亞洲旅遊台灣 Taiwan

How to Get to Xiao Liu Qiu? ｜Complete Transportation Guide from Taiwan

By April 15, 2025No Comments
東港前往小琉球的泰富航運

How to get to Xiao Liu Qiu?

How long does the ferry take?

How much does the public transportation to Dongliu Port cost?

 

Getting to Xiao Liu Qiu from Taiwan’s main island is easier than you think! Located just 9 kilometers off the southwest coast of Taiwan, this tropical coral island is accessible only by ferry from Dongliu Port in Donggang, Pingtung. Whether you’re coming from Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, or Kaohsiung, there are several convenient transportation options—like intercity buses, shared taxis, and private transfers—that will take you straight to the port from Kaohsiung.

This blog post covers everything you need to know about Xiao Liu Qiu transportation, including bus routes (Taiwan Tourist Shuttle), shared rides, private transfer prices, and travel tips to help make your trip smooth and stress-free!

 

How to get to Xiao Liu Qiu?

Xiao Liu Qiu (also known as Lambai Island, Liuqiu Island) is Taiwan’s only coral island and a true paradise for snorkeling and diving lovers. Located in the southwest of Taiwan, Xiao Liu Qiu is about 8 to 9 kilometers off the main island. The only way to get there is by ferry from Donggang, Pingtung. The ferry ride takes around 20 to 30 minutes, making it an easy and scenic trip.

Thanks to its tropical climate, Xiao Liu Qiu enjoys warm temperatures all year round, making it a popular destination for water activities. One of the most unique and charming features of this island is the abundance of sea turtles. It’s common to spot them while snorkeling or diving around the island.

However, to protect the marine ecosystem, it’s important to follow local conservation guidelines: do not touch or feed the sea turtles. This ensures these incredible creatures can continue to thrive in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re planning a short island getaway or a full snorkeling adventure, this Xiao Liu Qiu travel guide will help you get started — and with easy Xiao Liu Qiu transportation options, it’s more accessible than you might think!

 

 

Dongliu Ferry Terminal Information

Dongliu Ferry Terminal located in Donggong township, offers frequent ferry services to and from Xiao Liu Qiu daily, with a quick and scenic boat ride last around 20–30 minutes. With multiple sailings throughout the day, travelers can easily plan their Xiao Liu Qiu travel itinerary without stress.

Whether you’re taking the High-Speed Rail (HSR), Taiwan Railways (TRA), long-distance buses, or driving yourself, you’ll have no trouble reaching Dongliu Ferry Terminal — the starting point for your Xiao Liu Qiu transportation adventure.

 

 

How to get to Dongliu Ferry Terminal? 

Xiao Liu Qiu is located about 9 kilometers off the coast of Taiwan’s main island. Currently, the only way to reach the island is by ferry from Dongliu Ferry Terminal in Donggang, Pingtung.

Whether you’re departing from Kaohsiung, Tainan, Taichung, or even Taipei, there are several transportation options available. The fastest and most convenient route is to first arrive in Kaohsiung, then take a bus or shuttle to Donggang.

Below is a detailed guide on how to get to Xiao Liu Qiu from Kaohsiung.

 

From Zuoying THSR station | Bus

9127D Dapeng Bay Liuqiu Express

THSR Exit 2 bus ticket counter

After arriving at Zuoying THSR Station (or the adjacent TRA Xinzuoying Station), head to Exit 2 to find the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle ticket counter. You can purchase tickets on-site or use Smart Cards for a 50% discount (available until October 31, 2025).

Zuoying HSR Shuttle Details

  • Location: Exit 2
  • Ticket Fare
    • One-way：NTD$122
      • 50% off with Smart cards (easy card, iPASS, iCash, Happy Cash)
  • Bus Schedule: 8am～5:30pm
  • Travel Time: around 50 miuntes
  • Payment methods:

 

From Kaohsiung Train Station | Bus

9117 Kenting Express

If you’re departing from Kaohsiung Train Station, take 9117 Kenting Express which offers a direct route to Dongliu Ferry Terminal. For the exact bus stop location, refer to the Google Maps link.

 

Shared Taxi or Private Transfer

For a faster and more direct option, consider booking a shared taxi or a private transfer to DongLiu Ferry Terminal. Shared rides let you choose a pickup location within Kaohsiung that suits you (ex. Kaohsiung Train Station or THSR Zuoying), while private transfers take you door-to-door from your hotel or accommodation to the ferry terminal.

