The Keelung East Passenger Terminal sits just 450 meters from the Keelung Railway Station, a level 6-minute walk that places you at the threshold of Taiwan's efficient transit network. This northern gateway, situated on the edge of the East China Sea, is a bustling industrial hub that functions as the primary portal to Taipei, the capital city located approximately 30 km (18 miles) to the south. You can reach Taipei Main Station in 45 minutes via the Tze-Chiang limited express train for NT$66 (~$2.00 USD), though we recommend the 2088 express bus for direct access to the Xinyi District's skyscrapers. Our destination partners have advised that many travelers underestimate the transit time; Keelung is a destination in its own right, but the allure of Taipei often pulls guests away. Within an hour's reach, you'll find the golden hillside village of Jiufen (15 km) and the sky-lantern traditions of Shifen (25 km). Keelung serves exclusively as an ocean cruise port, accommodating the world’s largest vessels at its modernized piers. This destination rewards the curious eater and the agile navigator, but it punishes those who fail to prepare for its persistent, subtropical rain. You must arrive with an umbrella and a plan.
Keelung is a gritty, authentic working port that serves as a high-value gateway. It doesn't polish itself for tourists, which is its greatest strength and its primary weakness. You get the real Taiwan here, from the smell of the fish market to the precision of the trains. It delivers exceptional value for those who like to walk and eat, but it is a logistical trap for those who assume Jiufen or Taipei are 'just around the corner'.
Located on the eastern side of the inner harbor. Directly adjacent to the city center and a 5-minute walk to the night market area.
Positioned near the Keelung Railway Station. Offers excellent rail access but requires a longer walk to the main shopping districts.
| Port Name | Port of Keelung (East & West Passenger Terminals) |
|---|---|
| Address | No. 1, Zhongzheng Rd, Keelung City, Taiwan 202 |
| Phone | +886 2 2420 6100 |
| Website | https://www.twport.com.tw/en/ |
| kl_service@twport.com.tw | |
| Walking | 400 meters to the city center (5 minutes). Highly walkable from the East Terminal. |
| Taxi | NT$120–NT$200 (~$4.00–$6.50 USD) for local trips. Taxis use meters; do not negotiate flat rates within the city. |
| Transit | NT$15 (~$0.50 USD) for local buses. Keelung Railway Station is 500 meters away for trains to Taipei. |
| Shuttle | Not available as the city center is within walking distance. |
The newly opened Keelung Tower allows you to bypass the steep hike to Zhongzheng Park. The elevator takes you to a sky-bridge with panoramic views of the East China Sea and your ship.
Sample the 'Nutritious Sandwich' or the crab thick soup. Even in the morning, the core stalls are open and the crowds are thinner than at night.
One of the world's tallest buildings. The 89th-floor observatory offers a breathtaking view of the Taipei basin.
A monument of immense scale. The blue-tiled roof and white marble are iconic symbols of Taiwan's history.
This is the original location of the world's most famous dumpling house. It is faster and more historic than the mall locations.
8 hours allows for a 'Greatest Hits' tour of Taipei, but you will spend 2 hours of that day in transit. It is a high-energy day that trades relaxation for iconic sights.
This is the sensory heart of Keelung, centered around the Dianji Temple. It is a dense, neon-lit grid famous for having the highest concentration of food stalls in Taiwan. The atmosphere is loud, aromatic, and perpetually crowded with locals who treat the yellow-lantern-lined street as their communal kitchen.
A 5-minute level walk from the East Passenger Terminal. Walk straight out of the terminal, cross Zhongzheng Road, and follow the yellow lanterns along Ai 4th Road.
The second-floor seating inside the Dianji Temple courtyard offers a peaceful vantage point over the chaos of the market below.
Home to the city's green lung, this area is defined by steep hillsides and harbor views. It feels significantly more relaxed than the waterfront, characterized by religious monuments and the massive white Guanyin statue. It is where you go to escape the industrial noise of the East China Sea port operations.
A 15-minute walk followed by a steep climb or a NT$120 (~$4.00 USD) taxi ride from the terminal. Take the elevator at the Keelung Tower for a shortcut.
The Main Altar of the Ghost Festival (Zhupu Altar), which houses a fascinating museum about the local 160-year-old mid-summer traditions.
A former restricted military zone, this island neighborhood is now an ecological park. It features strange mushroom-shaped rock formations carved by the East China Sea. The vibe is coastal and rugged, offering a sharp contrast to the urban density of the central business district.
Take bus 101 from outside the Keelung Railway Station (NT$15, ~$0.50 USD) for a 20-minute ride. A taxi costs approximately NT$250 (~$8.00 USD).
