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Taichung lies in the middle of Taiwan's west coast, and it is the best base for the mountains: Sun Moon Lake, the farms of Cingjing and the high road over Hehuanshan. Closer by are the wetlands of Gaomei and the old town of Lukang.
Car hire prices in Taichung
From, total for 7 days
Select a price to see the cars for the week that price was found.
Total for a 7-day rental, fully insured with everything included. Rates vary by car, availability and how far ahead you book. Updated 12 November 2026. About this price
What's included in the price
Zero excess
In Taichung, cars come with zero excess.
- Collision damage and theft cover
- Damage to windows, tyres, roof and undercarriage
- Lost or damaged keys and towing after an accident or breakdown
- Third-party liability, topped up to €10 million
- Unlimited mileage
- Local taxes and airport fees
- Fair fuel policy: return the car with the fuel level you picked it up with
Not included: Freeway tolls (charged electronically and settled when you return the car); fuel; child seats and other extras you add at the desk; traffic fines and parking.
What to bring
- Driving licence
- Your own licence, plus an International Driving Permit and your passport. An International Driving Permit is valid for your first 30 days in Taiwan.
- Credit card
- In the main driver’s name, required at the desk. Sunny Cars gives no deposit amount in advance.
- Driver age
- 18 or older. Each car shows its age limits before you book.
- Additional driver
- Available at the desk for a daily fee.
Picking up your car in Taichung
Car hire in Taichung
You collect the car in Taichung city. Freeway 1 and Freeway 3 run past the city, and Freeway 6 leads east towards Puli, Sun Moon Lake and the mountains. Taichung is also a stop on the high-speed rail, about an hour from Taipei, so you can take the train down and start your road trip here.
Driving around Taichung
The rules for all of Taiwan, from the licence you need to tolls and speed limits, are under Driving in Taiwan. Around Taichung, these are the things to know.
Mountain roads
East of Puli the roads climb steeply into the mountains. Highway 14A to Cingjing and Hehuanshan is narrow and winding, with tour buses on the bends. Allow more time than the navigation suggests, fill up in Puli and use a low gear on the way down.
Sun Moon Lake at weekends
On weekends and public holidays the road around Sun Moon Lake is busy and the car parks fill up. Arrive early, or stay a night by the lake and explore it on a weekday morning.
Day trips from Taichung by car
From Taichung, the coast at Gaomei and Lukang is about 35 minutes away, Sun Moon Lake about an hour, and the mountains of Cingjing and Hehuanshan 1.5 to 3 hours to the east. The map shows the trips and the main roads from the city.
1. Gaomei Wetlands
Mudflats and wind turbines on the coast, about 35 minutes north-west. A boardwalk leads out over the tidal flats, where crabs and wading birds feed. Come for the sunset behind the row of wind turbines, and check the tide: at high tide the boardwalk can close.
2. Lukang
An old harbour town, about 35 minutes south-west. Lukang was once the second city of Taiwan. Walk the narrow brick lanes of the old town to Longshan Temple and the Tianhou Temple, and try the local pastries and oyster omelettes.
3. Sun Moon Lake
Taiwan's best-known lake, about 1 to 1.25 hours south-east. A road circles the lake past temples and viewpoints, with boats between the piers and a cable car to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. Stay a night to see the lake at dawn, when the mist lifts off the water.
4. Cingjing
Farms and tea fields in the mountains, about 1.5 to 2 hours east. At around 1,750 metres, Cingjing Farm has sheep on open meadows and views of the Central Mountain Range. The road climbs steeply after Puli; the temperature drops with every bend.
5. Hehuanshan
Taiwan's highest road, about 2.5 to 3 hours east. Beyond Cingjing, Highway 14A climbs to Wuling Pass at 3,275 metres, the highest point on Taiwan's roads, with short trails to the summits nearby. Go early, before the clouds come up; on cold winter days snow or ice can close the road near the top.
Best time to visit Taichung
Taichung has one of the sunniest climates in Taiwan. October to December and March to April are the best months for the mountains, with clear views. In winter it is cold at Cingjing and Hehuanshan, and from July to September typhoons can close the mountain roads for a few days.
Frequently asked questions
How much does car hire in Taichung cost?
A week of car hire in Taichung starts at €529 for a small car, €527 for a mid-size car and €543 for a large car or SUV. That is the total for seven days, fully insured with everything included. Rates vary by car, availability and how far ahead you book. Updated 12 November 2026.
Is there an excess when I hire a car in Taichung?
No. In Taichung, cars come with zero excess. Updated 12 November 2026.
Can I cancel my car hire in Taichung for free?
Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 1 hour before your rental starts, during Sunny Cars’ opening hours. After that, the full price of the booking applies. Sunny Cars is based in Germany, several hours behind most of Asia. To be safe, cancel the day before your pick-up.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car in Taichung?
Yes, a credit card in the main driver’s name is required at the desk. Sunny Cars gives no deposit amount in advance.
How far is Sun Moon Lake from Taichung by car?
About 65 km, or 1 to 1.25 hours, on Freeway 6 to Puli and then Highway 21 to the lake.
Can I drive to Hehuanshan in a hire car?
Yes. Highway 14A is a paved road over Wuling Pass, at 3,275 metres. It is narrow and winding, so allow about 2.5 to 3 hours from Taichung. On cold winter days the road near the top can close for snow or ice; check the conditions before you go.