Explore on your own rating
Modern terminals with light rail at the door.
Where ships dock
- Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal, Wharf 20 (5 Haibian Road, Lingya)
- Penglai Cruise Terminal, Pier 9 (Gushan, by Pier-2)
Getting to town
From Wharf 20, the Circular Light Rail's Cruise Terminal station (C09) is about a minute's walk, and Sanduo Shopping District MRT station (exit 5) about 18 minutes. From Penglai (Pier 9), Dayi Pier-2 light rail station (C12) is about 10 minutes on foot, and Sizihwan MRT about 20 minutes.
The light rail, MRT and buses take iPASS and EasyCard. YouBike bike-share is available near Pier-2. The Gushan ferry crosses to Cijin Island in minutes. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum is about an hour away: taxi or tour.
Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.
Money & entry
Currency: New Taiwan dollar (TWD).
Entry: U.S. citizens can visit Taiwan visa-free for under 90 days with a passport valid for the stay and an onward ticket (Taiwan MOFA / U.S. State Department, checked Oct 2026).
Top sights nearby
- Pier-2 Art Center
- Lotus Pond and the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
- Cijin Island (ferry from Gushan)
- Former British Consulate at Takao
- Formosa Boulevard MRT station (Dome of Light)
- Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (taxi or tour)
Beaches
- Cijin Beach (ferry)
- Sizihwan Beach
Safety & tips
- Get an iPASS or EasyCard at a convenience store for transit.
- It is hot and humid most of the year: carry water.
- Cash is handy at night markets and small shops.
Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.
⏰ Back to the ship on time
Check which terminal your ship uses for the return. Be back on board 30 minutes before all-aboard.
Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.
Shore excursions that get you back on time
Prefer a guided option in Kaohsiung? Browse shore excursions with reviews, and pick one that returns well before all-aboard.
Find Kaohsiung shore excursions on Viator ↗
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Quick answers
Can you explore Kaohsiung on your own?
Yes, it is rated Easy. Modern terminals with light rail at the door.
How far is it from the cruise dock to town in Kaohsiung?
From Wharf 20, the Circular Light Rail's Cruise Terminal station (C09) is about a minute's walk, and Sanduo Shopping District MRT station (exit 5) about 18 minutes. From Penglai (Pier 9), Dayi Pier-2 light rail station (C12) is about 10 minutes on foot, and Sizihwan MRT about 20 minutes.
Do I need a passport for Kaohsiung?
U.S. citizens can visit Taiwan visa-free for under 90 days with a passport valid for the stay and an onward ticket (Taiwan MOFA / U.S. State Department, checked Oct 2026).
When should I head back to the ship in Kaohsiung?
Check which terminal your ship uses for the return. Be back on board 30 minutes before all-aboard.
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