The Fan-Shaped Rock (Tofu Rock), visible only at low tide, which looks like a giant submerged chessboard.
Cruise line tours here are heavily focused on Jiufen and the National Palace Museum. These typically cost $120–$180 USD, which is a massive markup over the $15 USD you would spend independently. However, for Jiufen, the ship's tour adds significant value because it handles the complex shuttle bus transfers required at the base of the mountain, which can have 45-minute queues for independent travelers. For Taipei, we find ship tours disappointing; you spend too much time at 'jewelry factories' and not enough at the landmarks. Book the ship's tour only if you are heading to the North Coast (Jiufen/Shifen) to ensure you don't get stranded by mountain traffic.
Independence in Keelung allows you to eat at the Miaokou Night Market at your own pace. Group tours usually rush you through in 45 minutes, which isn't enough time to wait in the legendary queues for 'Pottage' or 'Shaved Ice'.
Book a private vehicle through WaterwaysCruise.com for the best of both worlds. We arrange drivers who meet you at the pier and navigate the Jiufen mountain roads directly, bypassing the public bus queues and guaranteeing you are back on the pier an hour before sailing.
The waterfall is Taiwan's answer to Niagara and is genuinely impressive. However, the train ride from Keelung requires a transfer at Ruifang that is often poorly timed. If you go, do it for the sky lanterns, but know that you will sacrifice almost your entire day in transit. Skip it if you have less than 8 hours in port.
This is Keelung’s best-kept geological secret. While thousands of tourists crowd the 'Queen’s Head' at Yehliu, Heping Island offers equally stunning mushroom rocks and sea-eroded platforms without the elbow-to-elbow crowds. We have sent clients here who were stunned by the clarity of the water and the precision of the boardwalks. You are walking on what was once a Spanish fortification site, though the rocks are the real stars here. Look for the 'Ten Landscapes'—natural formations that resemble animals. The visitor center is modern and offers air-conditioned respite. Our destination partners have confirmed that this is the best option for passengers who want nature without the 90-minute commute to the national parks. It delivers a serene, salty-air experience that feels worlds away from the industrial crane-clatter of the main terminal.
This is arguably the world’s most important collection of Chinese imperial artifacts, rescued from the Forbidden City during the Chinese Civil War. With over 700,000 pieces, you cannot see it all in one day. We advise focusing on the ceramics and the Calligraphy galleries, which are often less crowded than the jade section. The museum sits in a beautiful forest setting in Taipei’s Shilin district. Our advisors have timed the visit: 3 hours is the absolute minimum to feel you've seen the highlights. Don't be fooled by the 'Forbidden City' comparison; this is a modern, high-tech facility that protects the delicate treasures with world-class climate control. It delivers a deep, scholarly connection to 5,000 years of history that simply cannot be found anywhere else.
Most night markets in Taiwan have become generic, but Miaokou remains a bastion of tradition. Every stall is numbered, and the yellow lanterns provide a warm, cinematic glow. We have measured the layout: there are roughly 70 permanent stalls here, each specializing in a single dish perfected over generations. You must try the 'Nutritious Sandwich' (Stall #58), but be prepared to take a number and wait. The market surrounds the Dianji Temple, and the juxtaposition of ancient worship and modern gluttony is striking. Unlike Taipei markets, this one is famous for seafood, reflecting Keelung's position on the East China Sea. It delivers the most concentrated, authentic culinary experience available in Taiwan within walking distance of any ship.
Standing 22.5 meters tall, the white Guanyin statue is the watchful protector of the East China Sea and the city’s most recognizable icon. From the plaza at her feet, you have a 180-degree view of the entire harbor, your cruise ship, and the lush mountains that hem the city in. The park is divided into three tiers; the top tier houses the statue and a series of ornate Buddhist shrines. We have found that clients who visit here often find it more peaceful than the crowded Taipei landmarks. It's a place to watch locals practicing Tai Chi or playing traditional games. It delivers a sense of place and perspective on just how integrated the port is with the daily life of the city.
Perched on a mountain overlooking the East China Sea, this former gold-mining village is famous for its tea houses and red lanterns. The 'Old Street' is a winding, covered alley filled with Taro ball soup vendors and artisan shops. We are honest with our clients: Jiufen is incredibly photogenic but can be claustrophobic. If you go, push past the crowded entrance to find the quieter tea houses like the A-Mei Tea House. The view from the balconies out over the coast is genuinely spectacular. It delivers a nostalgic, atmospheric experience of Taiwan’s 'Golden Age,' provided you can handle the crowds and the vertical terrain.
