Zuoying HSR to Kaohsiung Airport: MRT Red Line, Exits & Taxis

Just rolled into Zuoying on the high-speed rail and need to catch a flight? The first question is usually whether you have to change trains on the way to Kaohsiung Airport. You don’t. The Kaohsiung MRT Red Line starts right under Zuoying HSR Station and runs past the airport, so you can stay on all the way to R4 with your suitcase. Here is the route in the order we walked it, from the HSR exit to the check-in counters.

Walking from Zuoying HSR Station to MRT R16

After the HSR ticket gates, follow the MRT signs to Exit 2 and take the escalator down to Entrance 1 of MRT R16 Zuoying. That is the transfer route given in the Kaohsiung MRT official FAQ. It’s all indoors and easy with a suitcase. If you have a lot of luggage or a stroller, follow the accessibility signs on site to an elevator.

You can enter with a single-journey token or tap a stored-value card such as iPASS. On the platform, make sure you’re on the side toward Siaogang, not the opposite direction toward Gangshan.

Riding the Red Line toward Siaogang to R4 Kaohsiung International Airport

From R16 to R4 the Red Line passes stations such as Kaohsiung Main Station, Formosa Boulevard and Central Park. The route map above the doors lights up to show where you are, so get ready when R4 comes up.

Times and frequency are compiled from the Kaohsiung MRT website and Kaohsiung International Airport transport information. Frequency changes in special conditions such as typhoons, so follow notices on site. Kaohsiung MRT also suggests reaching the platform 2–3 minutes early.

Leaving R4: Exit 6 for international, Exit 2 for domestic

When you get off at R4 and pass the gates, luggage carts are waiting just outside, so grab one if you need it. What you do next depends on your flight:

• International flights: go to Exit 6, take the elevator next to the Exit 6 escalator up to 3F, and turn left into the international departure check-in hall.
• Domestic flights: turn right after the gates to Exit 2, take the escalator up, then turn right into the domestic terminal’s 1F hall.

Once you’re up in the terminal you’ll see this wooden display wall. Follow the signs from here to the international or domestic side. The two terminals are connected. Kaohsiung International Airport says the walk between them is about 300 m, or 5–7 minutes, so it’s no big deal if you take a wrong turn.

International check-in: start with the departures board

Along the international terminal’s departure curb, signs show which door is closest to each airline. If you arrive by taxi or get dropped off, just use the nearest door on the sign. If you come up from the MRT, follow the signs indoors.

Inside the departure hall, check the flight board for your check-in counter area before you queue. Official terminal hours are 04:20–24:00 for international and 05:00–21:30 for domestic. Follow the airport’s notices for the latest hours.

If you want somewhere to sit before boarding, see our Kaohsiung Airport Southern Premium Lounge review. We won’t repeat it here.

Taxi or ride-hailing?

There’s a taxi rank outside Zuoying HSR Station, and taxis to the airport use the meter. The fare depends on traffic and time of day, so we don’t give an estimate. Mind the airport’s pickup and drop-off rules. According to the Kaohsiung International Airport transport page, taking a taxi from the international terminal adds an NT$50 waiting fee, and the domestic terminal resumed the same charge from September 1, 2026. The taxi rank is at Door 1 (turn left after exiting) at the international terminal and Door 3 (turn right) at the domestic terminal, and there’s a separate pickup point for app-booked taxis. For where Uber and other ride-hailing cars pick up at the HSR station, follow the app and the signs on site.

Going back from the airport to Zuoying works the same way: take the MRT from R4 toward Gangshan. The last train from R4 toward Gangshan is around 24:02 (follow Kaohsiung MRT notices).

Lots of luggage or older travelers? A transfer saves effort

The MRT is cheap and punctual. But if you have two or three big suitcases, older family members who walk slowly, or a flight that leaves before the MRT starts, a car from the Zuoying station door straight to the terminal makes things much easier. In that case, ask about transfers through our Kaohsiung private charter service. Send your flight, date, group size and number of bags, and we’ll suggest a vehicle and departure time. To compare a private charter with public transit, see Taiwan private charter vs. public transit.

If the airport is the start or end of a southern Taiwan trip, the transfer can be planned together with the itinerary:

• For friends: Kenting Party & Kaohsiung Nights Friends 3-Day Tour.
• For a relaxed trip with parents: Tainan & Kaohsiung Senior-Friendly 3-Day Tour.
• With kids: Tainan, Kaohsiung & Kenting Family 4-Day Tour.

Traveling solo with light bags? Just take the Red Line. Big group with lots of luggage? Build the transfer into your plan. Either way, check whether you’re flying international or domestic, and pick Exit 6 or Exit 2 at R4 so you don’t waste time walking around the airport.