How to Get to Sun Moon Lake
Tucked away in the mountains of Nantou County is Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest natural lake. Its stunning bike trails, natural beauty, and picture-perfect temples have guaranteed it a spot on most travelers’ Taiwan itineraries. So, how hard can it be to figure out how to get to Sun Moon Lake?
Getting to Sun Moon Lake is actually quite easy – once you know how. Let me tell you, nothing can melt a brain more efficiently than trying to navigate a Chinese public transportation website. When trying to catch the bus from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake, we were so close to throwing our laptop out the window – we could practically hear it burst into flames (as laptops do).
This Sun Moon Lake guide will help you find the right transport option for you, with a step-by-step explanation on how to secure your tickets. Whether you are planning a quick day trip or staying the night, let us show you how to get to Sun Moon Lake easily!
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Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Step-by-Step
Traveling from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake is by far the easiest choice, with several options to choose from. But first things first: get to Taichung! The fastest and most comfortable way of getting to Taichung from other major cities on Taiwan's west coast (such as Taipei and Kaohsiung) is by train. With special high-speed rail deals for foreign travelers, the already convenient high-speed train now also stands out as a fantastic value-for-money option.
As getting to Sun Moon Lake by train is not an option, you will need to travel by road. Joining a tour is the most hassle-free option, while catching a bus is the most budget-friendly. Here is how you can get to Sun Moon Lake by tour, car, and bus:
Taichung to Sun Moon Lake Tour
Joining a tour from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake allows you to enjoy your visit without having to worry about a thing – no “where on earth am I supposed to park the car”, no fighting an old lady to get the last seat on the bus, and no running to catch the one bus that goes around the lake once every blue moon.
The Taichung to Sun Moon Lake tours are all slightly different, so here are some things to consider before booking:
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Would you like to cycle around the lake? Some tours allocate time for it, while others transport you exclusively by van.
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Check whether the boat ticket and bicycle rental fees are included.
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Is a meal included? Some tours feature a traditional Taiwanese lunch as part of the package.
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Do you want to make extra stops beyond the lake? Some tours end the day at Gaomei Wetlands.
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Confirm whether an English guide is available – this often comes with an additional charge.
Here are our top recommended tours from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake:
Taichung to Sun Moon Lake by Car
Driving your own rental car or arranging a transfer from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake is simple and comfortable. The journey is quite scenic, and you can generally rely on Google Maps for accurate guidance on how to get to Sun Moon Lake.
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To rent a car and drive in Taiwan you will need an international driver’s license.
The distance from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake is about 70 km, which means a travel time of less than 2 hours (depending on the traffic).
How to get to Sun Moon Lake by private or shared transfer
This is a great alternative for getting to Sun Moon Lake if dealing with the bus system is not on your wishlist, and if you would prefer to relax without worrying about driving or parking the car wherever you go.
There are both private and shared transfers from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake, making it a good option for larger groups, couples, and solo travelers. There are 5 and 9-seater cars available. Be sure to choose the pickup and drop-off location that best suits your needs, especially if you are staying overnight and carrying luggage.
Check here prices and availability for your desired transfer:
Bus from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake
The bus to Sun Moon Lake, also known as Bus 6670 or the Sun Moon Lake Shuttle Bus, runs from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake and back about every 30 minutes, from 7:20am to 7:45pm – check the timetables here. The journey takes about 2 hours. This is a popular transportation option, but due to high demand, there is often a long line, and it is common that not everyone is able to board (mainly on weekends and public holidays).
The Taichung to Sun Moon Lake bus begins its route at Taichung Gancheng Bus Station, making it the best stop to ensure you get a seat. We strongly recommend starting your journey here. Other stops include Taichung TRA Station and Taichung HSR Station.
There are four ways to get a ticket to the Taichung to Sun Moon Lake bus:
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Arrive at the station and request a queue number at the office counter. You can queue without one, but if others have numbers, they will skip ahead. Who knew bus queues had cheat codes? Swipe your EasyCard* to pay the fare.
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Purchase tickets on Klook*. This won’t give you any priority status – it is strictly first-come-first-served.
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Get a Sun Moon Lake Pass (available at Nantou Bus terminal office). This pass includes several attractions at Sun Moon Lake at a discounted rate. However, unless you plan to do all the included activities, it’s probably not worth it. Klook offers great deals for most individual activities – check them here*.
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Book your ticket to the Sun Moon Lake bus online to guarantee a reserved seat – available two weeks in advance.
The Taichung to Sun Moon Lake bus fare from Gancheng Station is NT$193 (5,70€) one way. Be sure your EasyCard has enough balance to cover the round trip.
If you are planning to take the bus from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake, booking your seats online is the easiest and most reliable option. It is the only way to guarantee your spot. However, be prepared: the booking website can be tricky to navigate and may test your patience. So make sure to follow our step-by-step instructions on how to get to Sun Moon Lake by bus with a guaranteed seat.
Good to know: Bus 6670 has several codes (A, B, C, D, E, and F), each with slightly different routes, but all with the same destination. The Sun Moon Lake bus B and F are slightly faster – these routes only operate until 4.45pm –, while the remaining routes include additional stops or detours. Click here for detailed route information.
