Kaohsiung Metro 2026 Guide: Map, Routes, Tickets & Fares

Heading to Kaohsiung? You will love how easy it is to get around the city with the Kaohsiung Metro. It is affordable, easy to navigate and connects many popular attractions, shopping areas and transport hubs.

The Kaohsiung Metro is made up of the Red Line and Orange Line, while the Kaohsiung Light Rail forms a loop around several parts of the city. The Red Line is especially useful for travellers because it connects Kaohsiung International Airport, Kaohsiung Main Station and Zuoying Station.

In this guide, I will show you how to use the Kaohsiung Metro. You will find the Kaohsiung Metro map, lines, operating hours, fares, tickets, passes and payment methods, plus the best stations for popular attractions.

Kaohsiung Metro Overview

Kaohsiung Metro operating hours can vary slightly depending on the station and direction, so it is best to check the official first and last train timetable before travelling late at night.

For the Kaohsiung Light Rail, services generally operate from around 6:30am, with schedules varying by station and direction. KRTC advises passengers to check the latest timetable because actual train operations can change.

The Light Rail currently operates with a daytime headway of around 15 minutes, although actual service intervals can vary. 

Kaohsiung Light Rail Overview

Besides the two Metro lines, Kaohsiung also has a Light Rail system that forms a loop around parts of the city.

It is particularly useful for sightseeing because it passes through areas around the waterfront, Pier 2, Love Pier, the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center and the Museum of Fine Arts area. The current network includes stations from C1 to C37, with the station list updated by KRTC in 2026. 

The Light Rail uses a different fare system from the Metro. Current fares range from NT$20 to NT$35 (S$0.80 to S$1.40) depending on distance. 

Kaohsiung Metro Map and Lines

The Kaohsiung Metro currently has two main MRT lines, the Red Line and the Orange Line, as well as the Kaohsiung Light Rail. The Red Line and Orange Line meet at Formosa Boulevard Station, making it the main inerchange station for the two MRT lines. This lines are easy to identify by their colours:

Kaohsiung Metro Key Stations

Kaohsiung Metro Tickets, Passes and Fares

Taking the Kaohsiung Metro is relatively affordable, especially for short trips around the city.

Single Journey Tickets

Kaohsiung Metro uses a distance based fare system, so the price depends on how far you travel. Current single journey tickets are generally NT$20 to NT$60 (S$0.80 to S$1.40). 

The exact fare for your journey is shown when purchasing your ticket.

Kaohsiung Metro Day Passes

If you plan to take the Metro several times in one day, a pass can be more convenient.

The 24 hour and 48 hour physical passes are sold at Metro station service desks. 

The QR travel passes can be purchased through participating travel platforms and are activated when you first scan the QR code at the Metro gate.

How to Pay for Kaohsiung Metro?

There are several ways to pay for the Kaohsiung Metro, including single journey tickets, rechargeable transport cards and QR code payments. Choose the option that best suits your travel plans and how often you expect to use public transport in Kaohsiung.

Kaohsiung Metro Single Journey Ticket

A single journey ticket is a simple option if you only plan to take the Metro a few times during your trip.

Where to Buy?

You can purchase single journey tickets from:

• Ticket machines at Kaohsiung Metro stations
• Station service counters

KRTC states that single journey tickets are available from automatic ticket machines and station service desks.

How to Use?

After purchasing your ticket, follow the signs to the fare gates. Scan or tap your ticket at the designated area to enter the station. Keep your ticket with you throughout the journey, as you will need it to exit at your destination.

EasyCard and iPASS

If you are travelling around Taiwan, a rechargeable transport card can be more convenient than buying a ticket for every journey.

The two common options are:

• EasyCard
• iPASS

Kaohsiung Metro officially accepts EasyCard and iPASS as electronic tickets. Simply tap your card at the designated area of the fare gate when entering and exiting the station.

Kaohsiung Metro QR Code Payment

Kaohsiung Metro also supports several QR code payment options, allowing passengers to use their mobile phone instead of a physical ticket or transport card.

These include:

• TWQR Traffic QR
• iPASS MONEY Traffic QR
• LINE Pay MONEY Traffic QR
• Easy Wallet Traffic QR
• UnionPay Cloud QuickPass Traffic QR

KRTC states that QR code fares are charged at the same rate as the applicable single journey ticket. To use QR payment, generate your transport QR code through the relevant banking or payment app and scan it at the QR code area of the fare gate.