  • Taxi Fare
    • Shared Taxi：NTD$200 per person
    • Klook Private Transfer
      • 1-4 passengers: NTD$1,000/ride
      • 1-8 passengers: NTD$1,553/ride
  • Booking Methods:
    • Phone Reservation
      • Google “Xiaoliuqiu Transfer”
  • Travel Time
    • Around 40 minutes to 1 hour
  • Tips
    • Reserve one day in advance
    • Online booking supports credit card payment
    • Phone booking usually requires cash payment
      • Possibly no English service

 

 

XiaoLiuQiu Ferry Information | Ticket Prices, Schedule, and Booking Guide

Major Ferry Companies

Planning a trip to Xiao Liu Qiu? Here’s everything you need to know about Xiao Liu Qiu ferry information, including ferry ticket prices, ferry timetables, and the easiest ways to book your ferry to this tropical island.
There are three main ferry operators to Xiao Liu Qiu: Tungliu Ferry (東琉線), Tai Fu Ferry (泰富航運), and Leuco Sapphire Shipping (藍白航運). Ferries depart almost every hour from 7:00 AM to 4:50 PM, depending on the operator. Ferry frequency may be reduced during low season and increased during weekends and public holidays.

 

 

Xiaoliuqiu Ferry Ticket Info

  • Ticket Fare
    • Round-trip: NTD$450
    • Insurance：NTD$60
  • Scooter/Bike Transfer
      • Scooter：NTD$150
      • Bike：NTD$50
      • Pay by cash
  • How to Book Ferry Tickets?

 

 

Xiaoliuqiu Ferry Timetable

These ferry companies stagger their schedules, so you’ll rarely need to wait long if you miss one. To help you plan your trip, here’s the current ferry schedule for Xiao Liu Qiu by each company:

 

Tungliu Ferry

 

Tai Fu Ferry

 

Leuco Sapphire

 

 

What is the easiest way to book ferry tickets?

東港前往小琉球的klook訂票憑證

It’s recommended to book your Xiaoliuqiu ferry tickets on Klook to avoid long queues at the pier. Tickets can be used on the same day of purchase. During peak seasons, make sure to arrive at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes early to secure your spot.

By booking online through Klook, you can save up to NT$70 per person compared to on-site prices. Once you receive your voucher, you can use it immediately without selecting a specific ferry time—just be sure to use it on the same day. Book your Xiaoliuqiu ferry tickets on Klook now and get ready for your island adventure!

 

 

Xiaoliuqiu Transportation FAQ

Planning your trip to Xiao Liu Qiu? Here’s a helpful Q&A guide combining Xiao Liu Qiu ferry information, how to get there from Taipei, total travel costs, and tips for a smooth itinerary.

小琉球的珊瑚礁海灘

How much does it cost to travel to Xiaoliuqiu?

  • A typical 2-day-1-night Xiao Liu Qiu trip costs around NT$3,000 per person, including round-trip ferry, accommodation, scooter rental, meals, and activities.

  • Activities Price Reference on Klook

Klook.com

Is there a direct bus from Taipei to Dongliu Ferry Terminal?

NO! There is no direct bus from Taipei to Donggang. Here’s how to get there:

  1. Take the HSR or TRA to Zuoying Station (Kaohsiung)
  2. Transfer to bus 9127D, which takes you directly to Donggang Ferry Terminal

Total travel time: Approx. 2.5–3 hours

 

What are the earliest and latest ferry times?

  • Each ferry company operates slightly different schedules, but generally:

    • Earliest ferry: 7:00 AM
    • Last ferry: Around 4:50 PM

Best time to take ferry to Xiaoliuqiu?

  • We recommend catching a ferry between 9AM-11AM. This gives you a full day to explore the island, check in at your hotel, and enjoy water activities in the afternoon.

 

Can I bring a scooter onto the ferry?

  • Yes! You can bring your motorbike or scooter aboard. Payment is made in cash at the dock before boarding. Staff will assist in loading your vehicle.

    The transport fee is:

    • Scooter: NT$150
    • Bicycle: NT$50

 

A simple 2D1N itinerary from Taipei to Xiaoliuqiu:

  1. Take the HSR to Zuoying Station
    1. Taiwan HSR buy 1 get 1 free promo code: G02TAIWAN
  2. Transfer to bus 9127D to Donggang Ferry Terminal
  3. Catch a 9–11 AM ferry or grab lunch at the nearby Donggang Fish Market
  4. Rent a scooter upon arrival on the island (30 minutes to go around the island)
  5. Check in to your hotel (around 2–3 PM)
  6. Join water activities like snorkeling, SUP, scuba diving, or free diving

Note: For scuba or free diving, a 3-day-2-night trip is recommended for better scheduling and recovery time.

 

And that’s a wrap on this complete Xiao Liu Qiu transportation guide, including buses, shared taxis, and private transfers! If you found this helpful, feel free to share it or show some love ♥

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