How to Reserve a Sun Moon Lake Bus Ticket Step-by-Step
So, you have decided to take the bus to Sun Moon Lake, but queues and uncertainty are not your thing so you want to guarantee that sweet reserved seat at your preferred time. Great! Here is exactly how to do it:
Step 1: Sun Moon Lake Bus Company Registration
Visit the Nantou bus company website, switch the language to English by clicking the globe icon at the top-right corner, and select the person icon to create an account.
A pop-up will appear, where you either click on “Google+ login” (the system will create a login using your Google account details) or click “Join” to manually fill out your personal information. After completing the form, agree to the terms and click “Submit” – you will then receive a confirmation email.
For the password you will be required to use a combination of at least three elements, such as lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Click on the blue link in the email to verify your account. The link should redirect you to the login screen. If it doesn't, return to the homepage and click the person icon again to log in using your recently created password.
Step 2: Reserve the Seats for the Sun Moon Lake Bus
Once logged in, scroll down until you see the following options and pick 日月潭線預約 (highlighted in green in the image below).
The option on the left shows the route from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake: Taichung Gancheng Station → High Speed Rail Taichung Station → Sun Moon Lake. The option on the right is for the reverse direction. Click on the one you want to purchase.
Click the "Buy Now" button at the top right. Don’t worry about the red underlined Chinese characters – they are just instructions for getting your tickets, and we will guide you through the process step by step.
Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance. Only 10 seats per bus can be booked online, so they fill up quickly. Additional seats are reserved for those who line up.
Now is time to choose the most convenient Taichung station for catching your bus to Sun Moon Lake (reserved seats are only applicable to Gancheng Station or Taichung HSR Station). Next, select the date of your visit (only dates marked “Available” still have seats) and choose the departure time from the dropdown menu.
After making your selection, you will be asked to specify the ticket quantity – maximum of 4 seats per booking. Note that return trips require a separate booking.
Adult tickets cost NT$ 193 (5,70€), while half-fare tickets are for children aged 6 to 12. Children 5 and under ride for free but do not get a seat, if you would prefer not to hold them on your lap for the entire trip, you will need to purchase a half-fare ticket for them as well.
Once everything is set, click “Next: Add to Cart” on the right to proceed. Double-check all the details and click “Proceed to Payment”.
The next screen will display the purchase terms and conditions in Mandarin (which you can copy and paste into a translator to demystify). Simply click “I agree” to proceed.
On the following page, fill in the requested information. Ensure your name and email address are correct. Do not worry if your phone number does not have the required 10 digits – if it does, enter it; if not, you can make one up. The bus tickets will be sent to your email.
Scroll down and ignore the selected options, as paying on site will be preselected for you. This route cannot be paid for in advance with a credit card. You will pay the fare using your EasyCard directly on the bus from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake – make sure you have enough balance. Click “proceed to payment”.
You should now see a screen like the one below, showing a QR code that confirms your seat reservation on the bus to Sun Moon Lake. You will also receive an email with the same information, which you will have to show at the station office on the day of the trip.
Yes, it will say “Paid [unpaid] SML Route”, like in the image. Does it make any sense? Nah! But that is what we are working with. Don’t worry, your reservation is confirmed.
Check-in at the Station
On the day of your trip from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake, head to your selected departure point, whether that is Gancheng Station Nantou Bus Company, or Taichung HSR station – which is by Exit 5 on the first floor of the station. Arrive at least 25 minutes before departure time to check in (checking in late may result in losing your reservation). Show the email with the QR code, and you will be given a ticket number from 1 to 10 to queue up among the people with reservations.
Gancheng Station is hardly a station, it is more of a bus stop on the street with people shouting out destinations, so be sure to ask where to queue for the Sun Moon Lake bus. Taichung HSR station has an actual platform – usually departs from platform number 3.
Swipe your EasyCard when you enter the bus and enjoy the ride. Whenever it is time for your return trip to Taichung, follow the same steps, from the Sun Moon Lake ticket office.
Taipei to Sun Moon Lake
Getting from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake is undeniably the easiest option. However, if you are in Taiwan for a shorter stay, you will probably want to know how to get to Sun Moon Lake from the capital city, Taipei. If that is the case, your options for traveling from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake are:
Joining a Tour
Joining a tour from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake is the best option for people with a thigh itinerary. You can take a proper nap or enjoy the views on your way there, have a wonderful, full day, and return to Taipei without having worried for a second.
Keep in mind that this is a long day with many hours on the road. The drive from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake takes 3 hours each way, so make sure to pack some snacks and a positive attitude.
You can choose between a group or private tour. Check the details here and book the one that suits you best:
Renting a car* and driving from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake is certainly an option, but in our opinion, it is only worth it if you plan to stay overnight by the lake and continue your Taiwan adventure from there. Trying to tackle it as a day trip with a drive back to Taipei is simply exhausting.
Catching a Train + Shuttle Bus
If you are looking for more flexibility in your itinerary, you can get from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake by a combination of train and bus. This option also applies if you are departing from cities like Kaohsiung and Tainan.
