Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Hualien. Hualien Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 45 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Before You Step Outside HUN
A few things to sort out before you leave HUN:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Taiwan. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Hualien takes about 45 minutes by Local Bus / Taxi. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is TWD. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some TWD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Hualien from the Airport
From HUN, the Local Bus / Taxi gets you to Hualien in around 45 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 65 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Local Bus / Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How to Spend Your Time in Hualien
If you head into Hualien, here are two things worth checking out:
Qixingtan Beach (ä¸ææ½) is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. You don’t need long to appreciate it — even a brief visit is refreshing.
Hualien Dongdamen Night Market (æ±å¤§éå¤å¸) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything.
If you’d rather stay inside HUN — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Hualien Airport Souvenir Shop
- Airport Cafe & Snack Bar
Where to Eat
For food in Hualien, local travelers recommend Gongzheng Baozi (å¬æ£åååº). If you have time for a second stop, Lao Wang Shou Zuo Mian Dian (èçè¨å¤§è¸éºµç·) is another popular pick.
Back at HUN, Hualien Airport Restaurant is the go-to. Coffee Corner HUN rounds out your in-terminal options.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Hualien, budget roughly $23 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $8 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at HUN may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Hualien’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at HUN for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Hualien or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Rest Areas & Lounges
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at HUN.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Hualien doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 45 minutes from HUN, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.