Kaohsiung Layover Guide (KHH)

What are you looking for in KHH?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) is an efficient, medium-sized international airport located in Siaogang District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It’s located about 10 km (6.2 miles) from downtown Kaohsiung. The airport first opened officially in July 1965. Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s third-most populous city and is considered a major commercial and cultural hub. It’s also known for its bustling energetic night markets, its picturesque Love River waterfront, and its vibrant nighttime harbor lights.

Can you leave Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Transit passengers may leave Kaohsiung Airport during layovers by clearing immigration and baggage entry. Citizens of eligible visa-exempt countries enjoy up to 90-day entry without a visa. Other travelers can apply for a temporary entry permit (“landing visa”) on arrival at KHH. Always verify current official requirements for your nationality. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Pier-2 Art Center Explore converted warehouses showcasing vibrant murals, creative installations, and pop-up shops celebrating local arts and culture. Unique, innovative exhibits and dynamic street performances offer immersive experiences by Kaohsiung harbor waterfront. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Take MRT Red line from Airport Station to Formosa Boulevard, transfer to Orange line to Yanchengpu Station.)
• Love River Cruise Stroll along scenic riverbanks or join a relaxing boat cruise past illuminated bridges and riverside cafes. Enjoy local snacks and nightly live music aboard boats reflecting Kaohsiung’s vibrant river culture. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Take MRT Red line from Airport Station to Central Park Station, then a 10-min walk.)
• Cijin Island Hop on a scenic ferry to Cijin Island for golden beaches, lighthouse, and vibrant seafood market. Rent a bicycle to explore historic temples, dunes, and colorful street art along roads. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: Take MRT Red line to Formosa Boulevard, transfer to Orange line to Sizihwan Station, then 5-min walk to ferry pier.)
• Liuhe Night Market Experience local culinary delights at Liuhe Night Market stalls offering papaya milk, seafood BBQ, and traditional desserts. Bustling atmosphere with colorful neon lights, karaoke booths, and souvenir vendors open nightly. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Take MRT Red line to Formosa Boulevard Station, transfer to Orange line to Xinxing Station.)
• Lotus Pond Visit serene Lotus Pond surrounded by ornate temples and pagodas like Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Stroll lakeside paths, watch performances and admire colorful lotus blooms summer months in tranquil setting. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Take MRT Red line to Zuoying Station, then Bus 99 (10 min) to Lotus Pond.)
• 85 Sky Tower Ascend to observation decks of 85 Sky Tower for panoramic city and breathtaking harbor views. Enjoy refreshments at the café and interactive telescopes showcasing landmarks in Taiwan’s second-largest city skyline. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Take MRT Red line to Central Park Station, transfer to Orange line to Sanduo Shopping District Station, then 5-min walk.)
• Shoushan (Monkey Mountain) Trek Shoushan trails to encounter wild Formosan macaques and panoramic harbor vistas. Trails range from walks to steep climbs through lush forest, offering wildlife spotting and sunset views over Kaohsiung. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: Take MRT Red line to City Council Station, then taxi (10 min) to trailhead.)
• Ruifeng Night Market Sample Taiwanese street food like stinky tofu, oyster omelets, and bubble tea at Ruifeng Night Market. Lively gaming stalls, live music, and bargain shopping create authentic local nightscape for visitors. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Take MRT Red line to Formosa Boulevard Station, transfer to Orange line to Kaohsiung Arena Station.)

Things to Do in Kaohsiung Airport (KHH)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Kaohsiung International Airport features the Southern Premium Lounge in the international departure hall, open from 05:30 to 20:30 daily. Guests enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and business facilities. Priority Pass members also have access to select lounges. Booking in advance is recommended to secure a spot in peak hours. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels near Kaohsiung Airport offer convenient shuttle service and comfortable rooms. Holiday Garden Hotel and Kindness Hotel Wujia provide free airport transfers and complimentary Wi-Fi. The Riverside Hotel offers spacious guestrooms with nearby eateries. Rooms have flexible cancellation policies. On-site dining and a 24-hour desk ensure guests’ smooth stay. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Kaohsiung Airport does not offer designated rest or sleep zones. Terminal access is limited after hours: domestic closes at 21:00, international at midnight. Passengers requiring rest must stay in the arrival halls. Noise and lighting can be disruptive, so bringing pillows and earplugs and blankets is advisable for overnight layovers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Kaohsiung Airport provides free wireless broadband throughout both terminals. Simply connect to the “FREE Kaohsiung-Airport” SSID and accept the terms. Coverage extends to check-in halls, lounges, and boarding gates. No password or registration is required, but speeds may vary during peak travel times. A reliable option for light browsing occasionally.

SIM/eSIM Card: Prepaid SIM cards from Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEasTone are available at KHH’s arrivals hall: plans start around NT$300 for 3GB valid seven days. eSIM options can be purchased online before travel, offering competitive data rates and no physical card. Remember device compatibility and registration requirements for easy activation. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Airport curbside taxi stands serve both domestic and international arrivals. Fares follow the meter plus NT$50 waiting fee for international journeys. Taxis operate 24/7; English-speaking drivers may be limited. Cash and major credit cards are accepted. Ride-hail apps like Uber also offer licensed taxi bookings with in-app payment for convenience.

Train: Kaohsiung MRT Red Line connects KHH’s underground station (R4) directly to the city. Trains run from approx. 06:00 to midnight, with a journey to Formosa Boulevard taking 26 minutes. Fares start at NT$30. Tickets can be purchased via kiosks or stored-value cards like EasyCard. Service operates daily and remains reliable. (more info)

Bus: Kaohsiung Airport features two bus terminals: one beside the International Terminal near Metro Exit 6 and one beside the Domestic Terminal. City bus routes 8, 17, and 99 link central Kaohsiung and ferry piers, while intercity coaches serve destinations like Kenting and Tainan. Schedules vary; check operators’ timetables for up-to-date info. (more info)

Shuttle: An on-demand accessible shuttle operates between Kaohsiung MRT station Exit 2 and the terminals. Reservations can be made at the airport service desks or by phone (+886 7 7938888). The service assists passengers with reduced mobility, offering barrier-free transport. Availability is subject to prior booking during operating hours. Free of charge upon request.

Car rentals: Kaohsiung Airport car rental desks are located between the domestic and international terminals, offering major providers like Avis, Budget, and Hotai Rent-A-Car. Vehicles include sedans, SUVs, and eco-cars. Office hours align with flight schedules. Drivers must present a valid international or Taiwanese driver’s license and credit card deposit for security. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Kaohsiung Airport offers 800 short-term spaces in the front parking lot and additional long-term lots nearby. Rates start at NT$30 per hour with daily maximums. Payment can be made via cash, EasyCard, or EasyWallet. Real-time availability is displayed on electronic boards in the arrivals areas for efficient planning and navigation.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage and coin-operated lockers at Kaohsiung Airport are provided by Wan Zhou Tong International in the Domestic Terminal’s baggage check-in area (small NT$30, large NT$60 per use, three-hour increments, max 24 hours) and Phoenix Air Freight in the International Terminal’s 3rd floor next to restaurants (operating 05:00–21:00). Rates apply per use. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks