. For other parts of Taiwan, you can compare scooter and bike rental rates on BikesBooking.
• Travel light: Ferries can be crowded and the sea rough. If you’re touring the rest of Taiwan with big suitcases, consider leaving extra bags in Taipei using a luggage network like Radical Storage in Taipei and heading to Green Island with just a backpack.
• Watch the weather carefully: Ferries and flights are very weather-dependent, especially during typhoon season (roughly June–October). Always check announcements on official sites (see references below) and build slack into your schedule.
• Bring seasickness meds: Even on calm days, swells can be strong. Sit toward the rear or middle of the boat, avoid heavy food just before departure, and keep a small fan or mask handy if you’re prone to motion sickness.

🛳️ Option #1 — Fast Ferry via Fugang Harbor (Most Popular, Good Value)

Low cost Frequent departures Weather-dependent

• Overview: Travel by taxi or bus from Taitung City or Taitung Airport to Fugang Fish Harbor, then board a high-speed ferry to Green Island’s Nanliao Harbor. The crossing usually takes around 50 minutes, but seas can be choppy.
• Typical duration: 20–30 min to Fugang Harbor + 30–60 min pre-boarding buffer + ~50 min crossing, so allow ~2.0–2.5 hours door-to-door from central Taitung.
• How to book (with price): Standard fares are usually around TWD 600 one-way / TWD 1,200 round-trip per adult (children/locals sometimes cheaper). You can compare operators like Green Island Star and pre-book seats via 12Go’s Taitung → Green Island ferries or lock in specific departure times with Klook ferry tickets from Fugang.
• Ports & route: Ferries depart from Taitung Fugang Fish Harbor and arrive at Green Island Nanliao Fishing Harbor. Official route details and approximate crossing times are summarized on the East Coast National Scenic Area’s ferry information page.
• Pros: Cheapest option for most travelers, several daily sailings in high season, more luggage flexibility than the small aircraft.
• Cons: Sailings can be cancelled or delayed due to swell or typhoons; motion sickness is very common, and you may be confined to your seat in rough conditions.
• Good to know: During winter, schedules are often reduced; in summer, sailings may add extra departures. Always reconfirm departure times the day before.

Step-by-step: Fast Ferry via Fugang Harbor

1. Get yourself to Taitung: Arrive by train at Taitung Station or by air at Taitung Airport (TTT). If you’re flying in from another Taiwanese city, you can price out connections using Booking.com flights into Taitung.
2. Stay near the station or seafront (optional): Many travelers stay one night in Taitung to catch a morning ferry. Browse central options near the railway art village or forest park via Booking.com Taitung stays or Trip.com’s Taitung hotel listings.
3. Travel to Fugang Fish Harbor: From downtown or the train station, take a taxi (about 20 minutes, usually TWD 150–200) or a local/East Coast shuttle bus (about 25 minutes, roughly TWD 25) to Fugang Fish Harbor. Tourist transport guidance is also available on the official East Taiwan offshore island transport page.
4. Check in for your ferry: Go to your operator’s counter (often inside the terminal building), show your booking or voucher, and exchange it for paper boarding passes. Aim to arrive 30–60 minutes before departure.
5. Board and ride: Staff will call boarding by company and departure time. Store larger bags where the crew directs; then find a seat inside (the rear/middle tends to move less). Take motion-sickness pills at least 30 minutes before sailing if needed.
6. Arrive at Nanliao Harbor: Once on Green Island, follow signs out of the terminal. Most accommodations are reachable within 5–10 minutes by minivan pickup or scooter; some packages include transfers or scooter rental upon arrival.

Getting to the main embarking points (Fugang Fish Harbor)

• From Taitung Station: Exit the station, follow signs to the taxi stand, or look for buses heading toward the East Coast and Fugang (staff can point you to the correct bay). Taxis are fastest; buses are cheaper but less frequent.
• From Taitung Airport: Take a taxi from the airport rank directly to Fugang Fish Harbor (around 20 minutes). If you’re arriving late, arrange a pickup through your hotel or guesthouse in advance.
• Ride-hailing notes: Uber coverage in Taitung is limited or nonexistent; most locals still rely on regular taxis, scooters, or rental cars. Ask your accommodation to call a cab, or look for local taxi apps recommended by your host.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #2 — Flight Taitung → Green Island (Fastest, Limited Seats)

