Kaohsiung–Kenting–Liuqiu 3-Day Self-Drive Itinerary | Route, Ferry & Cost Guide

Kaohsiung–Kenting–Liuqiu 3-Day Self-Drive Itinerary: Routes, Ferries & Cost Guide

If you want to experience a vibrant city, dramatic coastline and a turtle-filled island in one trip, the Kaohsiung–Kenting–Liuqiu loop is hard to beat. Kaohsiung is your gateway; two hours south brings you to Kenting's southernmost capes, and a 20-minute ferry from Donggang lands you on Liuqiu, where green sea turtles glide in clear water. Doing it by bus and tour means rigid timetables and surprising costs — self-driving is what makes three days feel relaxed and complete.

This guide lays out the driving route from Kaohsiung, how to plan each day, where to buy ferry tickets, where to park, and roughly what fuel and tolls cost. Whether you're a family, a couple or a group of friends, just follow along. GoodCars has pickup points in central Kaohsiung and at Zuoying HSR Station, so you can grab your car the moment you step off the train.

Why this route is best by car

Kenting's and Liuqiu's best spots are rarely next to a bus stop. Longpan Grassland, Fengchuisha and the white-sand beaches are spread along Provincial Highway 26; Liuqiu may be small, but its hidden coves still need wheels. The benefits of driving are direct:

• Freedom of time: no rushing for the last bus — stay for the sunset and still make it back.
• Easy luggage: across Kenting, Donggang and Liuqiu, leave your bags in the car.
• Cheaper when shared: for four people, a rental plus fuel usually beats per-person buses and tours.
• Flexibility: linger at a viewpoint or detour for local food whenever you like.

Before you go: car, documents and ferry

Sort three things first and the whole trip flows: book the car, prepare documents, reserve ferry tickets.

Car: pick up in central Kaohsiung or at Zuoying HSR Station. Arriving by high-speed rail, Zuoying is the fastest — you're on the road minutes after leaving the platform. In peak season (summer, long weekends) cars sell out fast, so reserve about a week ahead through GoodCars online.

Documents: see the note below for foreign drivers.

Ferry: boats to Liuqiu leave from Donggang Pier, with public and private operators. On weekends and in peak season, book your round-trip ferry online — queues at the counter can be long.

Day 1: Explore Kaohsiung, head south by evening

No need to rush to Kenting on day one. Pick up your car in the morning and tour the city highlights:

• Lotus Pond & Dragon-Tiger Pagodas: a classic landmark and great photo start.
• Pier-2 Art Center: converted warehouses full of galleries, cafés and street art.
• Love River: stroll or cycle the banks; the city lights reflect beautifully at dusk.
• Ruifeng Night Market (check the day it opens): generous portions at friendly prices.

Around 3–4 pm, head south via Highway 88, National Freeway 3 and onto Highway 26 — about a two-hour drive. Aim to reach your Kenting stay before dark, drop your bags, then enjoy dinner on Kenting's main street. Want to stop for the sea? Pull over anywhere for an unbeatable ocean view.

Day 2: A full day in Kenting

Give the whole second day to Kenting, looping the southern sights along Highway 26:

• Nanwan (South Bay): morning swims, sand and water sports.
• Eluanbi Park & Lighthouse: Taiwan's southern tip, white tower against deep blue sea.
• Longpan Park: grassland meeting cliff coast — vast views, and stargazing at dusk.
• Fengchuisha & Jialeshui: unique geology for nature lovers.
• Guanshan Sunset: Kenting's classic sunset spot — arrive early for the best view.

This is where driving shines: the sights face different directions, so a car lets you set your own pace instead of waiting for shuttles. Refuel over a seaside lunch, then keep ticking off stops in the afternoon.

Day 3: Ferry from Donggang, sea turtles on Liuqiu

On day three, drive back from Kenting to Donggang Pier (about an hour), park in a legal lot near the harbor, and travel light by ferry. The crossing takes 20–30 minutes to reach Liuqiu.

On the island, scooters are the handiest way around — rent one near the pier (bring your licence / IDP). A half- to full-day plan:

• Snorkel with turtles: Liuqiu is one of the few places in Taiwan to swim near green sea turtles — choose an operator with certified guides.
• Loop the island: Vase Rock, Beauty Cave, Shanzhugou and Wuguidong — the whole ring is under 20 km.
• Intertidal tour: rich marine life at low tide, great for families.

Take the evening ferry back to Donggang, collect your car, and drive back to Kaohsiung. Return the car at Zuoying HSR or in the city, right in time for your train or flight. In three days you've covered city, coast and island.

Route and cost estimate

Approximate distances and costs for the three days (actuals vary by vehicle, fuel price and parking):

Add these up and divide by the group — driving usually beats buses-plus-tours and gives far more flexibility. For an exact figure, enter your pickup date and model on the GoodCars site for a live quote.

Rental and pickup tips

The smoothest pickup points for this route are central Kaohsiung or Zuoying HSR Station. HSR travelers connect seamlessly at Zuoying; drivers or TRA passengers find the city branches handy.

• Book early: summer and long weekends are peak season in the south — reserve about a week ahead.
• One-way rental: if you return via a different station, ask whether one-way drop-off is available.
• Add insurance: roads are simple but busy; full coverage means peace of mind.
• Vehicle choice: an economy sedan suits two or three; families should pick a seven-seater SUV.

FAQ

Q1. Can I drive my car onto Liuqiu?

No. Regular tourist vehicles can't board the ferry. Park near Donggang Pier in a legal lot, travel light by passenger ferry, and rent a scooter on the island.

Q2. Is three days too rushed?

Not at all. Day 1 is Kaohsiung plus the drive south, Day 2 is a full day in Kenting, Day 3 is Liuqiu — a comfortable rhythm. For a slower pace, stay a night on Liuqiu and make it four days.

Q3. Do I need to book the Liuqiu ferry in advance?

On weekends and in peak season, strongly recommended — counter queues can be long. Off-peak weekdays you can usually buy on the spot, but still confirm departure times.

Q4. Can foreign travelers rent for this route?

Yes, but you must carry an IDP plus your original home-country licence. Both are checked when renting the car and the island scooter.

Q5. With kids or elders, which car should I choose?

An economy sedan works for up to three; for families, more luggage or extra room, choose a seven-seater SUV. Child seats can be added when you book.

Q6. Where do I pick up the car? Is the HSR station convenient?

GoodCars has pickup points in central Kaohsiung and at Zuoying HSR Station. HSR travelers save the most time picking up at Zuoying — on the road within minutes.

Q7. Is it worth driving for just one or two people?

With fewer people the average cost is a little higher, but you gain time freedom and luggage ease. On a budget, pick an economy model and travel on weekdays for better value.