Depending on your budget and available time, you can choose between the regular train or the High-Speed Rail (HSR). As a foreigner, you can access great deals on high speed train tickets*, and in less than 1 hour you will reach Taichung.
By High Speed Train:
Once at the Taichung HSR station, head towards Exit 5 and follow the directions in the chapter: Bus from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake.
By Regular Train:
On the regular trains (TRA), the journey from Taipei to Taichung takes anywhere from 2 hours to 3 hours and 30 minutes, depending on whether you are on the express or local train. The fare is NT$ 375 (10,96€) for the express train and NT$ 241 (7,04€) for the local train.
Upon arriving at Taichung TRA station, you can walk 10 minutes to the Gancheng Bus Station office, where you can catch the Sun Moon Lake bus. Follow the step-by-step instructions in the "Bus from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake" chapter.
Considering this is quite a long travel day, it is mainly recommended for those who plan to spend the night either in Sun Moon Lake or Taichung. You can easily transport your luggage on both the train and bus, however there are also lockers available at the main stations.
Catching the Bus
Going from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake by bus is the option that takes the longest, so we can’t recommend it to day trippers. This is a 4 hour bus ride (if there is no traffic) from Taipei Bus Station to Shueishe Visitor Center in Sun Moon Lake, and it costs around NT$ 480 (14€).
Alishan to Sun Moon Lake
Traveling from Alishan to Sun Moon Lake is a popular goal for those who prefer to skip the big cities and stay in central Taiwan, surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes. However, most information online makes it sound very risky for travelers with little flexibility on their Taiwan itinerary, due to the limited transportation options. But worry not! We will teach you how to reserve a bus seat and avoid the drama and uncertainty.
There is only one public transportation option from Alishan to Sun Moon Lake: the Yuanlin Bus 6739. Here is what you should know about this bus:
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Alishan to Sun Moon Lake departure time: 1pm daily, with an additional departure at 3:30 pm on weekends and holidays. The bus departs from Alishan Bus Station.
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Sun Moon Lake to Alishan departure time: 8am daily, with an additional departure at 8:30 am on weekends and holidays. The bus departs from the Visitors Information Center in Shuishe Village.
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The trip from Alishan to Sun Moon Lake takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes.
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The fare is NT$ 295 (8,70€) one way. You can pay the exact amount in cash (no change given) or use your EasyCard* on board, even if you reserved a seat online. Make sure to have enough balance and remember to also swipe your EasyCard when exiting the bus at the destination.
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The road is quite winding, so it is a good idea to take a car sickness pill beforehand.
Passengers with reservations will be given priority boarding. Any remaining seats will be offered to others waiting in line. Since the bus operates only once daily and seating is limited, securing your spot in advance with a reservation is the safest choice.
How to Reserve a Seat from Alishan to Sun Moon Lake?
You can reserve a seat on the bus from Alishan to Sun Moon Lake anywhere from 2 months to 2 days before your trip. The steps are simple:
Step 1: Go to the Yuanlin Bus Company website, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and click on the Microsoft Word icon labeled “6739 Sun Moon Lake-Alishan Line Reservation Form” written in front of it.
Our browser blocked the download of the file for safety, as the website is borderline dodgy. The same might happen to you, but just click “Keep” or “Download Anyway” in the top right of your screen.
Step 2: Open the form and complete the requested information. A few details to keep in mind:
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The form is not updated with the weekend and holidays departure times. If you want to travel during those services, write the desired time on the form.
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On “Departure Date” write the month's name to avoid confusion with the day/month order. For example: 12 September 2025.
Step 3: Send an email to the bus company with the completed form attached. The company’s email is written in red on the form, so you can easily copy and paste it (yulinbus@gmail.com).
You should receive a confirmation email within a couple of days, with your reserved seat numbers. This email must be presented to the driver on the day of your trip as proof of your reservation.
The only alternative for traveling from Alishan to Sun Moon Lake is either driving a rental car, or trying to book a transfer through the Tripool app – there aren’t always cars available for the trip and when there are they come with a cost, but it is good to know the alternative exists.
How to Get to Sun Moon Lake FAQ
What is the taxi fare from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake?
The taxi fare from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake will probably cost somewhere between NT$1700 and NT$2400 (50€ to 70€). Check the fare on apps such as Uber and Tripool prior to trying to haile for a random cab and try your luck.
How to get to Sun Moon Lake by train?
You don’t! Your best alternative is to catch a train to Taichung and then take the tourist shuttle bus to Sun Moon Lake. The lake is located among a mountainous area without nearby train lines.
How to check the bus schedule from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake?
The official website of the Nantou Bus company has the most up-to-date Taichung to Sun Moon Lake bus timetable. Check it here.
What is the best way to get from Cingjing Farm to Sun Moon Lake?
If you are visiting the scenic highlands of Cingjing, the easiest way of getting to Sun Moon Lake is by driving or booking a private transfer – click here for prices and availability*.
Planning Time
If you are ready to start planning your next trip, here you have all the usefull links you need to make it happen! By using them you are supporting our work as we might get a small fee from it. But hey! You pay the same (or might even get a discount), so is a win-win situation!
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