Fastest Great if you get seasick Very limited seats

• Overview: A small 19-seat aircraft connects Taitung Airport (TTT) with Green Island Airport (GNI) in about 15 minutes. Seats are limited and sell out quickly in high season.
• Typical duration: 10–20 min transfer to Taitung Airport + 30–60 min pre-flight check-in + 15 min flight + a few minutes to walk from Green Island Airport into town, so budget ~1.5–2 hours door-to-door from central Taitung.
• How to book (with price): Flights are operated by small regional carriers (such as Daily Air). Fares typically range from around TWD 1,300–2,500 one-way, varying by season and remaining availability. Check current schedules and booking details through the official Taitung Airport Green Island flight page and follow links to the airline for reservations.
• Schedule & frequency: There are usually several flights per day in each direction, but exact times can change seasonally. The Explore Green Island transport page provides a handy overview and reminds travelers to book early.
• Baggage limits: Because the aircraft are tiny, checked baggage allowances are strict and oversized luggage may be refused or incur extra fees. Travel with a small suitcase or backpack if possible.
• Pros: Smoothest option if you get seasick, very fast, and less affected by moderate sea swells.
• Cons: Limited seats, more expensive than the ferry, and flights are still vulnerable to typhoon-related disruption or low visibility.

Step-by-step: Flight from Taitung to Green Island

1. Confirm your dates and seats: Before locking in hotel or activity bookings, check seat availability for your dates via the official Taitung Airport website and your chosen airline.
2. Get to Taitung Airport: From Taitung Station or the city center, take a taxi (10–15 minutes) or local bus to the airport. If you’re arriving from elsewhere in Taiwan by air first, you can search connecting flights into Taitung on Booking.com (Taitung County flights).
3. Check in early: Because of strict weight limits, check-in can be slower than you expect. Aim to arrive at least 45–60 minutes before departure with your passport/ID and booking reference.
4. Board the aircraft: Staff will call boarding from the small gate area; walking distance to the plane is short. Expect basic seating and limited overhead space.
5. Arrive on Green Island: On landing, you’ll walk straight from the apron into the tiny terminal at Green Island Airport. The Green Island Visitor Center is just across the road, and many guesthouses offer pickup or scooter rental nearby.

Getting to the main embarking points (Taitung Airport)

• From Taitung Station: Taxis outside the station are the most straightforward option and should reach the airport in about 10–15 minutes. If you’re on a tight budget, ask station staff about local buses heading past the airport.
• From downtown Taitung: Most accommodations can call a cab for you; factor in a little extra time at peak morning hours.
• From other Taiwanese cities: If flying via Taipei or Kaohsiung, you can pair a long-haul or regional flight with a pre-booked airport transfer such as Welcome Pickups from Taoyuan Airport or similar, then catch a domestic flight onward to Taitung.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚕 Option #3 — Taxi/Private Transfer + Ferry (Flexible, Door-to-Door)

Flexible Door-to-door comfort Higher overall cost

• Overview: Instead of figuring out buses, you can take a taxi or pre-booked private transfer from your hotel, Taitung Station, or even another East Coast town directly to Fugang Fish Harbor, then continue by fast ferry as in Option #1.
• Typical duration: From central Taitung, expect about 20 minutes by road to Fugang Harbor, then the usual ~50-minute ferry crossing, plus buffer time for check-in.
• How to book (with price): Within Taitung, taxis to Fugang typically cost around TWD 150–200 one-way. For longer inter-city transfers (e.g. Hualien → Taitung, Kaohsiung → Taitung), you can price out private cars on GetTransfer or look at car charter options in the Green Island transport section of Klook’s Green Island page.
• Ideal for: Families with luggage, travelers arriving late in the evening, or anyone who wants an easier connection from East Coast scenic spots directly to Fugang Harbor.
• Pros: Less stress about bus timetables, pickup directly from your hotel or station, easy if you’re traveling with kids or dive gear.
• Cons: Costs more than simply using local buses; still fully dependent on ferry schedules and sea conditions.

Step-by-step: Taxi/Private Transfer + Ferry

1. Book your ferry first: Reserve a ferry time that fits your overall plan via 12Go or Klook, so you know exactly when you need to be at Fugang Harbor.
2. Arrange your car or taxi: Ask your Taitung hotel/hostel to book a taxi for you, or if you’re traveling from another city, consider a longer private transfer through GetTransfer or similar services. In Taiwan’s largest cities you can also rely on Uber or LINE Taxi; from there, continue to Taitung by train or domestic flight.
3. Travel to Fugang Harbor: Leave central Taitung roughly 60–90 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow for traffic and check-in. Ask your driver to drop you near the passenger terminal building.
4. Check in and board: Collect your boarding passes from your chosen company, then follow the same procedure as in Option #1. Having pre-booked takes the stress out of language barriers at the harbor.
5. Continue by scooter or pickup on arrival: Coordinate with your accommodation for a harbor pickup or scooter rental on Green Island; multi-day packages often include this.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotels/Station → Fugang)