For Singapore travellers: QR payment can be convenient if you already have a supported Taiwan payment app or account. Otherwise, buying a single journey ticket or using an EasyCard or iPASS is usually simpler for a short holiday.

Contactless Credit Card and Mobile Payment

Kaohsiung Metro also supports contactless payment, so eligible travellers can use a supported contactless bank card or mobile wallet to enter and exit the Metro.

Supported card networks include Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express and UnionPay. Mobile payment options such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay are also supported when linked to an eligible card.

For Singapore travellers, this can be one of the most convenient options if your bank card supports contactless overseas payments. Remember to use the same card or device when entering and exiting the Metro.

How to Take the Metro in Kaohsiung?

1. Plan Your Route

Check the Kaohsiung Metro map and identify your departure and destination stations.

If you need to change between the Red and Orange lines, Formosa Boulevard is the main interchange.

2. Enter the Metro Station

Follow the signs for your station and line.

Most major stations have English signs, station codes and line colours, making them relatively easy for first time visitors to follow.

3. Buy a Ticket or Prepare Your Card

You can purchase a single journey ticket from the ticket machine or use an EasyCard, iPASS or another supported payment method.

4. Go Through the Fare Gates

Scan your ticket, QR code or tap your transport card at the designated area.

Make sure you keep your ticket or card with you until you leave the station.

5. Find Your Platform

Look for the direction shown on the platform signs.

For example, if you are travelling along the Red Line, check the direction and final station displayed on the signs before boarding.

6. Board the Train

Wait behind the platform markings and allow passengers to exit before boarding.

During busy periods, trains can become crowded, especially around major interchange and railway stations.

7. Exit at Your Station

When you reach your destination, follow the station signs towards the correct exit.

Tap your card or scan your ticket at the exit gate.

Reaching Top Attractions by Kaohsiung Metro

The Kaohsiung Metro and Light Rail make it easy to reach many popular places around the city.

The official station information confirms the current Red Line and Orange Line station codes, as well as the Light Rail network.

Formosa Boulevard Station

If there is one station you should not miss, it is Formosa Boulevard.

This is where the Red Line and Orange Line intersect, making it one of the most important stations for visitors. The station is also famous for the Dome of Light, a large public art installation inside the station.

Kaohsiung International Airport

Arriving in Kaohsiung by plane? Simply take the Metro from R4 Kaohsiung International Airport.

The station is on the Red Line and is located underground at the airport. Exit 6 provides access to the international terminal, making it convenient for international travellers.

Zuoying Station

If you are arriving by Taiwan High Speed Rail, R16 Zuoying is one of the most useful stations to know.

You can transfer between the Kaohsiung Metro and Taiwan High Speed Rail here before continuing into the city.

Kaohsiung Metro Travel Tips for Singaporean

• Check the station code such as R11 or O5 instead of relying only on the station name.
• Remember Formosa Boulevard if you need to transfer between the Red and Orange lines.
• Keep your ticket or transport card until you have exited the station.
• Check the last train if you are travelling late at night.
• Use the Light Rail for waterfront attractions and Pier 2.
• Use R4 when travelling between Kaohsiung International Airport and the city.
• Use R16 Zuoying when transferring to or from Taiwan High Speed Rail.
• Choose a day pass if you expect to take multiple Metro trips throughout the day.
• Bring a stored value card if you are travelling around Taiwan and want to avoid buying individual tickets.

Conclusion

The Kaohsiung Metro is one of the easiest ways to explore the city, especially if you are visiting popular areas such as Formosa Boulevard, Central Park, Kaohsiung Main Station and Zuoying.

For most tourists, the Red Line will be particularly useful because it connects the airport, city centre, Kaohsiung Main Station and Zuoying. The Orange Line is handy for areas such as Yanchengpu, Weiwuying and Fongshan, while the Light Rail is great for exploring Kaohsiung's waterfront and cultural attractions.

With affordable fares, clear station codes and English signage, you should have no problem taking the Kaohsiung Metro during your trip. Just remember to check your route, keep your payment method ready and check the last train if you are staying out late.