This is a Keelung institution that most cruise passengers walk right past. You must order the Taro Mud Balls—they are creamy, not too sweet, and made fresh daily. The shop feels like a step back into the Japanese colonial era with its focused, high-quality production. It's an honest, no-frills bakery where the quality of the ingredients speaks for itself. The only limitation is that there is no seating; this is a 'grab and go' experience for your walk back to the East China Sea waterfront.
While everyone queues for night market snacks, this 100-year-old shop serves the most authentic traditional desserts in the city.
Housed in a converted shipyard, this restaurant blends Spanish flavors with the incredibly fresh bounty of the East China Sea. Order the squid—it was likely swimming in the harbor that morning. The vibe is artistic and relaxed, with views of the famous 'Color House' across the water. It’s a higher-end choice that rewards you with a civilized pace and excellent local ingredients. The service is friendly, though English menus are limited, so keep your translation app ready.
Located in the colorful Zhengbin Fishing Port, it offers a sophisticated sit-down experience compared to the chaotic night market.
This isn't a bar for alcohol, but a temple to Taiwan’s world-class coffee and tea culture. Keelung has a hidden, thriving 'third-wave' coffee scene. Locals come here to escape the humidity and talk shop with the baristas. The view of the street life from the upstairs window is quintessential Keelung—gritty and full of character. It’s the perfect place to experience how the younger generation is reimagining the city’s port-side traditions.
Industrial-chic with a deep focus on the craft of Taiwanese beans.
Taiwanese culture is a blend of traditional Confucian values and modern liberal democracy. Locals greet each other with a polite nod or a slight bow; a firm handshake is fine for Westerners, but avoid overly aggressive physical contact. When dining, it is normal to share dishes, but never stick your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice—this resembles incense at a funeral and is a major taboo. Signaling you are finished is done by placing your chopsticks neatly on the rest or the table. Photography is generally welcome, but always ask before photographing people at prayer in the Dianji Temple. Queueing is a national sport in Taiwan; people wait patiently and in single file. Attempting to 'shortcut' a line at the night market will earn you quiet but stern disapproval. Tipping is not expected in restaurants (a 10% service charge is usually added), but rounding up the fare for a taxi driver is appreciated. A common mistake cruise passengers make is assuming that a loud, boisterous conversation is an argument; it’s usually just the local 'Hokkien' dialect, which is naturally more energetic than Mandarin.
Taiwan is a cash-heavy society for small transactions. While major malls and Taipei 101 accept all credit cards, the Keelung Night Market and most taxis are cash-only. Always carry at least NT$1,000 (~$32.00 USD) in small bills. Tipping is not standard, but NT$100 (~$3.00 USD) for a private guide is a kind gesture. Learn these five phrases to earn goodwill: 'Ni-hao' (Hello), 'Xie-xie' (Thank you), 'Bu-yong' (No thank you—very useful for touts), 'Tai-pao-le' (Too full—a compliment to a chef), and 'Ma-fan-ni' (Please/Sorry to bother you). Beware of the 'Free Tea Tasting' scam in Jiufen where you are pressured into buying $100 tins of low-grade tea. Dress modestly for temples (shoulders and knees covered). The best time to visit the National Palace Museum is right at opening; by 10:30 AM, the 'Cabbage' queue will be 40 minutes long. Finally, always carry a packet of tissues; while terminal toilets are modern, some older public restrooms in Keelung do not provide paper.
For a standard 5:00 PM all-aboard, you must depart Taipei Main Station by 3:45 PM if taking the Express train, or 3:15 PM if taking the bus, to allow for the 30-minute buffer. A taxi from Taipei to the Keelung pier costs approximately NT$1,200 (~$39.00 USD) and takes 40–60 minutes depending on the heavy freeway traffic. If you are running late, call the port agent number listed on your Daily Program immediately. The ship will generally not hold for independent passengers, as the East China Sea shipping lanes have strict departure slots. Missing the ship in Keelung is a significant ordeal; you will need to take a flight to your next port (likely in Japan or Hong Kong), which requires an unplanned overnight stay in Taipei and potentially a new visa depending on your nationality.
Can I use my US Dollars at the Keelung Night Market?
No, you cannot. Taiwanese vendors, especially in local markets like Miaokou, only accept New Taiwan Dollars (TWD). While some large department stores in Taipei might accept USD at a very poor exchange rate, it is not a standard practice. You should use the ATMs at the Keelung terminal or the train station to withdraw local currency. A typical snack at the market costs between NT$40 and NT$100 (~$1.30–$3.20 USD). For larger groups, WaterwaysCruise.com can arrange private tours where the guide handles all local currency transactions for you, ensuring a seamless experience.
