Planning to take a bus from Taichung to Xitou? You might be confused to find there are FIVE different routes: 6883, 6883A, 6883B, 6883C, and 6883D. They look similar, but taking the wrong one could mean a longer journey, missed stops, or not reaching your destination! This guide breaks down all five routes so you can pick the right bus.
| Route | From → To | Via | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6883 | Gancheng Station ↔ Xitou | Via HSR Taichung | Standard route, stops at Taichung Train Station |
| 6883A | HSR Taichung ↔ Xitou | Via HSR Taichung | Departs from HSR only, skips Gancheng |
| 6883B | Gancheng → Xitou → Shanlinxi | Via HSR Taichung | Extends to Shanlinxi |
| 6883C | Gancheng ↔ Xitou | Via Wufeng & Freeway 3 | Wufeng route, skips HSR station |
| 6883D | Gancheng ↔ Xitou | Via HSR Taichung | Express service, skips intermediate stops |
Route 6883 is the standard Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Xitou Line. It departs from Taichung Gancheng Station and stops at Taichung Train Station, Minxing Park, Daqing Train Station, and HSR Taichung Station before heading to Xitou. If you're departing from Taichung city center, this is your best choice.
Route 6883A departs only from HSR Taichung Station — it doesn't go through Gancheng or Taichung Train Station. If you're arriving by high-speed rail and transferring to Xitou, this is the most direct option.
Route 6883B is the extended version — instead of terminating at Xitou, it continues to Shanlinxi Forest Recreation Area. If Shanlinxi is your destination, take this bus to avoid transferring at Xitou.
Route 6883C is the only route that doesn't pass through HSR Taichung Station. After departing from Gancheng Station, it goes via Wufeng and takes Freeway 3 to Xitou. If you live near Wufeng or want to avoid HSR station crowds, consider this route.
Route 6883D is a new route added in 2025. Its main feature is "express" service — after departing from Gancheng Station, it goes directly to HSR Taichung Station, skipping Taichung Train Station, Minxing Park, and Daqing Train Station. This saves significant time.
| Comparison | 6883 (Standard) | 6883D (Express) |
|---|---|---|
| Taichung Train Station | ✅ Stops here | ❌ Skips |
| Minxing Park, Daqing Station | ✅ Stops here | ❌ Skips |
| Travel Time | Longer | 10-15 min faster |
| Best For | Boarding from city center | Boarding from Gancheng or HSR |
Gancheng Station → HSR Taichung Station → Chelongpu Fault Preservation Park → Zhushan Interchange → Zhushan Industrial Area → Chuxiang → Zhongxing Tea Garden → Luzhang → Lugu Farmers' Association → Guangxing → Neihu → Neihu Elementary School → Bengkanding → Wankeng → Midi → Xia Xitou → Xitou
The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Xitou Line (6883 series) is jointly operated by three bus companies, offering more frequent departures:
| Bus Company | Customer Service | Online Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Yuanlin Bus | (04) 832-1141 | Yuanlin Bus Website |
| Changhua Bus | (04) 722-5111 | KKTIX Reservation |
| Nantou Bus | (049) 298-4031 | Nantou Holiday Website |
※ All three companies charge the same fare. Different departures are operated by different companies. For online booking inquiries, contact Nantou Bus.
Take 6883
The standard route stops at Taichung Train Station. Route 6883D skips this stop — don't take the wrong bus!
Take 6883A or 6883D
6883A is designed for HSR passengers; 6883D is the express version. Both are great choices. Remember to get your queue number first!
Take 6883B
This is the only route that extends to Shanlinxi! Other routes only go to Xitou, requiring a transfer. Shanlinxi hotel guests can get a special queue number with their booking confirmation.
Take 6883C
The only route via Wufeng and Freeway 3. It doesn't pass through HSR station.
Take 6883D
The express version skips intermediate city stops, saving 10-15 minutes compared to standard service.
| Section | Adult | Child/Senior |
|---|---|---|
| Taichung Gancheng → Xitou | NT$192 | NT$96 |
| HSR Taichung → Xitou | NT$163 | NT$82 |
※ EasyCard and iPASS accepted
※ HSR combo ticket: 25% off HSR fare + NT$320 for Xitou Line
A. The main difference is intermediate stops. Route 6883 stops at Taichung Train Station, Minxing Park, and Daqing Station. Route 6883D skips these stops and goes directly from Gancheng to HSR Taichung Station — it's faster.
A. No! Route 6883 only goes to Xitou. For Shanlinxi, take 6883B — it's the only route that extends there. Alternatively, take any route to Xitou and transfer.
A. 6883C is the only route that doesn't pass HSR Taichung Station. It goes via Wufeng and Freeway 3 instead.
A. Reservations aren't mandatory, but queue numbers are required! Get one at the station or book online (Nantou Holiday website). Check in 20 minutes before departure. Booking is recommended on weekends.
A. Yes! Yuanlin Bus, Changhua Bus, and Nantou Bus are jointly operated with unified fares. Different departures are run by different operators.
A. Yes! Pets require a half-fare ticket. They must be in a carrier (max 27 cubic decimeters) and cannot occupy a seat.
| Your Situation | Recommended Route |
|---|---|
| Departing from Taichung Train Station | 6883 |
| Departing from HSR Taichung Station | 6883A or 6883D |
| Destination is Shanlinxi | 6883B |
| Living near Wufeng / taking Freeway 3 | 6883C |
| In a hurry, want faster service | 6883D (Express) |
🌲 Now you know the differences — pick the right bus and enjoy your Xitou trip!