• From hotels in Taitung City: Many hotels know the Fugang route well and can estimate taxi costs and drive time for you; they can also schedule an early-morning pickup for first ferries.
• From other East Coast spots: If you are staying in Hualien, Chenggong, or other coastal towns, ask local car-charter companies or check charter listings under Taitung/Green Island on big OTAs for a one-way trip to Fugang.
• Ride-hailing alternatives: In the main metros you can rely on Uber or LINE Taxi to reach train stations or airports, but around Taitung itself regular yellow taxis and pre-arranged private cars remain the most reliable.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🛢️ Option #4 — Green Island Packages (Ferry + Transfers + Stays + Activities)

All-in-one Great for first-timers Less flexibility

• Overview: Many agencies bundle round-trip ferry tickets, transfers between Taitung Station and Fugang Harbor, scooter rentals, accommodation, and even snorkeling or diving into single packages, making Green Island a plug-and-play side trip.
• Typical duration: Common itineraries are 2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights, giving enough time to circle the island, soak at Zhaori Hot Spring, and fit in water activities.
• How to book (with price): Expect packages from roughly TWD 3,000–6,000 per person depending on season, number of nights, and whether activities (snorkeling/diving) are included. For reference, look at options such as the Klook Green Island multi-day package or browse activity and ticket bundles via Trip.com’s Green Island page.
• Extras included: Some packages add hotel pickup in Taitung City, luggage transport, scooter rental, snorkeling trips, hot-spring entry, and BBQ dinners. Always check the fine print so you know if ferry tickets and scooters are genuinely included.
• Pros: Very convenient; excellent if you don’t speak Chinese or prefer not to manage multiple bookings; overall costs can be good value compared with buying everything separately.
• Cons: Less flexibility on ferry times and exact hotels; difficult to change dates at the last minute during busy seasons or in case of typhoons.

Step-by-step: Booking a Green Island Package

1. Choose your travel window: Decide which month and how many nights you want on Green Island. Spring and autumn bring calmer seas and slightly cooler temperatures than high summer.
2. Compare package inclusions: On OTA platforms like Klook’s Green Island section or Trip.com’s Green Island products, look carefully at what’s included (ferry, scooter, hot spring tickets, activities, meals).
3. Lock in Taitung accommodation (if needed): If your package doesn’t cover your night before/after on the mainland, reserve a hotel in Taitung using Booking.com or Trip.com.
4. Coordinate transfers: Confirm where your package pick-up point is (Taitung Station, hotel, or Fugang Harbor itself). If it doesn’t include town transfers, combine it with the taxi/private transfer ideas from Option #3.
5. Confirm seasickness and weather plans: Ask the operator how they handle cancellations or postponements if ferries are cancelled, and whether you can rebook without major penalties.

Getting to the main embarking points (Package Meeting Points)

• Taitung Station pickup: Many packages meet just outside the station exit. Look for a sign with your agency or hotel name, or confirm the exact landmark (e.g. station exit or specific convenience store) in advance.
• Hotel lobby pickup: For city-hotel pickups, be ready in the lobby 10–15 minutes before the stated time. Having your phone online makes it easier for drivers to contact you.
• DIY approach: If your package starts at Fugang Harbor rather than including a shuttle, simply follow the steps in Option #1 or #3 to get there by taxi or bus.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Taitung to Green Island)

How long does it take to get from Taitung to Green Island?
For most travelers, the fast ferry from Fugang Harbor takes about 50 minutes, plus 20–30 minutes by taxi or bus from Taitung City. Including check-in time, budget around 2 hours door-to-door. Flying takes about 15 minutes in the air, with a similar overall door-to-door time once you add check-in and transfers.

Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?
While same-day tickets are sometimes available in low season, ferries can sell out in weekends and holidays. In general it’s wise to pre-book, especially between April and September and around national holidays. Online booking via platforms like 12Go or Klook gives you confirmed departure times and less hassle at the harbor.

Is the sea very rough? What if I get seasick?
The crossing to Green Island can be quite bumpy, especially during summer monsoon and around typhoons. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit toward the rear or middle of the ferry, avoid facing backwards, and take seasickness medication 30 minutes before departure. As an alternative, consider the short flight option, which many seasick travelers prefer.

When is the best time of year to visit Green Island?
Late spring and autumn (roughly April–June and September–early November) often bring warm weather and relatively calmer seas, with fewer typhoons than midsummer. Winter can still be rewarding but ferries may run on reduced schedules and sea conditions can be choppier.

Can I bring a scooter or bicycle to Green Island?
Some ferry operators allow scooters and bicycles on deck for an extra fee, subject to space and sea conditions. However, most visitors simply rent scooters or e-bikes on the island itself through their guesthouse or as part of a package. Check your ferry operator’s rules before assuming you can bring your own vehicle.

Where can I find official information on ferries and flights?
For the most current schedules and service notices, rely on Taiwanese official tourism and transport sites rather than only private blogs or social media.