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Keelung?
While the water in Taiwan is treated to international standards, most locals and hotels still boil it before drinking or use filtered dispensers. We advise cruise passengers to use the water fountains in the terminal or carry bottled water, which is readily available at any '7-Eleven' or 'FamilyMart' for about NT$20 (~$0.65 USD). These convenience stores are on almost every corner in Keelung and offer clean, safe drinking options. If you're dining at a reputable restaurant like Din Tai Fung, the tea and water provided are perfectly safe.
How do I get from the cruise ship to the Taipei 101 building?
The most efficient way is taking the 2088 Express Bus from the Keelung City Hall bus stop, located 400 meters from the East Terminal. The bus costs NT$44 (~$1.50 USD) and takes about 35-40 minutes to reach Taipei City Hall Station. From there, it is a 10-minute walk or a one-stop MRT ride to Taipei 101. Avoid the train for this specific destination, as Taipei Main Station is quite far from the Xinyi District where the tower is located. For a guaranteed stress-free return, WaterwaysCruise.com offers private transfers directly from the pier.
What should I do if it's raining heavily on my port day?
Keelung is known as the 'Rainy Port' for a reason. If the rain is heavy, pivot your itinerary to indoor attractions. The National Museum of Marine Science and Technology (NMMST) in Keelung is a world-class, fully indoor facility just a 15-minute taxi ride from the terminal. Alternatively, head to Taipei via the express bus; the city has an extensive network of underground shopping malls and the fully covered National Palace Museum. Avoid Jiufen during heavy rain, as the stone steps become treacherous. WaterwaysCruise.com advisors recommend keeping a flexible 'Rainy Day' plan for any Taiwan port call.
Do I need a visa to get off the ship in Keelung?
For US, Canadian, and UK citizens, Taiwan currently offers visa-free entry for up to 90 days for tourism. You will still need to pass through a quick immigration check at the terminal, so ensure you have your passport and cruise card with you. The process is typically very efficient, taking less than 15 minutes. Always check the latest requirements on the Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs website before departure, as policies can change. Our destination partners report that the Keelung terminal is one of the smoothest immigration experiences in Asia.
Are there squat toilets in Keelung?
In newer malls like E-Square and the cruise terminal, you will find modern Western-style toilets. however, in older public restrooms or traditional parts of the Miaokou Night Market, squat toilets are still common. Most facilities will have at least one Western stall marked with a specific icon on the door. We recommend using the restrooms at the terminal or large hotels before heading out. Also, note that in older buildings, you are often asked to place toilet paper in the bin rather than flushing it, though this is changing in modern Taipei.
How much does a taxi to Taipei cost from the pier?
A one-way taxi from Keelung to central Taipei typically costs between NT$1,200 and NT$1,500 (~$39.00–$48.00 USD). Most drivers will use the meter, which is the fairest method. The journey takes about 45 minutes without traffic, but can stretch to 75 minutes during the morning rush. If you are a group of four, this can be more economical and faster than the train. We suggest using Uber for a transparent price and the ability to input your destination in English, which many local drivers may not speak fluently.
Is the National Palace Museum open every day?
No, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is currently closed on Mondays. If your ship docks on a Monday, you should choose an alternative like the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall or the Longshan Temple. On other days, it is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This is a crucial detail many travelers miss when planning their independent day. If you are booked on a WaterwaysCruise.com excursion, our advisors will automatically adjust your itinerary to ensure you see the best available cultural sites regardless of the day of the week.
What is the best thing to buy in Keelung?
Keelung is famous for its 'Pineapple Cakes' and 'Taro Pastries.' Specifically, look for the 'Lian Zhen' pastry shop near the harbor. Their Taro Mud Balls are legendary among locals. You can also find high-quality Taiwanese tea and dried seafood at the markets. A box of premium pastries usually costs around NT$300 (~$10.00 USD). Avoid buying expensive 'antiques' or jade at the night market, as these are rarely authentic. For genuine Taiwanese crafts, we recommend the gift shop at the National Palace Museum or the boutiques in Taipei’s Xinyi district.
Can I walk to the 'Color Houses' (Zhengbin Port) from the ship?
It is a bit too far for a comfortable walk (about 4 km / 2.5 miles each way through industrial areas). We recommend a quick 10-minute taxi ride which will cost about NT$180 (~$6.00 USD). The colorful houses are a great photo op, but there isn't much else to do there besides a few cafes. It's best combined with a visit to Heping Island Park, which is just across the bridge. Waterways Cruise clients often combine these into a 3-hour 'Local Keelung' tour to stay close to the ship.
